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For any upcoming interested learning more about ELA, visit this website to help you learn more about what things to prepare for transitioning from 3rd to 4th.

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4th Grade English Language Arts | Fishtank Learning

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Through multiple works of literature, students explore how a person’s beliefs and values influence their behavior and how beliefs and values evolve over time.

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Future 8th/9th graders (ages 14+): One Summer Chicago

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Future 8th/9th graders (ages 14+): One Summer Chicago

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Students ages 14+ can apply to summer jobs with the City of Chicago through One Summer Chicago! Applications are due June 10.

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One Summer Chicago brings together government institutions, community-based organizations and companies to offer employment and internship opportunities to youth and young adults ages 14 to 24.

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Future 7th, 8th, 9th graders: After School Matters

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Future 7th, 8th, 9th graders: After School Matters

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Students ages 14+ can apply to July/August apprenticeship programs and earn between $375-$1575. Learn about arts, communications & leadership, sports, and STEM!

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After School Matters | Discover Your Potential. Find Your Future.

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Apply to After School Matters | After School Matters

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After School Matters is offering thousands of remote summer program opportunities, where you can discover your passion and develop skills. Apply Today

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Future 9th graders (14+): art internship

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Future 9th graders (14+): art internship

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The Chicago Public Art Group is offering internships for students 14 and up. If you are interested, contact 312.427.2724 for details!

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Many parents want their kids to practice math and reading skills over the summer and are willing to pay you! Here's how you can create your own summer tutoring business:
1. Make flyers that include your name, contact info, the subject you want to tutor, and how much you charge (for example, $10 an hour).
2. Put flyers up in nearby libraries, cafes, community centers.
3. Wait for people to contact you- in the meantime you can reach out to family, friends, and neighbors who might be interested. Once people contact you, work with them on where to meet for tutoring sessions. You can meet at the library, a cafe, restaurants, the park, etc.!
4. Start tutoring! For reading, you can get books from the library to read with kids- think reading buddies!. For math, you can find math workbooks at the library or use free online resources (like Khan Academy).

*check with your parent/guardian before doing this!

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Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl

A story about how a smart and stealthy fox who tricks three evil farmers that try to trap him.

The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez

A story about a 12 year old girl who is new to school and bravely pushes the rules, questions authority, and stays true to herself.

Caterpillar Summer by Gillian McDunn

A story about a young girl who has been the parent to her little brother for a very long time but finally gets the opportunity to act like a kid herself.

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Wonder by R.J. Palacio

A story about a fifth grade boy with a facial difference who has some obstacles to face and friendships to build while he fights to be treated like an ordinary kid.

Holes by Louis Sachar

A story about a boy who has been wrongly sent to a detention camp where he has to dig up holes all summer long. It doesn't take long for this boy to realize there is something else going on and he needs to solve the mystery.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

A story about a girl and her black "stand-in mother" who escape their racist town in South Carolina and wind up being taken in by an amazing trio of black beekeepers.

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Gangsta Granny by David Walliams

A story about a boy who has to stay with his grandma who he thinks is boring, however, he doesn't know that his grandma is a famous jewel thief that is planning to steal the Crown Jewels.

Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry Mildred D. Taylor

A story about a strong girl and her families fight to keep their land and independence in the face of racism and social injustice.

Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish by Pablo Cartaya

A story about a middle school boy who is seen as a monster by his teachers and peers. After a fight at school gets him suspended this boy goes to Puerto Rico in search of his father and finds himself along the way.

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Tight by Torrey Maldonado

A story about a boy who minds his own business and stays out of trouble but makes a new friend who is pushing him to do things he shouldn't. Will he be able to stay true to himself or will he cave to peer pressure?

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

A story about a middle school girl who has to leave Syria, as well as her brother and father, to go to the US. She faces hardships, but also discovers exciting opportunities in her new life within the US.

The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay Moore

A story about a middle school boy from Harlem who is dealing with the death of his older brother who died from gang related gun violence. Going forward this boy must grapple with the painful loss of his brother while making hard decisions that will affect his own future.

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A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

A story of a boy who lives in Sudan in the 1980's when his village is attacked and he must embark on an unbelievable journey that leads him to a strange new land. Years later a girl walks 8 hours a day for water but there is hope for a bright future. This story shows the overlap between the lives of this boy and this girl.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

A story about a teenage girl who struggles to find balance between the poor neighborhood she is from and the fancy prep school she attends. After she witnesses a cop wrongfully kill her childhood best friend the realities of racism in the US become all too prevalent.

Night Hoops by Carl Deuker

A story about two teenage boys who have nothing in common but their love of the game basketball. These boys form an unlikely friendship that they must rely on as they each go through their own life struggles.

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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

A funny and honest story about a boy who lives on the Spokane Indian Reservation and transfers to an all-white school. He takes his future into his own hands and does what he needs to do to change the future he was destined to have.

Monster by Walter Dean Myers

A story about a teenage boy who has been accused of murder. This boy becomes a pawn in the hands of "the system" and must face who he is and the reality that he may spend the rest of his life in prison. To cope with his uncertain future this teenager turns his reality into a movie script and makes discoveries about both himself and society along the way.

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

A story about a teenage girl who's brother is arrested for treason in a brutal dystopian world. She must risk her life and tackle obstacles she does not think she is strong enough to face in order to save her brother. This girl is stronger than she knows.

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Free jazz concerts every Tuesday this summer at the Museum of Contemporary Art downtown!

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Tuesdays on the Terrace returns from June 13 to August 29, 2023.

Enjoy an evening of free music on the MCA's Anne and John Kern Terrace Garden with our annual summer concert series highlighting artists from Chicago's internationally renowned music community.

For the first time, Tuesdays on the Terrace expands beyond its jazz focus to include more diverse genres and styles that have unique Chicago roots. This year's series includes hip-hop, house, blues, bomba, and more, while maintaining a set of jazz performances. Gates open at 4:30 pm; all performances run from 5:30 pm until 8 pm with one set break.

Visitors can enjoy light fare and refreshments from the bar or bring their own food while relaxing on the terrace and sculpture garden lawn. Please note, outside alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

The 2023 presentation of Tuesdays on the Terrace is organized by Laura Paige Kyber, Curatorial Associate, Otez Gary, Community Engagement Manager, and Daniel Atkinson, Manager of Learning, Adult Interpretive Programs.

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Enjoy an evening of free music on the MCA's Anne and John Kern Terrace Garden with our annual summer concert series highlighting artists from Chicago's internationally renowned music community. For the first time, Tuesdays on the Terrace expands beyond its jazz focus to include more diverse genres and styles that have unique Chicago roots.

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Free concerts at Millennium Park all summer!

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The Millennium Park Summer Music Series features free outdoor concerts, showcasing a broad spectrum of established and emerging musicians in a spectacular setting. Grab a seat or a spot on the lawn and enjoy views of the soaring Pritzker Pavilion overhead and the surrounding city skyline that lights up around you as dusk falls.

Concerts feature artists from across genres, including R&B, house, disco, jazz, pop, country, alternative, and world music. Come see your favorite artists or discover someone new. Don't forget to pack a picnic to enjoy before and during the show.

Millennium Park Summer Music Series schedule

The free music series features a wide variety of music from established and emerging artists at the iconic Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Shows begin at 6:30 p.m., gates open at 5 p.m.

Thursday, June 22: Tribute to Ramsey Lewis: A Gentleman of Jazz, with special surprise guests

Monday, June 26: Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra, El Laberinto del Coco

Thursday, July 13: Big Freedia, "The Femmergy" feat. Mister Wallace & Friends + VITIGRRL

Monday, July 17: Yemi Alade, Son Palenque + DJ's TopDonn & Dee Money

Thursday, July 20: Stephen Marley, Skanking Lizard & Jump Up Records' 30th anniversary with DJ Chuck Wren

Monday, July 24: Kurt Vile and the Violators, Finom

Monday, July 31: Shemekia Copeland, Martha Redbone Roots Project

Thursday, Aug. 10: GRAMMY® Legacies and Looking Ahead: Vieux Farka Touré & Cedric Burnside

Thursday, Aug. 17: PJ Morton, Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio

Monday, Aug. 21: Carla Morrison, Girl Ultra + DJ Roxyo Sounds

Millennium Park FAQs
What accessibility amenities are available at Millennium Park concerts?
Evert aspect Millennium Park has been designed to be accessible and inclusive to all patrons. That includes:

American Sign Language interpretation is available for all concerts at Jay Pritzker Pavilion

Assistive listening devices and wheelchairs are available at all Millennium Park events from the Patron Service Tent

Accessible seating (with companion seats) is available throughout the Jay Pritzker Pavilion seating bowl

Learn more about accessibility in Millennium Park.
What items are prohibited from being brought onto the grounds?

Barbecue grills (open flames)

Fireworks or explosives

Illegal substances & weapons

Pop-up tents/canopies

Beach/picnic umbrellas

Flag poles

All pets (except service animals)

Can I bring a folding chair and blanket into the Chicago Jazz Festival?
Yes, but folding chairs are not allowed in the seating area of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Can I save seats in the Pavilion?
General seating in the Pavilion and on the Great Lawn is available on a first-come, first-served basis. In the seating bowl, you may save only one seat prior to the start of each show. Once the show has started, you must relinquish your seat. Please note that Millennium Park reserves the right to close the seating bowl and Great Lawn due to reaching capacity and appreciates your cooperation in ensuring the safety and enjoyment of your concert-going experience.

May I bring a picnic basket?
Yes! Millennium Park is the perfect place for a picnic and a night of music and dining al fresco. However, in order to ensure that events are enjoyable for all attendees and to protect the lawn from wear and tear, please respect the following rules of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion: tents, oversized umbrellas, oversized blankets or plastic tarps, helium balloons, oversized flags, signs/banners, barbecue grills, open flame candles, or staking of any kind are not allowed on the Great Lawn area.

May I buy beer or wine in the park? How about food?
Refreshments, including food, beer and wine, are available for purchase from the concessions tent located to the east of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. In addition, concessions can be purchased throughout the Park, including from the concession carts located on the Chase Promenade and at the Park Grill and Café on the McCormick Tribune Plaza. Alcohol may only be consumed in the seating area and the Great Lawn during the concerts. Alcohol sales in the Millennium Park concession tent end one half-hour prior to the end of the concert.

What is the rain policy?
Concerts and performances in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion are held rain or shine, unless there are severe weather warnings and/or the threat of lightning in the area. The Pavilion seats are not protected from the elements. The Great Lawn has a high-tech design with underlying layers of sand and gravel that allows water to drain quickly.

Are recording devices allowed during a concert?
Photography, video, or recording devices are prohibited at all concerts at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

May I smoke?
Smoking is prohibited in the seating area of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Great Lawn, the Lurie Garden, the east and west arcades by the restrooms, and the east and west Exelon Buildings.

