As the Songkran holidays approach, parents may be wondering how to keep their children busy and entertained during this festive time. Fortunately, there are many fun and cultural activities that you can do with your child to celebrate the Thai New Year and keep them occupied. From making traditional flower garlands to playing water games, there are many ways to enjoy the holiday while also engaging your child's senses and creativity. Additionally, exploring the rich history and traditions behind the Songkran festival can be a great way to educate your child and deepen their understanding of Thai culture.

Here are some tips on how to keep your child busy during the Songkran holidays from Mihoko Chida, Lower Loop Leader at VERSO International School in Bangkok.

4.Cook together: Cooking and baking together can be a fun and educational activity for your children. You can teach them about different ingredients and cooking techniques while enjoying delicious meals together. Recently. our C1-2s and C3-4s enjoyed cooking together during the Masterchef event. 

• • Learn about others: Before your trip, take some time to research the destination and its cultures as a family. This can build understanding and appreciation for the local customs, traditions, and history.

  • Involve your child in the planning process: Ask your child what they are interested in learning about and incorporate those topics into the trip.

  • Encourage curiosity: Encourage your child to ask questions and explore their surroundings. This can help them develop critical thinking skills and a sense of wonder about the world.

  • Reflect on the experience: Reflect with your child on what they learned during the trip. This can help them process their experiences and reinforce their learning.

Meanwhile, here  are some discussion prompts for families to engage in during time off school:

• Reflect on the past: What were some challenges and successes you experienced as a family? What did you learn from those experiences?

• Set goals for the future: What are some things you would like to achieve as a family? How can you work together to make those goals a reality?

• Explore new ideas: What topics or issues would you like to learn more about as a family? How can you research and discuss those topics together?

• Practice gratitude: What are some things you are grateful for as a family? How can you express your gratitude and appreciation for each other?

We hope these ideas and discussion prompts help you and your family connect and maximize your time off school.

Have a safe and enjoyable break!