No Summer Learning Loss Here! Resources to Help ALL Summer Long!---Part 4

Part 4: FREE & Low-cost Educational Field Trips for Families
(The 4th in a series of 5 articles)

For the past several weeks, we have been receiving many great comments from our readers about our summer series of articles here. Thank you to all who have given us such positive feedback. These comments have been most inspiring for us to "keep on keeping on" here for parents and teachers who want to help children prevent learning loss over the summer vacation period.

We've even heard from some of our subscribers in other parts of the world who plan to use the online resources for the children they serve. A few have mentioned that the materials, information and support we've presented in the articles are not readily available in some locations outside the U.S. and Canada. We're pleased that what we do here to help families and educators maintain literacy and learning skills is making a difference---nearly everywhere!

The previous articles in this series provided information to help you:

A. Part 1---Discover how to Build a GREAT Book List!

B. Part 2---Create a collection of Reading and Learning Games That Count! to further promote literacy in order to prevent summer learning loss.

C. Part 3---Learn how to Discover MORE Reading & Learning Activities to KEEP Them Engaged!---ALL summer long.

This week, we are adding to this list of ideas and resources with the fourth installment in our series---FREE & Low-cost Educational Field Trips for Families. This list includes links to help you find events and resources available in your community that will help promote and support critical thinking, problem solving, the arts (plays, art shows, craft demonstrations, etc.) and other areas of educational interest to children of all ages and their families.

As you may know, these are the kinds of things that help prevent summer learning loss (and at other times of the year, too!) These resources should make for a wonderful collection of local family field trip ideas that will also help encourage good quality time for parents and their children. Happy Reading AND Learning!

FREE & Low-cost Ideas for Educational Field Trips

1. Explore and discuss your local architecture or take a walk around town to locate some of the best buildings in your community. See if you can discover the oldest and the newest building in your area. You can also look for different shapes and colors in all the buildings you visit.

2. Find FREE museums to visit in your area.

3. Compare the current landscape with old aerial photographs of your community or of the nearest major city. This is a great way to show children how things in your area have changed over time.

4. Visit your local seat of government. This works well with units of study in civics, history or government.

5. Take a tour of your local churches or a cathedral (where possible). Many churches have very interesting histories and have contributed much to their local communities.

6. Take advantage of free community events - air shows, vintage car rallies or historical re-enactments.

7. Take a nature walk and collect items for your homeschool or classroom's nature table. Even a local park can unearth some wonderful finds.

8. Visit your local farm or orchard. Take advantage of pick-your-own programs and pricing. Take advantage of picking your own pumpkins, strawberries, apples or blackberries when in season. Combine these experiences with a learning unit on farming or gardening.

9. Explore different environments in your area (if possible). See how many various land formations or environments you can discover---beaches, wetlands, highlands, lakes, agricultural areas, etc.

10. Experience pond dipping or bug hunting. Butterfly or dragonfly catching is a favorite with many children.

11. Visit bird sanctuaries or animal rescue centers - or at the very least, go feed the ducks at your local park (where permitted).

12. Open gardens - many areas hold Open Garden Days, where people open their home gardens to the public. Discover programs like this in your community.

13. Take advantage of free performances - Street performances or theatre in the park.

14. Visit art galleries or free art exhibitions - Some local art groups have regular exhibitions in local churches or other locations.

15. Visit nearby art studios. Many areas run an 'Open Art Studio' scheme where artists open their studio doors to the public for a few days a year. This is a great opportunity to meet the artists and talk about their work.

16. Ask to visit a local craft group - Craft groups are usually very interested in sharing their skills and welcome visitors in their communities. Try your local groups in spinning, quilting, weaving, pottery and painting.

