Dr. Kathy
Director of Education, Maggie’s Earth Adventures
One could say the perfect pastie inspired my trip to learn more about my Cornish heritage, it is what connected me to the idea of learning more about my family tree. This concept reminded me of what I heard over and over again at the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), “if it matters then there will be retention.” Not just children, but all of us become more engaged and learn more when we draw a personal connection. What this means to us is that we must try and
personally connect our children to every science lesson. Stop. I mean EVERY lesson. The content of this week’s WAP is ideally suited to helping your students question how ideas could impact their own personal lives. The jet stream, an Alberta Clipper, etc. may seem far away from us, but consider how these streams in the sky or ocean impact our chance for a white Christmas, a sunny day at the ball park, or an awesome swell for a great day of surfing. Help our children, self absorbed by nature of course, make meaningful connections between what is being taught to them and how it affects their lives and you are guaranteed increased attention and retention. Try adapting this technique to your next lesson plan and let us know if you enjoyed greater results. And finally, if you have the perfect pastie recipe, please share that with our community as well!
Have a great week!
Dr. Kathy
