Educational opportunities?

[lanejudy]

I don't think there is any doubt a cruise -- or other vacation -- can be educational and a fun learning opportunity. There are a lot of creative ways to learn and to apply school lessons to real life, as well as supplementing the school curriculum with real life learning and experiences that can't be replicated in the classroom.

OP indicated a desire to avoid make-up work. I think a year of make-up work at the 2nd grade level for 6 missed days is an exaggeration. But the best way to avoid make-up work is to chat with the teachers ahead of time and be receptive to their suggestions. Find out what lessons will be covered during the missed days and will the class be starting any new units during that time. Going into vacation being aware of what will be missed can be a big preventive to falling behind. It requires the parent to communicate with the teacher and present a willingness to help the child keep up. Completely avoiding make-up work may not be the best approach, but a lot of basic 2nd grade classroom learning can be applied in real life.

Keeping up with basic math facts (addition and subtraction) for a 2nd grader might be as simple as having her calculate times or money (both units often covered in 2nd grade):

• Dinner is at 5:45pm and the show starts at 8:30pm -- how much time between dinner and the show?
• We need to meet for our excursion at 9:15am and it takes us 10 minutes to walk to the meeting place, what time do we need to leave the stateroom?
• Plan money for room service tips or porters/drivers/etc. -- have the child use not just bills but count some change as well. This can be done before the cruise and placed into envelopes, or on the cruise when ordering room service.
• Child is given a budget of $50 spending money; she buys a stuffed animal for $25 and a t-shirt for $15; how much money is left to spend?
• Before the cruise have the child calculate the number of luggage tags DCL will send (2 per passenger). Further count how many are needed by the family. Are there extra left-over or how many will you need to get more at the port?
• You put 6 shrimp on a plate at the buffet; if you share 2 shrimp with daddy, how many are left for you to eat?

As others have pointed out, reading about the ports of call will expand knowledge of geography and cultures as well as work on reading skills.

Math and reading are the easiest "generally" to cover without worksheets. But depending on what other units the class is learning, there may be opportunities to work science or social studies topics into the cruise and vacation.

Enjoy your cruise and helping your daughter learn!

 

[Hundredacre]

My second grader will be missing 6 days of school for our eastern Caribbean cruise in May. I want to come up with a list of educational experiences that could replace some of her schoolwork. So far, I have Kennedy Space Center and the butterfly garden (they did life cycle of the butterfly this year). I know this is a great experience for her. I am not really worried about what she misses, but I don't want to spend the rest of the year on makeup work.
Any ideas to pitch to the teacher? Tia

People get all worked up about kids missing a week or two of school. Curriculum. ..blah blah blah. I just remind myself that people like walt disney did not even go to college. He didnt even finish high school. My husband and I both have advanced degrees (my husband has multiple) and our children do incredibly well in school, but I do not hesitate to take them out for other things, especially vacations. At the young years, frankly, most of what the kids do is busy work. All kids need to come away with up until about fifth grade is the ability to read and basic math. They do not even need computers. School districts waste ridiculous amounts of money on these lightboards and projectors, etc. They make things so needlessly complicated now. Anyway, that's another topic. The only issue you may have is if the school district tries to bully you into skipping your vacation. Remember it is your kid, not theirs.

 

[Floridatinaherb]

That is a lot of work. We use to take our kids out (1 week max) until they reached 4th grade. After that I decided it wasn't a vacation if we had to worry about getting work done or doubling up once we are back. Now we only go during breaks.

Our last during the school year trip was when my son was about the same grade. My DD was fine with doing her homework (she is a self starter), my DS on the other hand does not like school at all. It was that trip that decided our future cruise dates will only be when the kids are out of school or they will only miss one or 2 days. I spent most of that cruise explaining to my MIL that this was not homework it was the schoolwork he was missing (her plan to travel in September) and struggling with DS to get the work done (tried to do only on hour of school work each day). I didn't feel like I was able to relax during that whole trip

 

[dcassetta]

There are many opportunities for interactions with CMs from other countries. Perhaps make an autograph book and ask CMs to sign and include words for "hello" and "thank you".

I second the recommendation about the rays experience at Castaway Cay.

 

[Kimberly9701]

Some of you are making me feel guilty about our Cozumel excursion...lol. Maybe I should just allow us to have a 'beach day', which I know he would love, I just can't imagine doing so while in another country.

