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- I take my kids out of school to travel. Their teachers don’t always like it, but they learn so much through seeing the world. (businessinsider.com)
Trading Textbooks for Travel: One Parent’s Approach to Education
Jamie Davis Smith, a parent with two advanced degrees and a side hustle as an adjunct professor, highly values education. Yet, she regularly pulls her kids out of school for trips around the world.
Initially hesitant, Smith now sees the immense educational value these experiences offer. From calculating currency conversions in Moroccan souks to witnessing the stark reality of a melting glacier in Iceland, Smith believes these real-world lessons offer a depth of understanding textbooks can’t match.
Trips to Auschwitz and Dubai have provided impactful lessons on history and environmental adaptation, respectively. Exposing her children to diverse cultures, languages, religions, and cuisines in places like India, the UAE, and Istanbul has broadened their horizons far beyond the classroom.
The logistics of family travel, however, require some flexibility. Short school breaks often don’t allow for sufficient exploration, and summer’s heat can make some destinations less appealing.
With children in different schools, coordinating time off can be challenging. Therefore, Smith opts to take her kids out of school for a few days each year, strategically planning around school breaks to minimize disruption.
While some teachers express concern about missed lessons, Smith works to mitigate this by limiting absences to a few days at the beginning or end of breaks. She notes that her children haven’t fallen behind academically.
Some teachers even acknowledge the enriching nature of travel and the value of family bonding. Smith finds that her children return from trips more curious and eager to learn.
For now, this unconventional approach works for the Smith family, fostering a love of learning and a global perspective. Smith plans to continue these worldly adventures until her children head off to college.