When the summer comes it comes with long sunny(?) days to catch up on your reading, educational blog posts and revision courses.
Not always.
For me it is time to pick up my brushes and pencils and head out.
I have always sketched, not often, but whether I was bored in a meeting or squinting into the sun I invariably had a pen in hand. Now I plan time to draw and paint. I take classes - weekend intense oil courses, weekly life-drawing, 20 mins a day online sessions.
I believe every teacher should try something that doesn’t come easily to them. It is all too simple for English teachers to forget that not everyone enjoys reading books, or can read a poem once and see what it is about, or can synthesise information from a number of texts in an essay. It is humbling to be taught something and to see your own skills grow as you do. It reminds you that skills can be learnt and honed with practice; and that sometimes you need more time and different learning styles and prompts to ‘get’ something.
So, here I stand in front of my easel, often chewing the wrong end of my brush, staring (crossly) at a canvas that is refusing to look like the image I have in my head. Thank goodness for my really patient teacher, Nick Archer. He is effortlessly good at this art stuff - look him up in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and you will see what I mean. Summer Exhibition 2024 | Exhibition | Royal Academy of Arts
Lifelong learning is something that we all try to instil in our students. The benefits are well documented, and here are the 4 I consider to be the most important:
Self-Motivation - being a lifelong learner allows you to explore new interests and skills meaning you can stay motivated and energised - and be a much more interesting person at the party.
Recognition of Personal Interests and Goals - now I am not saying that schools will pigeonhole you, but any institution can force you into something that you have no interest in whatsoever. Personal autonomy allows you to pursue those topics that you truly care about. So go ahead and learn Mongolian, you never know when it will come in useful. Амжилт хүсье. All joking aside, anyone who can cook a banging Sunday roast will make the most friends in Freshers Week.
Transferable Skills - being a lifelong learner will see you developing your adaptability, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities - all soft skills that universities and employers ask for. Totally invaluable.
Self-Confidence - as you grow in knowledge and skills your confidence grows and this will impact every part of your life.
Check out my work here - Sophie Welsh (@swelsh28) • Instagram photos and videos
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Discover how The Langlit Studio can support your child's specific needs to help them master the skills required to ace their exams - English Language and Literature. Schedule a free 20-minute consultation to discuss how Sophie Welsh can put her brushes down and help your child excel in their academic journey.
Contact: thelanglitstudio@gmail.com