Make Kids' Summer Reading FUN!

Summer is here and with it comes a long, relaxing break from the classroom for millions of children. It will be a time for swimming and playing, enjoying lazy days with family and friends as well as afternoons spent with favorite activities. We hope one of those activities will be some summer reading time, as this can go a long way in retaining and even boosting skills for the next school year.

To help parents and teachers prepare for a summer break that allows and encourages more good reading for kids, we have gathered a list of new resources to make it easy. You'll discover recently published book lists for kids as well as FREE activities and other reading resources for the coming summer months. We hope you will find this list helpful as well as enjoyable for both you AND the children you care about and serve.

Here's are 2 EASY tips to help you get started on a wonderful summer of reading FUN:

1. Bring BOOKS with you EVERYWHERE! Keep a basket with a variety of kids' books in your family room and another in the kitchen. Store a backpack with books ready to read while kids are riding in the car as you do errands and other activities. Bring reading outside to the backyard or on the patio with a weather-proof container of books tucked in a corner.

2. Remember to visit your local library often this summer, too! Your kids will remember those visits for years to come---AND thank you later!

Summer Reading Resources That Are FUN, too!

2018 ALSC Summer Reading Lists (Birth to Grade 8)
from the Association of Library Service to Children
http://www.ala.org/alsc/publications-resources/book-lists/2018-summer-reading-list

Evergreen Audiobooks 2017 (Pre-K to Grade 8)
from the Association of Library Service to Children
http://www.ala.org/alsc/publications-resources/book-lists/evergreenaudio

2018 Great Graphic Novels for Teens
from the ALA-American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/yalsa/2018-great-graphic-novels-teens

Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge 2018
from Scholastic, Inc.
Welcome to the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge for 2018! Get ready for the best and most magical summer ever! Monday, May 7—Friday, September 7, 2018
https://www.scholastic.com/summer/home/

FREE Activities & Printables for Reading FUN!
from Scholastic, Inc.
http://www.scholastic.com/parents/activities-and-printables?esp=CORPHP/ib/////NAV/Parents/Tab/ActivitiesPrintablesLP////

For information about customizable tools for ALL kinds of readers:
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: www.FocusandRead.com and Pixabay: https://pixabay.com

Get 'Em In-Gear for a Great School Year!

The summer vacation time has always been a great season to reconnect with family and friends at a much more leisurely pace. Travel and enjoyable activities both indoors and in the sun can do much to help all of us recreate and refresh. This is especially true for children who have a chance during the summer months to experience important downtime, allowing for more creativity and reading for enjoyment than during the much more structured school year.

However, how can we best get them ready for late August or early September when the new school year begins? There are a few ways parents can do this, ways that are relatively painless and that may even go unnoticed by the children! Here are a few great ways to start the ball rolling to get your kids in-gear to begin the new school year:

GREAT Ways to Get Kids In-Gear for the New School Year

1. Get the children to bed on time. During the summer, children aren’t always on a schedule. However, proper rest is essential for a healthy and productive school year. Help your child get used to the back-to-school routine: start the transition now to earlier wake-up times and bedtimes. Structure and consistency are very important here.

2. Provide for healthy meals. Hungry kids can’t concentrate on learning, so good nutrition plays an important role in your child’s school performance. Studies show that children who eat healthy, balanced breakfasts and lunches do better in school. Fix nutritious meals at home, and, if you need extra help, find out if your family qualifies for any Child Nutrition Programs, like the National School Lunch Program (see link below for additional information).

3. Prepare a study area. Set up a special place at home to do school work and homework. Remove distractions. Make it clear that education is a top priority in your family: show interest and praise your child’s work.

4. Read Together. Take the pledge to read with your child for 20 minutes every day. Your example reinforces the importance of literacy, and reading lets you and your child explore new worlds of fun and adventure together. Change it up and promote variety by including read-alouds, sustained and independent silent reading and discussions about what you read. Do it TOGETHER!

5. Talk about and discuss ways to manage or limit school stress. If you or your children are overly anxious about performance in school, work through your negative beliefs, especially the beliefs about the implications of school failure. Challenge those negative thoughts that the worth of a person or future prospects hinge entirely on academic grades. Good performance will be achieved only when you and your children manage or overcome your fears and discover your own personal worth.

