Summer Retention – Workbook Free Ideas

By Beth Engelman and Jenna Riggs of Mommy on a Shoestring

This summer, help your kids sharpen their math, reading, writing and social skills with these easy, fun and inexpensive ideas. 

Become a Reading Detective

Encourage your children to be reading detectives! Whether they’re toddlers or grade-schoolers everyone can play along. You can challenge your kids to find letters or words in a variety of places such as the park, zoo or local pool.  A fun idea might be to set up a game where your kids are tasked with finding a specific word such as “big” or “special” as many times as possible throughout the day.  You’ll be amazed by how adept your reading detectives will become.

Create a Reading Photo Album

If your children are fascinated with taking pictures, a reading photo album may be the perfect family project.  This idea was inspired by those funny You Tube videos where you see the same guy doing a dance in all sorts of different places such as The Parthenon in Greece or Times Square in New York.  In this less exotic version, your children will create a summer photo album filled with pictures of them reading in different places.  Some ideas include reading at the park, the beach, the hammock in the backyard, or even on top of a Ferris wheel.  You can make it a family challenge to come up with as many different and unique places as possible.

Open a Lemonade Stand

Help your kids get into the entrepreneurial spirit while strengthening their math skills with a timed honored lemonade stand.  Not only will your kids reinforce their measuring, counting, adding and subtracting skills, but they will also learn the value of a dollar.  To add meaning to the learning, use the proceeds to help fight childhood cancers.  Learn more at www.alexslemonade.org.

Put on a Puppet Show for Family, Friends and Neighbors

When I was an educational therapist, this was one of my favorite ways to incorporate reading, math and art into one giant project. Here are some helpful hints to make the experience extra-special.

• When adapting a story into a script, try choosing a well-loved fairytale or fable, which are often filled with a mixture of rich characters and interesting plot twists to keep the show moving along.
• Make puppets using tube socks, tacky glue, scraps of material, yarn, googly eyes and anything else you might have on hand.
• Use a large box, fabric and tacky glue to create a puppet stage. If you do not have an empty box on hand, try finding one at your local hardware or appliance store.
• Encourage your children to create their own playbill, which can be passed out to audience members as they arrive.  Not only is this a nice feature for the audience, it’s also an excellent writing exercise for your children.
• Don’t forget about refreshments!  Work with your children to bake treats such as cookies or cupcakes that can be “sold” during intermission or enjoyed after the show.  Cooking is an excellent way to incorporate sequencing, measuring and counting which are vital math skills at any level.

Take the Reading Challenge

Reading challenges and incentive programs are excellent ways to keep your kids reading all summer long. This year, PBS KIDS and iVillage are teaming up to create their own unique summer reading challenge which provides free activities, prizes and coaching from Angela Santomero, creator of the PBS KIDS series, “Super Why.” To learn more visit: www.ivillage.com/pbs.

Jenna Riggs and Beth Engelman are the creative talents and owners of Mommy on a Shoestring, a website and weekly radio show chock full of ideas on how families can live creatively and large on a small budget.

Fall Fashion on a Dime

By Beth Engleman

Mommy on a Shoestring

Jazz up your fall wardrobe with these easy to make fashion accessories made out of recyclables!

Candy Wrapper Belt:

This is a great fashion statement for kids and adults.  It also makes a really fun rainy day or birthday party activity.

You will need:

Colorful candy or gum wrappers

Scissors

Tape measure

Clear packing tape

2 – 1 ¼ inch, D-rings (available at most craft and fabric stores)

Directions:

• Measure waist and determine the desired length of belt.
• Trim candy wrappers into 1-inch wide pieces.
• Arrange the order and pattern of the wrappers.
• Cut a piece of packing tape that is several inches longer than the desired belt length and lay it sticky side up on a table.
• Carefully place the candy wrappers, face down in a line along the center of the tape.  Overlap each wrapper slightly to ensure there is no extra space between wrappers.
• Fold the edges of the packing tape running lengthwise over the backs of the wrappers. If necessary, cut an additional strip of tape in half lengthwise and cover the back of the wrappers, ensuring your belt is properly sealed.
• Slide two D-rings onto one end of the belt leaving about 6 inches of before securing with packing tape.

