Summertime is here! It is a time to rest and enjoy doing outdoor activities. Although the regular school schedule and structured academic practice has slowed down, summer is still a perfect time to continue learning through everyday adventures. This is a wonderful time for doing science experiments, going on nature walks, taking adventures, and collecting treasures from nature like Lewis and Clark, or simply reading a book under the shade of a big tree. Make outdoors your new classroom a place where students can continue to grow and explore. This month, here a few fun ways to sustain learning momentum through reading resources and fun summer activities for all ages. Enjoy your summer adventure ahead! -AMW
SUMMER READING
Here are a few fun ways to encourage reading throughout the summer!
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If your student loves pizza they may like Camp BOOK IT! With the help of an adult students pre-k through 6th grade need to track their reading on Book It’s digital dashboard. When they meet their monthly reading goal, they'll receive a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza® from Pizza Hut! They will also share fun activities and book recommendations each week to keep the fun going throughout the summer!
Learn more: Book It!
Preschool through 8th grade students can take a reading adventure this summer by taking the pledge to read all summer long. The first 200 families that take the RIF summer reading pledge will receive a copy of the book, The Lost Berries. This title from Driscoll's takes readers on an exciting adventure, following a curious boy on a quest to find his missing berries. Parents may also download activities to be completed with each book to support reading engagement and comprehension.L
earn more: RIF Summer Reading
If students like going to Chuck E Cheese’ they will want to read for this. Kids will have the opportunity to read towards success while earning Chuck E. Cheese rewards along the way. Students just have to track their progress on printable incentive charts by marking the days off with a pen or sticker as they accomplish their goals. Once they have completed the chart they can bring it in to Chuck E. Cheese and receive 10 free play points or tokens as a reward.
Barnes and Noble is offering students 1st through 6th grade the opportunity to earn a free book. All they have to do is read a designated number of books, write about their favorite part in their Reading Journal, and bring a completed Reading Journal to a Barnes & Noble bookstore. Children then choose their free book from the books listed on the Reading Journal and collect their free book from a store near them during July and August.
Arapahoe Libraries is offering a reading program that will spark the imagination of students ages 6 through 18. Readers can discover the science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) concepts found in everyday life. Starting June 1st, visit your favorite Arapahoe Libraries location to pick up your Summer Reading activity guide and book to keep (while supplies last).
SUGGESTED BOOK LIST
Unfortunately, there do not seem to be any more wholesome teen book clubs. They all have inappropriate books that would need to be a family book club to answer any questions your teen had. Focus on the Family provides a list of suggested books for all grades to start your book club or complete summer reading trackers. Visit their summer reading list.
ReadTheory is a free online comprehension assessment tool for students grades 1st-12th. Although it is intended for all grades the program’s visuals and pace seem more appropriate for middle and high school students. When parents sign up children, students will begin by completing a pretest to assess what level students are currently reading in order to begin instructional practice. Parents are also able to assign activities such as the amount of reading passages to complete by an assigned date. Students will be able to read different genres from narrative, informative, or informational passages. Once they complete a passage they will answer comprehension questions. As students work ReadTheory will track progress and send reports to parents. The founder and editor of ReadTheory believes that students that learn to read and think critically will live fuller and richer lives. With this FREE resource it will not only help build students critical thinking and comprehension skills but it will build confidence as a strong reader.
If you are looking for books to read during the summer here is a FREE book list that offers a wide range of wholesome level books for grades 1st- 12th. The list was created by 25 homeschooling mothers over the course of a year’s time through discussions of criteria to use in choosing a good book. The criteria used to choose good books included questions: Does the book re-emphasize a Biblical worldview or the Judeo-Christian heritage in some way? Does the book teach, through whatever means, what is moral or just or true? Does the book exemplify warmth, tenderness, courage, humor, and other values and characteristics that we desire our children to be exposed to? Does the book nourish the intellect and fire the imagination? They separate the levels by beginning readers in 1st through 3rd grades, fluent readers in 4th through 6th grades, maturing readers in 7th through 9th grades, and college-bound readers in 10th through 12th grades. In each level you will find books separated into categories such as poetry, holidays, literature, and advanced literature.
Summer Crafts and Activities
Education.com offers multiple summer fun projects that you and your family can create. All activities are free to download. You can find science, art, cooking, and building projects.
Good Housekeeping has a list of 80 activities to keep your preschooler actively creating throughout the summer. All ideas are free and allow you to use items around the house. Your student may like creating a recycled t-shirt bracelet, a magnetic race car track, or a fire-breathing dragon.
Autumn, a mother of teenagers, has created a list of 100 activities for teens and preteens to complete over the summer. The activities range from designing and building a marshmallow launcher to touring a college campus. With such a wide variety of fun and engaging ideas, your teen is sure to find something exciting to enjoy this summer.
If you child loves science register them for Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Camp. Campers will get to participate in hands- on STEAM activities including making rockets, drones, robotics, 3D printing, and space exploration building skills.
WHEN: Weekdays June 1st through August 7th
AGES: 8 -12
TIME: 9:00AM - 3:00PM
LOCATION: Wings Air & Space Museum
COST: $399 for a week
My Summer: EXPLORATION STATION WITH BUTTERFLY PAVILION
If your student likes studying creepy crawlers join the Butterfly Pavilion at Bennett Anythink Library and meet live bugs for FREE! Students will learn about bugs that can be found outside at home or school through dramatic play.
WHEN: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3
AGES: ALL AGES
TIME: 10:00AM - 12:00PM
LOCATION: Anythink Library
No advanced registration is necessary.
FOAM FUN DAY
Join the fun on FREE FOAM DAY, sponsored by the Strasburg Fire District. Children should bring a towel, sandals, and goggles. The foam is nontoxic, similar to soap. Hoses will be available to wash off.
WHEN: SATURDAY, JUNE 13th
AGE(S): All Ages
TIME: 1pm-3pm
LOCATION: Community Park West
OUTDOOR MOVIES
On June 24Th enjoy a family movie night, under the stars, on a huge 24-foot movie screen. Bring your chairs and blankets to watch Field of Dreams. Concessions will be available for an additional charge.
TIME: Seating opens one hour before Dusk
LOCATION: FNB Bank Amphitheater
Cost: FREE admission
Homeschool parents, we would love to hear any questions, ideas, or suggestions regarding homeschooling. Do you have any questions regarding curriculum or any suggested materials to help other families? Please post your responses in the questions and comments section below.
LET'S WORK TOGETHER!!
Know also that wisdom is like honey for you:
If you find it, there is a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 24:14 NIV