6. Set goals. Enjoy setting goals for your children and yourself, so weaknesses can be transcended and full potentials can be reached. Study goals must be realistic and achievable. For example, encourage small steps to reach higher targets.

7. Motivate the need to learn. Achieving some goals will certainly motivate children to reach more challenging targets. Another motivating factor would be to understand that a child works primarily for herself and her future career. Apart from the external rewards that parents may promise, a child or teen must understand that studying well is an opportunity for self-development and personal improvement.

8. Provide interesting learning opportunities that engage your child. To encourage your children or teens to prepare for the new school year, expose them to activities that inspire them to learn about things that interest them. A visit to a museum in a particular area of interest for the child is a place to start. A day trip to several libraries outside your usual locale can also be a good idea. Look into library and civic programs that may be offered over the summer months at little or even no cost.

Additional Important Tips for Parents

1. Communicate with teachers and the school. Contact your child’s teachers at the start of the school year. Get acquainted with them and let them know you want to be an active partner in helping your student to learn and grow. Plan to keep track of your child’s subjects, homework, activities and progress throughout the school year. And, consider serving on your local PTA or joining other parent groups that engage with and support your child’s school.

2. Take your child to the doctor, and make sure your child has health insurance coverage. It’s a good idea to take your child in for a physical and an eye exam before school starts. Most schools require up-to-date immunizations, and you may be asked to provide paperwork showing that your child has all the necessary shots and vaccines. So, check your state’s immunization requirements (see link below for additional information). And, always keep your own copies of any medical records.

Sources & Resources

Get in Gear for the New School Year: Back-to-School Tips for Parents by ed.gov
https://blog.ed.gov/2013/08/get-in-gear-for-the-new-school-year-back-to-school-tips-for-parents/

Eight tips to start the new school year by My English Pages
http://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/reading-tips-for-new-school-year-start.php

National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
https://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp/national-school-lunch-program-nslp

State Vaccination Requirements
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-managers/laws/state-reqs.html

For information about tools & resources for children & teens with reading challenges, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image sources:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

Math Games to Get AND Keep Them Engaged

Updated July 2015

It's that time of year when children just can't wait for summer vacation to begin, and parents are more than a little anxious about plans for keeping them busy---all summer long.

As we mentioned in last week's article, Reading Games to Get AND Keep Their Attention, it's important to help children avoid the dreaded Summer Slide, the loss of learning and developed skills during the three-month break before the new school year. In that same article, we served up a collection of literacy games for children of all ages to play, to help retain those skills and to be ready for the next academic year.

This week, however, we wanted to provide you with a similar list of math game resources to appeal to the budding mathematicians in your families or the math wizards in your classroom. Even if a child you know is not interested in developing better math skills (or doesn't like math at all!), these games just might turn the tide and entertain that same child while teaching some much-needed math skills, too.

We think you'll discover that these math games will get AND keep them engaged---all summer long!

Online Games Math Games

playKidsgames---A collection of online math games for all ages (FREE)
http://www.playkidsgames.com/mathGames.htm

Math Games---from PBS
A large group of math games to make math learning fun for children K-6! (FREE)
http://pbskids.org/games/math/

Kids' Math Games---Enjoy a wide range of free, online math games, interactive learning activities and "fun" educational resources that will engage students while they learn mathematics. Find cool math games, interesting facts, printable worksheets, quizzes, videos and so much more! (FREE)
http://www.kidsmathgamesonline.com/

IXL Learning---Online math practice games that seem like play! IXL Learning provides comprehensive, standards-aligned math (and language arts practice) for K–12. (FREE but with some promotional elements)
http://www.ixl.com/promo?partner=bing&campaign=1420&adGroup=math+games+%2F+kids&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Search+-+General+-+Exact+-+Global&utm_term=math%20games%20for%20kids

Offline Games Math Games

Tally Mark Dominoes & Speed Racer Math Games---by A. McDonald, No Time for Flashcards
Learning after school at Ms. McDonald's house has to be fast-paced and fun. These math games are both. They are also a cinch to make and inexpensive, too.
http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2013/10/tally-mark-dominoes-and-speed-racer-math-games.html