Water Bottle Bracelet

Heidi Borchers and the team from www.ilovetocreate.com came up with this clever idea that turns a water bottle into a fashion statement.

You will need:

Colorful Fabric

Decorative Buttons or Sequins

Water Bottle (cut into a 2 ½ inch-wide ring)

Tacky Glue

Directions:

• Use fabric and tacky glue to cover the water bottle ring.
• Be sure to fold the fabric over the sharp edges and glue the fabric inside the ring.
• Add buttons, sequins, or coordinating fabric pieces as desired.
• Allow to dry before wearing.

T-Shirt Tote

Turn an old T-shirt into a cute tote with a few snips and stitches.

Materials

T-shirt

Needle and Thread

Scissors

12- inch bowl and paper

Directions

• Use the bowl to trace / cut a 12-inch  paper circle (to be used as a template).
• Cut off sleeves of t-shirt.  Tip:  Leave the seam to prevent the material from fraying.
• Use circle template to trace / cut a 6-inch scoop along the neckline of the shirt.
• Turn the shirt inside out and sew bottom closed.  Tip:  If the bottom seam is too thick, cut it off before sewing.  Also remember, the closer the stitches the sturdier the bag.

**To make a rosette embellishment:  Simply use the left over t-shirt fabric and cut three circles (different sizes).  Sew the circles together using a basic rag-stitch, being sure to pull the thread tightly to gather the material into petals.

This craft idea comes courtesy of Jessica Wynne Taylor.  Thanks Jessica!

To find more family fun activities check out www.mommyonashoestring.com

Sidewalk Chalk Recipe

By: Beth Engelman of Mommy on a Shoestring

Thanks Beth for this great idea! If you want to hear more of Beth’s great ideas you can listen to the replay of our recent radio show.

Ingredients

• Small Paper Cups
• 2 Tbs Powdered Tempura Paint – any color (available at most craft stores)
• 3 Tbs Plaster of Paris (available at most craft stores)
• ½ Cup Water

Directions

In a paper cup, mix powdered paint and water.

Stir in Plaster of Paris until the mixture is as thick as cream.

Allow the mixture to harden-approximately 2 hours.

Peel off the paper cup and take out the chalk.

Repeat for additional chalk pieces.

Mud Pies for Butterflies

By: Beth Engelman of Mommy on a Shoestring

Thanks Beth for this great idea! If you want to hear more of Beth’s great ideas you can listen to the replay of our recent radio show.

Mud Pies for Butterflies Recipe

• Combine soil, sand, and a pinch of salt.
• Add a flat rock in the middle for the landing pad for butterflies.
• Add a few drops of maple syrup to rock.
• Stand back and watch for butterflies

10 Summertime Boredom Busters

Parents envision children being full of energy and ideas, happily entertained by nature, bicycles and friends. Sometimes this happens and other times parents will hear the dreaded words, “I’M BORED! There’s nothing to do.”

As adults, it is not our responsibility to pave the road for our children. It is, however, a good idea to provide a decent road map, and by decent road map I mean provide supervision when needed.

Here are ten ideas that will make summer less “boring.”

Make your own CRAZY PUTTY. Mix equal parts white glue and liquid starch. Knead to desired consistency. The substance will stretch, snap and bounce!

Name that SMELL. Gather items that have identifiable odors. Blindfold the guesser (s). Ask them to name that smell. If they can’t remember the exact name, let them describe some other revealing details such as the color of the bottle, or what meal the spice is used for, etc.

MOW a MAZE.  With a push lawn mower, mow a maze or a crazy path when the grass is fairly long. You could also use the path to play Mother May I? or Red Light Green Light.

Go fly a KITE. Better yet, make your own kite to fly.

Sort BUTTONS. Let children sort buttons into different groups. Use a muffin pan to contain the buttons. Sort by color, or size, or number of holes. Then make a craft using buttons.

