Kerry and I have been friends since high school, we went to the same college, and now just live a few streets apart! I'm always inspired by the things she does with her children. She is always coming up with new and fun things to do. Two years ago she started a Summer Journal with her son. Age 4Kerry asked him to tell her about the picture. She did the majority of the writing for him and asked him to write some of the small words. (She glued the photos at the top). Too cute - he wrote … [Read more...]
Lessons Learned for Future Summer Points
For the past 3 years we've had "Read 1000 pages" on the Summer Points chart. All was great, until this summer. Good books were tossed aside for fast reads, books with many pictures were chosen over chapter books - all in the name of 1000 pages. My two finished all of their reading in a few days. In their defense, my friend tried to warn me.So, in an effort to keep reading going all summer - we're toying with the idea of having a 20 book challenge. 10 would have to be chosen from our … [Read more...]
Publishing Books with Your Kids
One of our biggest projects each summer is publishing your own book! My book from second grade - nice 1970's wallpaper! My teacher wrote the words and I drew the pictures. Background:When I was in 2nd grade, my teacher published this book with me. The cover was made with some sweet 1970's pink and green wallpaper and the pages were sewn inside. When I started teaching, I published books with classes of children too. They are an amazing keepsake and a treasure for parents. I think one … [Read more...]
Motivating Your Child in Music Practice {printable}
I love Brown Paper Packages and the super chart Kierste created for encouraging piano practice. Reminds me a little of Summer Points - work hard, get rewarded! Maybe you could adapt this for an instrument at your house, chores, or Summer Points. She's used it for a long time and it works great! Printable Instructions:Go here and right above Kierste's signature are the download buttons. Super-duper fabulous!Here is her description:"It's simple. Each week they can earn points for: practicing … [Read more...]
Summer Points Prizes
Summer Prizes for Summer Learning Is your child motivated by prizes or an event? I'm not into bribing my child, but I do like to reward them for a job well done. Especially when we're in the middle of the summer and they've been trying to accomplish their points. Your child will have great memories of the prizes they earned. I still remember receiving my first Cabbage Patch Doll. I worked everyday until I received her. It seemed to take forever, but earning her was a wonderful prize and … [Read more...]