LEGO Math Games---by Cathy James
Do you have a child who just loves to play with LEGOs? LEGOs are a classic, open-ended toy that can be used in so many different ways by creative kids---even with MATH!
http://nurturestore.co.uk/lego-math-games

Secret Code For Kids---by A. McDonald, No Time for Flashcards
This math game can especially appeal to children interested in secret codes and spies!(K-3)
http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2013/06/secret-code-for-kids-math-activity.html

Make Your Own Math Games---from TeachMama
No matter what you need to practice, a make-your-own math game is the ticket to practice that's FUN!
http://teachmama.com/math-writing-stem-apps-for-kids-tabletop-surprises/#_a5y_p=1245165

Unschooling Tools: Games---from Stephanie, Ordinary Life Magic
Lists of boxed games available to help teach specific math concepts.
http://www.ordinarylifemagic.com/2012/03/unschooling-tools-games.html

Other Helpful Math Resources

Tools for Math Games at Home---by Erica MomandKiddo, What Do We Do All Day?
Ten, handy tools you can use with math games! You probably have most of them in a nearby closet or drawer!
http://www.whatdowedoallday.com/2012/02/tools-for-math-games-at-home.html

40+ Resources Involving Dice---from KB...Connected
Math games, printable dice, virtual dice, math centers, ancient dice games, create your own dice and much more!
http://kbkonnected.tumblr.com/post/12928926198/40-resources-for-dice-and-everything-dice

SPECIAL NOTE: To access the companion article to the above post, just click on its title here: Reading Games to Get AND Keep Their Attention (K-12)

For more information on customizable reading tools for better focus & improved attention, 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:
Pixabay.com at http://pixabay.com/en/cube-number-cube-color-play-205289/ and
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

Reading Games to Get AND Keep Their Attention (K-12)

It's no secret. Children across the U.S. are excitedly counting the days until the end of the school year. For many, the last day of the year will be just before Memorial Day. For others, especially those having to make up some of the extended winter's snow days, the last dismissal bell may be scheduled for sometime in early or even mid-June. Perhaps this year more than ever, children (and their parents!) are really looking forward to the sunshine, warmth and free time that the coming summer will allow.

With all of this anticipated fun just round the corner, how can parents keep young minds engaged over the next few months so that their children won't experience the dreaded Summer Slide, a term often used to describe the loss of learning when young minds sit idle during the three months away from school for summer vacation?

It can be more than a little challenging to ask children each summer day to daily work math problems or to read a non-fiction book a week from the first day of the summer break until Labor Day. Such suggestions just might be met with protests and resistance, unless the children are naturally avid readers or little math whizzes. However, you can pair brain-sharpening games and activities with reading and math content to keep those little (and larger) brains fully engaged all summer long. What's more, we're going to help you do it!

This week we have collected a list of links to more than a few reading games (categorized according to grade/age level) that will help your children enhance their reading skills AND have fun doing it. Isn't that what the summer should be about? The use of the resources here will also enable them to have a little more structure to their daily schedule and help them appreciate more the unstructured or personal free time they'll have, too.

It is so important to keep children reading and learning in some fashion all year long---even during the summer vacation time. "Motivating children to read throughout the year is essential to building lifelong readers," says Carol H. Rasco, president and CEO of RIF. "And reading is the doorway to all other learning." So check out our reading game resources provided for you here, choose the ones that might work best with your children and then watch them enjoy reading and learning ALL summer long. They'll be SO ready for the next school year if you do!

GREAT Reading Games to Get AND Keep Their Attention

Reading: Games, Activities & Resources (for Ages 5-8) (FREE)
Here are 12 enjoyable and helpful ways to nurture your children’s reading skills.
http://lessonslearntjournal.com/reading-games-activities-resources/

Fun Reading Games for Kids : How to Teach Kids New Words with "Throwing Dice," the Reading Game VIDEO (recommended for Grade 3) (FREE)
Learn new vocabulary words and home spelling skills with this dice game for 3rd graders.
http://www7.buyerpricer.com/Video.aspx?videoid=1pz-dqGFCGI&slk=Free+Reading+Games&cid=3242313214&kwid=20440517819&uq=reading+games+for+3rd+graders&nid=2&term=Free+Reading+Games&vx=0

