Hundreds of Ideas for Summer Fun - Part One

Once again, I've been wandering through Pinterest, and have found several great blog links, lists and ideas to share to inspire summer fun ... and learning!

100 Things to Do This Summer from Honest to Nod - The Land of Nod blog:

10 Mostly Offbeat Ways Teens can Learn Something this Summer from the Washington Post:

A Wander Through A Handful of Kids Literature Blogs

From the Collecting Children's Books Blog

I thought this blog entry would simply be revisiting a blog entry that I love from last year, but then I became completely lost on the Internet by a series of fierce wonderings (as Luke's 3rd grade teacher would say):

So, re-printed from last year, a  lovely blog post about starting a summer book club for your kids.  I found the blog "Dinner: A Love Story" a few weeks ago, and have been enchanted for a couple of reasons.  The first is that the blogger manages to prepare a home cooked meal for her family every single night of the week.  It's a dream of mine.  At the Morell home, we survive on Chipotle take out for days at a time.  The other reason I adore this blog is that the entire family loves children's books, and has a series of posts suggesting various wonderful titles (and several I'd like to try...)  Blogger Jenny Rosenstrach sets up a summer reading program for her kids - something I used to do when my kids were younger.  Like me, she uses shameless bribing (one summer, when Peter was in 2nd grade, he earned nearly 20 playmobil men).  So take a moment to check out the summer reading program, the book lists, and perhaps even the dinner suggestions too:

Dinner a Love Story Summer Reading:

This year, when I wandered back to see if Jenny had a new list of books for the summer (she does not), I discovered that she recommended a wonderful blog dedicated to children's literature:

Mrs. Little: An Obsession with Children's Books

With entry titles like: "If Amelia Bedelia was a Chanel Client", and "If your son sleeps with a light saber... " I was hooked.

So then I wondered what other Children's Literature blogs might be out there that I have been missing, and came across a fascinating article by Elizabeth Bird which appeared in the School Library Journal a few years ago.  Titled:  This Blog's for You: Ten of the best blogs for folks who take kids' lit seriously (but not too seriously).  I wandered through all ten, and have chosen three that I found to be fascinating... and hope you do too!  

Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast

I consider it fair to say that of all the children’s literary blogs, the most visually stunning (with consistently kicking content) is the product of Eisha Prather and Jules Danielson. They provide amazing interviews of up-and-coming authors and illustrators. - Elizabeth Bird

Educating Alice

A blog written by Monica Edinger, an educator at New York City’s Dalton School, this regularly updated site features whip-smart commentary and classroom experience regarding all aspects of children’s literature. - Elizabeth Bird

Collecting Children's Books

This may be the best-written children’s literary blog of all time. Librarian Peter Sieruta doesn’t just retell the history of children’s books—he brings it to life and makes it dance! - Elizabeth Bird

Time to stop wondering and wandering!  I have laundry (and reading!) to do...

Enjoy!

Mrs. Morell


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KidsPost Summer Reading Club - Animal Adventures

Each summer, the Washington Post KidsPost sponsors a Summer Reading Club.  This year, the focus is on animal adventures.  You have to love a crew that wrote:  "We at KidsPost have been squirreling away (or gathering) books.  We've worked like dogs to find interesting titles.  And we've waited till now to let the cat out of the bag."   If you have a child who loves animals, you may want to check out wonderful list of titles, mostly with 8 to 12 year olds in mind:

• Survivors: The Empty City, by Erin Hunter
• Never Say Die, by Will Hobbs
• Pegasus: The Flame of Olympus, by Kate O'Hearn
• An Army of Frogs, By Trevor Pryce
• The Familiars, By Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson
• The Tale of Despereaux, By Kate DiCamillo
• The Cats of Tangelwood Forest, By Charles de Lint

Parents can register their children on the Washington Post, and any child who reads any or all of the titles on the list receives a bookmark (the program works on the honor system).

Learn more about the program by visiting:

KidsPost Summer Reading Program

18 Books that Will Inspire Your Kids - from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Today is my first official day of summer vacation... so much to read (and do), so little time!

A friend shared this intriguing list from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation yesterday...  I think I'll need to check out a couple of the titles to add to my own list, such as How to be an Everyday Philanthropist, and Design Revolution: 100 Products that Empower People.   I must say I've never come across Toilets of the World (from the 5th grade list) in a local bookshop, but it could be just the thing to engage a reluctant reader.

Take a peek and see if any of the titles appeal to the readers in your home:

http://www.impatientoptimists.org/Posts/2013/06/Summer-Reading-18-Books-That-Will-Inspire-Your-Kids

Just keep reading...