May I bring my dog along?
Animals are not permitted in Millennium Park, unless they are service animals.
Please note: Schedule is subject to change. For the latest on Millennium Park Summer Music Series and all Millennium Park events, visit millenniumpark.org.

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Millennium Park Summer Music Series | June - August | Chicago Concerts & Events

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The Millennium Park Summer Music Series features free outdoor concerts, showcasing a broad spectrum of established and emerging musicians in a spectacular setting. Grab a seat or a spot on the lawn and enjoy views of the soaring Pritzker Pavilion overhead and the surrounding city skyline that lights up around you as dusk falls.

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Free dance lessons/event at Millennium Park

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Free dance lessons/event at Millennium Park

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Chicago SummerDance is hosting free dance lessons and dance events this summer at Millennium Park and other parks around the city! Learn how to salsa, swing dance, and more.

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The beloved Chicago SummerDance series returns this summer at parks throughout the city, during August and September. Dancers of all ages and skill levels are invited to take part in introductory dance lessons by professional instructors followed by live music and dancing.

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Millenium Park has free movie nights on Tuesdays this summer!

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Every summer in Chicago, visitors and locals flock to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park to kick back, picnic, and watch blockbusters, award-winning movies, family classics, and cult favorites in an unforgettable setting.

The annual Millennium Park Summer Film Series takes place on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and admission is totally free.

Millennium Park Summer Film Series schedule

All movies begin at 6:30 p.m. and gates open at 5 p.m. Guests may take a seat at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or lounge on the Great Lawn.

Tuesday, July 11: Fast Five (130 minutes, PG-13)

Tuesday, July 18: Turning Red (100 minutes, PG)

Tuesday, July 25: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (161 min, PG-13)

Tuesday, Aug. 1: Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (118 minutes, PG-13)

Tuesday, Aug. 8: Clueless (97 minutes, PG-13)

Tuesday, Aug. 15: Top Gun: Maverick (130 minutes, PG-13)

Tuesday, Aug 22: Barbershop (102 minutes, PG-13)

Tuesday, Aug. 29: Everything Everywhere All at Once (139 minutes, R)

About the Summer Film Series

Chairs within the pavilion's seating bowl and space on the Great Lawn are first come, first served. Arrive early to snag a spot! Guests can bring their own food and beverages to the Summer Film Series events, so pack a picnic and make a night out of it.

Bright enough to be completely visible in the daylight, the screen illuminates the entire viewing area with crisp, clear images and combines with the Pavilion's concert-hall quality sound system to create one of the most memorable moviegoing experiences, no matter where you sit.

Millennium Park FAQs
What accessibility amenities are available at Millennium Park concerts?
Evert aspect Millennium Park has been designed to be accessible and inclusive to all patrons. That includes:

All films are open captioned (including pre-show)

Assistive listening devices and wheelchairs are available at all Millennium Park events from the Patron Service Tent

Accessible seating (with companion seats) is available throughout the Jay Pritzker Pavilion seating bowl

Learn more about accessibility in Millennium Park.
What items are prohibited from being brought onto park grounds?

Barbecue grills (open flames)

Fireworks or explosives

Illegal substances & weapons

Pop-up tents/canopies

Beach/picnic umbrellas

Flag poles

All pets (except service animals)

Can I bring a folding chair and blanket?
Yes, but folding chairs are not allowed in the seating area of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
Can I save seats in the Pavilion?
General seating in the Pavilion and on the Great Lawn is available on a first-come, first-served basis. In the seating bowl, you may save only one seat prior to the start of each show. Once the show has started, you must relinquish your seat. Please note that Millennium Park reserves the right to close the seating bowl and Great Lawn due to reaching capacity and appreciates your cooperation in ensuring the safety and enjoyment of your experience.
What about items I lost or found in the park?
To inquire about lost or found items in the park, please call (312) 744-6050.
May I bring a picnic basket?
Yes! Millennium Park is the perfect place for a picnic and a night of dining al fresco. However, in order to ensure that events are enjoyable for all attendees and to protect the lawn from wear and tear, please respect the following rules of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion: tents, oversized umbrellas, oversized blankets or plastic tarps, helium balloons, oversized flags, signs/banners, barbecue grills, open flame candles, or staking of any kind are not allowed on the Great Lawn area.
May I buy beer or wine in the park? How about food?
Refreshments, including food, beer and wine, are available for purchase from the concessions tent located to the east of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. In addition, concessions can be purchased throughout the Park, including from the concession carts located on the Chase Promenade and at the Park Grill and Café on the McCormick Tribune Plaza. Alcohol may only be consumed in the seating area and the Great Lawn during the events. Alcohol sales in the Millennium Park concession tent end one half-hour prior to the end of the event.
What is the rain policy?
Concerts and performances in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion are held rain or shine, unless there are severe weather warnings and/or the threat of lightning in the area. The Pavilion seats are not protected from the elements. The Great Lawn has a high-tech design with underlying layers of sand and gravel that allows water to drain quickly.
Are recording devices allowed during a show?
Photography, video, or recording devices are prohibited at all event at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.
May I smoke?
Smoking is prohibited in the seating area of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Great Lawn, the Lurie Garden, the east and west arcades by the restrooms, and the east and west Exelon Buildings.
May I bring my dog along?
Animals are not permitted in Millennium Park, unless they are service animals.
Please note: Schedule is subject to change. For the latest on Millennium Park Summer Film Series and all Millennium Park events, visit millenniumpark.org.

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Millennium Park Summer Film Series | Free Things to Do in Chicago

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Every Tuesday evening during the summer, the Millennium Park Summer Film Series offers a free movie on a 40-foot LED screen bright enough for daylight and concert-hall quality sound. Make your Chicago vacation a memorable one for the whole family!

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Watch Space Jam (2021) for free at Douglass Park! This movie is showing on Friday, July 14 at 8:30pm.

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Movies in the Parks at Douglass | Chicago Park District

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The 290 East Ramblers are giving a free concert at Douglass Park! Relax and listen to some blues and R&B from 2-3pm on Saturday, August 5.

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Ramblin’ Rose & The 290 East Rambers at Douglass | Chicago Park District

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Art, culture, performance, and wellness event in Douglass Park

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Art, culture, performance, and wellness event in Douglass Park

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Enjoy art, wellness activities, and cultural performances at Unity Walk in Douglass Park! This event will be from 11am-1pm on Saturday, August 5.

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Description

Platforms foster cross-cultural connection and collective healing through pop-ups in underutilized spaces and parks. OACChicago encourages participants to become "everyday designers", and co-creators of more inclusive and equitable public spaces by exploring community-led culture-making through the arts, culture performance, interactive installations, and wellness activities. Add to Calendar Unity Walk at Douglass Douglass (Anna and Frederick) Park Chicago Park District noreply@chicagoparkdistrict.com America/Chicago public

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Platforms foster cross-cultural connection and collective healing through pop-ups in underutilized spaces and parks. OACChicago encourages participants to become "everyday designers", and co-creators of more inclusive and equitable public spaces by exploring community-led culture-making through the arts, culture performance, interactive installations, and wellness activities.

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NLCCC 7th Annual Arts Festival at Douglass Park

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NLCCC 7th Annual Arts Festival at Douglass Park

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On Saturday, August 5 from 11am-7pm, the North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council will host its 7th annual Arts Festival in Douglass Park!

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Alert

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Description

Join North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council's Seventh year Arts Festival in Ana and Frederick Douglass Park. First Saturday August 5th 11am-7pm. We will be showcasing local performing artists, visual artists selling their original art, culinary artist, jewelry and clothing. The Westside of Chicago will again come together and have FUN!

Add to Calendar NLCCC 7th Annual Arts Festival at Douglass Douglass (Anna and Frederick) Park Chicago Park District noreply@chicagoparkdistrict.com America/Chicago public

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NLCCC 7th Annual Arts Festival at Douglass

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× Alert . Join North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council's Seventh year Arts Festival in Ana and Frederick Douglass Park. First Saturday August 5th 11am-7pm. We will be showcasing local performing artists, visual artists selling their original art, culinary artist, jewelry and clothing. The Westside of Chicago will again come together and have FUN!

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MADD Rhythms: A MADD Mixtape at Homan Square

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MADD Rhythms: A MADD Mixtape at Homan Square

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This dance performance combines many different styles, including Hip Hop and tap; it's an "on-stage party" with a live DJ! Enjoy this free event on Friday, August 11 6-7:30pm.

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MADD Rhythms: A MADD Mixtape at Homan Square | Chicago Park District

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Indonesian dance performance in Douglass Park!

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Indonesian dance performance in Douglass Park!

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Learn about the dance styles of the Indonesian islands of Java and Bali at this free performance in Douglass Park! This performance is from 1pm-3pm on Saturday, August 19.

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Description

The islands of Java and Bali, in Indonesia, are home to some of the country's richest performance traditions, including gamelan music and dance. Friends of the Gamelan, a Javanese ensemble, and Chicago Balinese Gamelan, a Balinese ensemble, will contrast the different styles of gamelan while highlighting their similarities. Add to Calendar Gamelan World: Togetherness through Nature at Douglass Douglass (Anna and Frederick) Park Chicago Park District noreply@chicagoparkdistrict.com America/Chicago public

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Gamelan World: Togetherness through Nature at Douglass

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The islands of Java and Bali, in Indonesia, are home to some of the country's richest performance traditions, including gamelan music and dance. Friends of the Gamelan, a Javanese ensemble, and Chicago Balinese Gamelan, a Balinese ensemble, will contrast the different styles of gamelan while highlighting their similarities.

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Head to the lake for the FREE Air and Water Show!

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Starting in the summer of 1959, the Chicago Air and Water Show has grown to be the largest and oldest free admission air and water exhibition in the United States. The spectacular two-day event draws an audience of over two million to the city's stunning beachfront to see military and pilots perform astonishing stunts above the waters of Lake Michigan.

For more than 60 years, the multi-day show has taken to the skies above Lake Michigan, with North Avenue Beach as the center point. Make sure to arrive early to secure your spot and catch the spectacular demonstrations by aircrafts, boats, and diving and parachute teams. It's a thrilling, bucket list experience - soak up the sun, breathe in the crisp lake breezes, and feel the rumble of jet engines soaring overhead.

Where to watch the Chicago Air and Water Show

On the beach
The prime viewing location for the Chicago Air and Water Show is near the water. If you want to be in the center of the action, bring chairs or a blanket and stake out a spot on the sand or grass anywhere on North Avenue Beach from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street. You can also see the show from iconic lakefront attraction and its many outdoor patios.

Reserve a cabana space at Caffe Oliva for breezy, unobstructed views from Ohio Street Beach. A little further north, grab a seat at Theater on the Lake's waterfront patio.

