Editor’s Note: The following letters were written as part of Ms. Krystal Ash-Cuthbert’s class project at Wentworth Intermediate School in Scarborough.

Hands-on learning a better approach

Have you ever seen a child tired and worn out after school? Well, that can change with hands-on learning. Research shows an amazing enhancement in reading skills with hands-on learning. Adolescents are motivated and want to work harder when they can use their hands in class. Scores on tests are elevated and pupils grow to be more successful adults. I know it might cost too much, but kids improve on academics and are having a good time doing it. All kids in the United States should do hands-on learning. I think every month kids should learn something new with new hands-on materials.

When children do hands-on learning it makes learning more understandable and engaging. Students will wake up in the morning feeling prepared to go to school. All the bored faces will turn into bright smiles. Kids will be more positive and active in their learning. Pupils will be like a sponge because they absorb information. Every adolescent should feel a pleasure walking into their classroom.

Working in a hands-on unit makes children feel just as good as everyone else in their class. When a student can show their created task, it makes them feel less stressed about homework. Cheating is not a problem because they feel confident on their assignment and don’t worry about anyone else. The quitters are gone, hands-on learning is so enjoyable, and students’ effort is improved. Not only are the kids happy, but the teacher is, too.

More excited students means more active learners, versus bumps on a log. When a whole class is present and working together, all the same information will be taught. Paying attention is solved with hands-on learning. When students pay attention, their teacher will appreciate being with the students. The more enthusiastic kids are in learning, the more successful they will be in life.

I think hands-on learning is a tremendous change for our school to make. When something is interesting and fun, it makes a big difference in the school’s environment. Something new and intriguing is very delightful to children. That is why I think hands-on learning is so important. I hope you consider my reasons for hands-on learning. If so, contact your local legislators.

Amelia Ingream

Scarborough

Study hall would decrease stress

All students should have study hall every single day to complete long-term assignments and homework. Kids can get correct help quickly with no stress. Imagine more free time at home for reading, playing and exercising. There would also be so much stress reduction.

If everyone had study hall, we could get help faster. That help would also be correct. It could benefit everyone. The teacher could fix a mistake in the answer key, or a question could benefit everyone if they didn’t know they were doing their work wrong. It would lead to more questions, meaning fewer mistakes and better grades. It would also create fewer questions for parents, causing less stress for everyone.

Study hall could easily lead to less stress/anxiety at home. There would be less homework to worry about. That means more well-being and a healthier stress-free mind. This could also mean the same thing for adults, with a smaller number of unknown questions. Stress reduction could also lead to more relaxed free time.

More free time is another extremely possible effect of study hall. If students could get all of their homework done, then they could have more unreserved time at home. That could mean more reading or exercise, which would lead to a healthier mind and/or body. It could also mean more time with family. Free time is also very important to kids.

Not having study hall is arguably one of the biggest mistakes a school can make. It can improve grades, create well-being and, in the long run, make kids happier. In a nutshell, it’s a super subject. I am still frustrated and disappointed that many schools don’t recognize study hall as a necessity.

Members of the community, study hall could help everyone. We must rise up and ask our leaders and school boards to make a change for the better.

Jay Allen Krithivas

Scarborough