Getting back into school mode after the long holiday break

After the joyous and festive holiday break in December, children usually find themselves grappling with the daunting task of re-adapting to the strictness of daily school life.

This transition period presents a unique set of challenges for these young learners, who have grown accustomed to the freedom and relaxation that come with the extended break.

We interviewed students in Dar es Salaam who shared their struggles and how they are coping.

Ibrahim Swai, a student at Oysterbay Primary School, says he received an overwhelming number of assignments upon returning to school last Monday.

"It's not easy to remember everything we learnt before the holidays, and catching up feels exhausting," he laments.

The Standard Four student thinks there is a need for teachers to employ effective revision strategies to ease the transition and ensure that students stay on track.

Juma Kisu, a student at Uzuri Primary School, says his biggest struggle in readjusting to school is the fact that his mind is still in holiday mode.

"I feel lazy and unmotivated, but I have no choice but to accept the fact that the honeymoon is over now," the 10-year-old admits.

For students like Neema Daniel, the post-holiday return to school is primarily a social challenge.

The 9-year-old from Kimanga Primary School shares her experience as she reconnects with classmates after the break.

"I feel nervous about meeting new classmates and keeping up with old friendships. There are some new students in my class, and they seem to want to be closer to me," she explains.

While Neema says she’s gradually learning to overcome her fear of making new friends, some students are finding it hard to focus on their studies after having stayed out of school for over a month.

Shaaban Sila, a student at Kinyerezi Primary School, shares his repeated struggle to regain focus after the long holiday.

"My mind gets easily distracted, and it's hard to concentrate in class," he confesses. He’s trying hard to focus, though he says it’s not easy.

Eveline Alex, a teacher at Bwawani Primary School, understands Shaaban’s concern.

The teacher says the constant chats about vacations and family gatherings during the first weeks after reopening can divert children’s attention away from their academic responsibilities.

“Children come back from the December break with new experiences and stories to share, and while this may be exciting, it also means some students struggle to refocus on their studies,” she explains.

A psychologist from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Isaac Lema, concurs, saying that the prolonged holiday in December can disrupt the rhythm and routine that students have developed throughout the academic year.

Lema says the sudden change in routine can lead to a lack of structure and discipline, making it harder for children to get back into an academic mindset.

Moreover, the celebrations during the holiday period can create a sense of complacency and reduce motivation to engage in academic activities.

The psychologist says students may face challenges such as decreased concentration, diminished motivation, and difficulty transitioning from leisurely activities to structured learning environments.

Janeth Emmanuel, a mother of two whose son is having trouble adjusting, says the struggle of getting back to the school routine is real.

"It's like his internal clock was reset during the holidays," she says with a chuckle. "My son used to sleep in until 10 a.m., and now we have to drag him out of bed at 6 a.m.," Janeth shares about her son's difficulty adjusting to the early wake-up calls and the morning rush.

Many interviewed parents said they have noticed that motivation among their children has decreased.

John Kisangani, a father of a second grader, for example, highlights the challenge of reigniting his daughter's motivation to learn after the long break.

"During the holidays, children engage in less structured activities, and suddenly, they have to refocus on academics."

He says his daughter initially lacked the drive to engage in her studies, often displaying fatigue and disinterest.

Kisangani emphasises the importance of creating an inspiring learning environment to help bridge the gap between vacation and education.

Lema, the psychologist, concurs. He says teachers can make the transition easier by creating a supportive environment.

Lema says that by acknowledging the challenges students may face, teachers should offer reassurance, understanding, and patience.

“Implementing interactive teaching methods, such as group discussions, hands-on activities, or learning games, can help reignite students’ engagement and stimulate their interest in the learning process,” says the psychologist.

Faudhia Rashid, a mother of three, thinks teachers must employ interactive and engaging teaching methods to help students ease into the school routine after long school holidays.

She shares her concerns regarding the psychological adjustment her children are facing.

"After weeks of relaxation, they are struggling with the mental shift from leisure to classroom learning," she says.

Faudhia says her children's attention spans have decreased, and so they are finding it difficult to concentrate for long periods of time.

For his part, Shedrack Kunga says during the break, children participate in various non-academic activities, and so when schools open, it becomes challenging for them to manage their time effectively.

Kunga says that the lack of leisure time after school makes them feel overwhelmed.

Judith Mnema, a teacher at Muhimbili Primary School, says it takes time for students to regain focus and concentration after such a long period away from the classroom.

Another teacher at Upanga Primary School, John Mkama, highlights the difficulty of re-establishing a regular sleep pattern as another roadblock for both students and teachers during the return to school.

Mkama says the tolerance of the holidays often leads to students struggling to adjust their sleep schedules to align with school timings.

This disruption in their routine often results in tiredness, a lack of energy, and reduced learning efficiency.

Lema, the psychologist, suggests creating a schedule that includes time for studying, regular meals, physical activity, and relaxation, which he says can help students regain a sense of normalcy.

“Setting realistic short-term goals, such as completing specific tasks or mastering certain subjects, can help students regain their focus and motivation," he says.

By breaking down larger objectives into smaller, more achievable targets, children can build their confidence and regain a sense of achievement,” he explains.

He says during the holidays, children should engage in learning activities such as reading books, solving puzzles, or participating in creative projects.

These activities can help maintain a level of academic engagement and facilitate an easier transition back into formal schooling.

He says parents should create a quiet and comfortable space for children to study at home.

“Minimising distractions, such as television or electronic devices, can help children concentrate and reconnect with their academic responsibilities,” he notes.