For the VIP treatment, head to Shore Club. Enjoy the show from the beachfront bar's sand-covered patio, dotted with private cabanas. Or grab a seat at Castaway's, a beach bar and grill with cool drinks, live music, and excellent views of the water and skyline.

Cruise the waters
If you'd rather get on the water yourself, hop aboard one of Chicago's many lakefront boat cruises. There are a variety of tour boat companies that offer special cruises with incredible views of the Air and Water Show - enjoy a lunch buffet and unobstructed views with City Cruises, experience a piece of local history with Chicago Fireboat Tours, or explore cruise options with Mercury Cruises, Wendella Boats, Shoreline Sightseeing Company, Seadog Cruises, Chicago's First Lady.

Get a sky-high view
For a bird's eye view, head up to 360 CHICAGO observation deck, where you'll be blown away by the 360-degree panoramas and the vastness of Lake Michigan below. Enjoy drinks from 1,000 feet up at Cloud Bar, or head below to The Signature Lounge at the 95th for unbeatable city views. In the iconic Willis Tower, enjoy watching the jets fly by at eye level from the 103rd-floor Skydeck Chicago.

If you prefer an open-air environment, carve out a spot on a rooftop bar, like at The J. Parker atop Hotel Lincoln, at The Viceroy, or Offshore Rooftop at (one of the largest rooftop bars in the world).

Check out our full guide on where to watch the Chicago Air and Water Show.

Air & Water Show performers

Royal Air Force Red Arrows: For over a hundred years the Royal Air Force has defended the skies of Britain and projected Britain's power and influence around the world. Today the RAF is engaged in 15 missions on 4 continents in 22 countries.

U.S. Navy Blue Angels: The U.S. Navy Blue Angels have been astounding audiences since 1946 with their commanding presence and aerial maneuvers in their F/A-18 Hornet. The team has thrilled more than 427 million fans choreographed aerobatic and high altitude performance maneuvers.

U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights: Jumping out of an aircraft 12,500 feet above the earth's surface, racing to North Avenue Beach at speeds exceeding 120 mph and landing with smiles, ready to do it all again; all in a days work for the Golden Knights. For more than 50 years, the U.S. Army Parachute team has amazed and thrilled audiences with their precision parachute demonstrations in more than 14,000 shows in all 50 states and 48 countries.

U.S. Navy Parachute Team Leap Frogs: A typical Leap Frogs performance consists of fourteen jumpers leaping out of an aircraft at an altitude of 12,500 feet. The jumpers typically open their parachutes at around 5,000 feet, then fly their canopies together to build dramatic canopy-relative work formations.

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo: The 5th Generation F-22's unique combination of stealth, speed, agility, and situational awareness, combined with lethal long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry, makes it the best air dominance fighter in the world.

USMC Osprey Demo: The Osprey is an American multi-mission, tiltrotor military aircraft with both vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities. It is designed to combine the functionality of a conventional helicopter with the long-range, high-speed cruise performance of a turboprop aircraft.

USAF A-10 Thunderbolt II: The A-10 Thunderbolt II is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles.

KC-135 Stratotanker: The KC-135 Stratotanker is a military version of the 1950s-era 707 commercial passenger jet. The Air Force inventory of 732 aircraft are more than 50 years old and have been retrofitted several times with new engines, avionics and structural upgrades.

C-130 Hercules: The workhorse of the Air Force combat airlift fleet, the C-130 Hercules has been in service for more than half a century. Designed specifically to transport troops and equipment in the combat zone via airdrop or short runways, the Hercules operates throughout the U.S. Air Force serving with Air Mobility Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Combat Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Pacific Air Forces, Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve Command, fulfilling a wide range of operational missions in both peace and war situations.

T-38 Talon: The T-38 Talon is a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer used in a variety of roles because of its design, economy of operations, ease of maintenance, high performance, and exceptional safety record.

U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter: These helicopters will perform a simulated air-sea helicopter rescue. Watch as the helicopter's rescue swimmer free-falls from 30 feet into Lake Michigan, recover a simulated survivor, and is hoisted back to safety.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter: United States Coast Guard Cutter is the term used by the U.S. Coast Guard for its commissioned vessels. They are 65 feet (19.8 m) or greater in length and have a permanently assigned crew with accommodations aboard. They carry the ship prefix USCGC.

American Airlines: American Airlines is committed to reinvesting in its products and services to improve the travel experience for its customers. American's investment in its fleet is the latest in a series of strategic investments the company believes are necessary to enhance the overall customer experience, as well as maintain and grow market share.

Bill Stein Aerosport: Bill Stein has logged over 5,000 hours of aerobatic and formation flight. Bill began flying aerobatics when he was still a student pilot and has been dedicated to perfecting his skills ever since. Since 1995 Bill has performed at air shows all across the United States and has entertained millions air show fans.

Chicago Fire Department Air/Sea Rescue: The Air Sea Rescue Unit was established in 1965, where they provide search and rescue services for 37 miles of lakefront, an extensive river system, numerous lakefront venues, and the largest harbor system in the U.S. Divers assigned to the Air Sea Rescue Unit are trained under public safety rescue diver guidelines specific to Chicago's needs and particular environment. Air pilots are trained in helicopter search and rescue, and hoist rescue techniques patterned after nationally recognized standards.

Chicago Police Department Helicopter: The focus of these aircraft is to provide an additional resource to ground units. The use of Helicopters as resources enhance the capabilities of first responders through the deterrence and prevention of crime, by hardening of targets through focused aerial patrol and increasing response time.

Sean D. Tucker & Team Oracle: In airshow flying, Sean is the world's premier performer in terms of entertainment value and piloting skill. He's been flying airshows world-wide since the mid-70's and has won numerous aerobatic competitions. In that time, Sean has flown more than 1000 performances at more than 425 airshows, in front of more than 80 million fans.

Susan Dacy in the Super Stearman Model 70: Susan is one of only a few females performing airshows in a biplane, and is the only woman flying exhibition in the Super Stearman. Susan is a Chicago-based International Captain, currently flying 777. She's flown more than sixty different types of aircraft, and has logged more than 33,000 hours.

The Firebirds Delta Team: The Firebirds flight demonstration combines the precision of formation aerobatics with radical gyroscopic tumbles and heart stopping head-on madness guaranteed to keep you on the edge.

Matt Chapman Air Shows: Matt Chapman is recognized as an extraordinary aerobatic pilot who thrills millions of airshow fans each summer. He began flying aerobatics in 1984 and quickly worked his way up to the highest level of competition aerobatics - the Unlimited category. Recognized for his skills, he won one of only five slots on the U.S. Unlimited Men's Aerobatic Team in 1996 and 1998.

Warbird Heritage Museum Foundation P-51 Mustang: The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang was an American long-range single-seat World War II fighter aircraft. The Mustang first flew in Royal Air Force service as a fighter-bomber and reconnaissance aircraft before conversion to a bomber escort, employed in raids over Germany, helping ensure Allied air superiority from early 1944. The P-51 was in service with Allied air forces in Europe and also saw limited service against the Japanese in the Pacific War.

Herb Hunter - "The Voice" of the show and a former pilot in the show himself - takes to the announcer's stand with his informative and entertaining play-by-play, so you're always in the loop.

For helpful tips to plan your visit to the Chicago Air and Water Show, visit ChicagoAirAndWaterShow.us.

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Chicago Air and Water Show | Official Guide | Where to Watch

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Starting in the summer of 1959, the Chicago Air and Water Show has grown to be the largest and oldest free admission air and water exhibition in the United States. The spectacular two-day event draws an audience of over two million to the city's stunning beachfront to see military and pilots perform astonishing stunts above the waters of Lake Michigan.

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For any students interested to learn more ELA subjects to be prepared for 5th grade, this website helps with resources and provide information.

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Fifth Grade English Language Arts Common Core State Standards

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Find fifth grade English language arts worksheets and other learning materials for the Common Core State Standards.

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Learn how to create colorful tie-dye shirts and more with this easy tutorial for beginners. I'll share all of the essential tips and tricks you need to know to make all sorts of tie dye designs, including that perfect rainbow spiral, right at home.

Tie-dye is a resist-dyeing technique that often uses bright, saturated colors and bold patterns. To tie dye, first, fold or crumple fabric and tie it with string or rubber bands. Then, dip the fabric in buckets of dye, or apply the dye with squirt bottles.

The folds and ties act as a resist, preventing the dye from saturating the fabric evenly. Any place that the dye can't reach will stay white, creating the design.

Tie Dye Tutorial

This tutorial will cover the basics of tie-dye: how to prep, tie, dye, and wash tie-dyed garments. I'll share the best and brightest types of dye to buy, as well as all the other supplies you'll need.

Then, I'll show you how to tie some of the most popular tie-dye patterns, such as the scrunch technique, the rainbow swirl, the bullseye, sunbursts, and shibori-inspired designs. Be sure to keep reading for tie dye designs with easy-to-follow instructions.

After that, I'll answer your frequently asked questions about how to tie-dye. You'll get all of my best tips and tricks so that you can get a great result the first time, and every time, you dye.

Types of Tie Dye

There are a few different categories of tie-dye techniques.
Traditional Tie Dye
The first is the most common type of tie-dye characterized by bright colors and bold patterns. This style was popularized in the 60s and 70s and remains trendy today. This type of tie-dye starts with a plain white shirt, which is then tied and dyed with one or more colors of liquid dye.

In the rest of this article, I'll walk you through how to do traditional tie-dye step by step.
Ice Dye
Ice dying is similar to the traditional tie-dye, but the process is a little different. It starts the same, with a white or light-colored garment tied or secured with rubber bands. Then, the garment is covered in ice cubes and sprinkled with colors of powdered dye. As the ice melts, it will dissolve the dye powders and saturate the fabric.

This type of tie dye can create some eye-catching organic designs. If you want to learn more, check out my tutorial on how to ice dye.
Tie Dye with Bleach
Bleach tie dye, also called reverse tie dye, has become super popular in the last year or two. Bleach tie-dye starts with a black or dark-colored shirt, which is then tied and lightened with bleach. The bleach lightens the color of the exposed fabric, creating the tie-dye design. If you are interested in learning more, don't miss my tutorial about how to tie-dye with bleach.

How to Tie Dye

In brief, here's how to tie dye.

1. Prep your supplies, and set up your work area.

2. Mix your dyes. Pre-soak your garment, if necessary.

3. Fold and tie your garment. (more on that below)

4. Apply the dye.

5. Let it sit. (The hardest part is waiting!)

6. Rinse, wash, and wear your garment.

Tie-dye is a pretty simple process, but there are a few tricks you need to know to get the best results. Don't worry; I'll walk you through the process in more detail below.

Tie Dye Supplies

Before you can start dying, gather some supplies and materials. First and foremost, you'll need the dye itself and some fabric to dye. Then, you'll need to grab some tools and safety materials.

