Half term is a welcome break from the school routine, offering a chance to slow down, reconnect and support your child’s learning in a relaxed way.
Practising skills at home doesn’t need to feel like schoolwork – simple, enjoyable activities can help reinforce confidence while keeping things fun and pressure-free.
Half term activities to practice with your child
Reading for pleasure
Half term is a great time to nurture a love of reading. Encourage your child to choose books that genuinely interest them, whether that’s fiction, comics or non-fiction. Reading together, even for just ten minutes a day, can boost comprehension and vocabulary. For younger children, talk about the pictures and predict what might happen next. Older children can summarise chapters or discuss characters and themes, helping to strengthen understanding and critical thinking.
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Everyday maths activities
Maths practice doesn’t have to involve worksheets. Cooking together is a brilliant way to explore measurements, fractions and timings. Ask your child to weigh ingredients, double a recipe or work out how long something needs in the oven. Board games, card games and puzzles also help develop number skills, problem-solving and logical thinking without feeling like formal learning.
Writing in real life
Encourage writing through practical, everyday tasks. Ask your child to help write a shopping list, a postcard, or a short message to a family member. Younger children can practise spelling and handwriting, while older children might enjoy keeping a half term diary or writing a short story inspired by their week. Keeping writing purposeful often makes children more engaged and confident.
Practising life skills
Half term is the perfect opportunity to build independence. Involve your child in simple household tasks such as tidying their room, setting the table or helping prepare meals. These activities develop organisation, responsibility and confidence. You can also practise time management by planning daily activities together and encouraging your child to keep track of what’s coming next.
Creative & physical activities
Creative play supports emotional development and problem-solving. Drawing, painting, crafting or building with blocks all encourage imagination and fine motor skills. Physical activity is just as important – whether it’s a family walk, bike ride or dancing in the living room. Movement helps children release energy, improves focus and supports overall wellbeing.
Talking & reflecting
One of the most valuable things you can do during half term is talk with your child. Ask open-ended questions about what they enjoy at school, what they find tricky, and what they feel proud of. These conversations help children reflect on their learning and build emotional awareness, which is just as important as academic skills.
Keeping it balanced
The key to half term practice is balance. Short, regular activities are far more effective than long sessions, and it’s important to leave plenty of time for rest and play. By weaving learning into everyday moments, you can help your child build skills, confidence and curiosity – all while enjoying quality time together.
This is a collaborative post.
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