 

[turtle27]

OK, second grade. Not sure about what kids are learning about now. How about doing a map of where you will be going. Do distances, convert knots into miles, etc. for some math. Then, reading/writing, try finding some children's books about where you are visiting. Take them to the teacher, to see if your child can do a book report (did we do these in second grade?) or some equivalent. Pick a famous person in history (not a pop star, an actual significant historical figure) for each city/country and do the same. I don't really remember having science in 2nd grade. If they do, surely at a beach or just on the ship, noticing the wildlife and the different flora/fauna in the different countries. Culture, do something that is unique to the country. In Cozumel (if no sea sickness exists in your party) head to Tulum ruins. You could also do the ruins on the island, but they are not nearly as big.

As someone whose parents did let me take off school for travel, I learned way more from travel than I ever did in a classroom (Ok, not math, and I love math). The experiences, different life styles, etc cannot be compared with what is classroom learning. Not the teachers fault, they now have to teach to tests. Just having done the Panama Canal cruise, I can only imagine the teaching moments in that cruise. Granted, the Caribbean is not quite Panama Canal, there are still many learning opportunities. Yes, it is a bit more work, but still just, if not more, valuable.

 

[Kimberly9701]

OK, second grade. Not sure about what kids are learning about now. How about doing a map of where you will be going. Do distances, convert knots into miles, etc. for some math. Then, reading/writing, try finding some children's books about where you are visiting. Take them to the teacher, to see if your child can do a book report (did we do these in second grade?) or some equivalent. Pick a famous person in history (not a pop star, an actual significant historical figure) for each city/country and do the same. I don't really remember having science in 2nd grade. If they do, surely at a beach or just on the ship, noticing the wildlife and the different flora/fauna in the different countries. Culture, do something that is unique to the country. In Cozumel (if no sea sickness exists in your party) head to Tulum ruins. You could also do the ruins on the island, but they are not nearly as big.

As someone whose parents did let me take off school for travel, I learned way more from travel than I ever did in a classroom (Ok, not math, and I love math). The experiences, different life styles, etc cannot be compared with what is classroom learning. Not the teachers fault, they now have to teach to tests. Just having done the Panama Canal cruise, I can only imagine the teaching moments in that cruise. Granted, the Caribbean is not quite Panama Canal, there are still many learning opportunities. Yes, it is a bit more work, but still just, if not more, valuable.

Science class starts at age 3 (preschool) now.. but anyway....

I'm in love with your post

Everything you mentioned is not a bore to a child, or you. It's interesting, fun, and educational for all! We are doing the Tulum ruins in Cozumel, would my son pick the beach break if he had the choice? Probably. Nothing wrong with people choosing a beach break, but we already go to the beach enough, and CC will be our 'beach day'.. I think the experience of the ruins are what will stick with him over time, and benefit him all thru his life, in so many aspects. I'm not at all downplaying schoolwork/homework..but travel is the best opportunity to take the classroom outside..and they don't even realize that they are in one

 

[Mrslissaaa]

OK, second grade. Not sure about what kids are learning about now. How about doing a map of where you will be going. Do distances, convert knots into miles, etc. for some math. Then, reading/writing, try finding some children's books about where you are visiting. Take them to the teacher, to see if your child can do a book report (did we do these in second grade?) or some equivalent. Pick a famous person in history (not a pop star, an actual significant historical figure) for each city/country and do the same. I don't really remember having science in 2nd grade. If they do, surely at a beach or just on the ship, noticing the wildlife and the different flora/fauna in the different countries. Culture, do something that is unique to the country. In Cozumel (if no sea sickness exists in your party) head to Tulum ruins. You could also do the ruins on the island, but they are not nearly as big.

As someone whose parents did let me take off school for travel, I learned way more from travel than I ever did in a classroom (Ok, not math, and I love math). The experiences, different life styles, etc cannot be compared with what is classroom learning. Not the teachers fault, they now have to teach to tests. Just having done the Panama Canal cruise, I can only imagine the teaching moments in that cruise. Granted, the Caribbean is not quite Panama Canal, there are still many learning opportunities. Yes, it is a bit more work, but still just, if not more, valuable.

He could do a "Flat Stanly" type of project.

 

[Crumpets]

My second grader will be missing 6 days of school for our eastern Caribbean cruise in May. I want to come up with a list of educational experiences that could replace some of her schoolwork. So far, I have Kennedy Space Center and the butterfly garden (they did life cycle of the butterfly this year). I know this is a great experience for her. I am not really worried about what she misses, but I don't want to spend the rest of the year on makeup work.
Any ideas to pitch to the teacher? Tia

I am following this thread as my daughter starts Kindergarten this year and we have several vacations planned throughout the year. She will be going to a Private school and wondering if the expectations are a little different between Private and Public schools? I was assured by the faculty that vacations are fine and they encourage family time, exposure to different cultures etc and that very little, if any make up work would be given. I am a true believer that there is so much pressure on young children these days and we do not give them an opportunity to learn through play and day to day happenings.