Here's what you'll need for this project.

fiber-reactive dye in assorted colors

fabric items, like shirts, socks, or sweatshirts

soda ash (you may or may not need this, depending on the type of dye you purchase)

Synthrapol, or another laundry detergent

rubber bands or strong string

buckets, to dip items in dye

squeeze bottles, to apply dye

plastic tablecloths or large trash bags to protect your work surface

wire rack to elevate the garment off the work surface, optional

gloves and a dust mask

zip-top bags or plastic wrap

Check out our list of recommended tie dye kits, which have everything you need to get started.

Best Dye for Tie Dying

The best type of dye to use on cotton fabrics for tie-dye projects is fiber reactive dye. This type of dye is much brighter, longer-lasting, and easier to use than other all-purpose dyes.

Fiber reactive dyes react with fabric in cold water to create a permanent bond - so you don't have to worry about your tie-dye design washing out the first time you put it in the laundry.

For this style of tie-dye, I don't recommend using all-purpose dyes like Rit or Dylon. In my experience, the colors are too pale and tend to wash out in hot water.
Types of Fiber Reactive Dye
Procion MX dyes: This is the most popular type of dye for tie-dye enthusiasts and professionals. Procion MX dye is colorfast, non-toxic, and very easy to use. Plus, it comes in a huge range of colors! You can find Procion dye kits from supplies like Jacquard or Dharma Trading Co.
Note: For best results, soak the shirt in a soda ash solution before dying with Procion dyes.
Tulip One-Step dyes: This type of dye is a great choice for the occasional tie-dyer, younger kids, and parties. The Tulip brand kits use a one-step dyeing process that eliminates the need to pre-soak fabrics in soda ash. The Tulip dyes are formulated with soda ash already in the dye powder, so all you have to do is add water, shake and apply.

Best Items to Tie Dye

You can dye all sorts of garments, like cotton shirts, sweatshirts, socks, even shoes! Items made with natural fibers are great for tie-dye. Look on the label for cotton, rayon, hemp, linen, or even silk.

Procion MX dye powders and the Tulip one-step kits are formulated to work with natural fibers, such as cotton, rayon, and silk. Synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, Spandex, etc., do not absorb these dyes very well.

If you can't find 100% cotton shirts, you can use an 80/20 cotton/polyester blend, but the dye colors will not be as vibrant. Avoid 50/50 cotton/polyester blends because the dye will not react well, and the colors will come out very pale.

Here are a few cotton garments and items to tie-dye:

How to Tie Dye: 6 Basic Steps

Tie-dye is a fun and safe project that kids and adults can enjoy together. But, before we get started, let's go over a few safety tips.

Work outside or on a protected work surface.

Be sure to wear old clothes or an apron.

Wear gloves so the dye won't stain your hands.

Wear a dust mask when mixing soda ash or dye powders.

Alright, let's learn how to tie-dye.

Step 1. Prep the materials

Before you tie dye, you need to prewash the garments. Use a laundry detergent like Synthrapol to remove any oils, dirt, or anything else that might be on your garment. These things can resist the dye, leading to dull or spotty results.

Next, set up your work area. If you will dying inside, protect your table with a plastic tablecloth or large trash bags. It's a good idea to keep some paper towels or rags nearby to clean up any spills.

Then, gather your other tools, including plastic buckets, rubber bands, string, squeeze bottles, wire rack, and gloves.

Step 2. Mix your dyes. Pre-soak your garment, if necessary.

For Tulip One-Step dyes: all you need to do is add water to the dye bottles according to the package instructions and shake to mix.

For Procion MX dyes: Put on your dust mask and gloves. First, mix the dyes. Add 4 teaspoons of dye to a mixing bucket. Add a few teaspoons of lukewarm water to the dye powder - just enough to make a paste. Then, add 1 cup of lukewarm water to the bucket and stir to dissolve the dye. Ensure that you stir well and get rid of any lumps because the undissolved dye will leave spots of color or "freckles" on your finished garment.

If you want, you can use a funnel to transfer the dye to squeeze bottles.

Then, make the soda ash solution. Add 1 cup of soda ash to 1 gallon of warm water. Stir to dissolve. Right before tie-dying, pre-soak your garments for 15 minutes. When time is up, squeeze out the excess solution so the fabric is damp but not dripping wet.

Step 3. Fold and tie your garment.

There are so many ways to fold and tie your fabric. Tie-dye techniques patterns range from simple to intricate. You can scrunch your garment, secure it with rubber bands, fold your garment, clamp it together, or even stitch a design into your garment with a needle and thread.

Keep reading for 10 ways to tie your garment for tie dye.

Step 4. Apply the dye.

There are many ways to apply the dye to the fabric. You can dip the garment into buckets of dye. Or, you can apply the dye directly to the fabric with squeeze bottles, paintbrushes, or sponges. You can use as many or as few colors as you want.

You can adjust the intensity of the colors by changing the dye-to-water ratio. If you want more pastel colors, you can add more water to the dye mixture.

When applying the dye, consider color placement. Think back to art class and the concept of the color wheel. Colors placed next to each other will bleed together at the border, creating new colors. Red placed next to yellow will create orange, green placed next to blue will create teal.

If you place complementary colors next to each other (that's red-green, orange-blue, or yellow-purple), you may create brown or other dull colors where the dyes bleed together.

Check out some of the tie-dye techniques down below to get some pattern inspiration!

Step 5. Let the dye set.

Once you have finished applying the dye, you need to give it time to react with the fabric. It's important to keep the fabric damp and relatively warm. (The warmer the temperature of the fabric, the quicker the dye reaction.)

I recommend placing the dyed fabric in a plastic bag or wrap it in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped fabric in a sunny spot, and let the dye process for at least 6-8 hours. For the brightest colors, you can let the dye cure for up to 24 hours.

See the FAQ section at the end of this post to learn about a 2-minute microwave processing shortcut.

Step 6. Rinse, wash, and wear your garment.

One of the keys to getting the cleanest, brightest colors is the washing-out process. Take your time here!

First, leaving the rubber bands or ties on, rinse the garment under cold running water. Then, rinse in lukewarm water while you remove the rubber bands or ties. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. Then, run the garments through a complete washing machine cycle with Synthrapol detergent.

For this first wash, you can wash multiple garments together, as long as they have been dyed with similar colors. If you wash too many colors together in the same load, the garments can come out muddy looking.

For the next couple of loads, you'll want to wash your tie-dyed clothing separately from the rest of your clothes. Then you can wash them with the rest of your colors.

There are lots of different tie-dye patterns and folding techniques that you can use to create unique designs. For more step-by-step folding instructions, check out this article: 17+ Tie Dye Patterns and Folding Techniques.

Here are a few of the various designs you can create with tie-dye:

1. Scrunch or Nebula: Lay the shirt flat. Scrunch the fabric together, gathering it into a tight disk. Wrap several rubber bands around the disk. The tighter you scrunch it, the more white areas there will be in the final shirt.

2. Swirl: Pinch a small section in the center of the shirt. Hold on to that small section while you twist the shirt clockwise. Keep twisting, and the shirt should fold in on itself like a flat cinnamon roll. Secure the shirt with 3 or 4 rubber bands, crisscrossing them over the center of the disc. The tighter you bind the shirt, the more white there will be.

3. Bullseye: Pinch a section of fabric at the center of the shirt. Pull the fabric up to a point, and smooth the rest of the fabric down to create a skinny cone shape. Wrap rubber bands around the cone of fabric - starting about an inch below the point of the cone. You can add as many or as few rubber bands as you want.

4. Sunbursts: Lay the shirt flat. Pinch a series of small sections and pull them up to create small, skinny cone shapes. Secure each with a couple of rubber bands.

5. Stripes: Lay the shirt flat. Starting from the bottom or one side, fold the shirt in a series of small accordion-style folds. Wrap the folded shirt with rubber bands every 1 to 2 inches.

6. Square Box Folds: Fold the shirt lengthwise in a series of accordion folds, each section about 3-4 inches wide. Press each fold well to get sharp creases. Then, fold the shirt widthwise in a series of accordion folds, each 3-4 wide. Sandwich the fabric between two squares of cardboard. Secure well with rubber bands.

7. Triangle Folds: This technique is very similar to the previous technique. In the second step, you'll fold the strip of fabric into triangles instead of squares. Then, sandwich the fabric between two triangles of cardboard. Secure well with rubber bands.

8. Kaleidoscope or Mandalas: For this look, you'll be creating a design with one or two lines of symmetry. Lay the shirt out on the table and fold it in half lengthwise and then again widthwise. After the shirt is folding in quarters, you can secure the shirt in whatever pattern you like.

9. Ombre Dip-Dye: For this technique, you don't have to fold the fabric. Simply dip one end of the shirt into a bucket of dye. As it sits in the dye bath, the dye will slowly work its way up the fabric. You can repeat this process by dipping the other end of the fabric into a different color of dye.

10. Heart. First, fold the shirt in half lengthwise. Draw half a heart shape on the fold with a washable marker. Starting at one end of your line, make small accordion pleats. Follow the drawn line, making the pleats so that the line appears straight at the top of the folds. (You'll be making the folds a little deeper on the outside section and a little shallower on the inside section to accommodate the curve of the line.) When all of the fabric has been pleated, secure it with a thick rubber band placed on the line itself. Then, you can add more rubber bands on the inside or outside sections as desired.

Tie Dying Other Items

Don't stop at shirts! There are all sorts of other garments and items you can tie-dye: hoodies, sweatpants, headbands, socks, and even sneakers. When you're shopping, look for garments with a very high percentage of cotton or other natural fiber.

How to Dye Hoodies and Sweatpants

Thicker fabrics like sweatshirts and sweatpants work really well with more organic techniques, like the crumple technique, the swirl pattern, and stripes. While you can do the more intricate designs on thicker materials, it may be a little tricker.

How to Tie Dye Sneakers

You can even dye cotton canvas sneakers. Remove the laces and liners before you start, and soak them upside down in warm water and a little bit of Synthrapol to "prewash" them.

You can't actually scrunch them up and tie them with rubber bands, but you can dip them in buckets of dye or apply the dye with squirts bottles, paintbrushes, or sponges.