17. Visit some of your local businesses. They are often happy to arrange visits by families or small groups. If you have to visit one of these business in the course of your day, then why not turn it into a field trip. Some suggestions might include the following:

-Pet Store - Make a list and price up everything needed when caring for a pet BEFORE adopting one.
-Grocery Store/Supermarket - Encourage the children to look at package branding, differences in item prices or nutritional values of various foods.
-Library - Take a look at how books are organized or categorized.
-Art Store - Check out the different art mediums and ask how they are used - some stores will be happy to demonstrate.
-Fire Station - Discover the training required to become a fireman or learn about how to prevent fires in one's home environment
-Veterinarian - Learn what is required in the education of a doctor who cares for animals
-Real Estate Agent - Learn what is involved in this occupation
-Travel Agent - Discover free information, brochures and resources about cities and countries

18. Visit your local Chamber of Commerce or Visitor's Center. These offices can give you ideas and alert you to upcoming events. Make sure to sign up for their email list so you won’t miss anything!

19. Tour a local college or university. They often have special events for the public such as free movies, tours, and lectures. These are events that you can sometimes discover from the newspaper---so keep an eye out for them!

20. Visit a nearby greenhouse. Such locations often give tours and let children plant their own potted flower for a minimal charge.

FREE & Low-cost Resources for Educational Field Trips

1. The Field Trip Factory: A great resource for FREE field trips in your local area is The Field Trip Factory. They help organize and arrange field trips to local businesses that offer special programs for students. Since the rising cost of bus transportation is always an issue, they offer suggestions for bus funding and even have some sponsors that completely fund the field trip – bus and all!
http://www.fieldtripfactory.com/

2. A Virtual Field Trip with Skype: With a webcam, a microphone, and a computer, you can talk with another family ten miles away or around the world. ePals is an online pen pal matching service for teachers, home educators and classrooms that use Skype. It is free to have an online video conference, and it is a great way to expand your children's or students’ knowledge of different areas and cultures in your community or in the world.
http://www.epals.com/#!/main

3. Factory Tours USA: 562 tours and counting! This site celebrates American imagination and industry. What better way to appreciate those qualities than to visit and tour America at work. The information on this site is maintained by many people throughout the United States who enjoy visiting American industry. Click here for more information about becoming a contributing member for Factory Tours USA.
http://www.factorytoursusa.com/

Sources

3 Ideas for Free and Low-Cost Field Trips---by Brandi Jordan
http://blog.reallygoodstuff.com/3-ideas-for-free-low-cost-field-trips/

Field Trip Ideas for Homeschoolers
http://www.homeschooling-ideas.com/free-field-trips.html

Free and Low Cost Field Trip Ideas---by Tonya Prater
http://www.reallifeathome.com/free-and-low-cost-field-trip-ideas/

Fun Field Trip Ideas
http://www.lessonplansplus.com/Field%20trip%20ideas.html

For information on customizable low-tech & digital reading tools for all kinds of challenged readers, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info and support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

Get & Keep Students Engaged ALL Year Long!

Let's face it. Today, it can be more challenging than ever to capture the attention or interest of students AND KEEP it in order to successfully engage them in meaningful learning. The number of distractions with which we are competing for their attention is daunting. As educators, we can spend a significant number of hours preparing lessons only to find that they fall short of getting the student attention we expected.

The stimulating videos and online resources our children and students are drawn to in their free time grab their interest and hold it. Their favorite music selections are loaded onto mp3 players or other tech devices that play almost constantly. A student's world is filled with so many kinds of sensory stimuli. In fact, some educational experts believe that this nearly constant need for visual and auditory stimulation may actually be contributing to some of the attention deficiencies we see in so many students today.

So, today, it is a fairly tall order for nearly every educator---even the very skilled, master teachers---to get and KEEP students truly engaged in significant learning. However, we have a more positive view of the current situation. You know the old adage, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!" Although we would not recommend you "friending" your students to "join 'em", we do think an excellent approach for teachers to take is to appeal to what students VALUE in order to help students learn.

First of all, if students see that you truly RESPECT them and what they CARE about, they will be much more malleable and willing to take the needed steps to becoming involved in their own learning. On one recent school day, a teacher emptied her purse of a soft apple, a Power Bar and some Dum Dums when she knew that a "reluctant-to-learn" high school student in her class was hungry. He immediately brightened and opened his notebook. He knew through this teacher's actions (not words) that she genuinely cared about him and his hunger. When this happens, students soften and are much more willing to care more, too---about learning.

