Once upon a time, in a place very near here, all the town’s children had no reason to cheer.

School had come to a close with little ado, and the long hot days of summer led to a coup.

“Brain drain,” they said, “is all that we fear.” The empty days of summer were kicking their rear.

So up to their parents the youngsters they marched, begging only for learning, of which they were parched.

Parents sought help from experts afar, and School of Education Associate Professor Devon Brenner was soon on the radar.

From Mississippi State University, Brenner had a few tips to parents’ ears from her lips.

Summer learning can be easy, she said. Simply start the experiences when they get out of bed.

“Start with a phone book,” she said; “the community information pages at the very beginning give you low cost field trips.” Free tours are available right at home from the historical sites to the Adams County Airport’s airstrips.

Visit local parks, community festivals and the like, and even make sure you go for a swim, a run or a hike.

“One of the things that really supports students in their reading and writing is their background experiences.” Summer learning should be fun, but it means getting out of the trenches.

Stopping the drain also involves a few tools, like paper and pencils that serve as brain fuels.

Every room of the house should encourage little hands to write, because thinking and doing makes brain cells ignite.

“If you are going to the grocery store, give them paper and say ‘I’m going to tell you what we need; you write it down.’” Making the list and checking it twice sparks learning and surely turns every frown.

Building a fort? Make a sign saying “No boys allowed” and spark a retort.

Racing cars on a track? “U-turn” and “Stop” signs may send everyone back.

Brenner said, writing is just as important as reading, and parents who take the simple steps are really leading.

Next on the list to keep brains churning is the classic old place full of learning.

Head down to the local library a day or two. They’ve got free books they’ll gladly loan you.

Summer reading programs are in full swing, but it’s not too late to go and get cranking.

And last but not least in this Internet age, explore the games on a great Web page.

Brenner suggests one — www.runescape.com — that makes adventure fun.

Summer learning is simple, we surely must know, for it only means being willing to grow.

Adults need not fret over finding a best bet, because teaching is only sharing time, talking and reaching.

Your plans need not be perfect; they must only exist. Young children, you see, will be unable to resist.

Experiences teach best, but silly games work as well. The free, quick things are just quite swell.

Try rhyming silly words for minutes on end. It’s sure to tease the brain and leave headaches to mend!

Julie Cooper is the managing editor of The Natchez Democrat. She can be reached at 601-445-3551 or julie.cooper@natchezdemocrat.com.