Reading Games for 3rd Graders VIDEOS (most FREE)
A list of links & videos of reading games for Grade 3.
http://www7.buyerpricer.com/landing.aspx?slk=reading+games+for+3rd+graders&iscid=10000003&nid=2&cid=3242313214&kwid=20440517819&dmt=e&bmt=bb&dist=s&uq=reading%20games%20for%203rd%20graders¶m1=¶m2=¶m3=&vx=0

Reading Games for 4th Graders VIDEOS (most FREE)
A collection of reading games (with accompanying videos) for Grade 4.
http://www9.buyerpricer.com/landing.aspx?slk=reading+games+for+4th+graders&iscid=2000005&nid=2&cid=3324466773&kwid=20469111847&dmt=e&bmt=bb&dist=s&uq=reading%20games%204th%20graders¶m1=¶m2=¶m3=&vx=0

Fifth Grade Vocabulary Learning Games (FREE)
As they prepare to transition to middle school, fifth graders enjoy reinforcing their regular vocabulary lessons with entertaining learning games that not only teach them new words in language arts but also develop their interest in learning. Practicing vocabulary concepts in a fun way ensures that students acquire new language arts skills while setting the stage for a lifetime of learning appreciation.
http://www.vocabulary.co.il/fifth-grade-vocabulary-games/

Reading Bingo from ScholasticKids (for Gr. 5-8) (FREE)
Print out the FREE STACKS Reading Bingo card available on this website. Use it according to the directions provided OR make up your own game for your next trip to the library!
http://blog.scholastic.com/ink_splot_26/2014/03/reading-bingo.html?esp=Stacks/ib/20140423/unpd/readingbingo/STACKS/

Reading Games for Middle School (FREE)
A collection of language arts games for Grades 6-8.
http://www9.buyerpricer.com/landing.aspx?slk=reading+games+for+middle+school&iscid=2000005&nid=2&cid=3325884045&kwid=20471955653&dmt=p&bmt=bb&dist=s&uq=reading%20games%20for%20middle%20school%20free¶m1=¶m2=¶m3=&vx=0

Language Arts: Middle School Games (some FREE)
These games are from such sites as Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, a large international learning company, Beacon Learning Center, Merriam-Webster and the Adult Literacy Media Alliance.
https://sites.google.com/site/gameonlearning/la-middle-school-games

Reading Comprehension Games for High School---by Andrew Button (FREE or with materials on-hand)
Reading comprehension is one of the most important skills for high school students. Without reading comprehension skills, it is impossible to effectively study most subjects. However, while the importance of reading comprehension is obvious, the means for learning it are not so clear. If your child or students have trouble with reading comprehension, use games to make learning the skill fun and interesting.
http://www.ehow.com/info_12130822_reading-comprehension-games-high-school.html

Fun Reading Activities for High School---by Peggy Epstein (FREE or with materials on-hand)
Providing alternate activities for teenagers can increase their interest in reading and build valuable skills. These activities can be used with all subject areas, allowing for a variety of worthwhile and entertaining reading activities.
http://www.ehow.com/list_6373895_fun-reading-activities-high-school.html

Reading Games and Activities from K12 Reader (for K-12, categorized by grade level)
Here you'll find reading games and activities to help teach important reading concepts in the classroom and at home. Interactive activities like these make learning more fun for students and help them to understand the material.
http://www.k12reader.com/category/reading-games-activities/

Sources
Keeping Kids Off the Summer Slide from Reading Is Fundamental(RIF) & education.com
http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_Keeping_Kids_Off/

SPECIAL NOTE: To access the companion article to the above post, just click on its title here: Math Games to Get AND Keep Them Engaged

For more information on customizable reading tools for better focus & improved attention, 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:
Photo credit: paloetic via photopin cc and Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.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

ADHD Summer Bucket List for Kids

With the Memorial Day Weekend upon us, we all know that summertime fun has finally arrived. However, the kind of fun you have in mind may be different from the fun your child is thinking about, especially if he or she is challenged with ADHD.

So, how can a parent plan well for the summer break when a child has ADHD? In this week's article, we're serving up a pretty good summer bucket list with what we think has just the right mix of strategies, activities and resources for your child and you. We hope you'll both agree!