 

[bcwife76]

I'm always entertained by the varied opinions of people on the Disboards about education. For a second grader the focus should be on reading and math so bring enough reading materials for her to read for 20 - 30 minutes most days. Its a good way to wind down at bedtime. Math worksheets are extremely important because repetition is the only way to master and internalize basic math facts but worksheets are a bummer on a busy vacation. If she has good math skills then just ask for the make up work when you get home. Most second graders should only have 20 - 30 minutes of homework per night. It shouldn't be a big deal to add some make up work to that. If you approach it with a 'no big deal' attitude, she probably will too.

I abhor journals as school work on vacation. Nothing spoils a kid's vacation faster than having to write about it and nothing spoils my vacation more than having to make my kid write about it. Just take advantage of what the Caribbean has to offer. Read up on the history of the ports together before you go. If you have to do a journal, prep it beforehand with expectations and then just add a few sentences each day while you're on the trip. Keep it simple and enjoy the trip.

Agree 100%. We are pulling our kids out near the end of May to go to Maui for a week (they are only missing 4 days of school due to the Victoria Day holiday and a Professional development day at school). Our oldest is in grade 2 - we will take books so she can read 20+ minutes a night before bed; we will take the spelling words for the weekly test she will miss so she can do that and we will bring math drills as well (something to pass the time on the plane there and back as well as educational!). For our Kindergartener I'm assuming her teacher will just want us to keep up with her current list of sight words and do some nightly reading with her. The journals are laborious and annoying! But if either of them want that I'm sure we can do a few sentences each day. With only a month left (when our kids get back) in the school year I can't think either teacher is going to require too much.

 

[Kimberly9701]

I am following this thread as my daughter starts Kindergarten this year and we have several vacations planned throughout the year. She will be going to a Private school and wondering if the expectations are a little different between Private and Public schools? I was assured by the faculty that vacations are fine and they encourage family time, exposure to different cultures etc and that very little, if any make up work would be given. I am a true believer that there is so much pressure on young children these days and we do not give them an opportunity to learn through play and day to day happenings.

My son goes to a private school. But I think mine was, in part, because I took him out the within the first 3 weeks of school (Kindergarten). He still has a lot of homework now, but teacher may have had class work that she could have given us if later in the year.

I don't know, but I'll find out in November when he's in first grade.

Edit- I just looked back at the dates..he was only in school for 8 classroom days before we left

 

[Csstingray]

My kids (5 and 8) kept journals during our 5 day cruise last fall. My kindergartener just drew a picture of what we did each day, while my second grader wrote a paragraph or two. Some things he included were facts about the ship (lots of interesting and educational tidbits in the Navigators each day), getting to see the coast of Cuba, what we saw while snorkeling, and a whole page about stingrays (we went to stingray city). I also looked up some simple and interesting facts (population, climate, capital city, native plants and animals) about the countries we visited (Caymans and Bahamas). I wrote the questions, and had my son fill in the answers from my notes.

Our school gives families the opportunity for an educational enrichment experience--exemption from absence. We still made up work that was missed, but by doing the journals, the days missed were not counted as absences. I did plan this trip around our fall break, so they only missed two school days. I still had them journal the entire trip, and the journals turned out so cute that they will be great keepsakes! There's nothing like reviewing your vacation through the eyes of your children!

 

[bumbershoot]

My second grader will be missing 6 days of school for our eastern Caribbean cruise in May. I want to come up with a list of educational experiences that could replace some of her schoolwork. So far, I have Kennedy Space Center and the butterfly garden (they did life cycle of the butterfly this year). I know this is a great experience for her. I am not really worried about what she misses, but I don't want to spend the rest of the year on makeup work.
Any ideas to pitch to the teacher? Tia

In all likelihood, without focusing on teaching, she's going to learn things and she'll be just fine going back.

The teacher either will make up a packet for her or she won't. Find out which one it is. I assume she has textbooks and you have access to them, so perhaps you can figure out which subjects they might be covering while you're gone and can go over it?

Any homeschooler can tell you that the actual *learning* time of education is short short short. What takes up hours of a day is *teaching multiple children* and moving them around etc etc. 6 days of 2nd grade work (which is, from what I've seen, 4th grade level from what I was in school, which is a whole different issue that boggles my mind every time I think about it) isn't going to take that much time to learn.

