Time to Think of Summer and Be Sharp

"'Summer school' used to have an unpleasant ring to it. It used to imply a kind of punishment, reserved for students with poor attendance or disciplinary problems. This is no longer the case. Today, hundreds of local and residential summer programs for academic enrichment exist across the country. Programs like these can offer great chances for your students to catch up on subjects that have them struggling or pursue advanced study in areas where they excel."

I feel the same. Read more on Teenlife, http://www.teenlife.com/news/80486/Summer-Programs-to-Keep-Students-Skills-Sharp.htm

What do you plan to do for your summer? Interested in learning Chinese and visiting different places? Check out Summer Experience China: dot2dotlearning.com

Let Travel Prevent Summer Learning Loss

Happy New Year! Hard to believe it is 2012 already! Guess what? Summer is only a few months away.

Last summer, I went to Indonesia. I can still feel the breeze from the beach of Bali and taste the fresh seafood at the restaurant facing the ocean. And I can't help but start thinking of what I will do this summer.

Last July, I read the New York Times article, "This is Your Brain on Summer", which was about summer learning loss. Students lose part of their abilities in reading and maths when they do not have the access to meaningful summer activities.

Attending summer school sounds gruesome. Not everyone is ready to go back to the classroom when a long school year is just over. Is there a good way to maintain or even advance academic skills while you can still have fun in the summer? I think the answer is a definite "Yes".

Travel could be one solution to this dilemma. Although I am not a book worm, I always find myself reading while I am on the plane or wait for my flight. I see many people do the same. I bet some of you even pick up a book at the airport so you know you have something to do. I also write journals, even though I am not an avid journal writer. As I travel, I am no longer surrounded by things I am used to on a daily basis. The new experience traveling brings me motivates me to write. Whenever I travel, I feel I am inspired and my creativity is simulated.

So bring your favorite book, a journal, and/or a sketchbook (if you like to draw). Don't miss your flight or your train. Bon voyage!