The summer months are for fun learning opportunities. We have a few activities that promote STEAM skills and smiles during National Summer Learning Day!

FasTracKids International and Rozzy Learning Company of St. Louis, MO, USA have formed a partnership to offer a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) program with a focus on careers, called FasTrack® Careers.

I never had any interest racing in the Vendée Globe. The course is around the world, single-handed, non-stop. It’s too hard, too long, too dangerous and the boats are too far from land for help. Yet, the unique symbolism of the Vendée Globe is that it actually circles the world, and thus offers a chance to create a global school program.

I think equality is important. That is why I love math. To have one set of numbers balance another set of numbers is the most perfect outcome of all. So imagine my surprise when I learned that the time of year when we celebrate having the same amount of daylight as nighttime is not equal at all!

International Women’s Day is a worldwide event that celebrates women’s achievements – from the political to the social – while calling for gender equality. CEO Nancy Faunce spoke about women in education and how they have shaped FasTracKids.

When faced with speaking in front of peers, children (and adults) are often either eager to share their thoughts or anxious to perform the task. Because public speaking anxiety often starts with shyness as a child and it can impact their future, it is important for parents and teachers to address this challenge at an early age.

Today marks the 10th anniversary of International Mother Language Day. I hold this day close to my heart. My father was a native Spanish speaker growing up in the Southwest United States in the 1960s and was a victim of an often told tale about being belittled, ill-treated and isolated for speaking Spanish, his native language.

Does your child build with blocks, design creative inventions or solve problems? Chances are the skills they are developing translate to what’s needed in today’s engineering jobs. These skills, along with other important 21st century learning skills, are what FasTracKids programs focus on.

Skipper Rich Wilson has taught us many incredible lessons so far on his trek around the world. In the Adventure At Sea program, Rich receives support from teams of inquisitive students around the world while he sails in the Vendée Globe race. As part of the program, students learn about the different the importance of teams and support of others.

It seems like a simple enough concept. The more time that is spent on nurturing, educating and developing your child’s young mind, the more likely they are going to be a successful citizen of the world. As parents (and all members of a larger community), now is the time to invest in children.