Summer Learning Collection, Part 2

As summer progresses, we hope that you and your family are enjoying learning, playing, and extra family time.  Here's a collection of learning ideas we've found that we hope will give you some new ideas as summer continues!


Scholastic Summer Challenge --Your child can join the challenge to have fun reading and win prizes.  We like the graphics that show  reading progress.


Barnes and Noble Summer Reading--Your child can join the Barnes and Noble Program and win a free book.   Book lists are given according to grade levels. 


Reading Calendar Idea--This idea comes from a classroom teacher's site about how to generate ideas about reading in various ways.  We found some fun ideas and we're sure you and your children can add to the list!

Start with a Book--This is a great resource for finding books based on themes, especially if your children are looking for something new to read.

Great tips on creating a home library can be found here.  Some simple ideas, but it's always a great way to think about how to add books.

Parents Choice Award Winners Mobile Apps--This is a great compilation of apps.  Click on specific pictures to find more information.  We like that these apps have been reviewed by parents and give us information that's accurate before we purchase new apps.


For more ideas we've found, check out Part I of this collection.  Please share any ideas you've found with us.  Enjoy learning!

Summer Learning Collection, Part 1

Happy Summer!  We hope that you are having fun playing and learning this summer.  Here are a few things around the web that we've found to have fun with reading:

Chuck E. Cheese Reward Calendars

These look great for those rainy days when the family is looking for some activity!  We like how you can choose a calendar based on your family.

Children's Book Choices, 2013

We found some great book choices in this compilation by the International Reading Association and the Children's Book Council.  If you scroll down to page 15 of their publication, you'll find a nice bookmark which can be cut out and taken with you as you visit your library and/or bookstores.  

Enjoy these sites as you look for more ways to enjoy your summer!

Summer Bridge Activities

Finding a summer routine that allows plenty of time for fun and relaxation is important to us as a family.  We also know that sometimes a routine for children can successfully include some structured time so learning is maintained.  One activity that has been successful (and fun) for us this is using the Summer Bridge Activities workbook published by Carson Dellosa.

The things we like is that learning is presented in a fun format.  The activities are divided into three sections of 20 days each with bonus activities.  A day’s activities include a front and back page.  Goals can be set, simple physical activities are offered, and high interest activities are included.  It’s also been a great way to discover any skills that need additional reinforcement and what modalities of learning are strengths. 

Although spending summer doing workbooks is not the way we want to spend our time, we have found that having a few minutes each morning using this workbook helps establish a routine of learning.  It has been so successful for us that we hope to use the series next summer.