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8 skills that can sharpen your child’s brain this summer holiday

TOI Lifestyle Desk
| etimes.in | Last updated on - Mar 26, 2026, 12:00 IST
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8 skills that can sharpen your child’s brain this summer holiday

Summer holidays are considered to be a time for children to relax and have some fun. This is the best time for children to learn important skills that schools do not impart. Rather than wasting time using mobile phones and watching TV programs, children can make the most of their summer holidays to learn skills that can sharpen their brains and make them smarter and more confident in the future. Here are eight important skills that parents can make their children learn this summer holiday.

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Reading

Developing a reading habit in children is one of the best ways to sharpen their brains. Reading can enrich children’s knowledge and make them more creative and knowledgeable compared to others. Parents can make their children learn this skill during the summer holidays. Children can start reading storybooks, comics, and knowledge books. Reading can also enrich children’s writing and communication skills. Children can be encouraged to read for at least 20-30 minutes every day. Visiting a library or a bookstore can also be more interesting for children. A child who reads books will be more creative and knowledgeable than others.

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Puzzle solving and brain games

Generally, puzzle games are considered to be very effective brain-building activities for kids, and games like Sudoku, crosswords, the Rubik cube, memory games, chess, etc., are very effective brain-building activities for kids, which help to improve logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. Rather than wasting time on mobile games, kids can play puzzle games or other brain-building games with their parents or other family members, which is very effective for brain-building activities for kids, as it helps to improve the brain’s capacity for speed and intelligence, which is very essential for success in life.

4/9

Learning a new language

Learning a new language is one of the best brain-building activities for kids during the summer holidays. Learning a new language helps to improve the brain’s memory power, concentration, and communication skills. Kids can learn a new language like Hindi, Tamil, French, Spanish, etc. They can learn the basic words, phrases, and sentences of the new language. Learning a new language helps to improve the brain’s confidence level and to understand the different cultures of the world. It is one of the best brain-building activities for kids during the summer holidays.

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Creative activities

Creative activities like drawing, painting, craft work, storytelling, music, and dancing are very effective for the development of the right brain of the kids. Creative activities are very effective for improving the brain’s imagination and creativity skills. Kids who are involved in creative activities are very good problem solvers, as creative activities help the kids to think differently for problem-solving. Parents should encourage their kids to create something new every week, like a drawing, craft work, or a short story, which is very effective for the brain-building activities of the kids and makes the brain happy.

6/9

Basic cooking skills

It is not only important for them to know how to cook, but it also allows them to improve their math, reading, and concentration skills. The children will also develop the ability to concentrate and improve their discipline by measuring the ingredients, cooking, and keeping an eye on the time. The children can also develop the ability to feel responsible and independent by making sandwiches, fruit salad, lemonade, or helping their parents in the kitchen. The children can also develop their creativity by cooking. The children can also try out different recipes and ingredients while cooking.

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Gardening

Gardening is a wonderful activity that teaches patience, responsibility, and observation skills. When children plant seeds and watch them grow, they learn about nature, science, and responsibility. Watering plants daily, checking soil, and observing growth improves their observation and thinking skills. Gardening also keeps children active and away from screens. It is a peaceful activity that improves mental health and concentration. Even small balcony gardening can be a great learning experience for children.

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Communication and public speaking

The summer holidays are the best time to develop the communication and public speaking skills of the children. Children can develop the skills of communication and public speaking by narrating stories, participating in discussions, and presenting a topic in front of family members. The skills of communication and public speaking are the best way to develop the qualities of leaders in children. Parents can encourage the children to speak about the day’s events, explain the story that has been read, and share their ideas with the family members. Public speaking is the best activity for children to develop the skills of thinking and communication.

9/9

Physical activities and sports


Physical activities like cycling, swimming, playing cricket, football, badminton, or yoga are very important for brain development. Exercise improves memory, focus, and mood because physical activity increases blood flow to the brain. Children who play outdoor games are usually more active, confident, and mentally strong. Sports also teach teamwork, discipline, and decision-making skills. Encouraging children to play outdoor games every day during summer holidays is very important for both physical and mental development.

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Copyright © May 27, 2026, 07.56PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service