Incredible Adventures That Will Boost Your Child’s Education

adventure for kids

Do you want to give your child the best education possible? If so, you should consider sending them on an adventure learning trip. These types of trips offer many benefits that can’t be found in a classroom. From learning about new cultures to developing problem-solving skills, there are plenty of reasons to send your child on an adventure learning trip. This blog post will explore the top nine benefits of embarking on a school trip.

The Many Skills That Can Be Taught Outside the Classroom

Many skills can be learned on an adventure learning trip. For example, students can learn about different cultures, how to navigate in unfamiliar surroundings, and how to problem-solve in challenging situations. There are plenty of reasons to send your child on an adventure learning trip. In this blog post, we will explore the top nine benefits of embarking on a school trip:

  • Adventure learning trips offer students the opportunity to learn about different cultures.
  • Students who go on adventure learning trips have the chance to meet new people worldwide.
  • Adventure learning trips allow students to participate in activities they may be otherwise unable to experience.
  • Students on adventure learning trips often develop greater independence and self-reliance.
  • Adventure learning trips can help students develop problem-solving skills.
  • Students on adventure learning trips often return home with stories and experiences they can share with friends and family. For example, they can learn so much about exotic and indigenous animals. They can answer random questions like, what do wallabies eat? And so much more.
  • Adventure learning trips provide students with the opportunity to bond with their classmates.
  • Adventure learning trips can help students better understand the world around them.
  • Adventure learning trips are an excellent way for children to learn outside the traditional classroom setting. 

So if you’re looking for an educational experience to boost your child’s education, consider sending them on an adventure learning trip.

Adventure Learning: Definition

Have you ever gone on an adventure? An adventure is defined as an unusual or exciting experience. It can be as simple as exploring a new city or hiking in the woods.

Adventure learning is experiential learning that takes place outside of the classroom. Adventure learning activities include anything from camping and canoeing to rock climbing and white-water rafting.

How to Encourage a Love of Learning in Your Child

One of the best ways to encourage a love of learning in your child is to model it yourself. Let them see you reading, writing, and exploring new things. You should also provide them opportunities to try new things and learn about the world around them. Finally, be sure to praise their efforts and celebrate their successes. This will help them to see that learning can be both fun and rewarding.

Embarking on an adventure is one of the best ways to boost your child’s education. These experiences can offer a wealth of benefits, from fostering a love of learning to teach valuable skills that will help them in their future endeavors.

Homeschooling At It’s Best

There are many different types of schooling available to children these days. Traditional public schools are the most common type of school, but there are also charter schools, private schools, homeschooling, and online schools.

kids back to school

Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to weigh all the factors before making a decision about which type of school is right for your child.

Public School

One type of schooling is a public school. Traditional public schools are government-funded and open to all students who live in the district. They offer a wide range of courses and extracurricular activities and typically have lower tuition rates than other types of schools. 

Public schools are free, and they offer a wide range of educational opportunities. However, public schools can also be quite large, which can make them overwhelming for some children. In addition, public schools typically have a more diverse student body, which can be both a good and a bad thing. 

On the one hand, it’s great for children to be exposed to different cultures and backgrounds. On the other hand, it can also mean that there is more competition for resources, such as attention from teachers.

Private School

Another type of schooling is a private school. Private schools are independent of government funding and typically have higher tuition rates than public schools. They may offer a more rigorous academic program and often have smaller class sizes. 

However, private schools can be exclusive and elitist, and they may not offer the same range of extracurricular activities as public schools. Private schools typically have smaller class sizes, which can be beneficial for children who learn better in a more intimate setting. 

Private schools also often have more resources than public schools, which can mean that the quality of education is higher. However, private schools can be very expensive, and they may not offer the same range of educational opportunities as public schools.

Charter School

Charter schools are public schools that are given more freedom to operate than traditional public schools. They often have innovative programs and curricula, and they’re usually smaller and more intimate than public schools. However, charter schools can be difficult to get into, and they may not have the same resources as traditional public schools.

Online School

Online schools are a type of school that delivers all or most of its curriculum online. Online schools can be a good option for students who learn best independently, but they may not offer the same level of social interaction as traditional schools.

