Summer Reading For Kids

We have our Grade Level lists together early this year, so I can brag about them in May, instead of July like most years!  Our reading lists cover grades k through 6+, with an extra family reads included on the 6+ list.  There are lots of books we didn't have room for - I just finished Chomp by Carl Hiassen and it's on the list, but I didn't include his previous gems Hoot, Scat and Flush.  The list is broad at the bottom - pear shaped rather than an apple - because early readers are more sponges than critics.  Our Summer Workbooks also have lists, and they are up to date, because we try to keep our Summer Workbooks up to date!  A quick Google search let me find some good curated lists - I didn't like Oprah's format - designed to force you to look at lots of advertising - but her list is pretty good.  The bottom line is always read, read read!  I would also like to make a special plea for listen - audio books are a great way to subtract boredom from a road trip.  Sure you could let the kids zone out on their own screen toys, but you will miss the joy of sharing an experience together.  My # 1 recommendation for shared road trip book is Charlotte's Web - read by E.B. White.  Sublime.

Teacher Appreciation Week

It's teacher appreciation week - I'm posting on Facebook all week about my favorite teachers.  Charles Blow from the NYTimes made the suggestion and I think it's a great idea.

Here's a post about my Kindergarten teacher Mrs Macken

Summer Plans!

We've posted our Summer Reading Lists - along with our Summer Workbook comparison chart.  This chart compares our 3 Summer Workbooks -Daily Summer Activities, Summertime Learning and Summer Bridge.  We also have a Summer Class scheduled - two in fact!  Finally, we are creating Summer Bundles to make shopping easier for summer.  Now we just need a pitcher of lemonade and we are ready!