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More Summer (School) Ideas

May13

Here are more ideas for school this summer.

The zoo cannot be beat when you are discussing various animals and their habitats. Our local zoo has some wonderful programs. Once we examined elephant and zebu dung (regarding how various animals digest their food) and I even took it home and put it in my compost afterward!

County fairs are not only fun, but educational. You and your child(ren) can look at different breeds of animals, see various demonstrations, and eat some funnel cakes (yum!).

Farmer’s markets are a great way for your student(s) to get to speak with local farmers and ask questions about how things are grown. We have a number of them throughout the city and I enjoy talking to the vendors about various gardening techniques, how to use an unusual vegetable in dishes, etc.

Animal shelters are an option if your child is thinking about pursuing becoming veterinarian, loves animals, or you are thinking about buying a certain dog breed. Many times the shelters need people to walk the dogs and this could also go for volunteer hours if you have older students who need them for their high school transcripts.

Summer (School) Ideas

May11

Here are some great ideas to do this summer. Remember, our academic year in Ohio is from July 1- June 30 if you are home schooling.

Library programs are great incentives for getting your children to read. If you are not close to a library then make your own or see the reading programs in the next heading. Reading is a skill that should be practiced daily especially with new and young readers.

Summer Reading Programs and Challenges are available online for anyone who isn’t able to utilize the library or wants additional ideas.

Here is a free, public website run by Sylvan Learning Centers. Children read books and then take a 5-10 question multiple choice quiz on the book. Successfully completing the quizzes earns points and points add up to prizes!  Parents can set their own prizes too and can track the progress of the children. You also can set the grade level of books to be tested.

Park programs both local parks and state parks have great naturalist programs that you can attend with a wide variety of subjects that are science related.

Museums are a perfect way to spend a muggy summer day! You can arrange for a docent to give you a tour or you can do it on your own. We have enjoyed the children’s area of museums that most have in the building. Most museums have activities such as a scavenger hunt for families to enjoy while they are there. Just ask at the information desk and a knowledgeable employee will help you.

Play days at the park can be arranged for you to meet a friend and her family for a play date. This can count toward physical education and also time for you to deepen friendships.

Vacation This is the ultimate field trip! You can include science, history, reading, art, music, etc.,this is limited only to your imagination. My children’s complaints were that they just wished they could go on vacation without me always making it a learning experience- sorry- no can do when you have a home school mom involved!

Books!Books! Books!

Apr16

I am a fan of children’s literature and  was asked recently for my ideas about books for children ages 8-12. I thought I’d share with you a few of my favorites. Note that EL means Elementary and MS denotes Middle School.

  • The Great Brain John D. Fitzgerald MS A series set in Utah with the Brain being able to make money while getting others to do his work. These books are a terrific segue for talking about values, hard work,and honesty. 11 and 12 year olds can read this on their own, but I would only read the aloud with my 8-10 year old for discussion.
  • Caddie Woodlawn, Magical Melons Carol Ryrie Brink  MS I love Magical Melons- I just purchased it since it is hard to find at the library now)
  • The Master Puppeteer, MS Katherine Paterson An interesting tale of the life of Asian puppeteers.
  • Mr. Popper’s Penguins,Richard Atwater EL, MS This is not like the movie- it is better! Mr. Popper is a lovable, hard working man who loves the penguins so much that they become like family.
  • Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White EL, MS While younger students can read this, I think is holds more meaning for middle school students as they see the value of friendship and sacrifice.
  • Trailblazer Books, Dave and Neta Jackson  MS A fictionalized series about the lives of missionaries based upon their work overseas.
  • Phoebe the Spy, Judith Griffin EL This is based on a true story about George Washington during the American Revolution. Be sure to read this book yourself because it is interesting and will be a terrific book to discuss courage in the face of opposition.
  • Toliver’s Secret  Esther Wood Brady  EL An easy read book set during the American Revolution.
  • Redwall Brain Jacques MS If you can find this on tape or CD, listen to them! I love how the author narrates his own book and has other actors as well. The CD’s are well done and make the book come alive.
  • Pippi Longstocking, Astrid Lindren EL, MS This is a fun book with Pippi doing outrageous things such as sleeping in a hammock and having a horse live in her house.
  • Homer Price, Centerburg Tales, Robert McCloskey MS Homer is a creative young man who lives in a small Ohio town during the 1950’s. My favorite story is about the lost wedding ring and the donut making machine.
  • 101 Dalmatians, Dodie Smith MS If your child has not seen the movie, reading the book will be delightful. Cruella Deville gets her just desserts as we learn that you can’t have everything- certainly NOT a Dalmatian fur coat!
  • Henry and Ribsy Beverly Cleary EL, MS This is a book about the adventures of Henry and his amiable dog, Ribsy.
  • By the Great Horn Spoon, The Whipping Boy, Sid Fleishman MS If your child has dreams of digging for gold and “striking it rich”, they will love By The Great Horn Spoon. The Whipping Boy is about a servant who runs away from the palace as he is unhappy about being spanked instead of the prince. However, the story takes a twist as the prince ends up coming along!
  • The Matchlock Gun , Walter D. Edmonds I love this book! It is based upon a true story that shows courage, adventure, and obedience. This is a definite read aloud and younger children may get scared as a mother races for her life with Native Americans chasing her.
  • Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

Mystery series books:

Please add your family’s favorites. I’d love to see what you are reading.