Time for Physical Activity & Good Exercise

First and foremost, plan for plenty of physical activity. Walking with your child to the park or in your neighborhood are great ways to begin to work in movement and exercise into a daily routine, particularly if you experienced a prolonged winter season this year in your area. While at the park, encourage a climb on the monkey bars to help improve balance and brain connectivity. Scheduling this activity at or near a set time of the day will add structure to your child’s summer routine, which is very important for individuals of any age with ADHD. You may be surprised to learn that you’ll also have some of the best conversations with your child during these little walks and park visits. Exercise will help improve the quality of sleep for both of you, too.

Reading Time Fun

You’ll want to remember to set aside some “quiet time” for reading, too. Again, plan a specific time to read. This often works best when it is planned after a period of physical activity. Visiting the local library on a regular basis will yield great results, whether you walk or ride there. Good conversations about books will stimulate both of you, and you will learn a great deal about your child---his reading preferences, his learning style, his opinions, and much more. In addition, adding this to your child’s summer routine will also help prevent the well-known “summer slide” from occurring. Frequent library visits in the summer are a MUST! (Hint: Teen boys often prefer non-fiction to fiction!)

Time for a New Hobby/Sport

If your child has an interest in a new hobby, sport or other pastime, but the school year doesn’t allow time for such an addition to your busy schedule, the summer break presents a unique opportunity to try something new---but something the child chooses. Activities that involve the martial arts, dance, or indoor soccer (notice again the physical activity to expend energy!) are just a few options to consider. Your child will give you the best ideas on this. Let him or her do the choosing. Dance studios, karate organizations and sports complexes sometimes offer free sessions to see if there is an interest. Check to see what your community may have to offer your child.

Hands-on, Creative Time

Also, do encourage your child to engage in activities that require specific thinking and manual skills. Working with a Lego model kit or complex puzzle is a great pastime---and can actually be soothing, too, especially for a child with ADHD. These can be great hands-on activities that often teach how to follow directions correctly and how to properly follow through with tasks to completion, two areas where children with ADHD need practice and assistance.

BALANCE is KEY

These are just a few ideas to get you started with your summer planning---there are others, too. It is really ALL about BALANCE here. Combine exercise with creative, brain-building activities, and your child with ADHD will blossom this summer---AND will also be much more prepared for the coming school year!

In addition to the ideas presented here, we also wanted to include a list of extra resources for you and your child. We hope that what you discover here will provide many options for you in planning an enjoyable and productive summer for your child with ADHD.

Summer Resources for ADHD

A Great Summer Vacation for Your ADHD Child---by Peter Jaksa, Ph.D.---from ADDitude Magazine
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/705.html

Backyard Summer Camp: 4 Outdoor Games and Activities---from Parents Magazine
http://www.parents.com/fun/activities/outdoor/backyard-summer-camp-games-activities/

The ABCs of Summer: An A to Z Guide to the Summer Season---from Parents Magazine
http://www.parents.com/fun/activities/outdoor/abcs-of-summer-season/

ADDitude's Complete Guide to ADHD Summer Camps---by Phyllis Hanlon---from ADDitude Magazine
How to choose the right camp for your ADHD child
http://www.additudemag.com/additude/article/837.html

ADHD Sample Schedule: A Step-by-Step Routine for Parents---FREE handout from ADDitude Magazine
Children with attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD) thrive on routines that make them feel safe, secure, and happy. Use this sample schedule to guide your child's day. Customize this sample routine to keep your ADHD child on track all day long and all summer long.
http://www.additudemag.com/RCLP/sub/9143.html

FIRST LEGO League
Youth robotics organization whose mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/fll

Summer Reading Bingo Printable (1st through 6th grades)
FREE printable Bingo game cards to encourage summer reading
http://www.meetpenny.com/2013/05/summer-reading-bingo-printable/

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://www.wired.com/design/2012/11/atom-express-blocks/

It's Summer, the Season to Keep on Readin’!

It really is hard for many of us to come to grips with the fact that summer is almost here! For parts of the U.S. this past winter, we never thought we would ever see spring, let alone summer. Yet, here we are with only a few school days remaining for many students and talk of vacations, picnics, pools and barbecues is beginning to be heard everywhere, even on social media sites.

