Parents, 

Enhance reading, writing and awareness, travel creates that helps students grow in intangible and profitable ways. 

Whenever my family traveled, our small children’s sense of awareness grew. They showed signs of growth in their speech because their vocabulary grew due to the new experiences. They showed signs of growth in their awareness because they talked about what they saw and what they did on the trips indicating that their ability to communicate was more developed. They also showed a greater awareness in their own self-development because they used the things the learned on the trip in their daily lives once they got home. 

We always involved the children in the travel experience. For example, when on road trips, I would assign each child a task. One child would be the DJ and keep the music selections fresh and fun; the other child would be the snack captain and make sure that the driver could manoeuvre the wheel and the snack; and the other child would be the chit-chatter-er who kept the driver awake and entertained. Most times and on most trips, these jobs were handled with pride and perfection; however, sometimes they would sleep through a duty. Understandably, I would let them sleep every now and then because as most siblings do – in confined spaces – they would begin to squawk and fuss with each other about space and other sibling related nonsense. 

As an educator who traveled with my students, I research our destination before we leave and create anticipation for myself and for the students which is part of the pleasure. We learned about local geography, historic sites, the language, foods and restaurants and that we might visit. When we traveled, we kept our eyes open and out the window to collect new images, connect new worlds to old worlds so that we could use it back in my classroom.

Learning more about myself, I discovered new talents and strengths when I ventured into unfamiliar places which built my confidence and courage. I loved to explore new places because I gain knowledge and insights. Coming into contact with other cultures makes me challenge my assumptions and consider different perspectives. I enjoy real-life lessons about history, politics, and art and when I traveled, I think more creatively. I adapt to unexpected situations when I figure out foreign bus schedules and restaurant menus. I make new friends when I sign up for walking tours and chat with strangers at coffee shops. Traveling helps me relieve stress because vacations and business trips give me a break from daily routines. 

Juniors:

As spring break begins, look for opportunities to travel near and far. Trips sharpen the mind and makes life more interesting. Travel allows students to connect their education with the real world, especially when they have learned about their destination in a social studies, science or literature class. 

Seniors: 

Use your travel experiences in your college essays. Explain an interesting experience and how it changed your world view. Explain how that place was impactful to your understanding of the world, your current course load or yourself or a family member. 

Where will you travel this spring break?