Give children a tape recorder. They can record themselves telling or reading a story. You can type the words to their original stories on the computer. Print the words with space at the top of each page so the children can illustrate their ideas.

Find a scenic spot outside, set up an easel and paint the scenery.

Play dress up. Gather old clothes and add to the collection by buying weird and unusual outfits and accessories from thrift stores and garage sales. Store the clothes and props in a trunk. Props can include such things as briefcases, pocketbooks, jewelry, shoes, books, canes, etc. Encourage the children to be creative and act out plays they create. Or, children can emulate a character from a well-known story and have people guess who they are. NOTE: Giving hints may be necessary and will only add to the fun.

Have children hold a full glass of water in a plastic tumbler while they jump rope. Make it a contest to see who can spill the least. Give out prizes.

Ask children to design a product or service and then create a commercial to sell it on television. Go all the way and video the end result and post it on YouTube.

And for timeless summertime entertainment, find a place where you can build a bonfire, roast a ton of marshmallows, look for meteors and lightening bugs, and tell stories around the campfire. Your children will thank you…someday.

About the Author: Jodie Randisi is a certified Family Manager tm coach and the author of 201 Things to Do When Children Say I’M BORED. For more information about Family Manager coaching or to get a copy of her book, go to www.201thingstodo.com.

Build a Fort

Welcome to Week 6 of our 8 Week Summer Boredom Buster Series. 

This week’s boredom buster idea is a great way to get your kids using their imaginations and learning to work in teams. 

Dig through your basement or garage and even possibly visit your local appliance store for old cardboard boxes.  Give them to the kids along with some old blankets, markers, and paint and let them build and decorate a fort.  If you have enough boxes and enough kids, let the kids split into teams and have a contest to see who can build the biggest and best fort.  After their fort is built they can use it to play in or hold secret club meetings.  This oldie but goody boredom buster idea will keep them busy for hours. 

Star Gazing

Welcome to Week 5 of our 8 Week Summer Boredom Buster Series. 

Take some time during the cool summer nights to star gaze with your kids.  It is a great way to wind down your day and you can keep the kids busy during the day researching and getting ready for the star gazing event.

How to Get Started

Check your family calendar or planner for a date that works best for everyone.  To make the most of your star gazing event, you will need to wait until after the sun sets and the sky is very dark, so be sure to pick a night when the kids and you don’t have to get up early the next day. 

Get your kids started on researching the constellations in the sky.  You can do this in a variety of ways and here are some ideas and resources to help get them started.

Create an Interactive Sky Chart – This online sky chart will show you where the stars and planets are in relation to your horizons and zenith.  It is a free application, but does require a parent registration.

Make a Star Finder – Kids can download this neat star finder project to help learn about the constellations.

Constellation Crosswords – Use these constellation word searches and crossword puzzles to help reinforce what your kids have learned.

Book It – Visit your local library to find some books on star gazing and constellations

Astronomy 101 – Use this online guide to help orient you and more easily find the stars and constellations.

Things You Will Need

Here is a quick list of things you will need to make the most of your star gazing adventure.

The star chart or finder

A big blanket or reclining lawn chairs

A red flashlight or a regular flashlight with red cellophane over the lens.  A red flashlight makes for easier night vision.

Snacks

Bug Spray

A dark location free of artificial light

Optional: Binoculars

Good Luck!

Kids Off The Couch

Welcome to Week 4 of our 8 Week Summer Boredom Buster Series. 

Keep kids from getting bored this summer with Kids Off the Couch.  A perfect blend of culture, family time, and film, Kids Off the Couch is a great way to help kids make connections, explore their local community, and learn through film.  Each week, the smart people at Kids Off the Couch, put together a Popcorn Adventure that includes a film and a related family activity designed to get kids and parents off the couch and exploring and enjoying their local communities.  Nestled in between the film and family activity are thoughtful conversation starters for each film to stimulate conversation and get kids and parents talking.  Families can choose to subscribe to this free service either via the Kids Off the Couch weekly newsletter or visit the multitude of Popcorn Adventures in the site’s archives. 