Long story short, this isn't something I would worry about AT ALL.

My son, due to a cold he had, some dance schedule stuff, a trip, and now I'm sick, hasn't sat down and done his learning work in nearly a month. I have NO worries. I have already noticed that he's reading words I've never taught him, he's just learning them and pronouncing them. I'm sure his math will be up to speed when we get back to it. etc. And he's 11 doing 6th grade level.

2nd grade? Just ENJOY.

 

[Scherzermk]

Wow! I can't believe all the responses. First of all, I need to clarify a few things. I value education. I think that looking for learning opportunties while on vacation is a testament to that. My dd reads at a 5th grade level and has completed all second grade math already. I do not feel that writing words that rhyme with "at" 10 times is such a great learning experience. I had no idea "replace" was such a sensitive word. also, we will only have 6 days of school left when we return so that's why I said rest of the year to complete make up work.

I do love the flat Stanley idea. I am also interested in the colonial life experiences in tortola. Thanks so much!

We have some great journal pages preprinted for each day so dd can write her favorite things. I love watching how her writing has changed over the years - whether it counts as school work or not.

I realize that very soon we will be not able to miss any school because some subjects are just too hard to catch up. Until that time, I love my time exploring with my family.

 

[cdoc29]

Learning can, and should, be fun. But a school day is a complete program. It's unrealistic to assume vacation experiences would REPLACE a student's regular educational program. As I said above, vacations are an important supplement that should be supported, but it's unfair to think you can replace it. That's why it's important to work WITH the school not try to "get out of" things.

Would you just take a daily vitamin and not eat? No, you take that in addition to your healthy diet to optimize how you feel.

I am not going to argue the merits of whether it is appropriate to take a child out of school, that is up to each parent. There will always be two sides on this issue and any argument one side makes the other can counter. I doubt you will convince anyone who feels it is OK to take their child out of school. Just like I doubt you will never be convinced by someone who says it is OK.

I am merely trying to give some suggestions since no one seemed to be answering the question the poster was asking.

 

[TestingH2O]

I am not going to argue the merits of whether it is appropriate to take a child out of school, that is up to each parent. There will always be two sides on this issue and any argument one side makes the other can counter. I doubt you will convince anyone who feels it is OK to take their child out of school. Just like I doubt you will never be convinced by someone who says it is OK.

I am merely trying to give some suggestions since no one seemed to be answering the question the poster was asking.

Let's review. I said vacation is important. I said it is valuable. I NEVER said people shouldn't take kids out of school. I said they should PARTNER with their school to discuss the best way to ensure the student doesn't fall behind.

I disagree with the suggestion that a Disney cruise REPLACES school and a full academic program. It supplements it. OP came back and clarified his/her intention.

I'd appreciate you actually reading what posters write before accusing them of things.

 

[cdoc29]

Let's review. I said vacation is important. I said it is valuable. I NEVER said people shouldn't take kids out of school. I said they should PARTNER with their school to discuss the best way to ensure the student doesn't fall behind.

I disagree with the suggestion that a Disney cruise REPLACES school and a full academic program. It supplements it. OP came back and clarified his/her intention.

I'd appreciate you actually reading what posters write before accusing them of things.

What was the accusation? You are the one who responded to my post when I was just trying to help the OP. YOU are the one who started this conversation, I was just trying to help the OP by answering their question instead of questioning their motives. It is posts such as your yours that sometimes make this board annoying to participate in

 

[TestingH2O]

I doubt you will convince anyone who feels it is OK to take their child out of school. Just like I doubt you will never be convinced by someone who says it is OK.

No one brought up the idea of changing anyone's mind but you. Everyone else was just trying to be provide support and suggestions to the OP. Sorry alternative suggestions and ideas based on personal experiences aren't enjoyable for you.

 

[cdoc29]

No one brought up the idea of changing anyone's mind but you. Everyone else was just trying to be provide support and suggestions to the OP. Sorry alternative suggestions and ideas based on personal experiences aren't enjoyable for you.

Yes you were trying to change people’s minds otherwise why did respond to my post in the first place? You wanted your opinion to be right but in the end it is just that, your opinion.

 

[TestingH2O]

Yes you were trying to change people’s minds otherwise why did respond to my post in the first place? You wanted your opinion to be right but in the end it is just that, your opinion.

I'm sorry that you feel that way. Alas, I am not guilty of being anti vacation or of needing to convince anyone of anything. But, you are more than welcome to tell yourself what you need to.