Does taking kids out of school for Holidays harm their Education?
- Loren Assunção
- Mar 27
- 2 min read
When summer approaches , families start planning vacations. But with travel costs soaring during school breaks, many parents choose to take their kids out of school for a trip. The big question is: does missing school for a holiday affect a child’s education?
In countries like Ireland or the UK, where school attendance is strictly monitored, missing school for a holiday is often discouraged. In Brazil, the situation can be different as many students already face challenges with regular attendance due to factors like long commutes, weather conditions, and even economic difficulties. Skipping school for a trip may seem harmless, but it can deepen existing learning gaps. And there are families that live near beach, so as long as we have a hot weather at Rio de Janeiro, for example, they can have 'vacations mode' every weekend.
READ TOO:
As a teacher: Why Regular Attendance Matters
As an English teacher in Brazil, I’ve noticed that even missing just a few days of school can significantly impact a student’s progress, particularly in subjects like Portuguese, Math, and English. Many Brazilian students—especially those in public schools—rely more on in-person lessons than on online resources. When they miss school, it can be much harder for them to catch up. Even students who have access to online resources often prefer playing games or browsing the internet, rather than using the tools for academic purposes.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many families worldwide have adopted a more flexible attitude toward school attendance. While travel can be educational, missing structured lessons means losing out on essential skills, classroom discussions, and evaluations that are difficult to make up later.
Balancing Travel and Education
If you're considering taking your child out of school for a trip, here are some ways to minimize the impact:
Choose the right time – Avoid crucial exam periods or subjects where your child struggles.
Stay in touch with teachers – Ask for assignments in advance to keep up.
Make the trip educational – Encourage reading, cultural experiences, and journaling.
Review missed content – Help your child catch up when they return.
While travel offers valuable life experiences, consistent school attendance is key to academic success, especially in Brazil, where challenges in the education system can make it harder to recover lost time.
What do you think? Would you take your child out of school for a trip? Let’s chat in the comments!
See ya!
Loren
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