It’s Summer!
Summer is time to take a break from school. That does not mean we should take a break from learning. Brain drain, learning loss, is real.
To keep your children in a school mode, and keep their brains sharp, the best resource in my opinion is the summer bridge workbooks. These are carefully sequenced lessons covering all subjects, English language skills, math, science, and social studies. Many of the pages are inter-disciplinary. Your child only needs to do two or three pages per day to keep sharp on their learning material from last year and get prepared for the coming year. Your child will absolutely do better in school if they use these workbooks through the summer.
Select by grade level:
Pre-K to K Bridge Activities
K to 1st Bridge Activities
1st to 2nd Bridge Activities
2nd to 3rd Bridge Activities
3rd to 4th Bridge Activities
4th to 5th Bridge Activities
5th to 6th Bridge Activities
6th to 7th Bridge Activities
7th to 8th Bridge Activities
Every one should learn something new every day. Summer is a time when learning can be fun.
Kristen Gambaccini wrote “Crafty Family Ideas“. It is loaded with over 50 crafts and recipes. Most are easy and the items to make them are readily available and inexpensive. These crafts can be simplified for the very young, or you can use more durable products for the teens to make something that will last. Crafts teach us creativity, math, self-esteem, a sense of accomplishment.
Sometimes crafts can support the theme in a book. Many of the crafts in Kristen’s book that can pair well with a children’s story.
Try the recipe for Sidewalk Popcicle Chalk on page 40. Make the chalk; and read a sweet story called
“The Chalk Giraffe” by Kirsty Paxton.
“A little girl’s imagination springs to life when the chalk giraffe she drew on the pavement begins talking to her. But then the fickle giraffe begins making demands, and the girl must draw surroundings to fulfill his requests…a tree, soft grass, and animal friends. But nothing seems to please him! This delightful rhyming story escalates until the girl draws a laughing giraffe companion that cheers up the grumpy giraffe at last.”
Another project with good book lead-ins is The Eggshell Planting on page 25. Read about seeds and seedlings after planting your own little seeds. A picture book recommendation for young children is Seeds! Seeds! Seeds! by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
“Buddy gets five colorful bags in the mail from his grandfather, who writes:
Dear Buddy,
Have , five days of fun!
Love, Gramps
P.S. It’s almost spring!
Buddy finds a surprise in each bag, and with each surprise he discovers something wonderful about seeds. In one bag, for example, there are different kinds of seeds which Buddy pastes onto colored paper and which are reproduced photographically in the book for accurate identification. In another bag, there are cards that show how seeds grow. As Buddy sorts, collects, eats, and creates with seeds, he learns plenty about growth and germination, making this introduction both entertaining and educational.”
The older elementary school age will enjoy “From Seed to Plant” by Gail Gibbons.
“With simple language and bright illustrations, non-fiction master Gail Gibbons introduces young readers to the processes of pollination, seed formation, and germination. Important vocabulary is reinforced with accessible explanation and colorful, clear diagrams showing the parts of plants, the wide variety of seeds, and how they grow.
The book includes instructions for a seed-growing project, and a page of interesting facts about plants, seeds, and flowers. A nonfiction classic, and a perfect companion for early science lessons and curious young gardeners.”
And finally a suggestion for the Celebration Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe on page 154. While you’re enjoying the delicious cookies, read ‘The Doorbell Rang” by Pat Hutchins. “Each ring of the doorbell brings more and more friends to share in the delicious cookies Ma has made. Will there be enough to go around? “Refreshing, enjoyable and unpredictable.”–“School Library Journal.” A 1986 ALA Notable Book. Full-color illustrations.” That book helps with math concepts too. It’s double duty, friendly, and fun.
And finally, one last idea to keep summer learning fun is “Vivi Loves Science” by Kimberly Derting.
“In this STEM-themed picture book, part of a series about girls who love science, Vivi and her classmates go on a field trip to the ocean to investigate tide pools. … Features a glossary and fun tide pool activity to do a home.”
Enjoy the summer, my friends.