For parents and teachers, this summer vacation time may be fast approaching, but it will be a great opportunity for children, teens as well as adults to continue to include reading in their daily activities. Reading for pleasure can be a wonderful way to spend a summer afternoon. You can be pretty creative in how you incorporate it into your children’s or your own lazy summer days, too.

We have gathered here in this week’s article what we think are some great ideas and resources to help you and your family establish this summer as The Season to Keep on READIN'. Hope you like these ideas and find them and their resources good options for you and your child! They should certainly help to keep your child off the summer slide and much more prepared for the next fall term. Happy summer reading, everyone!

Summer Reading Ideas & Resources for at Home

1. Cool Read-Alouds: Set aside one afternoon each week (or more often, if you like) when you and your child(ren) can read aloud to each other. Choose a cool, comfortable place like a covered front porch, a window seat in an air-conditioned room, or under your favorite tree in the backyard. Take turns reading aloud during the same reading session or plan on one reader for each time. Finish the reading session with a discussion about what you read together. Add cold milk and wholesome oatmeal cookies for extra good memories.
How Do I Use Read Alouds As a Strategy for Teaching Reading?-by Karen Hollowell
http://www.ehow.com/how_6882911_do-alouds-strategy-teaching-reading_.html#ixzz2T0jA0gxo

2. Cozy Reading Tent: There’s nothing like enjoying a book in a shady but cozy spot outside. Safely tie a clothesline or rope to two trees or poles. Place a very large sheet, light blanket or other sizable piece of sturdy material over the clothesline. Fasten the corners of the material to the ground with clothespins or other safe option. (Modifications can be made for an “indoor” tent, too.) Then, just crawl in with a pile of good books, some lemonade and a handful of pretzels. Your child can enjoy a great afternoon while improving his reading skills. Of course, you can join him there, too! In any case, remember to always monitor your children when they are playing or reading, particularly when they are outside.
Outdoor Tent Option: http://www.ehow.com/how_12127180_build-tent-sheets-kids.html
Indoor Tent Option: http://www.ehow.com/how_2105403_make-blanket-tent.html

Summer Reading Ideas & Resources for Away

1. The Gift of a Library Card: The very BEST way to begin any summer vacation is to make sure you and your child have an updated library card for your local or community library. This is a FREE passport to reading about other worlds, other cultures, imaginary characters, famous people and so much more. Be ready for a summer filled with reading---get that library card TODAY!
Resource to help locate public libraries near you: http://www.publiclibraries.com/

2. Literary Vacation Destinations: Plan a family vacation or day trip that includes a stop at a famous author's hometown. Here are just 2 examples:

Journey to Hannibal with FREE Mark Twain Resources
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/02/journey-to-mark-twain-country.html

Hometown of Frank Baum, Author of The Wizard of Oz---Chittenango, N.Y
Frank Baum's life and work is the centerpiece of Chittenango, N.Y., from antique shops to the annual "Oz-travaganza," a three-day block party and parade that attracts Baum fans from around the globe. The village also has its own yellow brick road, and if you follow it all the way, you'll end up at All Things Oz, "where Oz all began." This year’s Oz-Stravaganza! is scheduled for May 31–June 2, 2013
http://www.oz-stravaganza.com/

3. Presidential Library and Museum Visits
Discover if your state is the site of one or more U.S. Presidents’ Libraries. Then plan a visit complete with interactive exhibits, interesting and fun public programs, important educational events and vast archives available for scholarly research.
http://www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries/visit/

Other Summer Reading Ideas & Resources

1. Neighborhood Book Fair or Swap: Organize a book fair or exchange in your locale. Involve the children in choosing which books they have read to sell or trade for new ones. Think about pricing reasonably so that all can participate in your community. Invite others to do the same and provide your garage, driveway or other appropriate location for the event. Ask your children to create flyers and ask to post them at your local library or supermarket (usually at no charge.) You and your children will love the event and experience some great literary conversations with your neighbors at the same time.
For more information: http://www.momready.com/articles/content.asp?ID=486

2. 10 Weeks of Summer Reading Adventures for You and Your Kids-by: Reading Is Fundamental (courtesy of Reading Rockets) Many ideas for adding reading activities and literacy to your summer fun!
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/391/

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://www.ivillage.com/ivillage-pbs-kids-summer-reading-community-challenge-1/6-a-462200