Guess what they did last summer

STUDENTS learn to read numbers by jumping hoops.

If there is something every teacher looks forward to, it is the long summer vacation. No books, no kids, no pressure!

Until one begins to think of students who need remediation. That is definitely more important than a long break away from anything associated with school.

On the last day of the school year 2014-15, parents and students were informed of the program “I Can Reach the Universe.” The theme was appropriate as the program aimed to promote the idea of going beyond expectations and aiming for boundless possibilities.

But frankly, it was not easy to ask teachers to “willingly” spend at least a week in school to help the kids, especially with the punishing temperatures of the countryÕs dry season.

With the careful preparations made by school coordinators and administrators, the goal of turning the hot days of summer into happy, fun times with teachers worked beautifully for the children.

The idea of “camping” immediately gained ground as facilitators devised effective teaching strategies to keep the kids glued to reading without their noticing it.

A student matches words with numbers.

Different outdoor activities like running, jumping, digging and even getting wet were surefire hits with the children who chased letters, solved spelling puzzles, matched words with pictures and connected to stories that served as springboard for activities to improve their reading skills.

It was heartwarming to hear the parents express their gratitude to the teachers for their enthusiasm and dedication to help the children even if it meant a shorter vacation time.

Of course, the feeling was mutual as the teachers also appreciated the support of the parents for the program.

As in many other projects, people showed cooperation and generosity without much prodding. Parents showed their support by donating food and giveaways for both teachers and students. Some local government officials donated cash that was spent on instructional materials.

The practice of letting kids play while they learn during the long school break should be adopted by schools and families. It does not only cultivate the love for learning things during vacation time but it also minimizes the problem of studentsÕ learning going on a slump when kids are away from school.

Wouldn’t it be great if, every year, children (teachers, too) can look forward to the long vacation because it means they can go to a fun camp in school?

The writer, an Inquirer in Education partner teacher, is the district reading coordinator for Manila and is a master teacher at Jacinto Zamora Elementary School in Pandacan.