“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” — Saint Augustine
We can teach kids about the earth and the sky in textbooks, or they can experience it hiking in the woods or climbing a mountain.
We can explain laws and political history, or they can walk the steps of our founding fathers, hear the liberty bell and sit on a judge’s bench.
We can read and teach kids to point on a map to rivers, oceans and mountains, or they can walk on it, touch it, and smell it.
Back in 2009 the U.S. Department of Education confirmed that traveling makes children smarter. The study ran test data on over 21,000 children entering first grade measuring their test scores. They found that children who had traveled over their summer break did better on their test scores in reading, math and general knowledge.
I am an avid traveler. When I had kids I couldn’t wait to take them, well, everywhere!
Need ideas? Here’s a checklist that will take you to one new place each month in your own community!
- National park
- Art museum
- Ocean, lake or river (large body of water… hint, hint)
- Community festival
- State park
- Free concert
- Local farm visit
- Science museum and/or planetarium
- Zoo/aquarium or animal rehab center
- Historical home/building/museum
- Your state capital
- Farmers Market in a neighboring community
Traveling (near or far) opens our minds to learning. It resets us. Energizes us!
Do you have ideas to add to this list? Please comment!
