in the Great Outdoors
Family adventures are a great way to grow closer and develop meaningful connections. But with lodging prices rising and the logistical nightmare that traveling with the entire family can be, many Americans are looking at a new option: ditching the beaches and resorts and heading to the great outdoors. Actually, we know this option isn’t new at all. Spending time outdoors with family may very well be one of the most time-honored traditions ever. CAMPING Lodgings and flights are expensive, so going on a family vacation can cost thousands of dollars — and that’s just for the basics! But camping only requires a tent, a fire, picnic food, and water. Rather than scarfing down fast food between flights and dealing with airport security, departure delays, and long flights, take a deep breath and roast marshmallows over the fire with the people you love. HIKING A hike with family is an easy way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. All a hike requires is a trail and a sense of adventure. The best part of hiking is that you can tailor the distance to fit your family’s needs. If you have children or grandkids who aren’t
Any disappointing trends in education you’ve seen? Inequality of school districts. The spending per student is vastly different in low-income neighborhoods versus more affluent areas. The technology and after-school programs for affluent areas are much better. As dollars per student increase, more programs get funded: arts, technology, field trips, and after-school programs. I’d like to see lower-income areas gain more dollar-per-student spending to take advantage of the benefits. Tell us more about the educational trends you see. Guided groups based on ability levels. I see more independent study efforts. We use inquiry-based learning models as well as tailored learning. One big trend I’ve seen is student involvement in world events and politics. The students believe in informed action with topics like climate change. The kids in my classroom wrote letters to public officials such as Scott Pruitt and the President. They believe in a more informed electorate. Mr. Alajoki, thanks so much for all that you do for kids in the classroom! up for the challenge of an arduous daylong trek, there’s sure to be a shorter scenic trail. If nothing else, you can always turn around and backtrack the way you came. FISHING Fishing is a great way to get out and do something relaxing yet challenging. It doesn’t require a lot of skill or investment. All it takes is the willingness to learn and the desire to connect with nature. This is why fishing is the perfect activity for youngsters of all ages. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your rod and reel and head to the nearest lake or river. While these are all great stand-alone options, together they form an amazing three-headed monster for your next family outing. By combining camping with a hike to a river or lake where you can go fishing, you are sure to create lasting memories with your family that will draw you closer together. Ditch the lines at the airport and the stress of travel. Unleash the possibilities of adventure in the great outdoors.
How One Educator Molds Young Minds and Fosters Hope for the Future
May 8 is Teacher Appreciation Day, so we thought we’d get a head start by paying tribute to one of our incredible educators, Rob Alajoki. Mr. Alajoki teaches history at Westchester Middle School in Illinois. He found his calling while working at Memorial Park District giving archery lessons and taking youths on field trips. “I always had a knack with kids, and I loved social studies and history.” He shares with us what he loves about his students, his job, and what he hopes to see in the future of education. What do you like most about teaching? I like seeing kids connect with a new concept. I like when they learn something new. It’s fun to get involved with the kids. What is your biggest challenge as a teacher? The wide range of ability levels between kids in the classroom. Some of the kids I teach are advanced, 3–4 levels above other kids. And on the flip side, some of the kids I teach are behind a few grade levels. My challenge is finding a lesson plan to fit all the students. What is your favorite technology in the classroom? 1:1 Chromebooks and Google Classroom. These tools fit our class well, as we are 90 percent paperless.
2 www.mathcelebrity.com
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