Mrs. Morell

Keeping Kids Engaged Through the Summer

Many of the Holy Trinity teachers turn to Edutopia for inspiration and great teaching ideas.  Today's newsletter focused on preventing the Summer Slide - with parents in mind.  Follow the link below to check out their fun and engaging activities to keep brains busy:

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/resources-prevent-summer-slide-matt-davis

Summer Reading - For Parents!

Our amazing summer reading suggestions are now in place for each of our classes at HTS.  This summer, our faculty will also be undertaking a summer reading assignment, and we thought we'd pose a challenge to you, our parents, as well.  Following are a few titles from our teacher summer reading list, and a few others that come highly recommended... So pick up a couple of these titles, or download them on your eReader... and head to the beach :)

Teach Your Children Well: Parenting for Authentic Success

By Madeline Levine

Psychologist Madeline Levine, author of the New York Times bestseller The Price of Privilege, brings together cutting-edge research and thirty years of clinical experience to explode once and for all the myth that good grades, high test scores, and college acceptances should define the parenting endgame. 
Teach Your Children Well is a toolbox for parents, providing information, relevant research and a series of exercises to help parents clarify a definition of success that is in line with their own values as well as their children’s interests and abilities.

Teach Your Children Well is a must-read for parents, educators, and therapists looking for tangible tools to help kids thrive in today’s high-stakes, competitive culture.

http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Children-Well-Parenting/dp/0061824747/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1369852899&sr=1-1

Common Sense Media's Essential Books for Kids and Teens

We are busily working to compile our 2013 Summer Reading Lists at Holy Trinity School... we promise, they will be done soon!  It's still April (for a few more hours) we have plenty of time...

The following guide landed in my inbox the other day, and it's tough to not be intrigued by a guide that promises: "150+ Chances to Get Kids Hooked on Reading for Life."  The fabulous folks at Common Sense Media sought to create a list that will engage, entertain, and maybe even enlighten young readers.

The guide is divided by age group: ages 2-6, 7-12, and 13-17, so there is something for everyone.

I found this list to be a great collection of timeless favorites... ones my own (now teenage) children have read and loved over the years... and well worth a look.   Enjoy!

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/guide/essentialbooks

Learning A-Z and RAZ Kids

Once upon a time, many years ago, my youngest son was struggling to learn to read.  In retrospect, I think it was simply a case of finding the block corner and any opportunity for imaginary or active play far more interesting than the storybooks in his classroom, but he was a bit behind his classmates, and his teachers were becoming concerned.  So, during the summer between first and second grade, his teachers encouraged us to read to him A LOT, and work with a series of leveled readers that could be found online using the website Reading A-Z.   This is such a fantastic resource.

The Joy of Reading with the KidsPost Summer Book Club!

Each summer, the Washington Post KidsPost sponsors a summer book club, and suggests a number of wonderful titles to read.  This club is open to kids ages 5 to 14, and those who are registered receive a bookmark designed by a local child. Children may read some or all of the books on the list - on the honor system. (So you could mix in a few of these titles with the ones on your HTS Summer Reading Lists) The Post reports: "We just want kids to enjoy summer reading, and we hope this helps."

 If you would like to register for the program, click on the link here to learn more:
Join the Washington Post Summer Book Club (Kids, you will need your parents help to register)

The eight books suggested this year include:
 Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage
 Summer of the Gypsy Moths by Sara Pennypacker
Anyway* by Arthur Salm
The Secret Tree by Natalie Standiford
Stars in the Shadows by Charles R. Smith, Jr.
Summer of May by Cecelia Galante
Crunch by Leslie Conor
Absolutely Normal Chaos by Sharon Creech

 Have a favorite on the list?  Leave a comment below!

Author Websites to Explore

OK kids, in case you hadn't noticed, it's officially August.  If you haven't started your summer reading, it's probably time to get started.  I thought I would share a list of author websites if you need a little inspiration to help you choose a book to read - many of these authors have titles on our summer reading lists.

These sites often contain information about the author and illustrator, and games that tie into the stories.  Check out the list below to see if your favorite author is represented - and let me know If I should include a few more!  Mrs. M

A few sample sites that are quite fun to explore...