Learning about WHAT students VALUE is also a very important component when laying the groundwork for true student engagement. You just might need to ask some good questions of your students. These may not be the usual history or biology questions but inquiries into what they like AND what they don't like. Their opinions and insights should be of value to an "engaged educator"---truly! Of course, to allow students to be completely candid, these questions should be answered by them in writing. Here is a list of questions to consider asking your students as the new school year begins:

1. Describe your last [science/math/English] class.
2. What did you like best about the class?
3. What made the best class you have ever taken "the best"?
4. What made "the worst class" the worst?
5. What do you do when you are not in school?
6. What is important to you?
7. What do you expect of me, the teacher?
8. What would you like me to know about you that I haven't asked?
(Source: To Help Students Learn, Appeal to What They Value by Heidi A. Olinger---See link to follow.)

If you are a homeschooling parent, you most likely know many of the answers your child will provide for these questions. If so, waste no time in utilizing what you already know so well about your child. Incorporate the interests of your child in presenting new selections to read for a specific content area. Allow her to choose from an array of selections rather than just assign a text you "think" she will like.

Pay close attention to how your children or students learn best. What is the learning style of each child? Arrange classroom furniture or the homeschooling room to address the individual styles that are present. Be sure to include "listening stations" with headphones for auditory learners, floor pillows and lower lighting areas for tactile learners or those students who have sensory needs. We could go on here, but as educators, you most likely know how to create specific learning centers in your room to meet these learning style needs.

In addition, there are many other things you can do to promote much more effective student engagement in the learning space you have. To help you, we have included what we believe are some excellent resources for this purpose from Edutopia.com. It will be helpful to you to take a good look at these resources and consider implementing some of them from the very beginning of the new school term in order for them to be most successful. In that way, you will have a very good chance of GETTING and KEEPING the students truly ENGAGED in learning---ALL year long!

Sources & Resources to Get Students Engaged---NOW & All Year Long!

Student Engagement: Resource Roundup
from Edutopia.com
Keeping students captivated and ready to learn throughout the year is no small task. Here's a list of articles, videos, links, and other resources that offer strategies and advice for keeping them engaged in learning.
Resources Grouped by Topic:
-Tips and Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged
-Engagement Through Projects
-Engagement Through Technology
-Engagement Through Social and Emotional Learning
-Additional Resources on the Web
http://www.edutopia.org/article/student-engagement-resource-roundup#graph1

To Help Students Learn, Appeal to What They Value
by Heidi A. Olinger & Edutopia.com
The non-academic passions, social intrigues and fads we would dismiss as teachers are among the things students value and, ironically, are a springboard for learning. What are your ideas for uncovering and working with students' values? This article presents some great ways to discover what those student values really are.
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/appeal-to-what-students-value-heidi-olinger

Ten Simple Strategies for Re-engaging Students
by Andrew Marcinek & Edutopia.com (Updated January 2014)
Find the best way to connect with students and realize that not all connections will suit every student. Connections can be made through a variety of ways. Set a course for learning and be prepared for rough seas. Create a practical alternative or adaptation that blends elements of what we have been doing and what we would like to do better. The connections will follow.
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/reengaging-students-andrew-marcinek

For more information on customizable reading tools for all kinds of learners, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

ADHD? LD? Kickstart Needed Skills for the New School Year!

Sure enough! As soon as the July 4th weekend was history, the “back-to-school bosses” got busy. In a visit this week to several of our local stores, we witnessed quite a few sales associates stocking shelves with the latest school supplies, backpacks and even some “goodies” for Halloween! Aren’t they rushing things? Phew!

