Summer learning key for students
Dave Wick / For the Hungry Horse News
With only a few days left of school, students' thoughts are turning to all of their favorite summer activities in Northwest Montana. While some areas of the country have gone to the year-round school calendar, it seems unlikely that schools in our area would move that direction. We live in one of the most beautiful areas of the country, and the summer is prime time for camping, hiking, biking, fishing, boating, swimming, rafting and all of the other activities families enjoy.
One disadvantage to our schedule is the long layoff between June and the end of August. As educators, we strongly believe that summer is a great time for students to get away and spend time with family and friends. We also believe that there are some things parents and students can do to keep their academic skills sharp over the summer.
The most important thing a student can do over the summer is to read. This may seem obvious, but having a child sit down for a quiet time once a day to keep up their reading skills is very important. If the child is younger, reading aloud to your child is a great way to keep their comprehension skills at the same level as during the year. For older children, providing them with materials as well as encouraging them to take the time to read is important. We often say it doesn't matter what students are reading as long as they are reading. In fact, high interest reading is essential to a child's enjoyment and enhancement of skills.
The family trip always provides cross-curricular opportunities for learning. Math skills can be enhanced by figuring mileage and answering math problems provided by the parents. Summer projects can also provide the opportunity for utilizing math for real-life problem-solving. Many family board games incorporate math skills and provide problem- solving activities.
Historical information abounds throughout Montana and other areas frequently traveled by families. Interpretive guides at many sites provide information about the rich history of our state, its native peoples, and the pioneering spirit of Montana. The geography of our rivers and lakes can also provide valuable training for students as well as showing the backbone of the ecology of our area.
Science is another area which is easily incorporated into summer activities. One example would be looking at the geology, plants and wildlife of our area. Understanding the ecology of our area can provide students with an understanding of why we need to protect and preserve our pristine environment. Glacier National Park is the most obvious source of this information, lying in our backyard. Free naturalist talks are provided frequently in all areas of the park, and students can greatly benefit from studying all of the facets of this national treasure.
When students travel during the school year, we often ask them to write a journal of their travel. This is not only a writing exercise, but an exercise in observation. Observation of one's surroundings is such an important part of learning. Enhancing a student's ability to write and communicate these observations to others is a great skill. It also seems much less like a chore if it is shared with a parent by making suggestions and perhaps writing together.
As educators in School District Six, we thank parents for all their support during the school year. We also want to wish all of our students and parents a safe and fun summer, filled with a wealth of family activities. The natural world is the greatest classroom of all, so we hope you enjoy all of its learning opportunities.
Dave Wick is the School District 6 elementary education director and CFJH principal.