Take time for learning this summer

Sun is on my mind! This has been one of the most beautiful and mild Alaska springs in recent memory. As the sun gets higher in the sky, our students’ ability to focus in the classroom inevitably declines. Though we all have to work harder to maintain student attention on days like this, teachers also realize, “who can blame them?”

As we head into summer, we all have the power to cultivate a culture of persistent learning. We can help our students, children, and even ourselves explore our curiosity and creativity. Summer can be a wonderful opportunity to practice a philosophy of persistent learning.

Persistent learning requires no legislative act. It requires no reconfiguring of calendars. But it does require a commitment to the creativity and curiosity of our valley’s students.

Let’s focus on what learning we can achieve beyond the walls of the classroom and remember how much learning can and does happen in our homes and communities. As I reflect on my own childhood experiences, some of my favorite math lessons were with my grandfather, building bird houses in his garage.

Some of my favorite science lessons were sitting with my family outside looking up at the stars. And some of my favorite language lessons were long conversations about a fun new science fiction book with my dad. These are the critical moments that connect abstract ideas learned in classrooms with the reality of daily life.

Life in Alaska during the summer is special. The days are long, and many Valley families load up the truck, RV, boat or backpack early in the morning and head out. They spend the days enjoying the sunshine, berry picking, hunting, camping, gardening and simply spending time with friends and family. It’s far too easy to discount the value of these activities and forget that summer has tremendous potential for learning.

We all take advantage of that which our wonderful state and community have to offer. There are many experiences intrinsic to summer that enable our kids to explore their own curiosity and creativity. This summer, let’s focus on cultivating an atmosphere of “persistent learning.”

This summer, there are more opportunities than even for persistent learning. Students can explore a passion or topic of curiosity almost anywhere.

Students can learn about biology and the salmon life cycle with the help of Wikipedia and Google while on the banks of the Kenai. With the help of parents, students can find free blueprints for a fun summer project. We all have access to thousands of free classic books via Project Gutenberg.

As we move into summer let’s all make a commitment to ask questions with our kids. Let’s build some bird houses, and let’s encourage those moments of interest and exploration.

I wish everyone a wonderful summer filled with questions, projects, and quality time with one another.