We certainly know that many families (and even teachers!) are still enjoying the summer break and will continue to do so for the next couple of weeks. However, we also know of a few families (and teachers!) who have incorporated some learning opportunities into their summer vacation time. One family told us that a trip to Washington, D.C., is planned so that the kids can see for the first time the Washington Monument, the Senate and House, and other landmarks so important to American History and Government. An experienced teacher mentioned to us that she and her husband had just returned from Charleston, SC, and had gathered Civil War information, materials and literature for her middle school students when the new academic year begins in mid-August. So, you see, the summertime can present an excellent opportunity to gather the right materials and resources to “kickstart” the skills needed for the new school year. At the same time, you and your family can still enjoy the great days of summer.

Consider ways to help your child or student hone and further develop these important skills, especially if reading and learning challenges are involved (ADHD, LD or other learning issue). To help you in this effort, we have collected some special resources here and have divided those resources into specific categories to make it easier for you to locate and access what is needed. We hope the children and teens you care about will benefit from these special resources and be ready to start the new school year better prepared for ALL subjects!

Kickstart Reading Skills for Challenged Readers

17 Ways to Teach Vocabulary Skills to Students with Special Needs
by Thomas Armstrong
http://institute4learning.com/blog/2013/02/12/17-ways-to-teach-vocabulary-skills-to-neurodiverse-students/

Reading Together: Tips for Parents of Children with ADHD
by Reach Out and Read
If your child has ADHD, paying attention for long periods of time can be a challenge. So, meet the challenge head-on — make reading time fun time for you and your child.
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/41119/

Kickstart Math Skills for Challenged Learners

10 Helpful Dyscalculia Resources
by National Center for Learning Disabilities' Editorial Staff (NCLD)
Dyscalculia refers to a wide range of lifelong learning disabilities (LD) involving math. There is no single type of math disability. The resources in this link can help those struggling with significant math challenges.
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/helpful-math-resources

More resources (on same site): http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia

Math.com---Website that presents FREE resources for practicing mathematics from basic math to calculus. Takes a student of any ability at his present level and allows him to “level up” as math skills are developed. (A student-driven resource)
http://math.com/

Kickstart Organizational & Study Skills for Challenged Learners

A Toolkit for School Success: 15 Study Tips for Students with ADHD
by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S.
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2011/a-toolkit-for-school-success-15-study-tips-for-students-with-adhd/all/1/

Apps for Students with LD: Organization and Study
by Darla Hatton and Kaila Hatton (NCLD)
http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/assistive-technology-education/apps-students-ld-organization-study

Other Related Resources for Challenged Learners

Back-to-School: Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs
by Kandace Wernsing (LD Online)
http://www.ldonline.org/article/38406/

8 Skills That Can Help Your Special Needs Child in School
http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2013/01/22/8-skills-that-can-help-your-special-needs-child-in-school/

Teaching kids with special needs interdependence skills through play
by Ellen Metrick
Helping with meals is just one way to help build skills
http://www.chicagoparent.com/magazines/special-parent/winter-2013/in-our-shoes/day-of-play

Back-to-School Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs
by Reading Rockets
Our Top 8 back-to-school tips for parents emphasize communication, organization, and staying up-to-date on special education news.
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/38405/

Handouts and Resources for LD/ADD (for Secondary and College Levels)
Many FREE printables and links to a wide variety of resources related to academics and student life, including resources on LD/ADD in college. In addition, there are numerous publications on LD/ADD and the college student which you may find helpful.
http://isites.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do?keyword=k73301&pageid=icb.page416014

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.brennaninnovators.com

GREAT Activities to Keep ALL Kids Learning!

During this month of June, we have been providing numerous summer reading resources here to help parents and teachers. We thought this would be a good time to include a few “read-make-n-take” activities to keep young brains sharp and keep all kids learning over the summer break.

We have compiled a list of resources that should provide our readers with both brain-building and creative activities to help ALL kids avoid the “summer slide” this year. Hope you find them to be helpful and FUN at the same time!

