Traditionally, summer has been a time to relax and refresh bodies and minds; a time to wonder and explore…play and discover. Sunshine and swimming; sand and surf; longer, lazier, less-structured days with space for social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Those days are more vital now, than ever, and we hope you enjoy the myriad informal learning opportunities all around you. It has been a challenging time—and students and families need to recharge.
That said, it’s also important to stay connected academically and retain valuable skills over the summer. To that end, we have put together a variety of resources to engage and enrich our learners. Students will have the opportunity to inquire and reflect, practice and review, as well as challenge themselves with critical and creative thinking tasks.
A little can go a long way, and small moves have great power. In the coming weeks, consider small increments of daily practice with literacy and numeracy skills to maintain academic growth. Be sure to:
- Read, read, read—every day.
- Allow for lots of choice—this fosters agency, independence, motivation, and achievement.
- Notice math, strategy and problem solving in your daily lives.
- Encourage students’ interests, curiosities and passions.
- Talk with your kids—frequently—this increases vocabulary, sharpens thinking, and develops confidence.
- Engage in wellness activities.
Above all, remember what author Anna Quindlen said: “Doing nothing is something”.
Have a wonderful summer!
Summer Choice Boards
Keep your skills sharp this summer by completing some of these reading, writing and math activities! Don’t forget you have access to iReady Reading and Math (through your Clever log in). If you need your log in information, contact mailgroup-technology@northbellmoreschools.org.
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Writing
Continue to strengthen your writing muscles daily by maintaining a writer's notebook or complete an independent writing project in the genre of your choice. Use these resources and ideas to get your creative juices flowing!
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Poetry
Grades K-2
Poetry is an exciting way to movitate and engage young readers. Here is a collection of fun poems for you to enjoy. Some things you might do are:
- Read the poems aloud or act them out
- Talk about what you notice or illustrate the poems
- Find rhyming words or trick words
- Re-read your favorites or write yur own poems inspired by these
- HAVE FUN!!
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Grades 3-6
Experience the power of poetry! Reading and writing poetry fosters fluency, develops vocabulary, increases reading comprehension...and so much more! Explore these poems and follow up activities to spark your inner poet!
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Video Read Alouds
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i-Ready Reading & Math Instruction
Students entering 1st-6th grade have access to i-Ready Digital Instruction in both Math and Reading. In addition to individualized, instructional lessons in both subjects, students also have access to Math Learning Games. Be sure to log in through Clever. If you need your log in information, contact mailgroup-technology@northbellmoreschools.org.
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Math Olympiads (Grades 4-6)
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Math Websites
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Wellness Activities
Make way for wellness this summer! Try some new activities from our choice board or repeat a favorite. Let's make wellness a habit!
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STEM Challenges
Think like an engineer! Use every day items to solve real world problems. Challenge yourself with some of these STEM activities!
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Mensa for Kids
Nurture your inner genius! Keep yourself cognitively challenged this summer and try some of the activities curated by Mensa for Kids.
- TED Talk Connections
TED Talks are a perfect way to open your child's mind. TED Connections provides high level thinking questions and companion activities.
- Games
A collection of games curated by Mensa for Kids.
- Zentangles
Learn to draw zentangles using this website recommended by Mensa for Kids.
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Creativity Corner
Everyone is a maker! Tap into your creative energy, let go of perfection and make room for the freedom of self expression!
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