Homeschooling

Homeschooling is another option that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Homeschooling offers a number of benefits, such as the ability to tailor the curriculum to your child’s individual needs and interests. In addition, homeschooled children often have more flexible schedules, which can be helpful for families with busy lifestyles. 

There are many reasons why parents choose to homeschool their children. Some do it for religious reasons, others because they feel their child would be better educated at home. Still, others believe that homeschooling offers a more customized education that can cater to a child’s individual needs.

Homeschooling can be a great option for families, but it’s not without its challenges. 

Here Are Some Things To Keep In Mind If You’re Considering Homeschooling Your Child.

1. You’ll Need to Be Organized

Homeschooling requires a lot of planning and organization on the part of the parent. You’ll need to create lesson plans, keep track of your child’s progress, and ensure you meet all state requirements for homeschooling.

If you’re not naturally organized, homeschooling may not be the right choice for you. However, plenty of resources are available to help you and your kids get started, including how-to books, peer pressure worksheet books, websites, and support groups.

2. You’ll Need to Be Patient

Teaching can be a challenging and frustrating endeavor, even for experienced teachers. When homeschooling your child, it’s important to have realistic expectations and be patient.

Remember that learning takes time, and your child may not understand a concept immediately. So it’s okay to take breaks and even to have days where you don’t get anything accomplished. The important thing is that you’re both enjoying the process.

3. You’ll Need Support

Homeschooling can be isolating, especially if you don’t have any other homeschoolers in your area. Therefore, it’s important to seek support from other homeschooling families, whether through an online forum or a local support group.

You might also want to consider joining a co-op, which is a group of homeschooling families who pool their resources and teach classes together. Co-ops can offer social and academic benefits for both kids and parents.

4. You’ll Need to Be Flexible

No two children are alike, and no two homeschooling experiences will be alike either. What works for one family might not work for another. So be prepared to be flexible in your approach and willing to change things up if something isn’t working.

There’s no right or wrong way to homeschool, so trust your instincts and do what feels best for you and your child.

5. You’ll Need to Be Prepared for challenges

Homeschooling is not always easy, and there will be challenges along the way. You might face criticism from family and friends or feel like you’re not doing a good job. However, don’t be discouraged – these challenges are normal, and you can overcome them with perseverance and support.

There is a growing body of evidence that homeschooling can have positive effects on mental health. In fact, it is believed that homeschooled kids are more likely to have higher self-esteem and be less anxious than their peers who attend traditional schools.

Here Are Some Of The Ways That Homeschooling Can Benefit Mental Health:

1. Homeschooling fosters independence and self-motivation.

One of the best things about homeschooling is that it fosters independence and self-motivation. Because homeschooled kids are not bound by the rigid schedules and expectations of traditional schools, they learn to take charge of their own education and motivate themselves to learn. This can be a great boon for mental health, as it teaches kids how to set and achieve goals, a key skill in life.

2. Homeschooling allows for customized learning.

Another benefit of homeschooling is that it allows for customized learning. Because each child is homeschooled individually, the curriculum can be tailored to fit their unique needs and interests. This can make learning more enjoyable and effective, both of which are good for mental health.

3. Homeschooling gives kids more time with family.

Homeschooling also gives kids more time with family. Because they are not in school all day, homeschooled kids have more time to spend with their parents and siblings. This can improve family relationships and provide a support system that is crucial for good mental health.

4. Homeschooling provides a more relaxed learning environment.

Finally, homeschooling provides a more relaxed learning environment. Because there are no classmates or teachers to worry about impressing, homeschooled kids can learn at their own pace and in their own way. This can reduce stress and anxiety, both of which are detrimental to mental health.

In Conclusion

With these things in mind, homeschooling can be a great option for families who are looking for an alternative to traditional schooling. Of course, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re prepared for the challenges that come with homeschooling before you get started. But if you’re up for the challenge, homeschooling can be a very rewarding experience.