50+ Fun Things to Do for Summer
Enjoyable AND inexpensive things you can do with your kids this summer.
http://mommasfunworld.blogspot.com/2012/07/50-free-things-to-do-over-summer.html

10 Ways to Help Kids Avoid the Summer Slide
School’s out for summer! Cutting loose during vacation comes easily to kids, but it’s also important to ensure they keep busy with activities that will help them continue learning throughout their break from the classroom. Here are some of the best ideas for family activities that help prevent the “Summer Slide.”
http://abullseyeview.com/target-10-fun-ways-to-help-kids-avoid-the-summer-slide/

Pinterest Summer Link Up: Tons of Ideas for Summer Learning and Fun!
This link will help you to easily find (and possibly follow) some of the best summer learning Pinterest boards.
http://www.minds-in-bloom.com/2013/06/pinterest-summer-link-up-tons-of-ideas.html

Brain Games
Free trials of online and downloadable games that provide brain-building fun for kids of different age groups
http://www.shockwave.com/online/special/brain-games.jsp

17 Acrylic Painting Techniques to Try With Kids
Exploring acrylic painting techniques with your kids is a wonderful way to get them used to the medium. Any time kids play with an art material, they become more comfortable with it and will approach future projects with confidence.
http://artchoo.com/acrylic-painting-techniques-to-try-with-kids/

BEST Critical Thinking Apps = GREAT “Brain” Workouts
Here is a list of enjoyable, brain-training apps.
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2012/06/best-critical-thinking-apps-great-brain.html

Activities for Preschool Children
If you are looking for fresh ideas for activities for preschool children, here are some ideas you can do. Activities for preschool children is a fun activity or an educational game.
http://educationarticle.net/activities-for-preschool-children/

Special Needs Summer Fun Activity Tips for Parents
10 activities that provide fun for ALL kids---Help your child reach his or her full developmental potential by providing fun and interactive activities all summer long.
http://www.metroparent.com/Metro-Parent/June-2013/Special-Needs-Summer-Fun-Activity-Tips-for-Parents/

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Activities for Preschool Children http://educationarticle.net/activities-for-preschool-children/

Reading & Fun---ALL in One!

At this summer-time of the year, parents and teachers often look for activities and resources that can help them promote and maintain reading skills for their children and students. Some of the goals parents have for the summer frequently involve discovering ways to help their children retain what was learned during the past school year. Teachers have objectives for their summer enrichment or remedial classes that include enhancing what has been learned and preventing the loss of developed skills. This is particularly important for reading and math skills.

To help parents and teachers achieve these goals and objectives for the summer, we have gathered together a list of reading activities and resources that children should find both interesting and fun. We believe that when activities, reading and learning are enjoyed, more information is understood and retained.

We hope parents and teachers find that this summer 2013 list of resources will help plan for successful reading and learning all summer long! Your children and students will have FUN, too!

Top 10 Ways to Keep Kids Reading and Writing This Summer
This is a great list of activities to help children retain reading and writing skills during the summer break.
http://thisreadingmama.com/2013/06/02/top-10-ways-to-keep-kids-reading-and-writing/

25 Books with Crafts to Match
After more than 5 years of blogging, this mother paired countless books with crafts. Consider this list of 25 books a kind of “cheat sheet”.
http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2013/05/25-books-with-crafts-to-match.html

Summer Reading Resources for Kids 2013
Do you worry about your kids losing some of what they learned during the school year over the summer? There are so many wonderful programs aimed at keeping kids learning and reading during the summer. Here is a list of just a few of these programs.
http://www.momto2poshlildivas.com/2013/05/summer-reading-resources-for-kids-2013.html

5 Ways to Get Your Kids Psyched for Summer Reading
We’ve got be cool. We’ve got to be creative. And we’ve got to be careful.
This article presents the ‘how-to’ right here, and you’ll be surprised at how easy it is.
http://teachmama.com/5-ways-to-get-your-kids-psyched-for-summer-reading/

It's Summer, the Season to Keep on Readin’!
Ideas and resources to help you and your family establish this summer as the season to keep on reading.
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/05/its-summer-season-to-keep-on-readin.html

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: http://tinytipsforlibraryfun.blogspot.com/2010/05/reading-is-its-own-rewardor-is-it.html