• According to a study carried out by the British Council, parents are now concerned that their children develop skills linked to the offline world, such as social and communication skills

• Experts from the British Council have designed a didactic activity designed so that families with young children can put it into practice during the summer holidays

According to research promoted by the British Council, parents are no longer so concerned about their children’s digital skills, but rather turn their attention to the offline world, seeking digital disconnection during the holidays.

Thus, among the skills that most concern families there is none linked to the online world. Now, among their priorities are social skills and teamwork, followed by communication skills (the ability to express themselves in formal and informal conversations). In third place are adaptability and resilience and, in fourth place, creativity and imagination.

How to turn a picnic into an opportunity to learn English and develop ‘soft skills’

To respond to these demands, the British Council has designed a simple guide , with four free activities, designed so that families with children in the Infant and Primary stages can complete them during the holidays. The goal is to help children develop soft skills such as teamwork, communication, flexibility and creativity. All this, while they interact in English with their families, in an environment of nature, fun and digital disconnection.

The activity, for example, begins with planning a menu; define the dishes to be prepared and the required ingredients, skills such as collaboration or creativity, among others, are worked on.

Next, the family must take charge of preparing the food, developing skills linked to teamwork, creativity and communication. To make it more fun add games, with challenges to make the little ones guess, by smell or taste, a specific food. It is also a perfect time to resume reviewing English with simple questions, such as the colours, smells and flavours of the food that is being prepared. Taking advantage of playful and creative moments to integrate English reinforces children’s motivation, which will enhance their positive relationship with learning this language.

Picnic time also means choosing a location together in a park or natural area. The British Council experts propose carrying out an activity that motivates and entertains them, in which they continue to work on the ‘soft skills’. At a later time and, as if it were a cooking show, all family members must evaluate the dishes based on issues such as presentation, originality and taste.

Finally, and to end the day, it is also recommended to have an activity prepared to do all together. One option can be a ‘challenge in nature’, in which the children must find different elements (a small object, a green piece…) in the environment. Thus, in this activity skills such as critical thinking or communication, among others, can be worked on in English. The focus is also on the natural world, making the little ones notice the environment and appreciate its details. Something that, on a day-to-day basis, is difficult to do due to lack of time.

With this activity, the British Council experts remind you that any time can be a good time to reinforce your ‘soft skills’ while working, in a simple and effortless way, on learning English.