Experts Advise Singaporean Students to Balance Study and Play During School Holidays

With the September school holidays underway and year-end exams on the horizon, experts in Singapore are advising students and parents to strike a balance between study and play. While it may be tempting to focus solely on revision, research shows that play and relaxation are vital for students' brain development, physical and emotional health, and academic performance.

Associate Professor Sirene Lim, dean of the S R Nathan School of Human Development at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, recommends that students take short breaks and step away from their study areas between sessions to prevent mental burnout, which can manifest as reduced attention and impaired memory. Engaging in physical activities and play can also help alleviate anxiety and release happiness hormones like endorphins.

Educators emphasize the importance of incorporating fun and creativity into learning. Ms. Laura Oh, an experienced tutor, often includes magic tricks and interactive activities during her lessons to help students enjoy the process. She recently organized an outing to the TreeTop Walk and is planning a Squid Game-themed treasure hunt for her students after their year-end exams, as she believes that "play isn't just fun. It makes learning stick and melts away stress in the process."

By actively supporting and creating opportunities for tweens and teens to engage in play that aligns with their interests, parents can help their children develop valuable life skills, such as listening, negotiating, and resolving conflicts, while also strengthening their relationships.