Global Q&A: ‘Do you think it’s important to keep children’s brains active during school vacation?’

Rikard Eriksson, Gothenburg, Sweden. The Epoch Times

School work is not important, but activities such as developing living skills, reading books, and getting in touch with nature were recommended when Epoch Times reporters from Sweden to Greece asked locals:

Lund, Sweden Gunilla, Blomqvist, 53, Kindergarten Teacher Of course it is important to use the brain in a constructive manner, and it is important how you use the brain. Because there are ways to use the brain that are not so good, for example, there are some young people who only drink alcohol and smoke. Since my son was a little boy (he is a teenager today), I have always given him three or four books to read after the school term was finished. … What is most important is to develop the interest in reading and for books instead of only staying in front of the computer, Facebook, playing games, et cetera.

Puerto Montt, Chile Maria Gabriela Ruiz-tagle Larrain, 27, Language and Communications Teacher Yes, it is very important for their development not to lose its continuity, still learning yet not necessarily following the school routines, like doing homework or things like that, yet encouraging them to investigate or getting in touch with nature, therefore stimulating their creativity. The worst thing you can do is to leave them glued to the TV or allow them to become fond of games like Nintendo and the like. [Vincent, the boy in the photo, disagreed.]

New York, USA Cindy Lee, Eye Surgeon Secretary I think it is very important to keep them active. I have my children cleaning, taking out the trash, cooking, gardening—all the daily living skills—because one day when they grow up they will have to be able to do this themselves. My son [in photo] has Asperger syndrome, which is an autism disorder, so I think it is even more important for him. It is really amazing though that a person with a learning disability has been able to learn things well and be highly functional. Since it is the summer, I do give them free time to play games, and other activities, but not until they finish their chores.

Bragança Paulista, Brazil Jéssica Soethe, 21, Psychology Student Everyone should have an active mind, regardless of age, or vacations for children when it is good for them not to lose the rhythm. There could be activities, not only school, that keep children’s minds active, and at the same time helps their reasoning. If the child is more active, one is more likely to be at peace with ones self. I’m in favor of recreation, camping, among other activities, to maintain contact with others, [and] with nature. So in addition to being active there also is learning, thus helping not only the present, but also the future.

Naxos Island, Greece Konstandinos Kondopoulos, 29, Electronic Engineer I think it’s important to keep children’s minds always active including vacation time, which is full of new experiences and activities because of the free time.

Lima, Peru Oscar Aquino, 78, Religious Educator I think we should devote a little to develop their talents through artistic activities including music, theater, and sports, et cetera. Music is a very special activity in which the child or youth not only develops the artistic, but also fixes the personal defects of speech and mental development in the case of concentration, and helps in the study of mathematics. I have 40 years in teaching, and I formed a very famous boys’ choir in Peru called The Toribianitos, winners of many awards, [and] presentations abroad.

Bucaramanga, Colombia Julie Piedad Vera Quiroz, 29, Systems Engineer and Mother It is very important to keep the brain active in children during vacation, but not necessarily in areas of study. But in other recreational activities other than the school, precisely because it is a time of rest and break from all that has to do with responsibility at school.

Bucharest, Romania Claudia Iacob, 44, Librarian Yes, it’s very important. But kids must want this, too—to read, to play interactive games, to refresh their memory with some exercises, et cetera. I always assist my 10-year-old son to read during vacation.

Look for the Global Q&A column every week. Epoch Times correspondents interview people around the world to learn about their lives and perspectives on local and global realities. Next week’s global question: “If you were mayor of your city, what one measure would you take to improve the welfare of your people?” The Epoch Times publishes in 35 countries and in 19 languages. Subscribe to our e-newsletter.