Every Library Reports Link Between Low Literacy and Negative Health Outcomes

Low health literacy levels account for hundreds of billions of dollars spent each year on health care that would otherwise be unnecessary, with recent estimates settling around $236 billion. Unfortunately, low health literacy is common, difficult to spot, and negatively impacts health outcomes.
Libraries can be a front-line in the fight against low health literacy. In order to fund and utilize libraries and librarians in realizing health literacy goals, new policies must be created. That is why EveryLibrary Institute has commissioned a report on the effects of Low Health Literacy. The EveryLibrary Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Institute gifts fund our research, data, training, and public education efforts.
Authors Ellen Thieme and Christina Pryor review current issues with understanding and delivering health literacy services and make recommendations for changes to systems for better outcomes.
Why is the report important?
Studies show that a patient’s level of health literacy impacts their ability to:
Carry out their treatment plan
Fill out forms
Find providers and services
Share relevant health history
Understand risk and probability
As a result, those with low or no health literacy are more likely to:
Require emergency care or be hospitalized
Return to the emergency department after 2 weeks
Struggle to manage a chronic illness or disability
Miss needed tests and screenings
Underuse preventive health care
“Nearly 40% of the population suffers from low health literacy rates,” said John Chrastka, Executive Director of EveryLibrary Institute. “Our report shows that this problem frequently goes unnoticed. Now more than ever, our communities need their libraries to provide literacy services that will provide valuable assistance in access to healthcare.”
Libraries are particularly situated in communities and schools to help identify and support people at risk. Thieme and Pryor observe that “dedicated funding to libraries for literacy programs aiming to increase print, information, and health literacies is vital. Within these programs, curricula could be subject-focused – as opposed to the more general education sometimes seen in adult language and literacy initiatives – to most readily target the appropriate literacy in adult learners while respecting the demands of the bandwidth of adult learners.”
How can you access the report?
Policy makers, voters, and interested individuals can access EveryLibrary’s report through their website: https://www.everylibraryinstitute.org/literacy_health_outcomes_report_2022
“This report has taken on a new relevance to our society, because of the ongoing COVID crisis,” said Chrastka. “Access to healthcare means the difference between life and death.”
The EveryLibrary Institute is a national 501c3 non-profit with a mission to support libraries and librarians in the United States and abroad. We partner with allied organizations including foundations, philanthropic organizations, associations, non-profits, and academic institutions to enhance the perception of libraries and librarianship through direct engagement with the public.

NASA Lands in Oakland!

New Partnership with Chabot Space & Science Center Will Create NASA Learning Opportunities in the East Bay

A new partnership between NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley and Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland, California, is now underway. Anchoring the partnership, a new visitor center for Ames will provide an immersive, dynamic STEAM environment called “The NASA Experience,” opening at Chabot in November 2021.

Under the terms of a 5-year Space Act Agreement, the organizations are beginning a long-term collaboration to create accessible STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) community engagement and education opportunities in Oakland and beyond.

“We’ve long collaborated with Chabot for community engagement activities and are delighted to take this next and more formal step to bring a deeper NASA experience into our surrounding communities,” said Eugene Tu, director of Ames. “It’s one of NASA’s founding functions to share our work as widely as possible, and partnering with Chabot will allow us to reach more broadly than we’d ever be able to do with our existing resources and location in the South Bay.”

Under the formal agreement, NASA and Chabot have identified three main areas for immediate collaboration that leverage the strengths of NASA’s research and Chabot’s long-standing programs.

First, The NASA Experience creates an immersive, dynamic, STEAM learning environment that puts the visitor into the role of a NASA researcher. Hands-on STEAM studios highlight the current science at NASA through interactive challenges, models, artifacts, and more. The visitor center brings to life the thrilling, challenging, and inspiring process of scientific discovery by showcasing the real stories and people at NASA’s Ames Research Center.

“We are so excited to share the fascinating science, extraordinary people and groundbreaking research of NASA’s Ames Research Center right here in Oakland,” said Adam Tobin, Executive Director at Chabot Space & Science Center, “Bringing together NASA Ames’ long legacy of innovation and Chabot’s 137-year history in STEM education creates a powerful opportunity to inspire the next generation of future scientists, engineers and astronomers.”

