Summer is a time for fun and play. Kids work hard throughout the school year and when July hits, they are ready for a break – just like we are as adults!
Self-directed learning begins at infancy. Babies naturally communicate needs and learn what works to get them met. This continues as toddlers and preschoolers spend their days at play – its own form of self-directed learning. Whether throwing rocks into puddles, catching worms, or pretend-cooking at a toy kitchen, children are experimenting with objects and learning at the same time. They become police officers, garbage truck drivers, nurses, doctors, and teachers, practicing imagination and connecting actions with natural consequences.
Getting kids off their devices and sending them outdoors is something we hear a lot about these days. Experts have been telling us for years that outdoor play is essential for healthy child development. In 2015, the Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health in Canada released this statement: "Access to active play in nature and outdoors – with its risks – is essential for healthy child development. We recommend increasing children's opportunities for self-directed play outdoors in all settings – at home, at school, in child care, the community and nature." In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic really brought to the forefront the physical and psychological benefits of being outdoors.
There are many students who put off work until the last minute. Although their reasons vary, one thing is for sure – procrastinators underestimate the time it will take to complete their work and overestimate how much time is available to do it.
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