How to Tie Dye Socks

Socks are easy and fun to tie-dye. If you want matching socks, you can tie them up together and dye them at the same time. Since they have a small surface area, you can't make large mandala patterns, though.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to prewash the fabric before dyeing it?
Yes. Prewash your garments in detergent, such as Synthrapol, before dying. Prewashing removes dirt, oils, and sizing that can prevent the dye from penetrating the fabric.
Do you tie-dye wet or dry fabric?
In most cases, I recommend tie-dyeing fabric that is slightly damp but not dripping wet. When the garment is wet, the dye will more easily saturate the material, leading to more even coverage. That said, you are welcome to experiment with applying dye to dry fabric. Applying dye to dry fabric will result in less uniform saturation and more white spots.
How long should tie-dye set before rinsing?
It's important to set the tie dye for several hours to get the brightest colors possible. After dying, wrap your garment in plastic (or place it in a zip-top bag) and let it sit for at least 6-8 hours. This processing time helps the dye soak into the fibers of the fabric. If you have more time, you can let the dye sit overnight or up to 24 hours.
How do you wash tie-dye shirts for the first time?
Before washing your tie-dyed garments in the washing machine, rinse them under running water until the water runs clear. Put the newly tie-dyed fabric into the washing machine by itself and run it through a cold water/delicate cycle with Synthrapol or another color-safe detergent.

To be extra safe, wash your tie-dyed garments separately for a few washes before washing them with the rest of your laundry.
How do you get tie-dye off your hands?
The best way to prevent stained hands is to wear gloves! Otherwise, wash your hands with soap and water. The dye will fade in time - about a day with frequent washing. For more tips, read this article about the best ways to remove tie-dye stains from your hands.
How do you make tie-dye colors brighter?
The best way to get bright tie-dye colors is to use the right kind of fiber-reactive dye and 100% cotton fabric. Then, remember to prewash your fabric and soak it in a soda ash solution (if your dye requires it.) Be patient and let the dye cure for up to 24 hours for the best color saturation. Click this link to learn more about how to set tie dye so it doesn't fade.
Can you set dye in the microwave?
If you can't wait the full 24 hours before rinsing out your newly dyed items, you can try speeding up the process with a microwave oven.

Heating the garments in a microwave accelerates the dye reaction so that you can wash them out after a few minutes rather than several hours.

Note: Be careful, and only attempt this under adult supervision. Microwave in small time increments, and use your best judgment.
To process tie-dye in the microwave:

1. Place the garment into a heavy-duty gallon-size zip-lock freezer bag, and squeeze out all the air.

2. Seal the bag and microwave it for 60-90 seconds.

3. Watch the bag closely, and stop the microwave when the bag inflates with steam - you don't want the bag to pop!

The goal is to heat the garment all the way through, but not heat it so much that any part of it dries out. The actual time required to heat the garment will vary.

Let the garment cool, and then rinse it out as directed above.

What's Next?

Pin this post: Save this tutorial to your Pinterest boards so that you can come back to it later.

Leave a comment: I love to hear your feedback. Tell me in the comments below!

Share on Instagram or Facebook: When you make this project, share it on social media and tag me @sarahmaker. I love to see what you make!

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How to Tie Dye - Easy Techniques for Beginners

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Learn how to create colorful tie-dye shirts and more with this easy tutorial for beginners. I'll share all of the essential tips and tricks you need to know to make all sorts of tie dye designs, including that perfect rainbow spiral, right at home.

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For students who are going into 6th grade, this resource is helpful for learning more about what to do for ELA. Many useful tools to be prepared for the grade level requirements.

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Writing and reading comprehension will always be an important aspect of your child's education. Sixth grade language arts is no different. This year, students will read more complex texts in a number of different genres, and also do a lot of non-fiction reading. This will help them further develop their 'reading to learn' skills that they began building a few years back. As far as writing is concerned, sixth grade language arts focuses on getting students to become more independent writers as they begin to work on formal essays and more detailed writing assignments.

This page includes information on everything you need to know about teaching 6th grade language arts including objectives and goals for reading, grammar and writing. You'll also discover how Time4Learning's comprehensive 6th grade language arts curriculum can help your child meet those objectives.

What Language Arts Concepts Should a 6th Grader Know

In 6th grade, students should be able to perform numerous language arts activities such as:

Reading and understanding different genres (plays, poems, and news articles)

Support their answers by using details and facts from a text

Use different sources (books, websites, articles) to do research

Understand grammar rules, punctuation, capitalization

Write a complete paragraph with topic sentence and supporting details

A comprehensive sixth grade language arts curriculum will help your child build on what they already know, teach them more advanced skills, and even provide opportunities to review challenging concepts they may need help with.

Learn more about Time4Learning's sixth grade language arts curriculum by checking out out 6th grade language arts lesson plans.

6th Grade Reading Goals/Objectives

A comprehensive 6th grade language arts curriculum will help your child accomplish all of this year's goals and objectives in reading, including:

Identify, summarize, or explain the main idea of a text using supporting details

Compare and contrast characters, settings, ideas, point of view, and/or plot

Achieve comprehension by reading literature with an emphasis on vocabulary

Use a variety of strategies to comprehend reading selections

Use the reading comprehension process skills of summarizing, predicting, visualizing, questioning, and clarifying

Expand their vocabulary and use them in discussions, reports and texts.

6th Grade Writing Goals/Objectives

Sixth grade language arts writing goals aim at making students more independent writers by teaching them how to effectively use the steps in the writing process (plan, draft, write, revise, edit, print, and share). Below are some of this year's writing goals and objectives.

Create paragraphs and multiple-paragraph essays

Create a fictional short story that includes dialogue

Write letters for various situations, including business letters, e-mail messages, etc.

Consistently apply rules of spelling

Demonstrate increased vocabulary and enhanced language use

6th Grade Grammar Goals/Objectives

In order to be good writers, students must be knowledgeable about capitalization, punctuation, verb tenses, and all the other aspects that make up grammar. Below are some of the grammar goals and objectives for sixth grade language arts.

Discriminate between transitive and intransitive verbs and direct and indirect objects

Identify and use descriptive adjectives and adverbs to enhance writing

Identify and correctly punctuate dependent and independent clauses

Use commas in appositives and after introductory words and phrases, as well as with names in direct address

Identify pronouns, demonstrate agreement between pronouns and antecedents

Time4Learning 6th Grade Language Arts Lesson Plans

6th Grade Language Arts Extensions Lesson Plans

Why Choose Time4Learning Sixth Grade Language Homeschool Curriculum

The sixth grade language arts program is made up of extensive learning activities organized in three sections. The sections are alternative teaching approaches which overlap in their teaching of language arts mechanics, reading skills, writing skills, spelling, and vocabulary. Many parents follow the sequence exactly as it is presented. Many rotate doing one exercise from each section.

An effective sixth grade language arts curriculum should teach students in a way that makes learning fun and allows them to progress at a self-directed pace. Time4Learning is an award-winning curriculum for PreK-12th that does just that.

Learn more about our online sixth grade curriculum, designed to help your child learn and master their fundamental concepts.

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Writing and reading comprehension will always be an important aspect of your child's education. Sixth grade language arts is no different. This year, students will read more complex texts in a number of different genres, and also do a lot of non-fiction reading.

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The EASIEST Homemade Slime Recipe (3-Ingredients!) - I Heart Naptime

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This homemade slime recipe is made with only 3 ingredients and easy to make at home! It takes a few minutes to make and will entertain your kids for hours!

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Kids can create these friendship bracelets in their favorite colors to share with friends! There's nothing sweeter than a token of friendship to keep for years to come.

Why we love this project

Traditional bracelets are tied on while the giver makes a wish for her friend. Once the bracelet finally falls off, it is said the wish will come true. Even though ours is made with a button closure, I'd still make a wish as I give a bracelet to a friend. That's what friendship is about!

Friendship bracelets are all about patterns. This candy stripe diagonal pattern is a great one for beginners. You work in a pattern of making 2 knots per strand as you create a diagonal woven pattern.

If you're giving this bracelet as a gift, pair it with a cute personalized stenciled frame with a photo of you and your friend!

Craft supplies you will need:

Craft information:

Craft Tips:

It is easier to work at a table. Have the loop end taped about arms-length on the table and let the floss hang off of the table right in front of you.

If you want to take a break from knotting, finish the row of knots, then tape down the strand of floss on the far left, separate from other strands. When you are ready to start, simply remove the tape and start a new row of knots.

If your bracelet starts to curl you can "block it" to make it lay flat.When your finished bracelet is done, tape it to a flat surface. Make sure it's pulled nice and taut. Spray it with a good amount of water and let it dry like that. Then remove the tape.

How to Make Candy Stripe Friendship Bracelets:

Measure your wrist: Use the extra piece of floss to wrap around your (or your friend's) wrist one time. Take floss off your wrist, holding the spot where the floss "connected" and cut that. This is the approximate length your bracelet needs to be.

Measure the floss: The general rule is to cut pieces of floss the length between your fingertips and shoulder. Hold the end of the floss in your fingers and stretch your arm out, do this 2x so you have 1 long piece of floss, double the length of your fingers to shoulder. Do this for all 3 colors of floss.

Make the loop for button closure: Take the 3 strands of floss together and fold them in half. Make an overhand knot at the fold, creating a little loop at the where you are tying the knot. This will be the loop for your button closure.

Tape down the loop end to the table.

Arrange your 6 strands of floss in the order you want. The strand all the way on the left is the one that will make the first row. You will knot it around all the other strands of floss.

Note: If you have 2 of the same colors next to each other, you will have a wider band of that color in your bracelet.
Make the knots: This bracelet uses the "forward knot" which creates knots left to right, just the way we read.
1. Take the first strand on the left, shape it into a number 4 with the 2nd strand next to it being the straight line of the "4". Make sure the first strand goes over the second strand, and then behind as shown in the photo. It is important the first strand always goes OVER the second strand, it'll give it the right look.

2. Now hold the second strand taut, and pull the first strand up and into the loop. Pull until you meet resistance, but not any harder! This will create a small knot on the second strand.
3. Make another knot by tying the first strand around the second strand again - by just repeating steps 1-2.
4. Continue moving across to the right, using the first strand to create two knots on each strand of floss/yarn in the bracelet.

5. Once you've knotted all the way across to the right and reached the last strand of floss/yarn, begin again using the first strand on the left. Make sure you're making TWO knots on each strand.

6. Keep knotting until you have the right measurement for your wrist. You can check by lining up the piece of floss you used to measure your wrist.

Add the button: Once the knots are done, take the button and slide 3 strands of floss into 1 hole and 3 strands of floss into the other hole. Note: you may need to roll the ends of the 3 strands together to get them to slide through the buttonhole. Tie the 2 strand sections together in a tight overhand knot. Trim loose floss off.

The bracelet is finished! Wrap the bracelet around your wrist and slide the button through the loop to secure.

Friendship bracelets originate from Guatemala and made their way to the States in the 1970s. Friendship bracelets are a form of macrame since the woven patterns are created by knots. It is traditional to make and give a bracelet to a friend as a sign of long-lasting friendship.

More Bracelet Making Ideas

Friendship Bracelets

See how to create your very own friendship bracelets to share with friends! Create them together in colors of your choice using our free instructional pattern.

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Kids can create these friendship bracelets in their favorite colors to share with friends! There's nothing sweeter than a token of friendship to keep for years to come. Traditional bracelets are tied on while the giver makes a wish for her friend. Once the bracelet finally falls off, it is said the wish will come true.

