|
|
Learning is lifelong…Why push
it???
While planning
my son’s summer with sports activities and camps, I have
also planned educational activities to keep his mind busy
and sharp for the next school year. I do this because
this is what I would preach to parents every year. I have
however realized that as a society we may be going
overboard with activities and prepping our children for
what we deem as a brighter future. As a child I remember
summer as a fun time with little pressure on schoolwork.
I turned out quite fine, as did many of those in my
generation. I will argue that times are different and
structure is born out of necessity in today’s world. But
should we not focus on our child and their goals without
imposing our needs to make Johnny the smartest boy in
town. Is life itself not a learning experience? Many
growth opportunities do not take place in a book, a ditto
or a classroom. Take your children exploring this
summer. Go to the movies, and have them pay and receive
change and check if they were not shorted or given too
much. Go to the zoo, the museum, ride a bus or just go
hiking and explore the environment. On your family trips
learn about the culture if you are abroad or about the
state if your travels keep you closer to home. Spend time
with your kids…this is far better and will teach values
that cannot be taught in the classroom. You will find
that many of these simple thoughts translate into research
and reading. The learning you are imposing is meaningful
and will make a lasting impression because of this.
 In
writing this article I also am aware of those children who
will need tutoring this summer…by all means make sure your
child is helped in the weak areas as you also educate them
in the area of life. I also am aware that many of the
families today are two income families and day camps are a
necessity. When looking for one look for a well -rounded
curriculum or one that excites your child and still
encourages exploration in the structure of the
environment. Lastly, I do believe reading is the key to
student’s intellectual growth. But, do not let it become
the only way they experience life. Make reading a natural
part of their lives; if you can do this, they will be a
reader for life. This is a feat that every educator hopes
to impose but with your excitement and exploration perhaps
you can help that teacher solidify the goal of creating
life-long readers and learners. As we never stop learning
once we leave the classroom. On this note it is time for
me to spend time exploring with my greatest achievement.
Happy Exploring and I hope it brings your family closer
and develops your child into the well-rounded citizens we
all should be trying to create!
|
© Copyright 2000/2001/2002. All rights reserved.
|
 |
 |
|
