Hello, I'm Norma Jean, founder of Time to Shine Teaching. With over 20 years of experience in supporting children and their families, my mission is to empower parents and educators with effective teaching methods that work for all children, regardless of their abilities and learning styles. Today, I want to talk about the power of outdoor learning and how it can revolutionize the way we support our children's education during the summer break.
Unlocking the Potential: Understanding How Our Brains Learn: Before we delve into the topic, I want to invite you to download my free toolkit, designed to help parents and teachers understand how our brains learn and the most effective ways to teach children. This valuable resource offers insights into why some children may struggle in school and includes a complete lesson on teaching children about their remarkable brains. It's the foundational step I take when working with kids to set them up for success. Here's the download link for this FREE "must have" resource: https://subscribepage.io/sOpo7i
Introducing the REL Method: Reading, Spelling & Printing Program: In addition to the exciting toolkit, I'm thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of the REL Method - a phonics-based reading, spelling, and printing program for early learners. The Ripple Effect Learning Method is rooted in the belief that when children become proficient readers and spellers, it has a ripple effect of confidence and happiness that positively impacts all areas of their lives. This approach engages multiple senses and combines sight, sound, touch, and movement to create a dynamic and effective learning experience. Teachers who used the program last year loved how easy it was to implement and how their students thrived. If you're interested in learning more or joining the waitlist for this transformative program, don't hesitate to reach out to me via DM.
Exploring the Limitations of Traditional Summer Reading Programs: Now, let's shift our focus back to traditional summer reading programs. While schools often recommend them to "catch up" children in their reading, these programs frequently fall short. They tend to rely on methods that may not have worked during the school year and can take away from the much-needed summer break and quality family time. Moreover, the learning conditions within sweltering classrooms may not be ideal for an enjoyable and effective learning experience.
Embracing Outdoor Learning: So, how can we create a better approach to support our children's learning during the summer while allowing them to embrace the joys of the season? The answer lies in incorporating outdoor learning activities. By taking education outside, we provide a refreshing change of scenery and open doors to memorable experiences. Here are a couple of ideas to inspire you:
Nature Walks and Language Activities: Organize nature walks or trips to local parks and beaches, allowing children to explore the natural environment while engaging in reading and language activities. Encourage them to read books about plants, animals, and ecosystems, and document their observations and discoveries in nature journals. Check out the work of John Muir's Law, who provides valuable information and videos on the power of nature journaling.
Outdoor Scavenger Hunts: Plan exciting scavenger hunts that enhance reading comprehension and problem-solving abilities. Children can search for specific objects or clues hidden in the environment, reading instructions or descriptions to navigate through the game. This activity promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and reading skills simultaneously.
Nature Photography: Inspire children to bring their cameras or smartphones on outdoor excursions to capture fascinating images of nature. They can then create photo collages or digital presentations, describing the photos in writing and developing their technology skills. This activity combines reading, writing, and technology while fostering an appreciation for the natural world.
By incorporating outdoor learning activities into the summer break, we can provide children with a holistic and enjoyable learning experience. Outdoor learning not only promotes academic growth but also nurtures a connection with nature and instills a sense of wonder. Let's embrace this refreshing approach to education and support our children in becoming lifelong learners.
Happy teaching!
Norma Jean
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