SUMMER: Keep on learning

Soon, final school bells will ring and students will run out of their classrooms ready for their summer adventure to begin. As parents, we need to take time this summer to talk with our kids about their passions and goals and how they will pursue them. We should be encouraging our kids to read books that spark their interest and let their imagination run wild. We also have incredible opportunities in Idaho to be outdoors exploring this beautiful region around us. It’s up to us to take advantage of this precious time with our kids.

When kids are engaged, passionate and having fun while learning, they retain more information and become excited to acquire more knowledge. Creating individualized, hands-on learning moments this summer can be easily done within our daily routine. Catching tadpoles and observing them grow throughout the summer, going on hikes, fishing at a pond or helping our kids build a summer business all provide fun learning opportunities. Some of the best learning comes from life itself, not a textbook. Making time this summer to help engage our children in learning can be fun for the whole family and ignite a flame within us all for lifelong learning.

KATIE RODRIGUEZ

Meridian