Leading up to the November opening, Chabot and Ames will provide engaging virtual programs hosted on Chabot Space & Science Center’s Facebook and YouTube platforms to offer participants a closer look at NASA’s mission.

Second, the two groups will create an interconnected network of STEAM education experiences throughout the city that deepens Chabot’s existing “Learning Everywhere” initiative. Building on existing connections with Oakland’s schools, libraries, and local organizations, this partnership will create programs that engage learners in current NASA research.

Third, the partnership will create tangible STEAM career pathways by developing explicit connections between NASA’s career opportunities and Chabot’s youth development programs. NASA will provide speakers, fieldtrips, and independent study on the missions and technology associated with work happening at NASA Ames in collaboration with Chabot’s Galaxy Explorers program, first established in 2000.

Chabot Space & Science Center is a non-profit institution, community resource, and hub for interactive STEAM engagement in Oakland. Founded in 1883, Chabot’s mission is to inspire and educate learners of all ages about the universe and planet Earth.

NASA’s Ames Research Center, one of 10 NASA field centers across the country, is located in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley. Since 1939, Ames has led NASA in conducting world-class research and development in aeronautics, exploration technology, and science aligned with the center’s core capabilities.

Link between education, income inequality has existed for a century

Income is inextricably linked to access to education in America and it has been for a century, according to a new study from researchers at Stanford University and Rice University.

“A century of educational inequality in the United States,” published July 27 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, examines the link between education and income dating back to the early the 20th century. The research draws upon a dozen nationally representative datasets on college enrollment and completion between 1908 and 1995 as well as tax data from more recent years. It is one of the first studies to examine this link over such an extended period of time.

Researchers Michelle Jackson from Stanford and Brian Holzman from Rice’s Houston Education Research Consortium, part of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research and School of Social Sciences, found that income and educational inequality moved in lockstep with one another throughout the 20th century. The authors said previous studies of this topic, which haven’t examined data going so far back in time, did not reveal such a strong link.

Their paper detailed how inequality in college enrollment and completion rose in the 1930s and 1940s amid rising income inequality; was low for Americans born in the late 1950s and 1960s, when income inequality was low; and rose again for Americans born in the late 1980s, when income inequality peaked. This U-turn indicates the nation is experiencing levels of collegiate inequality not seen for generations, the authors wrote.

“Long story short, the findings reveal that longstanding worries about income inequality and its relationship to college opportunity are warranted,” Holzman said.

One notable exception was during the Vietnam War. For young people at risk of serving in the war, collegiate inequality was high while income inequality was low. During this period, inequality in college enrollment and completion was significantly higher among men than women, suggesting a bona fide “Vietnam War effect,” according to the paper.

The researchers hope the paper will further demonstrate the systemic nature of the link between income and education and inform future work on increasing educational opportunities, particularly for disadvantaged people.

The paper is online at https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2020/07/21/1907258117 and was funded by the Russell Sage Foundation.

Duolingo Launches Children’s Literacy App #LearnALanguage

duolingo kids

Duolingo Launches Children’s Literacy App, Duolingo ABC
Available on iOS, the Free App Helps Children Ages 3-6 Learn to Read

Duolingo, the company behind the world’s most popular language-learning platform, has announced the launch of Duolingo ABC. Available on iOS, the free English literacy app teaches children ages 3-6 how to read. The app is designed specifically for younger users to enjoy independently, as the company’s goal is to help children have fun while they practice reading and writing.

The app can be downloaded for iOS at: Apps.apple.com/app/duolingo-abc-learn-to-read/id1440502568

“We created Duolingo ABC to tackle the global problem of illiteracy,” said Luis von Ahn, CEO and Co-Founder of Duolingo. “Teaching people how to read and write can change lives. By taking everything we know about how people learn languages, and how to keep learners motivated with gamification, we believe we can make a dent in global literacy rates.”

Developed by learning scientists, the new app includes over 300 fun, bite-sized lessons teaching the alphabet, phonics, and sight words. Duolingo ABC is aligned with Common Core standards and based on recommendations by the National Reading Panel.

