Yes, summer has officially arrived. 

Every year I recommend that students do a little tutoring in the summer.  It is the perfect time to use strategies to retain lessons learned and to prepare for next year.

Oh – and don’t worry, there are still hours and hours and hours and hours to swim, dance, play video games, jump, fall, eat, do nothing, and so on!

Covid-19

This year the recommendation is even more relevant.  Many students have lost some of the lessons they should have had during the school year because of Covid-19.  It is not just the content material. The issues of learning study skills and stories as well as becoming a more independent learner have had a stronger impact.  That impact will continue for many. 

Taking a proactive approach is the best remedy. Being proactive is always the best path.  Waiting or hoping that something will change next year won’t bring the positive results that” jumping in” and taking control will.

No better time than now – the summer – to learn how to learn while engaging with past and new material alike.

Every year I see students who have received some direction over the summer enter September with more confidence, knowledge, and skills in their learning toolbox. 

Whether you employ a tutor or not, be sure to practise reading, writing, and math skills – the foundations of learning. 

Reading is great, but it is not enough.  Make sure you focus on comprehension and networking your knowledge to help with longer term retention.  One way to do this is to write about what you have read.

Writing stories is fun, but try to broaden your horizons by reading as well.  Also, don’t forget to return to written work and improve upon it.  That’s how we progress our learning and knowledge base.  Please, please, please, don’t depend on software to “fix” your work.  Use it – sure, but learn to write beyond computer algorithms.

Math skills, believe it or not, help with math and science but also with reading, writing, music, art, and more! It is true.  Learning math wires the brain differently, creating a more extensive variety of synapses for your recruitment.  As with writing, you can depend on your calculator or computer programs to answer many questions; however, that alone does not make you a math genius – or even math literate. Make sure you are learning the material and that you are able to use this information long term.  In other words, let your brain be your calculator whenever possible. That is the proof that you have learned and have strengthened your foundation.

My main point is to not limit yourself.  Everything you learn will make other learning experiences easier, better, and last longer.

Summer learning brings so many benefits.

Keep learning and keep having fun.

My main point is to not limit yourself

This week’s Video