Local Teacher’s Summer Lessons Go Viral

June 1, 2018

There won’t be any of that dreaded summer homework for students of Betsy Eggart, a teacher at Lipscomb Elementary School. Instead, she’s offering lessons that are not found in the first grade curriculum — and they are going viral.

Her Facebook post had been shared over 190,000 times by Friday morning, and it was featured online by Good Morning America. She wrote:

“A parent asked me the other day, ‘Are you sending home a packet of work for the summer?’ I paused and felt half-guilty as I replied, ‘No…’”

She continues -

“This is so great, in theory. And maybe one day I’ll put one together. Although, the more I thought, the more I decided that this summer packet should be less addition practice and sight words and more…LIFE.

“So take it or leave it…here’s my “Summer Packet.”

“Teach your child to tie their shoes. Find a fun trick! Watch a video! Give an incentive! Be persistent! Just make sure your child isn’t the one dragging their laces through the bathroom and cafeteria then asking the teacher to tie it.

“Keep bedtime in the routine. It may be a little later and there will be nights that bedtime doesn’t apply. But overall, if we keep our bodies in a routine with sleep, August won’t hit quite so hard.

“Choose a few family members and friends to write a letter to this summer. Ask your child to write in full sentences, ask questions and give details. Writing with a purpose makes it relevant and real for your child. Maybe someone will write them back! Include an envelope with return address and stamp to encourage that!

“Sit at the table and eat together. Really watch your child. Is he sitting on his knees, mouth wide open, food everywhere? This is how he looks in the cafeteria. Work on that.”

Other tips include encouraging kindness, read to your child, put down your phone and rest.

“Squeeze in the fun, but allow the time to rest. Boredom gives way to creativity. Rest renews our bodies and our minds for all the next school year has in store,” she said.

Comments

6 Responses to “Local Teacher’s Summer Lessons Go Viral”

  1. Mark on June 2nd, 2018 2:56 pm

    OMG! A teacher with common sense! Thank you Betsy!! Where were you when “I” was in school? (I know, not even born yet! )

  2. Karen Mattox on June 1st, 2018 3:42 pm

    Way to go Betsy! You are a great teacher! Students are so
    lucky to have you!!

  3. ELW on June 1st, 2018 3:09 pm

    Sounds as if she has been looking at her students and thinking of ways to improve their lives. If only the parents will take her advice to heart. Lets wait and see what her comments are at the end of summer and the beginning of her classes next school year.

  4. Grand Locust on June 1st, 2018 2:51 pm

    Great advice!

  5. Pam Baxter on June 1st, 2018 12:11 pm

    We should all take a minute to read this and more important take it to heart.
    It would improve any child’s life.

  6. Dee Wolfe-Sullivan on June 1st, 2018 11:30 am

    Parents, thank this teacher. She has given some great advice.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News