17 reasons for taking your kids out of school to go to Jamaica that will impress even their teacher
Yes, you read that right. I’m going to show you 17 guilt-free reasons why a trip to Jamaica will be worth taking kids out of school.
Actually, I can’t believe I’m writing this post considering how anxiety provoking it was to ask Darrian’s kindergarten teacher if he could miss two days of school.
I was shocked when one of his teachers reassured me that I shouldn’t worry about it because he could easily make up the work and that he would learn more on his trip than he would in school for those few days.
On the other hand, I’ve also had teachers who would act as though we didn’t care about our child’s education, who wouldn’t give us the homework ahead of time or who would give more work than you know would have been accomplished during the time he missed.
To add even more angst, the travel industry is timed such that it is really hard to get reasonable rates during school breaks.
Most families plan their vacation time around their kids’ school schedule. As a result, most child-friendly destinations are insanely crowded and equally as expensive when kids are off from school.
So, families are stuck with not only higher costs but with being on vacation amidst crowds – not fun!
Well, what if you could go on vacation when there are fewer crowds, better airfare, and better deals all around?
If you home-school your kids, you are golden! You can go whenever you want. Read our article about Jamaica in the off-season.
If you don’t homeschool your kids, you can still consider taking kids out of school, especially when they are in the lower grades.
Missing a few days of school will not keep your child from being the next Einstein.
Taking kids out of school:
Your travel experience to Jamaica will cover the core courses … reading, writing, and arithmetic plus some advanced classes. Guaranteed!
Check this out….
Reading
- Spend some time reading our website including our blog posts to help you prepare for your trip to Jamaica. Learn what a villa vacation experience is like and also get ideas of things to do in Jamaica. Read some of our trip reports to get ideas of attractions or activities that you would like to do with your child. Share what you are reading with your child.
Writing
- Since hardly anyone writes letters and postcards anymore, have them surprise the grandparents or their teacher with a postcard from Jamaica.
Arithmetic
- Airfare during the low season is less than high season. That’s subtraction.
- The more people you bring with you the lower the per person cost when you rent a villa in Jamaica. That’s division.
Foreign language
- Learn a few words of Patois, Jamaica’s local dialect
- Did you know that Jamaica was under Spanish rule until 1655? As a result, there are still places in Jamaica that have Spanish names.
Geology
- See the special kind of dirt called bauxite that gets converted ultimately to aluminum.
Botany
- Learn about plants that are indigenous to Jamaica. See the ackee tree, a plant where Jamaica is the only island where it’s fruit is eaten on a large scale. It is part of our unofficial, yes unofficial, national dish, ackee and salt fish.
- Have you ever seen a sensitive plant, one that closes its leaves when you touch it? We looked it up it’s called thigmotropism. (Click for a video snippet.)
Alternative medicine
- What do Jamaicans use for home remedies? Learn about plants used as medicine by country folk.
Zoology
- See some of Jamaica’s wildlife that are in danger of extinction at Swamp Safari.
Physics
Why do airplanes stay up in the air during flight … Bernoulli’s principle.
History
- Not that we really care, but where in Jamaica did Columbus first land in 1492? Look at the bay from our rooftop terrace. That’s where.
Sociology
- Why does staying at an independently owned property contribute more to the local tourism economy than staying at an all-inclusive property
International relations
- Have your kids play a game of soccer with local Jamaican school kids
Marine biology
- Visit the marine lab to learn how the lionfish almost killed off the local fishing industry
Hand-eye coordination
- Play a game of tennis on our court. Or try some ping pong, billiards, or mini-disc golf.
Strategic and critical thinking
- What better strategy game is there than chess. There is a giant chess set on our rooftop and many more inside.
Swimming
- Swimming is a skill that most colleges require. Go practice swimming in the Caribbean Sea or in our pristine private pool.
Geography
- Jamaica is completely surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. Yes, a sea and not an ocean. Did you know that?
There is more than enough learning to go around on your Jamaica vacation – for kids and adults alike.
So, parents, you don’t have to feel guilty for taking kids out of school to go to Jamaica. Come visit us soon. Your trip to Jamaica will definitely enrich your child’s education as well as your own!
What are your thoughts on taking kids out of school for vacation? There are proponents on both sides of this very controversial topic.
Full disclosure: We try to take a middle of the road approach. If we have to miss a day or two for a vacation, we usually try to choose a day or days when they do very little in school anyway, such as the day before Thanksgiving or Spring Break.
‘Til next time.
Think and dream Jamaica!
Sherry, Darrell & Darrian
Considering a visit to Jamaica? Contact us today for more information about, Mais Oui Tennis & Spa Villa, our boutique 8-BR ocean view Jamaica villa rental experience in beautiful Discovery Bay, Jamaica. Perfect for multi-generational families, groups, and intimate destination weddings.
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