As winter break approaches us, our students have already started making exciting plans. While some are going on vacation, others have weekend getaways, outdoor excursions, sporting activities, and other adventures lined up.
We strongly encourage students to spend time with their loved ones over winter break. As you enjoy the holidays, make sure you do so productively! What do we mean by this? Let’s break it down. In this blog, we’ll discuss five ways to have a productive winter break.
1. Reflect on the Year and Set New Goals
As you wave 2022 goodbye and make way for 2023, make sure you take some time to reflect on the year and set new goals. Was your academic performance up to par in 2022? Did you focus on your personal growth? Did you socialise with your friends? What about your extracurricular growth?
Analyse the year from every standpoint to determine whether you had a productive year. We also recommend creating a list of ways you can make 2023 even more productive. How can you improve your academic performance? Should you develop new skills? Are there certain activities and hobbies you should explore? Do you want to start playing new sports?
Make a comprehensive list of everything you want to achieve. While it should be thorough, it should also be realistic at the same time.
2. Organise Your Study Space
Does your study space need some TLC? At CHS Online, we encourage our students to pay close attention to their study space. You spend a good chunk of your day attending online classes from this space. If it’s in disarray, you’ll struggle to have a productive learning experience.
A tidy, clean, minimalist, and organised space will help you feel motivated and uplifted. If your study space isn’t up to the par, start a mini makeover! Clean it up, redo the wallpaper if you have to, add some bursts of colour to the space, and accessorise it. As you breathe life into your study space, you’ll feel more invigorated.
Avoid going overboard. As you accessorise your space, avoid adding gadgets, or any other distractive elements to it. Once you spruce up your study station, you’ll see the difference for yourself.
3. Create a New Schedule for the Upcoming Term
It’s time for a new term! As you enjoy the holiday festivities, take some time to create a schedule for the upcoming term. You should ideally do this before Christmas.
Based on your new classes and timings, set up a robust schedule that helps you stay on track. You can opt for a digital calendar or create a physical schedule in a notebook or on a whiteboard in your room.
If you opt for a digital schedule, make sure you sync it across your devices (smartphone, desktop computer, laptop, and tablet). This will help you access and edit your schedule whenever you want. It’s the best way to stay on top of everything in 2023!
4. Get an Academic Head Start
You may shudder at the thought of being told to study over winter break. No, we won’t ask you to do that. However, we strongly recommend getting a head start.
Go over your curriculum for the upcoming term and review some of the chapters, topics, or subtopics that appear difficult. You can also watch a video or two to head a head start and begin a great term! Get a good grasp of the introductory concepts so you can breeze through the first few classes.
At CHS Online, we recently launched a comprehensive online library. Our eLibrary includes a wide range of educational resources, including PowerPoint presentations, books, past papers, videos, worksheets, previous catch-up lessons, activities, and so much more.
Utilise these resources to learn the ropes. This little measure will go a long way in helping you feel prepared in class. Feel free to jot down any questions if you want. You can present them in class and get any initial confusion you may have cleared up.
5. Listen to Podcasts
If you don’t want to study over winter break, you don’t have to! We strongly recommend getting a head start. However, you don’t have to study beforehand. If you want to enjoy winter break, you have every right to. You earned it!
To keep productivity intact, listen to educational and motivational podcasts. Here are some great options:
- Stuff You Should Know
- TED Talks Daily
- The Students’ Podcast
- StarTalk
- Life Kit
- Rise to the Top
- History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps
- Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders
- Brain Science
- Grammar Girl
- Stuff to Blow Your Mind
- How Stuff Works
- Startup Nation
- 60 Seconds Health
- 60 Seconds Science
- Astronomy 161
- The Infinite Monkey Cage
Enjoy!
If you’re interested in switching from conventional schooling to online schooling, Cambridge Home School Online should be your top choice. Established in 2002, our institution has been providing a quality Cambridge online education to students for over 20 years.
We offer four competitive homeschooling programs: Primary Prep/Key Stage 2 (ages 7 to 10), Lower School/Key Stage 3 (ages 11 to 13), Upper School/IGCSEs (ages 14 to 16), and Sixth Form/AS & A-Levels (ages 17 to 19).
Explore the following pages for more information about our programs, policies, philosophy, and fee structure:
- Admissions Process
- Term Dates
- Application Form
- Scholarships & Bursaries
- Grades & Fees
- Online Reviews
- Our Homeschooling Curriculum
We’re excited to have you on board! If you have further questions, please feel free to contact our team. We’re always happy to help. You can also open our live chat box to receive prompt support from our experts. Let’s start securing a better, brighter future for your children.
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FAQ
What does CHS Online recommend for a productive winter break?
CHS Online advises students to use the winter break wisely. Students are encouraged to reflect on the past year, set new objectives, organise their study area, create a schedule for the upcoming term, and either get an academic head start or listen to educational podcasts.
How can students reflect on the year and plan ahead?
Students are encouraged to take some time during the winter break to review their academic performance, personal growth, social activities, and extracurricular achievements from the past year. They should also set new, realistic goals for the upcoming year, which may include academic improvements, skill development, and new activities.
What tips does CHS Online give for organising a study space?
CHS Online recommends that a well-organised study space can enhance productivity. Students should aim for a clean, minimalist area devoid of distractions. If necessary, they could give their study space a small makeover by adding some new elements or colours.
Why is a new schedule for the upcoming term important?
Creating a new schedule before the term starts can help students stay on track with their studies and other activities. A digital calendar that can be synced across devices is recommended, but a physical calendar can work as well.
Can students get an academic head start without compromising holiday enjoyment?
Yes, students don’t necessarily have to dive deep into studies over the break. However, CHS Online recommends at least reviewing challenging topics from the upcoming curriculum. Utilising resources like the newly launched eLibrary can also provide a significant academic advantage.