What is the summer vacation of ancient schools for?
Ancient schools had holidays in summer mainly to adapt to the natural environment and agricultural production needs at that time.
The initial educational activities were integrated with human production and social life, and people mainly taught knowledge and skills through words and deeds. With the improvement of productivity and the gradual increase of material wealth, some people can get rid of manual labor and specialize in mental activities; At the same time, language has been enriched and developed. In this way, an independent educational institution-school has gradually formed. The appearance of schools marks that human educational activities have entered a conscious historical period.
1. Hot weather (natural environment)
In summer, the weather is hot and the temperature is high. Without modern air-conditioning equipment, it is difficult to carry out normal learning activities in the classroom. Therefore, in order not to bring physical discomfort and fatigue to students, ancient schools would have a holiday to let students rest and avoid accidents such as heatstroke.
2. Agricultural production demand
Ancient China was a society dominated by agriculture, and summer was the most prosperous season for crop growth. After the holiday, students can go home to help their families to work in farmland and participate in important agricultural activities such as planting and harvesting crops, so as to ensure the smooth progress of family food supply and agricultural production.
Explore the natural environment
Ancient schools paid attention to cultivating students' practical ability and life skills. During the summer vacation, students can have more time to get in touch with the natural environment, explore the wild, learn agricultural knowledge and practical skills, and cultivate their ability to observe, practice and solve problems.
In ancient China, the time and way of school holidays may be different due to different regions, social status and economic conditions. Generally speaking, school holidays are relatively short, usually after the summer solstice or Tomb-Sweeping Day.
Moreover, during the holiday, students need to continue their studies. Although they will no longer participate in formal classroom teaching, they will receive family education or guidance from private tutors. In addition, some places will organize some cultural and sports activities so that students can relax and enrich their entertainment life.
In short, the summer vacation of ancient schools was mainly to adapt to the natural environment and agricultural needs at that time, to ensure students' health, to participate in farmland labor and to cultivate practical ability. This holiday mode also reflects the importance of practicality and integration with the natural environment in ancient education.