Some Things to Think About

Unless you have the movie in your DVD collection you will have to do some pre-work in terms of finding the movie either from places like your local library, your local DVD rental store, online swapping websites like SwapaDVD, or purchasing it directly from the Kids Off the Couch shop. 

Because the Popcorn Adventures get families off the couch and into their communities, you will need to make time on your family calendar or planner for the adventure.

Currently Kids Off the Couch offers detailed information and tips for adventures in New York, Houston, Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco, and Washington D.C., so if you don’t live in or near one of these cities you will have to do your own research to find the family activities nearby.  Kids Off the Couch will help you do this by showing you how to Google similar activities in your local town.  If you live in a small town or rural area, be prepared to travel a bit to find some of the activities in a nearby community.

Before you try your first adventure, be sure to read through the Kids Off the Couch tips to make the first adventure go smoothly.

Good Luck!

Owl Pellets

Welcome to Week 3 of our 8 Week Summer Boredom Buster Series. 

This week’s summer boredom buster is dissecting owl pellets.  Owl pellets are the regurgitated indigestible parts of an owl’s prey.  Owls like many birds swallow much of their small prey whole leaving behind in their digestive systems the indigestible parts like the bones, fur, and teeth of their prey.  The owl’s two part digestive system breaks down the soft parts of the owl’s prey, but is unable to process and break down the larger harder pieces such as the prey’s bones.  The softer pieces are digested and passed through the owl’s system while the larger indigestible pieces are formed into a pellet and regurgitated through the owl’s beak.   When pulled apart, the remnants of the owl’s prey can often be found in the pellet making it a fun science activity for kids.  Kids can dissect the owl pellet and compare the remnants they find in the pellet to a bone chart.  Combined with interesting owl books from your library or owl puzzles and activities, this is a great educational and fun activity that will keep kids busy and learning during the long summer days.

Good luck!

Make Your Own Household Cleaners

Welcome to week 2 of our 8 Week Summer Boredom Buster series.  You can find week 1 here.

This week’s summer boredom buster idea is making homemade household cleaners with your kids.  A little like cooking, kids and parents can have a lot of fun mixing ingredients together and seeing what new colors, consistencies, and textures the mixed ingredients turn into. 

In addition to fun, making your own household cleaners is also a great way to sneak in some summer learning.  Use the opportunity to talk about the environment and how cleaning molecules breakdown dirt.  And once your cleaners are made, you can use them as well as any commercially made cleaners you may have to do some effectiveness tests or to see which ones can break down Jell-O.  Parents can also sneak in some math by working with the kids to compare costs and time of their homemade cleaners to the ones purchased in the store.

Start by taking on only one cleaner at first to save a little money on supplies and to ease initial confusion.  You can make more than one batch of the same cleaner (for example one for the bathroom and one for the kitchen) so that all of the kids have a chance to mix.  If you and your kids enjoyed it, you can always do more later. 

To find recipes, you can use online homemade house cleaner recipes or borrow the book, Clean House Clean Planet by Karen Logan from your local library.  This book is filled with a lot of great information on how to make many different types of cleaners, where to buy the supplies, and how cleaners work.  Another great option is to make your own laundry detergent.  Trent over at SimpleDollar.com has done a lot of research on how to make your own laundry detergent and can walk you through the entire process. 

Once you decide which cleaner to make,  work a time into your family calendar or mom planner to buy the supplies and sit down together to mix your cleaners.  Once your household cleaner is made, work with the kids to design a creative label for your bottle.  Be sure to come up with a jazzy name for your cleaner and include the recipe on the label so that you can easily re-make the cleaner in the future.  If you have a child who enjoys computers this may be a good opportunity for them to get creative and use their computer skills.

And last but not least, once your cleaners are made put them to the test by letting the kids use them to clean stains, fingerprints, or even better the bathroom!

Good luck!

 

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