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I've tried many playdough recipes over the years with my four kids and I always come back to this one. This homemade playdough recipe is soft, lasts a LONG time, doesn't stain little hands, and uses common ingredients you probably already have.

Plus it's super quick and easy to make (you can make a batch in about 5 minutes) and much cheaper than buying ready made playdough.

And it's just plain fun to have the kids help you make their very own playdough recipe!
This post has a lot of information so use this list to skip ahead for easy navigation:
I love doing fun things with my kids, but I don't do DIY stuff as often as I'd like because of time and the mess. Honestly, I have enough messes to clean up as it is without purposefully adding to it!

Yes, I look on Pinterest and see all these cute craft projects and ideas for kids. Then I pin that glitter project that's momentarily caught my eye. For a fleeting moment, I contemplate actually attempting it. And then the realist in me takes over and I know it's not going to happen.

Can any of you relate? We'd all love to be those fantastic crafty moms but the simple truth is most of us are just too tired and busy.

If that's you - or even if you are an amazing crafty mom (my hat's off to you!) - then this DIY playdough recipe is for you.

Homemade Playdough Video Tutorial

Why DIY play dough?

In my experience, this play dough recipe doesn't crumble and make as big of a mess as the store bought "Play-Doh". It also lasts longer - we have a batch from well over a year ago that's still going strong!

Store bought playdough can get expensive especially if you have multiple kids as I do. Those containers are small and if your kids leave the lids off those tricky to snap on lids, it dries out.

Homemade play dough is easy to make and super easy to store. Just drop it in a ziploc bag and it will last for months!

I found this recipe a long time ago and after a few modifications, it's truly become the best homemade playdough we've ever tried. And with four kids, we've gone through a lot of playdough!

Natural Homemade Play Dough

Of course, homemade play dough is non-toxic too.

If you prefer knowing exactly what ingredients your children are playing with, this play dough is for you. The ingredients are simple, common household ingredients you probably already have around your house. This makes this playdough a perfect natural play option.

Because this recipe is preserved with salt, it will taste very salty, meaning your children will probably have no desire to eat it. (Of course, you should always supervise young children playing.)

How to Make Playdough

This homemade playdough recipe is so quick and easy to make, you can make a full batch in less than 10 minutes and your kids will love playing with it for hours!

I often make 4-6 batches in just 30 minutes because once your pan is heated up, you can whip up batch after batch very quickly.

Homemade Playdough Ingredients:

One batch of this homemade play dough makes a large amount, about equal to 2-3 storebought containers.

Tip: you might want to halve this playdough recipe if you want to use different colors. I made 6 batches of the full recipe because my four kids wanted multiple colors, plus it's nice to have more dough to go around.

*I highly recommend buying a large container of cream of tartar, such as this one; it's much cheaper than the tiny ones from the grocery store!

**I highly recommend using gel food coloring; not only does it last a LONG time (a little goes a long way), but you'll need gel food coloring if you want the vibrant colors you see in this post.

Step by Step Directions

1. Add flour, cream of tartar, and salt to a saucepan

Add 1 cup of flour, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar, and 1/3 CUP of salt* to a 2-quart saucepan.

*Yes, that is 1/3 cup of salt. If you use 1/3 teaspoon or tablespoon, you'll end up with very sticky play dough. The salt works to keep your homemade playdough from sticking and also helps preserve it, so you definitely want the full amount.

2. Add water, vegetable oil, and food coloring.

Add a few drops of food color to 1 cup of water, then stir into the flour mixture along with 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil.

Tip: I've adjusted the original recipe to include adding the food coloring in this step as it's even easier to evenly blend the color into your playdough compared to waiting later. Thanks to the readers who suggested this! (This update is why the photo instructions aren't colored yet.)

3. Cook and stir until your playdough starts to solidify.

Heat your burner to medium/low and stir.

It will be a little lumpy. That's okay.

Keep stirring until it starts getting a little solid. If there are still a few lumps, that's ok - you can work them out later.

If your stove is already hot or you have a gas stove, this will only take 20-30 seconds, but it may take 2-3 minutes if your electric stove is still heating up.

4. Keep stirring.

Keep stirring your play dough mixture.

As you can see, I USED to add the food coloring at this point - and you can too - however it IS easier to add it along with the water.

Now the dough will start becoming thicker and a little lumpy. Just keep stirring.

Once the dough starts gathering together around the spoon you know it's done. This may be 20 seconds or 2 minutes; it depends on how hot your stove is.

My first batch of easy homemade play dough took a bit longer, but once we got going, it literally only took a few seconds and a total of 2 minutes from start to finish for each batch.

5. Remove from the saucepan and cool.

Remove your homemade playdough from the saucepan and put it on some waxed paper or a plate to cool.

6. Squish and knead your doh to remove lumps

Once it's cooled, I like to knead the play dough for a minute or two to get out any lumps and to get it to a better consistency. Then again it could just be my excuse to squish it myself before handing it over to the kids...it is kind of fun.

That's it! You've made homemade playdough!

Don't you want to just squish this soft playdough?!

Common Playdough Questions

What is the best playdough recipe?

It seems almost every blog has their own play dough recipe these days and it's no surprise - homemade playdough is generally easy to make and so much fun! It's a perfect DIY activity for kids.

How do you decide which play dough recipe is the BEST?

It comes down to consistently getting good results. Sure you can try variations. like no-cook, but does it last as long? Is it as soft? Is it low-mess as my soft homemade playdough recipe here?

Some may be, but in my experience of trying MANY different versions of DIY playdough, this one here in this post has consistently been the best. Other moms agree - I've received hundreds of emails from moms praising this recipe since I posted (and regularly update with tips and new info) this recipe a long time ago.

Can I make homemade playdough without cream of tartar?

A common question is: "do I have to use cream of tartar for making homemade playdough?"

The short answer is yes, you can make playdough without cream of tartar. However, it won't be as good in my opinion. Cream of tartar is recommended for a reason.

This brings me to the next question...

What does cream of tartar do for playdough?

Cream of tartar does a couple of things to help your playdough.

1. Cream of tartar helps make the playdough more elastic and stretchy. Best of all, it helps minimize crumbles and mess!

2. Cream of tartar also helps act as a preservative, allowing your homemade play dough to last a LONG time without going bad

But I don't have cream of tartar...
I thought this originally too, but trust me when I say that the cream of tartar is worth it.

Tip: it's NOT worth it to buy those little bottles of cream of tartar from the baking section, like this:

Instead, I recommend one of these larger, better value containers from Amazon. It will last a long time and allow your kids TONS of the best playdough batches!

How much playdough does this recipe make?

One batch makes just under 2 cups. A standard size container of store-bought Play Doh holds approximately 1/2 cup.
One batch = about 4 containers of store playdough.
How to store play dough

In order for your playdough to last for a long time, I recommend storing it in a sealed ziploc bag. We use sandwich or quart bags.

Make sure your play dough is completely cool before you put it away. If it's not, your playdough will become musty and even mold.

How to Make Playdough Soft Again

If your play dough is left out and becomes dry, you can often revive it with this simple little trick for fixing dry playdough.

Work a little vegetable or canola oil into the playdough. The best way is to pour about a teaspoon of oil onto your hands, then work it in. Add a little more gradually as needed until the playdough is soft again.

Your playdough may not be quite as smooth and pliable as before, but this softening trick really does help.

Occasionally a chunk of playdough can't be revived if it was left out for a really long time (good thing this recipe is SO quick and easy to make!)

How do you fix sticky playdough?

Using less flour or salt will result in sticky playdough. If you used the correct quantities in this recipe and your play dough is still sticky, it probably needs to cook a little longer.

Add it back to your pan and reheat for another 1-3 minutes until it is no longer sticky.

How do you get playdough out of carpet?

Messes happen inevitably with children. If your kids do get playdough in the carpet, luckily it's not too difficult to remove it.
Here's remove play dough from carpet:

1. Allow the playdough to dry completely first. Do not try to clean it before it's dry! This is very important!

2. Pick out any bits you can by hand.

3. Use a firm brush, like this one, to brush the carpet gently but firmly. This will help remove any stuck-in bits

4. Vacuum

5. If there is a stain left behind, use a carpet-safe stain remover, like Oxiclean (follow instructions and test in a small spot first)

How do you remove playdough from clothes?

In my experience, playdough does not get stuck on clothes too often ( homemade slime is the worst culprit for that!) but if your child does manage to get it on clothing, try this:

1. allow it to dry completely first.

2. Use a firm brush, like this one or a clean toothbrush, to gently but firmly work the playdough out of the fabric

3. Soak the clothing in COLD water with a small amount of dish soap for 20-30 minutes

4. Put a little more dish soap on the area, then wash as you would normally

5. The stain should be removed!

Can I substitute other oils in this recipe?

While I typically use vegetable oil (it's cheaper and what I usually have on hand), my readers have claimed over and over that other oil varieties work just as well as vegetable oil. Some of those include canola oil, coconut oil, olive oil, even baby oil! If you've tried it, let me know!

Does this play dough recipe use boiling water?

Nope.

There may be some varieties that do, but this recipe does not involve boiling water. I've had comments from people saying that boiling water makes it faster, etc. That may be true, but this variety works well without it.

It's also safer when you have small children around. Of course, your pan will still get hot so you'll still need to be careful.

My 9 and 6 year olds often help make a batch of homemade playdough. They've gotten quite good at stirring. In fact, even when the playdough is at it's hottest, you can still touch it. I usually dump a batch onto a plate and knead it to get the color worked in straight off the burner. It's very warm (my kids don't want to touch it at that point) but it doesn't burn us.

What type of pan should I use?

I've made this recipe using nonstick and regular stainless steel pans. It is MUCH faster, easier, and cleaner to use a nonstick pan. The playdough will stick to regular pans, making it more difficult to stir together and also require you to stop and clean it out between every batch.

I got rid of my nonstick pans a couple years ago. I wish I had kept just one solely for making playdough. Now I'm keeping an eye out in thrift stores for a cheap one just for this purpose.

Tips if you do NOT have a nonstick pan: add a little oil to the bottom of the pan. You may also need to work an additional 1/2 tablespoon oil into the playdough once it's fully cooked because the non-nonstick pans tend to dry it out more.

Will the food coloring stain my child's hands?

As long as you mix it up well before you give it to them, there is no staining. That's even if you use Gel Paste Food Color

which results in bright, vivid colors.

I highly recommend Americolor by the way - it's well worth the money because you will use it for so many things - from many batches of playdough to cupcakes and more. It's my favorite food color ever.

Tip: this food gel brand is cheaper and appears to work well too. I have not tested it personally (my Americolor has lasted for years!) but it's worth checking out.

Here you can see, I just finished kneading a fresh warm batch of bright red playdough and there is no color on my hands at all:

The one caveat? I have not tried black food coloring, so no promises there! And of course, you have to use a reasonable amount of food coloring - if you try using an entire bottle of Americolor food gel? You'd have to let me know how that one turns out.

How do you make playdough more fun?

Kids love play dough and will often spend hours with it. But sometimes they can get bored and you might be looking for some fun play dough add-ons for more fun and direction.

For a fun play dough variation, try this scented playdough with essential oils. It's great for relaxing sensory play for kids with autism or ADHD. It's also great as a calming activity for any kids.
Try a holiday twist with one of these fun options: Printable playdough mats can help kids learn while they're playing:
SIGN UP HERE - your FREE mats will download immediately after confirmation:
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Easy Homemade Playdough

Copyright © Living Well Mom. All content and images are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you would like to republish this recipe, please re-write the recipe in your own words or you may link back to this post for the recipe.

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The Easiest Homemade Playdough Recipe {Lasts for Months!}

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This homemade playdough is soft, takes 5 minutes to make, doesn't stain little hands, and uses common ingredients you probably already have.

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Homeschool Curriculum for Future 7th Graders

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Homeschool Curriculum for Future 7th Graders

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This website helps for upcoming 7th graders for more ways to learn more ELA activities. Writing Essays, reading more confidential books, learning new words and phrases, more verbs and pronouns for essays, etc.

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This site is for helping students who are transitioning to high school resources for 8th grade ELA materials(English Language Art)

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Eighth-graders learn to read and understand essays, speeches, biographies, and other types of historical, scientific, and technical material. Students also read and understand a wide range of literature, such as stories, plays, and poems from across cultures and time periods. In writing and class discussions, eighth-graders continue to gather information from multiple sources, and evaluate whether the sources are credible and accurate. Students write both short, focused compositions, and longer papers that involve research, reflection, and revision over time.
Rich and challenging texts
Read rich and challenging eighth-grade level texts closely, proficiently, and independently.

Some sample texts for eighth-graders:

"Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

"Black Ships Before Troy: The Story of the Iliad" by Rosemary Sutcliff

"The Diary of Anne Frank: A Play" by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett

"The Book of Questions" by Pablo Neruda

"Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat: Address to Parliament on May 13th, 1940" by Winston Churchill

"Math Trek: Adventures in the Math Zone" by Ivars Peterson and Nancy Henderson

Citing evidence
Cite evidence that best supports what a literary or informational text says, as well as what it implies or suggests.
Analyzing themes
Analyze the way an author develops the theme or central idea of a text, noting how the characters, setting, and plot are connected. Summarize the text objectively.
Outlining arguments
Outline the argument and specific claims in a text. Evaluate whether the reasoning is sound and whether there is enough relevant and meaningful evidence to support the claims. Note when evidence may be irrelevant or misleading.
Understanding vocabulary
Read and understand eighth-grade vocabulary, and determine how an author's word choices, including the use of analogies and allusion, impact the meaning and tone of a text.

An analogy is a comparison of two different things that have some similarities. (When your child moved to town, they were a fish out of water.)

An allusion is a reference to a person, place, or event. (He has a Midas touch is a reference to the Greek myth of King Midas, whose touch turned everything to gold.)

Tip: Discuss outside sources.

Most stories, written or media-based, are full of allusions, or references to outside knowledge. Parents can play a big role in helping their child understand the connections these allusions are making. Discuss these outside references and how you think they add to the understanding and enjoyment of the story in question.
Learning new words and phrases
Use different strategies to understand new words and phrases; for example, use context as a clue; use common Greek and Latin roots as a clue; consult a dictionary online or in print.

Examples of common Greek roots: biblio (book) as in bibliography; therm (heat) as in thermometer.

Examples of common Latin roots: aqua (water), as in aquarium; cent (hundred), as in century.

Making supported arguments
Write arguments that state a claim, differentiate the claim from alternate or opposing views, and support the claim with reasons and evidence from accurate and credible sources.
Informative papers
Write informative or explanatory papers that examine a topic and express ideas by carefully selecting and analyzing information. Use facts, details, and other information to develop the topic.
Creating stories
Write stories or narratives about real or imaginary experiences. Establish a context and point of view, and develop story elements such as characters, a well-sequenced plot, and descriptive details.
Including evidence
Include evidence from text to support thinking and research.

Tip: Suggest writing projects.

Suggest some writing projects for your child that would be of interest to the entire family. Perhaps he could research and write about some aspect of your family's history, using personal interviews, books, and online information. He could share what he writes with other family members.
Producing and publishing
Use technology to produce and publish writing, and to work with others on writing.
Basic rules of English
Use basic rules of English grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling in written work.

For example, use a comma, dash, or ellipsis (...) to indicate a pause.

Use verbs in the active and passive voices (Active: He is eating chicken. Passive: Chicken is being eaten by him.)

Class discussion
Participate in class discussions about complex eighth-grade topics, texts, and issues. Be prepared to refer to evidence in a text when discussing ideas, and be open to explaining and modifying a viewpoint in response to the ideas of others.
Evaluating Others' arguments
Listen to another speaker's argument and evaluate whether the claims are based on sound reasoning and evidence, identifying evidence that is irrelevant or unrelated.
Giving a presentation
Give a well-organized presentation to construct an argument or explain a research finding, highlighting the key points and supporting with evidence clearly.

Tip: Encourage accurate descriptions.

Word precision becomes more important as teens move through middle and high school. Encourage your child to regularly describe items, locations, and events to you. Identify words that you find vague in these descriptions and ask him to think of better, more descriptive, or more accurate words to express what he is thinking.
Research projects
Conduct short research projects to answer a research question, including a self-created question. Gather information from print and online sources, and generate additional questions for further exploration.
Locating information
Locate information efficiently; use effective search terms online.
Evaluating sources
Evaluate whether sources are accurate and can be trusted. Quote or paraphrase material correctly without plagiarizing or copying. Cite sources appropriately.

For tips to help your eighth-grader in English Language Arts class, check out our eighth grade English Language Arts tips page.
Parent Toolkit resources were developed by NBC News Learn with the help of subject-matter experts and align with the Common Core State Standards.

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8th grade English Language Arts skills: Find out what you need to know for your student

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Eighth-graders learn to read and understand essays, speeches, biographies, and other types of historical, scientific, and technical material. Students also read and understand a wide range of literature, such as stories, plays, and poems from across cultures and time periods.

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We've been really into duct tape at our house lately! First it was velcro duct tape bracelets, and now Aidan and I have moved on to duct tape wallets. There are a lot of tutorials out there for duct tape wallets, but I thought I would go ahead and share ours since summer break is on the horizon! Both the bracelets and the wallets would make great summer crafts for either boys or girls.

For our wallets, we used a tutorial from Crafty Nest.

We were so excited to find Superman, Mario, and Angry Birds duct tape at Target! By the way, Walmart has more selection of duct tape, and their prices are lower for the plain colors - $3.37 at our store! The prices were the same for the character duct tape ($5.99), at least at our location. Amazon has Angry Birds for $5.50 (Amazon Affiliate link), so that's another option. Also, I will say that the Superman duct tape (made by Scotch) was not the same quality as Duck brand tape. I won't buy Scotch again.

These wallets would be a great project for age 8+ with help, depending on the child. Aidan (9.5) made one mostly on his own, but it was a little tricky to get the tape straight. He wasn't frustrated, though, and thought it was a great project. He has been showing off his wallet to everyone!
To make the wallets, you will need:

Scissors

A ruler

A utility knife

A cutting board, or thick cardboard to cut on

A library card or credit card for sizing

Step 1: Build the main body of the wallet.
First, tear off 4 strips of duct tape that are 9 inches long. Layer them sticky side up with 1/2 inch of overlap between each piece.

Then, tear off 4 more strips the same length. Stick these to the sheet you just made, but start about 1/2 inch down from the top. That way, you will stagger the overlapping sections and not make the duct tape too thick to fold.

I chose to use a print for the outside of the wallet and a solid for the inside to save a little money.
Step 2: Make one large credit card pocket Step 3: Make two smaller credit card pockets. Step 4: Assemble the pockets
Tear off two 5 inch strips and layer them. Then, stick two more 5 inch strips to the back and fold over the edges following the same procedure as the main body of the wallet. Trim the edges with the utility knife and ruler so that this pocket measures 4 inches wide.

Tear off two 9 inch strips of duct tape, and stick them back-to-back. Cut this piece into two pieces that are each 4 inches wide.
Step 5: Assemble the wallet
Lay the three pockets on top of each other, with the largest pocket on the bottom. The middle pocket won't go all the way down to the bottom, and that's okay.

Use a strip of tape torn in half lengthwise to attach them.

Use your credit card or library card to make sure that you have enough room in the pockets! You will probably need to have more of the tape hanging over onto the other side - it won't be divided evenly.

Lay out your main fabric with the side UP that you want to be on the OUTSIDE of the wallet.

Attach the credit card pockets to the upper right with a 9 inch strip of duct tape torn in half lengthwise.
Be sure to check out my duct tape Pinterest board - For the Love of Duct Tape - for more duct tape crafting ideas!!
Then, fold the wallet in half and secure the ends with strips of tape that have been torn in half lengthwise. Trim off the extra.

Add a final strip of tape across the bottom of the wallet, and you're done!

You can also add a clear window for a driver's license or ID. We didn't do that since these wallets are for young kids, but check out this post at Crafty Nest for details on how to add the ID window. This post also has more detailed instructions if you need more clarity.

At first, the wallets just want to stay open, but ours flattened out quickly after some time in a back pocket.

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How to Make a Duct Tape Wallet - Frugal Fun For Boys and Girls

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How to Make a Duct Tape Wallet - Step-by-Step Instructions! We've been really into duct tape at our house lately! First it was velcro duct tape bracelets, and now Aidan and I have moved on to duct tape wallets. There are a lot of tutorials out there for duct tape wallets, but I thought I [...]

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Here is the Noble school's official website. I would love it if you guys dug into this website to hopefully find your home for the next step toward your education!

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GoCPS is the new universal enrollment system used by all public high schools in Chicago. For students who wish to attend a Noble school for Grade 9 for the 2023-2024 school year, you'll need to use GoCPS to apply.

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AP classes are a great way to get college credits while being in high school. This will lead to saving money once college comes around!

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AP Courses and Exams – AP Students | College Board

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Explore all 39 AP courses at a glance and in depth.

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CPS summer programs. Before and after school programs 

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CPS summer programs. Before and after school programs 

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Here is a valuable resource for all. This website will show all the "Before and after school" and "Summer programs". I highly recommend all to look over this website with a trusted adult to keep the mind busy and healthy throughout the summer as this resource will lead to future connections!

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Main

Make a Plan. Get Vaccinated.

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Find the latest updates, announcements and news from the district.

