What's Up, Doc? Use the Holiday Break Wisely

By Randall Freeman, PhD

Student learning does not end with the afternoon school bell. Likewise, learning should continue during school breaks. Failure to continue learning outside of school leads to much time wasted in school when the students must first review and in some cases, relearn, what was previously taught.

Students in Menifee have three weeks to enjoy a respite from school and to enjoy whatever holiday celebrations they believe in with their families. Sleep late, enjoy the time off, but don’t ignore the skills learned in school.

Don’t want to read about the American Revolution? Then read a biography of George Washington and/or Benjamin Franklin. Biographies are very interesting and chock full of exciting events. Most biographies are leveled for almost any reader to understand and enjoy.

Don’t want to study physical science? Read books about robotics and drones, two very hot and exciting current topics of interest. Read science fiction stories to learn about how science fiction of the past has evolved into science fact of the present and future.

The "Stars Wars" movie can match the special effects of a reader’s imagination. As excellent as Industrial Light and Magic’s special effects are – and they are wonderful! – they are limited by financial resources and physical realities. There are no limits to the mind’s imagination. No limits to what a reader of any age can envision in their own mind what they are reading.

Not excited about mathematics? Research your life’s habits and what each component costs you in money and time. (OK, maybe the money is from your parents. Even more reason to compute the cost. Maybe you’ll learn to appreciate what your parents provide you on a regular basis.) Relate costs to your life.

Calculate how much it actually costs to go skating or to a local entertainment center. Gas, time, admission, refreshments, etc. It adds up.

While we are enjoying our time off from school, learn to appreciate what your teachers, principals, and school district invest in teaching you how to read and compute, to learn to understand and appreciate our environment.

Don’t shut your mind down for three weeks. Keep it active and learning about what goes on around you. It doesn’t have to cost much. Heck, calculate what it does cost. You’ll be a lot less bored and enjoy learning more.

Randy Freeman and his family have lived in Menifee since 1993. Randy teaches kindergarten in Perris and his lovely wife Karen teaches first grade here in Menifee at Freedom Crest Elementary School. They are the proud parents of four beautiful daughters: Daniela, 18, and 14-year-old triplets Sarah, Holly, and Megan. Other family members include dogs Scruffy and Max, 17-year-old cat Hunter, and turtle Tuttles. Randy earned his PhD in early childhood education in 2011 and has served on the Menifee Union School Board since 2008. Randy has wisely decided to delete the bit about being Karen's boss in order to continue living in his happy home.