The Cherokee County Educational Foundation | Educate. Innovate. Celebrate. | Click Here to Donate
Parents and Teachers: Encourage Learning Outside of the Classroom
Learning is a huge part of life that never goes away. From the moment you open your eyes you start taking in the world around you. School starts and you go to preschool, elementary school, middle school, then high school. Some go to college and get their associates, bachelors, masters, or PHD degrees. Some go straight into the workforce. No matter the case, the one thing everybody has in common is we never stop learning.
Students spend 8 hours a day in school studying math, reading, writing, art, history, and more. Some love spending time in the classroom, others maybe not so much. So, what can we do for both types of students to help encourage learning outside of the classroom? Parents and teachers have the perfect opportunity to work together to make learning fun, all of the time!
1. Plug into technology
Of course, children should spend as much time as possible playing outside. But the reality is, technology is constantly surrounding kids of all ages. We encourage you to use this to your student's advantage! Since many are bound to be plugged into their phones, tablets, or gaming consoles, use these tools for collaboration and expanding horizons. Does your student love animals? Throw on an enticing nature documentary. Are they obsessed with all thing's math? Download a puzzle game on their phone! Do they love writing? Grab your stylus and tablet. There are endless possibilities to encourage learning through technology.
2. Know your student
Parents and teachers want what's best for all their students! And sometimes, what works for one student may not work for another. Taking into consideration each student's learning style, personal situations, and passions can help tailor each student's ability to learn outside of the classroom. While this may take a little bit more time and focus, teachers and parents communicating about the students' roadblocks or motivators can increase confidence and inspiration for learning.
3. Be aware of local events
As a parent, what better way to spend time with your student than at a local play, art festival, speaking event, or kid-friendly museum? Not only is this a great way to get out of the house and spend quality time with your loved one, but this can make a long-lasting impression on the student! You never know what might spark their passions. Exposing them to different educational environments outside of the classroom is extremely beneficial to making learning outside of classroom exciting and special.
In the words of Albert Einstein, "Wisdom is not a product of schooling, but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it."
This quote perfectly sums up the pursuit of education and how it has never been limited to just the classroom. Taking time to encourage learning in innovative and impactful ways is essential for our student's futures. These tips can increase confidence, help students to find their passions, and even teach their fellow pupils. So much of what kids learn comes from each other. So, when we focus on one, we create a ripple effect that lasts a lifetime.
If you'd like to learn more about how CCEF encourages and supports innovative learning in and out of the classroom, click below!
About the author
Donated, Developed & Maintained by:
