Summer's Official Arrival!

I've linked an article about the arrival of the summer solstice.  This is an interested article to share with the children.

Enjoy!!

Summer Schedule and a Reading Website

I've already noticed that my girls need to have a summer schedule!  In addition to the planned lessons and camps that have us out and about, we have set up an "At Home" schedule that includes 30 minutes of daily reading, plus math fact practice, and chores.  Next week we will begin doing "A Page a Day" from a grade level math workbook--something that will keep the girls sharp and prevent the summer knowledge slide.

Limited TV viewing is just a fact of life at our house.  When the TV is off I do very little entertaining.  Instead I have provided for my girls colored pencils, paper, clay, Legos, toy cars, dolls, and much, much more.  Telling my girls to learn to use their OWN imagination is the best gift I can give my children.  Of course, we play outside everyday!  And yes, I do play with my children, too! 

The website, Kids Reads, is a great reading website full of book recommendations, kid's activities, and book trivia.  It's a great place to visit to find new reading ideas!

Summer!

Happy summer everyone! It's hard to believe another school year is over. Thanks for a wonderful year!

Terrarium Information

The following website has some tips for your child's terrarium care. We did not follow the directions for construction as illustrated in the drawing on the site. Ours is simpler, we used potting soil, plants, and gently misted the inside of the jar. According to the site, the terrarium does need to be carefully watched during the first week.

Many terrariums go bad if the child is over-watering, so be careful! You may also transplant the terrarium materials and plants to a larger jar or container. One can often find cheap terrarium jars and containers at Goodwill.

It was a lot of fun working with the children today setting up these miniature ecosystems!

Summer Fun!

Activities to beat summer boredom:

• Take a walk.
• Teach your child a new sport: golf, tennis, basketball, volleyball, etc.
• Play with your pets!
• Research something new and different--visit the library or go online!
• Learn to play a new board game or card game.
• Teach your son or daughter how to cook a few easy dishes.
• Limit television viewing (!)
• Sign up for a summer library program (or the Barnes and Noble reading program).
• Ride your bicycle (Wear a helmet!)
  
• Play family games--Sorry, Monopoly, Memory, card games...these are all great fun!
• Go to a movie!
• Spend a day at the beach
• Pick strawberries, blueberries, whatever is ready this summer and U-pick
• Visit the Farmer's Market
• Plant a summer vegetable or herb garden
• Go to the Ionia Free Fair (July 21-31, 2010)
• Great day trips: Frederik Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids Children's Museum, John Ball Zoo, Binder Park Zoo, Detroit Zoo
• Visit the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo
• The Grand Rapids Picnic Pops are well worth the 40 minute drive! It's a great family evening.
  

Trillium Haven Field Trip

Meet Mick Jagger! We had a wonderful field trip at Trillium Haven farm. I've uploaded all my field trip pictures in the photobucket account.

If you haven't heard about Mick, make sure to ask your son or daughter!

Last Day with Mrs. Art

We will miss you, Mrs. Art!