Summer can be a fantastic opportunity for your child to develop a deeper love of reading, so we've put together some ideas, book recommendations, and activities to offer some fun options.
Here are four books and activities on mindfulness to help you through the stress back-to-school season.
We talked to Raúl the Third about writing books in Spanish and English, like his book ¡Vamos! Let’s go to the Market, and this is what he shared:
We recently featured two books by Dave Eggers, Her Right Foot and What Can A Citizen Do? When we asked Dave where the idea for these books originated from, this is what we found:
Host a Family Paint Night!
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. -Pablo Picasso
Let your kids inspire creativity as your family unleashes their inner artists and the paintbrushes fly during Family Paint Night. Remember, there is no right or wrong, everyone should just relax and enjoy the creative process.
Set up a table on your patio or in the garage and cover it with an old vinyl tablecloth or some newspaper. Designate a central area for paint and supplies so people can get more supplies as needed.
What do you see around you that you want to change? Does it seem scary, or impossible? Just remember that even small steps are steps that empower change and there are people everywhere excited to join you. Our three featured books show that through bravery and action, change is possible, even for the youngest members of our community.
Civic awareness is about being a part of the whole, the diversity that comes together to create a community. Get involved by volunteering, marching or learning about our history. The three books featured this week explore our shared history and the foundation of the United States of America, our amazing melting pot.
Earlier this summer we featured When Charley Met Emma by Amy Webb. We were struck by the story and its message of acceptance and inclusion, so we reached out to Amy and this is what she had to say.
This week is all about the creepy crawly side of the great outdoors. Try out this activity or our printable word scramble after reading our book suggestions below!
Clear Bug Slime
Slime Ingredients:
5 oz of clear glue
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp contact solution
plastic bugs
Container for slime
1. Thoroughly mix the 5 oz of clear glue and 1/2 cup water in a bowl.
2. Mix in 1/2 tsp baking soda. This will determine how thick your slime will be.
Summer is a great time to explore the outdoors and go camping. Use these books to get ready for a night under the stars.
After you are done with these books, pick a few of these activities to get yourself ready for your next outdoor adventure!
We have three more books for your students to help explore what makes each of us different and unique.
For some extra credit, get inspired by Jordan Reeves who shares the story of her disability and how she turned it into her ability, including shooting glitter out of her prosthetic unicorn arm! Jordan encourages us to appreciate and share our differences in this TEDxCoMo Talk, What is Normal? Born Just Right...
Inclusion is within everyone's ability. To help students simulate physical disabilities, have them try these activities!
To experience what it is like to have a lower body physical disability, have students attach a yardstick to the outside of their leg and then try to go up and down stairs. The yardstick will make it difficult for them to bend their knee or use the full motion of their leg.
For fine motor skill awareness, have students wear gloves to do tasks like closing containers, picking up coins or buttoning shirts.
Use these books and printable to talk to your students about Memorial Day, why we celebrate it and what it means.
Use this bing card to check off all those fun things you did this summer and squeeze in a few more.
Start now to set your kids on a path of doing good for others throughout their life.
“If our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever.” - Kofi Annan
Check out these books for inspiration on ways for kids and families to participate in charitable causes and volunteer work. You will be inspired to look for ways you can make a difference in your world and beyond.
Use this book and read and do to learn about the US flag and create your own!
Glowing Backyard Game Night
Here are four ideas to have your very own glowing game night, right in your backyard! Pick up some glow sticks and necklaces at your local party or discount store, wait for the sun to set and have a glowing good time.
Ice Cream Magic (how liquids can become solid)
Ingredients
½ cup milk
½ Cup half and half
½ -1 Tablespoon sugar (depending on how sweet you like it)
½ Teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Materials
6 Tablespoons ice cream salt or kosher salt
Gallon-sized zip top bag
Quart or sandwich-sized zip top bag
Mittens or gloves
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