The end of the 2015-2016 school year is fast approaching! For the past nine and half months teachers have been hard at work, teaching and facilitating learning for their students. Teachers, a big "thank you" for all your diligence and hard-work this school year. Your diligence has made a difference in the lives of your students. The next two weeks will be filled with end of year procedures that many times can be very challenging for you and your students.
For many educators, this time of year involves, taking stock of students’ progress, reflecting on practice and closing out the school year on final exams and assessments. Additionally, teachers have the tasks of purging classroom of used up supplies and giving away supplies that have not been used not just this school year but perhaps the last school year too. These supplies definitely need to be given away :) Amidst all these, there are well earned graduations to celebrate. Congratulations graduates! Go and share your sparkle!
For many students summer time is a time of exploring new activities that lends itself to continuous learning. On the other hand, some students do not have the opportunity for continuous learning. These students need the extra boost from teachers and parents to keep on learning. Teachers can give these students summer projects that will facilitate their learning during the summer months. Parents can help oversee these summer projects and/ or design summer activities for their children based on their interests and strengths. Furthermore, parents can plan summer reading activities to keep students’ brain active during the summer months. Parents, please make every effort to reduce time spent watching television during the summer and increase activities that require critical thinking and cognitive processing. Many public libraries have summer reading programs to ensure students are actively learning during the summer months. If you are a parent that lives in the Dallas-Fort-Worth area and you need new books for your child/ren to read during the summer, we will be glad to send you free books. Send us an email at info@takebackministries.com with your name, phone number and mailing address. These new books are available on a first-come, first served basis.
Teachers, here is a link to some summer project ideas and activities for your students to take home for the break. Summer time is also a good time for educators to improve practice through reflection and professional development. Here are some suggestions to promote continuous learning over the summer:
1. Coursera is an education platform that partners with top universities and organizations worldwide, to offer courses online for anyone to take.
2. EdX offers interactive online classes from some of the best universities around the world. Online courses from MITx, HarvardX, BerkeleyX, UTx and many other universities are available to access.
3. Regional Educational Service Centers – If you live in Texas, you have access to quality professional development through any of the twenty educational service centers. Click on your specific county to visit your geographical educational service center and browse summer learning opportunities.
Learning does not have to stop during summer months. Teachers, students and parents can have a relaxing summer while still learning. This is to a terrific summer! Happy Learning! Love & Blessings!!
"Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow."
- Anthony J. D’Angelo
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