TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FIRST DAY OF CLASS Back to School With summer break tragically ending (as it does, sadly, every year), it is time to get back in the groove and prepare for the new school year. If you want to help your kids get over the first-day jitters and start out strong, employ these tips to make their first day back at class so successful that others will want to study it. GETTING A HEAD START According to research by the Center for Economic Security and Opportunity, students lose as much as 25%–30% of the knowledge they accumulated the previous school year over summer break. Reading and math skills are particularly affected and see the highest regression rate. And the higher the grade level, the more students are likely to forget. The best way to combat this summer slump is to keep learning. Reading books and practicing arithmetic at least three times a week will help kids maintain what they have previously worked so hard to learn. SHOPPING SPREE Students also want to come to school prepared! Shopping for school supplies is a great way to get everything they need for the year ahead, including a
snazzy new outfit for the first day, notebooks, organizers, and favorite brands of pens and pencils. It’s also important to write names in notebooks to make them easier to identify if they end up in the lost and found! MENTAL MAP No one likes getting lost. Whether returning to the same school as last year or heading into a new environment, finding one’s way can be daunting. If your kids arrive at school early, they can figure out where each class is and plot a path beforehand. Getting a feel for where they need to go throughout the day can be a great way to help them feel more prepared and comfortable. Many schools also have physical maps, which can be a great resource to store in a backpack if they ever feel lost.
‘Pastoral Song’ Offers a Critical Look at Agriculture
Having just finished reading James Rebanks’ “Pastoral Song,” I thought I would share some of my thoughts on this remarkable book. As a reader, I was drawn into Rebanks’ world, experiencing the
to abandon their ancestral lands to the environmental impact of industrial farming techniques, the author paints a sobering picture of an industry in crisis. However, he also offers hope by showcasing innovative approaches and a growing movement toward more sustainable and ethical farming practices. Perhaps the most poignant aspect of Rebanks’ book is his exploration of the profound connection between farmers and the land they cultivate. He describes with great sensitivity how this relationship shapes not only individual identities but entire communities and cultures. The author’s own deep love for his family’s farm and the surrounding landscape shines through on every page, reminding readers of the importance of maintaining our ties to the natural world. I think that “Pastoral Song” is a must-read for anyone interested in agriculture, environmental issues, or simply beautiful nature writing. James Rebanks has crafted a memorable and important work that serves as both a celebration of farming heritage and a call to action for a more sustainable future. As I reflect on this captivating read, I’m left with a deeper understanding of the complexities of modern farming and a renewed respect for those who dedicate their lives to working the land.
beauty and challenges of traditional farming in the English Lake District through his eloquent prose. This memoir is not just a personal account; it’s a universal tale that touches on themes of sustainability, cultural heritage, and the evolving face of agriculture in our modern world. One of the most striking aspects of Rebanks’ book is his passionate defense of traditional farming methods. He argues convincingly that these time-honored practices are not only essential for maintaining the unique landscape of places like the Lake District but also play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and ecological balance. Rebanks demonstrates how the intimate knowledge passed down through generations of farmers has created a sustainable system that works in harmony with nature rather than against it.
Throughout “Pastoral Song,” Rebanks sheds light on the numerous challenges facing farmers in today’s world. From economic pressures that force many
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WORKERS’ COMPENSATION AND PERSONAL INJURY
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