1. Lemony Snicket


2. Blue Balliett



3. Jeanne Birdsall





http://www.sharoncreech.com/



http://www.wendymass.com/

http://www.jkrowling.com/en/index.cfm

http://www.mysteriousbenedictsociety.com/

http://www.pammunozryan.com/

Author Websites to Explore:


Avi
Laurie Halse Anderson
Blue Balliet
Jeanne Birdsall
Gary Blackwood
Judy Blume
Elise Broach
Patrick Carman
Andrew Clements
Sharon Creech
Christopher Paul Curtis
Kate DeCamillo
Suzanne Collins
Sharon Draper
Jeanne Duprau
Nancy Farmer
John Flanagan
Cornelia Funke
Kristiana Gregory
Shannon Hale
Mary Hoffman
Jennifer Holm
Anthony Horowitz
Erin Hunter
Eva Ibbotson (just interview)
Brian Jacques
Cynthia Kadonata
Rose Kent
Jeff Kinney
E. L. Konigsburg
Jane Kurtz
Lois Lowry
Mike Lupica
Ann Martin
Wendy Mass
Geraldine McCaughrean
Robert Muchamore
Christopher Paolini
Gary Paulsen
Phillip Pullman
Rick Riordan
J.K. Rowling
Louis Sachar
Angie Sage
Trenton Lee Stewart
Lemony Snicket
Spiderwick Chronicles
Jerry Spinelli
Jeff Stone
Jacqueline Woodson

PBS Kids - A great resource for kids - and parents

It is one of those too-hot to be outside for long kind of days, so I thought I'd introduce you to the PBS Kids Website, which has a tremendous range of games and activities for our younger students.

http://pbskids.org/

As you explore, you will see Sesame Street has a particularly strong site:
http://pbskids.org/sesame/

An Arthur has always been a huge favorite in the Morell home:
http://pbskids.org/arthur/

Be sure not to miss the Cyberchase site, which teaches strong math and problem-solving skills:
http://www.pbs.org/parents/cyberchase/index.html

And parents, if you have a moment, be sure to explore PBS Parents, which has resources on raising kids, education and planning activities :
http://www.pbs.org/parents/

Does your child have a favorite PBS Show?  Share it below! 

The Washington Post asks the question: Which is better, the book or the movie?

Each summer, The Washington Post KidsPost hosts a Summer Book Club.  The final Harry Potter movie has inspired this year's theme: Books vs. Movies.  Personally, I tend to think the books are always better, with the possible exception of A Little Princess - which isn't part of this particular list, but never mind that. 

This really is a something-for-everyone kind of list, with a number of wonderful books.  I hope you and your children take part in at least one of the discussions.

This has reminded me that I need to dust off my copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - I think I only have 16 days to re-read it before the movie comes out.  

Following is the link and the text from the KidsPost: 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/kidspost-summer-book-club-books/2011/05/26/AGaH2KjH_story.html

Here’s the list of books in the KidsPost Summer Book Club: Books vs. Movies. Starting Wednesday and continuing each Wednesday through August 10, we’ll feature a different book. We’ll also offer suggestions for other books-turned-into-movies that you might like. In keeping with the theme, we’ll also publish excerpts from a review of the movie, done by Jane Horwitz, who writes the Family Filmgoer column in the Weekend section each Friday.

We hope you’ll read the books, watch the movies and talk with your family about that age-old question: What’s better, the book or the movie? If you have strong opinions you’d like to share with us about any specific book-movie combinations, e-mail us at kidspost@washpost.com. Keep your comments to no more than 100 words, include your name, age, home town and phone number. Your parent must give permission in the e-mail as well.

June 29: “The Indian in the Cupboard” by Lynne Reid Banks. When Omri receives a three-inch-high plastic Indian from his best friend as a birthday present, he isn’t too impressed. After all, what can you do with a plastic Indian? Omri’s opinion changes when the Indian comes to life!
July 6: “Because of Winn-Dixie” by Kate DiCamillo. What can a lonely 10-year-old named India Opal Buloni and a dog named after a grocery store have in common? Find out in this beautiful book by the author of “The Tale of Desperaux.”
July 13: “The Fantastic Mr. Fox” by Roald Dahl. Can three mean-spirited farmers outwit the daring animal thief who has been robbing them blind?
July 20: “Beezus and Ramona” by Beverly Cleary. What will 4-year-old Ramona get into next? Ride her tricycle in the house? Parade around town like the Easter Bunny? Pretend she is walking her pet lizard? Whatever she’s up to, her big sister, Beezus, is there!
July 27: “Hoot” by Carl Hiaasen. Roy Eberhardt is the new kid in school — again. And he’s not liking Florida much compared with his last home in Montana. That is, until he discovers that the Sunshine State is home to potty-trained alligators, burrowing owls, poisonous snakes and mystery.
August 3: “Ella Enchanted” by Gail Carson Levine. While parents may think having a perfectly obedient child would be a blessing, Ella of Frell understands that it’s really a curse in a fairy tale filled with ogres, giants and princesses — and just a little bit of disobedience.
August 10: “Inkheart” by Cornelia Funke. Reading aloud is one of the most magical experiences in the world. That’s especially true in this story of the father-and-daughter team of Mo and Meggie, who bring characters to life when they read. Dare to read this one out loud!

