Family resources to keep learning, growing in tough times
Posted on Aug 27, 2020 in Capitol Connection, Featured
“Never stop learning because life never stops teaching.” — Anonymous
If there were ever a time when all of us needed to keep learning and adapting, it’s now. From school and work routines to Zooming with friends, we’re all on a learning curve unlike anything we’ve faced before. With school schedules disrupted, what can families do to stay positive? What community resources are available to help? And what lessons can COVID-19 teach us about meeting challenges and working together?
The value of learning and teamwork is part of the message of the book, “Rain School,” featured in Mrs. Ige’s Ōlelo series for September. “The students living in a village in Chad had to build their own school so they could learn. They worked together to construct everything from scratch, only to lose it in the rainy season,” explained Mrs. Ige. “But what they learned could never be lost.”
Families looking for learning opportunities beyond the school day can turn to a one-stop website that features fun, creative activities for all ages. The comprehensive, curated list at https://sfca.hawaii.gov/artsed-resources/ was compiled by Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) staff. It includes links to online performances by Hawai‘i arts and culture organizations, activity guides, and virtual tours and performances from around the world. For example, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources has links to its forestry and wildlife division for downloadable activities at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/education/forestry-wildlife/teachers-resources/. To help children learn more about ocean and marine life, go to the state’s Division of Aquatic Resources page at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/education/ to download colorful posters, activity books and even a free app called “Reef Defender.”
“I know these are tough times for families,” said the First Lady. “We want to encourage everyone to stay strong and work together to protect our community. These resources are one way we can stay connected until it’s safer for all of us to venture out.”