School Vacation Ideas

When you think vacation you often think of resorts or tropical getaways, crisp, cool mountains or perhaps a scenic lighthouse in some obscure cove. And chances are you’re thinking about summer, because that’s when most people take vacations. The main reason for that, is that parents don’t want to take their kids out of school. However, learning is a 24/7 activity and sometimes the best lessons don’t take place in a classroom.

If your kids are going to miss any school time, it’s best to check with their school and their teacher so it can be coordinated, and lessons and tests made up. There may even be some extra credit if your kids can pass on what they learned to their classmates in the form of a presentation or report.

When coming up with ideas for vacation, try to take the child’s interests into account. Maybe it’s dinosaurs or Greek history or astronomy. Find what they like and let them explore it. Many children (and a few adults) have limited attention spans, so look for interactive activities and presentations. A dusty old museum with a curator that looks like he should be a part of it, isn’t for everyone.

You’ll also want to decide how far you’ll go and plan accordingly. A three-day outing to the nearest large city is quite different from a cross-country adventure. Make a plan, but also consider alternatives if the first option doesn’t work out.

The world can be your classroom. There are lots of great places out there, and so many things to learn. Here are a few ideas to help you get started. Enjoy!