Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Location, Location, Location

Last week we were on vacation at Lake Erie, visiting many of the same places we have for the last 33 years, including Cedar Point.  Looking at the list of things we did, it occurred to me that we could have done most of them here at home:

have donuts as many mornings as possible
ride roller coasters (we live near Kings Island, so this is possible at home)
go out to eat one meal every day
visit local shops
just relax and do nothing
read
have ice cream as many evenings as possible

The only things we couldn't have done are lake-specific and not available at home:

go to the beach
go to the lighthouse where we got engaged 30 years ago

But it got me thinking. If we can do most of the vacation things here at home, why do we go so far away to do them?  Why does it not feel like vacation if we get donuts every day unless we are at the lake?

I'm thinking it because location plays a large role in our ability to relax and take a mental break.  Don't get me wrong, donuts at home are great.  Every day would be awesome, especially if they were actually good for me. But it wouldn't be as relaxing as eating them on a picnic table next to the Marblehead Lighthouse.

This need for relocation is probably true for our students as well.  Taking a "brain break" in the middle of class is good.  Taking the break in the hallway is probably better.  Taking a break outside is probably even better.  Changing the routine every once in a while is good.  Including a change of location as part of the change of routine is probably even better.

So, as you're beginning to plan your year, you may want to consider occasionally relocating your class as a nice vacation from the norm.  And if your students offer to bring in donuts as part of the vacation, say yes.

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