Many Singaporean families heaved a collective sigh of relief at the end of the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE).
Exams can be a stressful time for both kids and their parents, so the end of the PSLEs were certainly a reason to celebrate. But some families took their celebrations a step further – by burning their textbooks.
The photo of families burning school textbooks was first published on Shin Min Daily News, and was subsequently circulated on various social media channels.
What lessons are we teaching our children by encouraging them to burn books?
The photograph has drawn strong reactions from the public. Some have accused these families of degrading knowledge and education, while others have questioned why the books were not donated to the needy instead of senselessly destroying them.
Perhaps what is most worrying about this is that parents too participated in the book-burning episode. What kind of example were they setting for their own kids and other children?
In an age when books are rapidly being replaced by impersonal electronic gadgets, parents should be encouraging their kids to cherish books, not destroy them.
The other ‘burning issue’ that is highlighted by this incident is the amount of stress kids feel because of exams and their mindset related to exams. Sadly, they associate their books with this stress without seeing them as part of their learning journey.
Surely there are better ways of relieving post-exam stress?
Here are some alternative ways of helping your kids let out some steam after exams – and there’s not a burning book in sight on our list!
What To Do After The PSLE: 32 Activities & Projects To Try
Now that the PSLE is over, and your Primary 6 kids have had a month of relaxation and play, are they starting to feel bored and restless? Have they been getting much more screen time than you would like? With the school holidays approaching, your child will have even more time to spare. Time is a gift, so let’s explore what your child can do after the PSLE to make the most of it.
1. Plan a Family Vacation or Staycation
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Plan a family vacation or staycation to make the most of the holidays. We’re not talking about expensive, long-distance travel to Paris or New York. But do try and treat your kids to a different environment to help take their minds off the exams they just finished.
Singapore has heaps of lovely places to visit. And we are lucky enough to be located close enough to other great Asian countries that offer wonderful holiday opportunities. Even a few days away should be enough to bust that post-exam stress – for all of you!
2. Explore Singapore with Free Trail Guides
Discover the beauty of Singapore with free nature and culture walking trails suitable for families. Download and print interesting trail guides for future use.
3. Go Cycling or Skateboarding Together
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Embrace an active lifestyle by cycling or skateboarding with your family in the parks. It’s a great way to bond and stay healthy.
4. Take Daily Walks
A daily evening walk is an excellent way to spend quality time with your child, enjoy the outdoors, and maintain good health. Use fitness tracking apps to add some fun to the walks.
5. Pick Up a New Sport or Activity
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Encourage your child to explore new hobbies, especially if they need to choose a new co-curricular activity in secondary school. Try racket sports like badminton or table tennis.
6. Write Thank You Notes
Show gratitude by writing thank you notes to teachers, principals, and school staff who have supported your child throughout their primary school years.
7. Make Greeting Cards
Get creative by making handmade greeting cards. Your child can draw up a list of recipients and start crafting.
8. Set Goals for the Holidays and the New Year
Help your child set goals for the school holidays and the upcoming year. Whether it’s relaxation or productivity, find a balance that works for your family.
9. Join a Volunteer Programme or Start a Community Project
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Teach your child the value of empathy by participating in a volunteer programme or starting a community project. Explore online options due to the ongoing pandemic.
10. Play Collaborative Board Games
Bond as a family by playing collaborative board games like Pandemic or Sherlock. These games promote teamwork and problem-solving.
11. Learn to Play Chess
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Introduce your child to chess by using tutorials on Chess.com. Chess is not only fun but also helps enhance strategic thinking.
12. Have a Family Movie Marathon or Watch a TV Series
Spend quality time together with a family movie marathon. Catch up on movies or explore TV series suitable for all ages.
13. Try Educational Streaming Services
Turn screen time into a learning experience with documentary streaming sites. Curiosity Stream offers a kids’ section with STEM, history, and current events.
14. Discover New Podcasts
Encourage your child to listen to podcasts, which can be a screen-free alternative for entertainment and education.
15. Keep a Gratitude Jar
Cultivate gratitude by writing down things you’re thankful for and storing them in a jar. It’s a heartwarming activity to do as a family.
16. Read Books About History, Geography, and Science
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Stimulate your child’s interest in learning by reading age-appropriate books on history, geography, and science.
17. Sign Up for Art Lessons Online
Let your child explore their creative side by taking online art lessons available on platforms like Domestika.
18. Write Songs
If your child has an interest in music, encourage them to write songs. There are many apps available for composing music and lyrics.
19. Learn Coding
Foster your child’s interest in coding and support them in creating games or apps. Several affordable ways to learn coding are available.
20. Learn Typing
Ensure your child’s computer skills are up to par by teaching them touch typing, which is essential for assignments and beyond.
21. Pick a Topic to Research
Promote curiosity by having family members research topics of interest and share their findings at the dinner table.
22. Develop Presentation Skills
Improve your child’s speaking abilities by creating opportunities for them to speak up and share stories during family gatherings.
23. Create a Newsletter
Stay connected with loved ones abroad by creating an email newsletter about happenings in Singapore. Let your child assist in this creative endeavor.
24. Start a Social Media Account
If your child is interested in social media, guide them in creating an account, emphasizing the importance of using it responsibly.
25. Make Lego Puzzle Boxes
Challenge your child’s creativity by having them construct Lego puzzle boxes. These provide engaging problem-solving activities.
26. Try Journaling
Encourage your child to journal to process emotions, set goals, and stimulate curiosity.
27. Try Cooking
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Involve your child in cooking to teach them an essential life skill. It’s a fun way to bond and learn together.
28. Be a Card Trick Magician
If your child enjoys card tricks, have them learn new tricks from tutorials available on platforms like YouTube.
29. Start a Business
Encourage your child to start a business during the holidays, promoting creativity, planning, and money management skills.
30. Learn About Investing
Teach your child about financial literacy by introducing them to the basics of investing, setting them up for a financially healthy future.
31. Donate!
Burning school books is such a shame and a waste of precious educational resources. There are are so many needy kids in SIngapore who would just love to get these books, and what’s more, would appreciate these precious resources so much. Donating also teaches your children about philanthropy and imparts on them important values such as generosity and thoughtfulness. NTUC Fairprice often has book donation drives around this time of the year. Do check their website or call them to see when it is on this year. Here are some other useful links:
32. Create happiness!
What does you child really enjoy doing that makes him or her happy? It could be anything from reading, singing, dancing, hanging out with friends, drawing…the list goes on. Encourage your child to really immerse herself in whatever makes her happy to help relieve any lingering post-exam stress. If it’s something like art or music, maybe consider enrolling her in an art/music class.
The period after the PSLE can be a valuable time for your child to explore new interests, learn essential skills, and grow as an individual. Instead of burning books, let’s guide our children to cherish knowledge, embrace creativity, and have a fulfilling holiday season.
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