Chongqing - Chongqing's primary and secondary school students ushered in their summer vacation last week. What are Chongqing students doing during the first summer vacation after the release of the "double reduction" policy? The policy aims to ease the burden of excessive homework and off-campus tutoring for students in compulsory education.
It turns out that research summer camp has become a popular choice for Chongqing students this summer.
The research summer camp had a trip to the Three Gorges in Chongqing. (Photo provided to iChongqing)
Experience the Three Gorges Culture
Recently, Jingxuan Ding, a fifth-grader at Chongqing Bashu Ivy School, started his summer vacation with a research summer camp, along with more than 20 elementary school students.
"Not only did we enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Three Gorges along the way, but we also experienced many traditional crafts and gained a lot of knowledge, which made our time enjoyable and fulfilling!" When it comes to the study tour that just ended, Ding still cannot get enough of it.
On July 2, together with the Three Gorges Study Group, Ding set out from Chongqing and went down the Yangtze River to explore Baiheliang Underwater Museum, Zhang Fei Temple, and Shibao Village.
"Wushan Mountain has a long history with many great figures and historical relics," said Ding. Poets of the past dynasties, such as Li Bai, Du Fu, and Wang Wei, left countless appealing poems there. During the study tour, He Wenxuan from Wansheng Primary School was struck by the peaks of the Three Gorges and composed a small poem called "Dreaming of the Three Gorges."
He Wenxuan wrote down all his feelings along the way. (Photo provided to iChongqing)
Research Summer Camp Becomes Popular
Various research, summer camp activities have become a popular choice for parents to arrange their children's holiday life this summer vacation.
Recently, a children's activity organization launched at least five research summer camp activities for teenagers, including "Wilderness Survival" summer camp and "Good Life Recommender" summer camp. The first session of the research summer camp that just ended has attracted more than 100 students.
The students in the research summer camp. (Photo provided to iChongqing)
Another organization launched a career experience activity and Sichuan and Chongqing Youth Exchange Conference. The first session of the Sichuan-Chongqing Youth Exchange Conference attracted more than 50 students. "With fewer summer training courses, more parents are willing to choose research and study activities for their children so that they can acquire enjoyment, knowledge, and experiences at the same time," said the head of the organization.
Helpful supplements to classroom lectures
"Without cram school, we don't want our daughter idle the whole summer, so we chose a research camp for her to experience life. It's a great way to relax and gain knowledge." Ms. Wu from Yuzhong District said. Wu's daughter has just finished an environment-themed summer camp. Within just three days, the children observed the process of tap water extraction and sewage treatment. "Not only did she learn about the importance of saving water, but she also became more willing to explore the city and nature. It was gratifying."
As soon as the summer vacation started, Mr. He, who lives in Nan'an District, sent his 10-year-old son to a military summer camp. "Usually, when he was home, his grandparents spoiled him and would not have him do anything. I wanted him to experience life and develop independent living skills." Mr. He said. "He couldn't do any household chores before the camp, but now he washes his clothes, folds the quilt, makes the bed. I feel like he has grown up overnight."
The students in the research summer camp. (Photo provided to iChongqing)
As helpful supplements to classroom lectures, research and study trips are conducive to promoting the blending of textbook knowledge and social practice. They can motivate the overall development of youth.
Research and study activities can be roughly categorized into tour and sightseeing, quality education and development, themed summer camps, and the like. Wang said that in the face of a wide variety of study activities, parents are supposed to learn about the forms and content of the trip first and let the children pick the tour.
The study trip to the Wushan Museum. (Photo provided to iChongqing)
Regarding the choice of activity, it is also recommended to go beyond the scope of discipline learning and choose activities closer to life practice. Such activities can broaden children's horizons, enrich their experience, and activate their potential. Meanwhile, more attention should be paid to developing children's social emotions, such as interpersonal skills and teamwork spirit.
(Tan Sirui, as an intern, has contributed to the report)