The last weeks of the school year are here at last! Students and teachers can't wait for some personal time for sleeping in, going on vacation, and relaxing!
But what about learning? Should learning take a holiday, too?
My answer is a resounding "NO." Children who "take the summer off" from learning fall behind very quickly. What can be done to continue the learning process during summer vacation? Parents can arrange some trips to the library and set a good example by reading and discussing what they have read, even if it is an article from the newspaper. Some "educational" day trips can be planned. Teachers can hand out suggested book lists (or post the list on a website) for "fun" books for summer reading and learning to prevent the dreaded "summer slide." Students can set aside a little time a few days a week to practice what they enjoy - playing an instrument, reading the newspaper, solving a puzzle, writing in a journal - to keep their skills sharp and the learning ongoing.
I was in the classroom for 37 years, and witnessed firsthand the blank stares from the students when I reviewed work from the previous year. "We never learned THAT!" I heard over and over, when indeed, they had "learned that", they simply forgot. Reading skills are the first to go, followed quickly by math, so I encourage all parents and teachers to help students to avoid the "summer slide" by helping children to choose activities to keep them learning!
Happy summer vacation! Don't forget to keep learning!! Check out some of the statistics below regarding summer slide!
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.
Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading.
Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired!
Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom. Check them out! http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com . The website www.gradygetsglasses.com IS UP AND RUNNING!!!. Signed copies ARE available! Grady plush toys are ordered!
Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl
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