Spring Sports Registration

Elementary students who attend schools participating in the spring CPS SCORE! Program can now register for sports.

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Attend a virtual town hall to learn about Student Specific Corrective Action and find information about students' eligibility for a remedy.

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Advance your digital skills with free workshops, self-guided trainings and more resources from our partner organizations.
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A District on the Rise

Over the past decade, CPS high school graduation rates have increased by almost 50 percent, with a record high graduation rate in 2021. This progress made over such a short period of time has transformed the lives of countless graduates, and is a testament to what can be accomplished when students are centered in everything.

83.8%

2021 Graduation Rate

47%

Increase in Graduation Rate Since 2011

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We've set some ambitious goals in our five-year vision.
Find out more about what's next for CPS.
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CPS Ventilation and Air Quality

CPS Ventilation and Air Quality

Find detailed info about a school, including programs and admissions requirements, after school activities, family support services, and school performance reports.

The CPS Teach Chicago Podcast Season 2

Listen now as CPS high school teachers Noelle and Kyriako dive into the new Opportunity Schools Case Study for their hosting debut.
Listen and subscribe

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Main Make a Plan. Get Vaccinated. Vaccines are safe, effective, and available to all Chicagoans age 5 and older. Protect yourself, your family and your community by scheduling a vaccination appointment today. Get Vaccinated Find information about getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Learn More Register for COVID-19 testing at CPS schools.

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As the school year concludes, we must look forward to the next school year. Reading is the most essential tool in life, that's why Douglass park library offers community reading events, art events, and "CHI-TEENS STORIES"!

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Douglass Branch is in the North Lawndale neighborhood on Chicago's South Side.

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- Babysit! You can even watch kids while the parent is at home to give them a break. You can figure out how much to charge based on your experience, the number and ages of kids you are watching, and how long you watch them! A good starting price is $10 and hour.
- Dog-walking! If you love animals, see if you can walk your neighbor's dog for some cash. Most dogs need 2 walks a day, but many people are too busy to make this happen- this is where you come in!
- Online clothing sales! Sell clothes you've grown out of and don't wear anymore on Depop (with parent/guardian permission) and at thrift/vintage stores. You can also sell shoes and accessories!

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If you want to get a head start on next year, Khan Academy is a great resource. They offer free courses with in-depth videos for any math skill imaginable.

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Math: Get ready courses | Math | Khan Academy

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Want to play football? Check out the North Lawndale Eagles.

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Want to play football? Check out the North Lawndale Eagles.

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As the sun begins to shine brighter and the days get longer, it can only mean one thing - the start of a new season for the North Lawndale Eagles Youth Sports Team! It's time to dust off your jerseys, lace up your sneakers, and get ready for an incredible year of growth, teamwork, and unforgettable moments.

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This all-girls summer camp is a great way to make new friends all while having fun outside. You will get to play sports, dance, go on field trips, and learn how to be a leader.

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We're addressing an important issue that affects many people. Our mission is to spread awareness and raise money for solutions we have identified. We created this event for everyone to contribute at various impact levels. Be sure to review the ways you can make an impact and please share this pa...

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Want to work on you multiplication check out this online times table 

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Want to work on you multiplication check out this online times table 

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Interactive Multiplication Chart
12-by-12 Grid

Online Practice for grades 2-5

Practice filling in the multiplication tables chart online! The grid goes up to 12 by 12, but you can customize the grid to your student's needs by having certain tables to be pre-filled or grayed out.

For example, you could gray out the more difficult tables of 6, 7, 8, 9, and 12, if your student or child hasn't studied them yet. That way, the child only fills in the tables they know.

Or, if your student has mastered the tables of 1, 2, and 10 already, the script can fill them in. That way your student doesn't have to spend time filling in the numbers for times tables they already know well.

This chart is very useful for practicing skip-counting also.

Yet another option is that you can choose what percentage of the chart to fill. If you choose that only 40% of it needs filled in, it takes less time and doesn't become overly tedious for a young child.

For grade 2 students, you could have all the tables filled in except tables of 1, 2, 5, and 10.

For grade 3 students, reduce the number of pre-filled or grayed out tables as they advance in learning the multiplication tables.

Once you set this up, you can also print the page from your browser to have a printable multiplication tables chart.

Columns to fill in already:

Start Generate a Quick Link

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Interactive Multiplication Chart - 12-by-12 Grid

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Online Practice for grades 2-5 Practice filling in the multiplication tables chart online! The grid goes up to 12 by 12, but you can customize the grid to your student's needs by having certain tables to be pre-filled or grayed out.

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Chess is a great way to build critical thinking skills and fun game to play with friends. If you've never played or just want to get better here you go.

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Chess is a great way to build critical thinking skills and fun game to play with friends. If you've never played or just want to get better here you go.

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Chess.com - Play Chess Online - Free Games

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Play chess online for free on Chess.com with over 100 million members from around the world. Have fun playing with friends or challenging the computer!

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Here is another free resource for keeping your math mind ready.

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Here is another free resource for keeping your math mind ready.

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View the research behind our ESSA Tier IV evidence

XtraMath worked with LeanLab Education to document the connections between using XtraMath and improving outcomes for students primarily in grades K-6.

Download our Logic Model to discover the research and evidence that demonstrates how using XtraMath enhances students' learning and performance, leading to better outcomes for both students and teachers.XtraMath worked with LeanLab Education to document the connections between using XtraMath and improving outcomes for students primarily in grades K-6.
Download our Logic Model

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XtraMath - 10 minutes a day for math fact fluency

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XtraMath is a free program that helps students master addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts.

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Math can be boring, but these games will make sure you have fun while learning.

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Math can be boring, but these games will make sure you have fun while learning.

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Max out your score and minimize your losses!

Add it, subtract it, push it, solve it!

Knock out the circles by making zeroes!

Division is your best friend!

Step right up and take the daily number challenge!

Add up the dots and clear the board!

About Number Games

A lot of people assume that number games are kind of boring. We here at Coolmath Games could not disagree more. There are a variety of ways to make numbers fun and exciting. Whether it's racing against the clock or applying math to sports games, you can easily have a great time doing some calculations. With so many different subgenres of number games too, you can find just about any style of game you want. There are the classic addition/subtraction games, but there's so much more variety than just that. Drawing games, aiming games, cooking games, magic games, sports games, the list goes on. There are practically no limits on what a math game can be.

Why would anyone play number games?

Great question! Many people wonder why anyone would play number games for fun. Oftentimes these games use quick math skills to give you an advantage in the game, but the actual game is already enjoyable, math or no math. So if you are a math whiz, the math element of the game does nothing but help you. Along with this, your math skills will continue to strengthen while having a great time doing it. Take Penalty Kick Online as an example. While the main part of the game is scoring and blocking goals, having some math skills goes a long way in winning. If you can answer a math question quickly, you earn an extra penalty kick. This is a major advantage and actually gives the game a great new dimension to it.

What are some fun number games?

Most games you click on are likely to be enjoyable. At Coolmath Games, we take pride in creating educational games that are also fun. This means that you are going to be playing something that is meant to be enjoyable. Applied math games tend to be very popular amongst players, but we recommend browsing around the playlist to see what catches your eye first.

Is there a trick to 2048?

There are many different strategies when playing one of our most popular number games, 2048. Our go-to strategy is the bottom left corner strategy. Your goal should be to push the highest number into the very corner. Try and pretty much always swipe either down or to the left. Never swipe up, unless you are absolutely forced to.

It is important to note that you can really go in any direction you want, it's just important to stay consistent. It is fine to go to the top right corner if you would want, just don't change your strategy to the other direction in the middle of the game. Having a plan is everything if you want to succeed in 2048.

Can video games help you with math?

Video games are a great way to learn math. You can fine-tune your skills in addition/subtraction with games like Plus 10 or Sum Blocks. Hone in on your multiplication/division skills with games like Number Drop or Calculate This! Practicing math will help you, whether it is doing times tables in class or competing against a computer in a video game.

If you want to learn math while playing a regular video game, don't worry! We have tons of skill and strategy games that just integrate math to give the game another dimension. One great example of this is Darts. Players must use their skills and aim to hit bullseyes and score points, but they must also solve math problems in the game to keep all of their points.

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Number Games | Learn Online with These Free Fraction and Multiplication Games

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Have fun while working on your addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and more. Try games like Fraction Splat and Number Twins.

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Want to get in shape? Planet fitness is offering a free summer gym membership for teens.

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Want to get in shape? Planet fitness is offering a free summer gym membership for teens.

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Chicago Rec Sports offers summer leagues for basketball, flag football, volleyball, soccer, baseball, and track.

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fun * flexible * affordable

Chicago Rec Sports (CRS) is your one-stop-shop for fun and affordable recreational youth sports. Give your child the opportunity to explore their passion for play.

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fun * flexible * affordable Chicago Rec Sports (CRS) is your one-stop-shop for fun and affordable recreational youth sports. Give your child the opportunity to explore their passion for play.

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The YMCA offers several summer programs including camps and sports leagues.

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Our programs and services are focused on our primary areas of impact that help people achieve their goals and strengthen communities. With our breadth of offerings, you can find the support you need and help your neighborhood thrive.

We help young people to grow into healthy, thriving adults by offering supportive education and leadership programs, team sports and camps.

We support individual and community well-being. People of all ages, interests and skill levels can find the fitness classes, family activities and group interests they need to lead active, vibrant lives. The Y also collaborates with community leaders to bring healthy living within reach of all people.

Through community programs, local outreach and global engagement, we provide support and inspire action in our communities.

One Thing Congress Can Do to Help Working Families Today

In an op-ed for Newsweek, President and CEO Suzanne McCormick urges Congress to pass supplemental child care funding to help ensure that providers like the Y have the support they need to hire and retain skilled staff and keep programs affordable and accessible for families.

We Are All Connected

Advancing Equity for All

In observation of Native American Heritage Month, guest writer Les G. Peters of the YMCA of Greater Long Beach, Community Development Branch reflects on his life experiences as a Native American/Indigenous person and how the ability to embrace both a Western and a Native worldview helps him to best serve his community and live a fulfilled life. Read the latest in our blog series "Advancing Equity for All."

We are committed to strengthening communities. Learn more about our mission, vision and the core values that guide us each and every day.

When you support the Y - the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities - you give young people a chance at a better future, foster healthy lifestyles and help build vibrant communities right where you live.

A Safe Space for Children and Teens

The safety and well-being of the children and teens in our care always has been and always will be a top priority.

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YMCA of the USA - A Leading Nonprofit Organization

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YMCA is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening individuals and communities across the country. Learn how you can get involved, donate and advocate.

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I know some of you guys come a long way to arrive at Chalmers. So, here is the official Chicago library page. This page has all events though-out the entire Chicago for you and your friends. I hope you guys find some free and fun plans!