Duolingo ABC does not feature ads or in-app purchases and is available on iOS. It can be found in the App Store in the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE LAUNCHES “THE CONVERSATION” TO SUSTAIN ANTIRACIST ENGAGEMENT, COLLABORATION, AND ACTION

“The Conversation” Goes Beyond the Books with Next Steps Toward a More Equitable Future

Penguin Random House today announced the launch of a new website to support families, educators, communities, organizations, and readers who are working to combat racism and end racial inequities in our daily lives. Named “The Conversation,” this website brings together a curated array of resources and programming for readers, including discussion guides, title lists, and special content for all age groups. With a strong focus on family reading and community engagement, The Conversation was designed as a resource to support multiple constituencies, including educators, librarians, booksellers, activists and allies, as well as Penguin Random House employees. The site is designed to be a dynamic resource, and will be updated in real time as authors and allies create and share relevant content.

This organic employee initiative grew out of an internal company brainstorm about how to assist those learning about anti-racism take the next actionable steps. It also reflects discussions held by PRH employees throughout the company, including members of the Penguin Random House Diversity & Inclusion Council.

“In virtual classrooms and virtual conference rooms, and within our company, people are grappling with how to discuss our world, and how to create real and lasting change,” said Jaci Updike, President, Sales, Penguin Random House, U.S. “We want to amplify the work of our authors, engage with readers, listen carefully to what is being asked of us, and share resources that fuel conversation and spark collective action.”

The Conversation includes resources to facilitate dialogue about books by Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, and other iconic writers. It will also provide toolkits, inspired by the works of Ibram X. Kendi and Jennifer L. Eberhardt, for creating anti-racist workplaces. The website will feature books and content from all of Penguin Random House’s publishing divisions, and the company is creating book bundles and materials for independent bookstores to help these businesses with their outreach to local schools and libraries.

A primary focus will be our youngest readers, with toolkits for raising anti-racist children, centering on books by Jacqueline Woodson and Nic Stone, among others. Additionally, a Family Reads initiative will be launched via The Conversation later this fall, which will include family reading guides for the adult and young-reader editions of Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy and Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime, along with video content and other resources to facilitate meaningful family conversations.

“We want to maintain momentum in our communities, and provide resources for our collective journey ahead,” continued Updike. “All of PRH is committed to the ongoing development of The Conversation – to creating new material and responding to current events as close to real-time as we can.”

To participate in The Conversation, visit www.penguinrandomhouse.com/theconversation.

Hand2Mind Moving Creations

Looking to fill your “shelter in place” days with a little more then TV? If you are like me, you are worried about all the school your little one is missing. We are really looking at learning toys and hands on learning, experiments, and anything that lets them learn by doing while they are home with us.

One toy that we have recently tried was the Hand2Mind Moving Creations with K’nex. My youngest son (and husband) love K’nex, and we were excited to try this kit out.

Your kids can learn to apply STEM principles just like an engineer. “Moving Creations from hand2mind, a leading developer of classroom learning tools for over 50 years, is created in partnership with K’NEX®. The step-by-step illustrated guide contains 9 different builds, educational science content, 18 STEM experiments and “Think Bigger” challenges to practice the scientific method. Includes a 98 pg. book with storage box attached.”
(according to Hands2Mind website)

PRODUCT PERKS

STEM building activities teach engineering through play
Walks junior engineers through 9 builds and 18 STEM experiments
Explores the fascinating science of pneumatics (air) & hydraulics (water)
Includes “Think Bigger” challenges to deepen understanding of the scientific method

INCLUDES

  • 98-Page build and experiment guidebook
  • 73 Standard K’NEX pieces
  • 3 Custom pumps with k’nex connectors
  • 3 Tubes
  • 4 Pumps
  • 1 Rocket


PROS

  • Learn STEM just like an engineer

  • Step-by-step illustrated guide contains 9 different builds, educational science content, 18 STEM experiments and “Think Bigger” challenges

  • Explores fascinating science of pneumatics (air) and hydraulics (water)

  • Grades: 2-8

MSRP: $39.99 | Buy It Here