100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know

Parents of the rising first grade class were encouraged to read to their children at least 20 minutes a night during the summer - excellent advice for everyone.  Of course, the possibilities of picture books to read are seemingly limitless, but if you are a person who loves a book list, check out the lists from the New York City Public Library.  I am particularly intrigued by "100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know."  The list contains a number of classics - many that I read and loved as a child, and read to my own children - such as Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day and Where the Wild Things Are.   Some are more recent, like Olivia and Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type.  Enjoy:

http://www.ps9.org/Docs/supply2012/first-grade-reading-list-2012-13.pdf

I found the list has been updated to include more specific lists, such as strong princesses, trains, non-fiction and grade-by-grade recommendations... which can be found here:

http://kids.nypl.org/reading/recommended2.cfm?ListID=61



What's your favorite picture book that didn't make the list?  Comment below:

Ideas for Summer Learning from Common Sense Media

Parents,  if you haven't had a chance to get to know the Common Sense Media website, you should.  It is a great resource to help determine what media is safe and appropriate for your children.

According to their website:
"Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology.

We exist because our nation's children spend more time with media and digital activities than they do with their families or in school, which profoundly impacts their social, emotional, and physical development . As a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization, we provide trustworthy information and tools, as well as an independent forum, so that families can have a choice and a voice about the media they consume."

I received this posting of their ideas for summer learning today.  I haven't had a chance to preview all your suggestions, but it might be interesting for your family to explore.  Comment below if you have found something amazing!

The link:

Common Sense Media Summer Learning Ideas

Ideas for Summer Reading

OK, I know I'm the technology teacher, but to me, the best part about summer vacation is that I have the time to read - A LOT... and I hope you do too.  My goal for the summer of 2012?  30 books.   And you?  Not sure what to read next?  Be sure to check out the following websites to find great ideas for the best reads of the summer.  You can comment below on what you're reading (or planning to read!)

(Parents, this is for you!  Kids, skip to the list of websites below) First, a lovely blog post about starting a summer book club for your kids.  I found the blog "Dinner: A Love Story" a few weeks ago, and have been enchanted for a couple of reasons.  The first is that the blogger manages to prepare a home cooked meal for her family every single night of the week.  It's a dream of mine.  At the Morell home, we survive on Chipotle take out for days at a time.  The other reason I adore this blog is that the entire family loves children's books, and has a series of posts suggesting various wonderful titles (and several I'd like to try...)  Blogger Jenny Rosenstrach sets up a summer reading program for her kids - something I used to do when my kids were younger.  Like me, she uses shameless bribing (one summer, when Peter was in 2nd grade, he earned nearly 20 playmobil men).  So take a moment to check out the summer reading program, the book lists, and perhaps even the dinner suggestions too:

Dinner a Love Story Summer Reading:

OK, now kids, these lists are for you:

1. Read Kiddo Read - A site designed by Richard Patterson designed to help make children readers for life.  Be sure not to miss: "The Ultimate Summer Reading List".   

2. Guys Read - Sorry girls, but this is a site devoted to promoting reading for the boys.   This site is the brainchild of Jon Scieszka (of The Stinky Cheese Man fame).   Though I have to say, I'm intrigued by the title of the month "The Strange Case of the Origami Yoda." I think I might have to add this to my summer reading list...

3. Politics and Prose - This NW DC Independent bookstore maintains lists of recent award winners and suggested summer reads on their website.  Also, a wonderful place to visit during the summer months to browse one of the best children's sections in town!

4. A Book and a Hug - This is a site maintained by a respected children's librarian who does children's book recommendations for a Baltimore TV station.  Comprehensive lists of suggested books are broken down by interest categories. 

5. Book Suggestions from the American School in London

Once upon a time, I lived in London, and worked at the American School in London.  The library there always compiled great summer reading lists - and they maintain a list of archived lists.  The only problem is, every now and again you can only find the suggested books in the United Kingdom.  But for the most part, the books are available on "both sides of the pond."  Have a look!