The beginning of the school year often brings not only joy but also anxiety. The ambassadors of “Science Island” Dr. Mažena Mackoit-Sinkevičienė, Goda Raibytė-Aleksa, Ignas Klėjus, and Dr. Laura Bojarskaitė agree: tension can be reduced and good learning outcomes ensured by combining discipline with quality leisure time and raising bold questions in an empathetic and safe environment.
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Dr. Mažena Mackoit-Sinkevičienė, a researcher at Vilnius University, Faculty of Physics and the Center for Physical and Technological Sciences, states that discipline should be viewed not as strictness but as a rhythm that strengthens skills.
“In a 2025 study published in Educational Psychology Review, it was revealed that organizing quality breaks is essential for learning: proper rest ensures reliable knowledge acquisition. Therefore, to learn more, even breaks should be planned with discipline. A great way to rest could be, for example, sleep. In a Shanghai study conducted last year with 54,102 eighth graders, the duration of rest explained differences in children’s science results. To achieve high academic scores, one should sleep at least 8–9 hours.
Another fact that I believe will surprise most is that parental involvement in homework preparation (checking, control, applying the sit down, let’s do it together method) is very weakly related to children’s achievements. Scientists say it is much more effective to support the child’s autonomy and engage actively with their ideas and initiatives. Therefore, on the occasion of the upcoming new school year, I wish both students and parents to maintain that boring and not at all romantic routine and spend quality time together, talk, discuss learning not only from textbooks but from real examples,” says the “Science Island” ambassador.
The importance of sleep and sustainable leisure in the learning process is also emphasized by doctor and science popularizer Ignas Klėjus:
“Probably many of us have noticed that the best ideas do not necessarily come from sitting at a desk for hours. Sometimes they unexpectedly come while walking, playing, or simply after a good night’s sleep. Past thinkers spoke about this, and today modern science increasingly emphasizes this fact. A 2026 article published in Frontiers in Psychology states that movement can improve attention and memory, and sleep is no less important a part of learning than the time spent with books.
Therefore, at the beginning of September, I wish children not only a week full of activities, clubs, and lessons but also some free space in their minds. It is important to allocate time for play, movement, rest, and even boredom. Learning does not only happen sitting in the classroom. Sometimes, to learn better, it is worth closing the book, running outside to play, and in the evening, simply going to bed earlier. Sometimes that is exactly when the mind finds space and strength for new ideas.”
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Science journalist, communicator, and educator Goda Raibytė-Aleksa also emphasizes the importance of social connections and empathy.
“Studies published in BMC Medical Education, Frontiers in Psychology, Journal of Child and Family Studies state that students’ empathy and mutual support and acceptance are directly linked to greater motivation, engagement, and better academic results. Mistakes are unavoidable in learning and can often be disappointing, so it is very important to treat both others and oneself in such moments not as an enemy but as a person who is learning and curiously exploring the world. I wish everyone to start September without fear of making mistakes. A mistake is not a sign of failure but, on the contrary, a coded answer or discovery. Let us create a safe learning environment both at home and in educational institutions,” wishes the “Science Island” ambassador.
Neuroscientist and sleep researcher working at the Brain Glial Cell Laboratory at the University of Oslo, Dr. Laura Bojarskaitė agrees that encouraging curiosity and a safe environment for asking questions are among the most important aspects of productive learning:
“A 2021 study published in the journal Developmental Science, involving 60 children and adolescents aged 10 to 14, found that they better remembered answers to questions that aroused greater curiosity. When the brain is truly interested, information is better retained. So I wish to welcome the new school year season without fear of not knowing, with courage to ask and seek answers. Teachers and parents only need to pass on knowledge and create a comfortable environment where the child is not afraid to experiment and make mistakes.”
“Science Island,” together with Lukas Pilkauskas, Paulius Ambrazevičius, and the “N2” team at the forefront, invites you to learn more and celebrate September 1st curiously and joyfully. More information about the free event program here.
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