Dear Families,

As the academic year draws to a close, we can all feel the buzz of excitement for the summer holidays. It's a time for relaxation, travel, and new adventures. However, as parents of intelligent and successful children, we also recognize the importance of maintaining a connection to learning, even when school is out. This isn't about rigid schedules or formal lessons but about nurturing what we call "learning stamina."

What is Learning Stamina?

Learning stamina is the ability to sustain focus, effort, and engagement in intellectual tasks over time. It's the capacity to remain curious, persevere through challenges, and continuously seek out new knowledge and understanding. Just as physical stamina keeps us active and healthy, learning stamina ensures our children's minds remain agile and ready for the next academic year. The "summer slide," a well-documented phenomenon where students lose some academic ground during long breaks, directly results from a decline in this stamina.

At ACS, our mission is to "create opportunities for compassionate learners to embrace challenges, value perspectives, and become resilient global advocates." This mission extends beyond our school walls and into your homes, especially during the summer. Maintaining learning stamina directly supports our goals of fostering resilience and a lifelong love of learning.

Why is it Important to Maintain Learning Stamina?

• Smooth Transition Back to School: Children who maintain their learning stamina over the summer experience a much smoother transition back to the classroom in the fall. They are less likely to feel overwhelmed by new material and can quickly re-engage with academic routines.

• Deepening Understanding: Summer provides a unique opportunity to explore topics of interest more deeply, without the pressures of a typical school day. This self-directed learning can foster a profound understanding and passion for subjects.

• Cultivating Curiosity and Intrinsic Motivation: When learning is not confined to the classroom, children learn for the joy of it. This builds intrinsic motivation, a key ingredient for lifelong learning and success.

• Developing Resilience and Problem-Solving Skills: Engaging in summer learning challenges, whether building a complex Lego structure or figuring out a new recipe, helps children develop resilience and hone their problem-solving abilities.  

Practical Ideas for Maintaining Learning Stamina This Summer:

We understand you are busy families, and these suggestions are meant to be flexible and easily integrated into your summer plans. The key is to make learning an enjoyable and natural part of your child's break.

1. Embrace Reading as an Adventure:
   
   

   • Family Reading Time: Designate a specific time each day for everyone to read, whether it's independently or by reading aloud together.  

   • Visit Libraries and Bookstores: Explore local libraries and bookstores, allowing your child to choose books that genuinely interest them. Many libraries offer summer reading programs.  

   • Vary Reading Materials: Encourage reading beyond traditional books – think magazines, newspapers, graphic novels, or even recipes and instructions for a new game.

   • Audiobooks: Perfect for long car rides or quiet afternoons, audiobooks can introduce children to new genres and authors.  

2. Turn Everyday Experiences into Learning Opportunities:
   
   

   • Cooking and Baking: Involve your child in the kitchen. Measuring ingredients, following recipes, and understanding fractions are all practical math skills.  

   • Travel and Exploration: Whether you're traveling far or exploring your local area, encourage your child to research destinations, learn about different cultures, or create a travel journal.

   • Gardening: Observing plant growth, understanding ecosystems, and even basic biology can be learned through gardening.  

   • Board Games and Puzzles: Many games enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning.  

3. Encourage Creative Expression and Critical Thinking:
   
   

   • Journaling and Storytelling: Encourage your child to keep a summer journal, write short stories, or even create their own comics.

   • Building and Tinkering: Provide opportunities for open-ended play with building blocks, construction sets, or art supplies. This fosters creativity and spatial reasoning.  

   • Asking "Why?": Encourage your child to ask questions about the world around them and explore the answers together. Model curiosity by asking questions yourself.

   • Debates and Discussions: Engage in friendly discussions about current events, books, or movies, encouraging your child to articulate their opinions and listen to others' perspectives.

4. Leverage Educational Resources (Screen Time with Purpose):
   
   

   • Educational Apps and Websites: There are many high-quality educational apps and websites that offer engaging learning experiences in various subjects. Look for those that are interactive and encourage critical thinking.  

   • Documentaries and Educational Shows: Watch documentaries or educational programs together and discuss what you've learned.

   • Virtual Tours: Many museums and historical sites offer virtual tours, providing a window into different parts of the world and history.  

Remember, the goal is not to replicate school, but to create an environment where learning is continuous, enjoyable, and relevant to your child's interests. By intentionally fostering learning stamina this summer, you are not only preventing the "summer slide" but also cultivating independent, caring, and thoughtful children who are ready to embrace challenges and become resilient global advocates for years to come.

Wishing you and your children a wonderful and enriching summer!

Warmly,

Ms. Michelle Alzamora

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