School's out, but learning doesn't have to stop
Adolescent screams and shouts heralded the beginning of summer last Thursday during Lux Middle School’s end-of-the-school-year celebration at Champions Fun Center.
Algebra and biology probably were the last things the students were thinking about as they raced around the go-cart track.
American History probably wasn’t a topic of conversation in the arcade, and it’s doubtful many students contemplated the application of physics at the batting cages.
Learning isn’t a high priority for many students as summer vacation begins, and parents may worry TV and video games will erode months of hard work.
“Even the best student loses some (knowledge) over those summer months,” said Dan Bartz, director of Huntington Learning Center in Lincoln. “Maybe those who struggle a tad bit lose more.”
But there are ways they can retain knowledge and keep learning when school’s out, said Bartz, who offered strategies from the center:
n Include children when planning outings and vacations. “Planning the route teaches geography,” said Raymond J. Huntington, co-founder and chairman of Huntington Learning Centers Inc. “Figuring the number of miles and when to stop teaches a time/distance relationship.”
n Visit the library. In addition to reading, many libraries offer a wide array of educational and cultural activities.
n Encourage ambitious learning projects. Children who enjoy stories should consider keeping a journal. Kids who like science can find exciting science fair-type projects through books or Web sites. Math lovers can test and strengthen their skills through Figure This! (www.figurethis.org), an initiative that features math challenges.
n Volunteer. Community service and helping those in need can build strong self-esteem and people skills.
On Thursday, as groups of Lux students received a hands-on lesson in gravity on Champions’ four-story free fall ride, a few grownups offered their own summer learning tips.
“Kick ’em outside and make them play,” said Brenda Nyberg, a Lux parent, as she helped direct students during the lunchtime pizza party.
Nyberg and fellow Lux parent Elaine Dlouhy said their children didn’t watch much TV during the summer.
“Outdoor things and all that is so much more important — especially now that the weather’s so nice,” Nyberg said.
Dlouhy said parents and kids could find opportunities for learning in their everyday life.
“Even going to the grocery store, you bring math and reading,” she said.
Lux Principal Bill Bucher touted Lincoln’s summer programs and activities for children.
“We have a Bright Lights program at Lux. We have a lot of summer clinics,” he said. “We have really good opportunities for kids in our community.”
Bucher said he would encourage kids to read during the summer.
“That just increases vocabulary, increases reading comprehension,” he said. “Kids who read well do well in school.”
And one last piece of advice for the parents:
“Middle school kids do need to be supervised,” Bucher said. “Not every minute of every day, of course, but at least looked in on.
Reach Hilary Kindschuh at 473-7120 or hkindschuh@journalstar.com.
Algebra and biology probably were the last things the students were thinking about as they raced around the go-cart track.
American History probably wasn’t a topic of conversation in the arcade, and it’s doubtful many students contemplated the application of physics at the batting cages.
Learning isn’t a high priority for many students as summer vacation begins, and parents may worry TV and video games will erode months of hard work.
“Even the best student loses some (knowledge) over those summer months,” said Dan Bartz, director of Huntington Learning Center in Lincoln. “Maybe those who struggle a tad bit lose more.”
But there are ways they can retain knowledge and keep learning when school’s out, said Bartz, who offered strategies from the center:
n Include children when planning outings and vacations. “Planning the route teaches geography,” said Raymond J. Huntington, co-founder and chairman of Huntington Learning Centers Inc. “Figuring the number of miles and when to stop teaches a time/distance relationship.”
n Visit the library. In addition to reading, many libraries offer a wide array of educational and cultural activities.
n Encourage ambitious learning projects. Children who enjoy stories should consider keeping a journal. Kids who like science can find exciting science fair-type projects through books or Web sites. Math lovers can test and strengthen their skills through Figure This! (www.figurethis.org), an initiative that features math challenges.
n Volunteer. Community service and helping those in need can build strong self-esteem and people skills.
On Thursday, as groups of Lux students received a hands-on lesson in gravity on Champions’ four-story free fall ride, a few grownups offered their own summer learning tips.
“Kick ’em outside and make them play,” said Brenda Nyberg, a Lux parent, as she helped direct students during the lunchtime pizza party.
Nyberg and fellow Lux parent Elaine Dlouhy said their children didn’t watch much TV during the summer.
“Outdoor things and all that is so much more important — especially now that the weather’s so nice,” Nyberg said.
Dlouhy said parents and kids could find opportunities for learning in their everyday life.
“Even going to the grocery store, you bring math and reading,” she said.
Lux Principal Bill Bucher touted Lincoln’s summer programs and activities for children.
“We have a Bright Lights program at Lux. We have a lot of summer clinics,” he said. “We have really good opportunities for kids in our community.”
Bucher said he would encourage kids to read during the summer.
“That just increases vocabulary, increases reading comprehension,” he said. “Kids who read well do well in school.”
And one last piece of advice for the parents:
“Middle school kids do need to be supervised,” Bucher said. “Not every minute of every day, of course, but at least looked in on.
Reach Hilary Kindschuh at 473-7120 or hkindschuh@journalstar.com.
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