# data[].attributes.body
Don't forget to practice your skip-counting this summer!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Send Feedback

To save, right click the thumbnail and choose Save Image As....

Drag colors to blend.

Press Space to start anew.

Press Z to undo.

Try different colors and symmetries.

Sally forth, you weaver of wonder, sower of silken waves.

# data[].attributes.body
I had such a great time with all of you this year. I know you will all do amazing in 5th grade. Enjoy your summer!  -Ms. V

# data[].attributes.body
I know you all love your word searches!!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Thousands ready to play online
We have the best collection of word search puzzles online, with new ones being added regularly.
They are fun to play, but also educational, in fact, many teachers make use of them.

Puzzles are 100% free to play and work on desktop pc, mac, mobile and tablet. Or you can go old school and print them to enjoy offline later.

Plus, if you're feeling a little more adventurous, why not create your very own with our simple to use Word Search Maker, and then share them with your friends.

To get started playing, just select a game from below. Best of luck.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Thousands of word search puzzles and games to play online or print out, covering a mix of both fun and educational topics. You can even create your very own game in just a few simple steps.

# data[].attributes.body
A fun online game (kind of like pictionary) that you can play with friends

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
skribbl - Free Multiplayer Drawing & Guessing Game

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
skribbl - Free Multiplayer Drawing & Guessing Game

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
skribbl io is a free multiplayer drawing and guessing game. Draw and guess words with your friends and people all around the world! Score the most points and be the winner!

# data[].attributes.body
Brush up on your skills and get ready for the upcoming school year!

# data[].attributes.body
Learn how to make games and animations using Scratch!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Scratch is a free programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations.

# data[].attributes.headline
Nothing says "Summer" quite like Phineas and Ferb

# data[].attributes.subject
Nothing says "Summer" quite like Phineas and Ferb

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Summer (Where Do We Begin) |  Music Video | Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension

# data[].attributes.body
Use this website to make you're presentation look outstanding!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Login to access and create your next design.

# data[].attributes.body
Use this to find interesting articles and if you have to write an informative essay. They also have read aloud options.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It's time to improve literacy skills during social studies instruction and ensure that readers of all abilities have what they need to access grade-level social studies concepts.

Join us on Thursday, December 7 for a look at scaffolded materials that provide extra literacy support while building key social studies concepts and skills.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Newsela | Content and assessment platform

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Content Aligned To National & State Standard, Flexible To Support Relevant Curriculum. Find the Perfect Piece Of Content For Lessons. Go beyond the book.

# data[].attributes.body
We've used this site for a couple of activities, so here's a link if you want to play with it over the summer!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Send Feedback

To save, right click the thumbnail and choose Save Image As....

Drag colors to blend.

Press Space to start anew.

Press Z to undo.

Try different colors and symmetries.

Sally forth, you weaver of wonder, sower of silken waves.

# data[].attributes.body
I love you and miss you already! Have a fun and safe summer. Spend lots of time with your friends and family and enjoy the sunshine! Love, Ms. Meierotto

# data[].attributes.body
Play this video if you're feeling stressed, upset, or just trying to fall asleep!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
RELAX AND BREATHE: Do Nothing for 10 Minutes

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bill Withers - Lovely Day (Official Audio)

# data[].attributes.body
Learn how to code while playing games!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is Hour of Code™

Hour of Code™ is a global movement to introduce people of all ages to computer programming in a fun way. Tynker's Hour of Code™ games and activities can be taught during the December event, or year-round.

Your class will love Hour of Code with Tynker

Getting Started with Hour of Code games Is Quick and Easy!
Sign up today

Create your FREE account

Add students to your classroom

Tynker's Hour of Code activities

50+ fun coding activities to keep your students engaged, motivated, and rewarded as they learn programming the fun way!

No programming puzzle games experience is required of teachers or students!

Learn to program connected devices.

Teacher Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hour of Code | Coding Puzzles, AI and Games | Tynker

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn to code by playing fun coding game, puzzles & projects like Minecraft, Hot Wheels, Monster High, and many in Hour of Code activities. Tynker makes learning to code fun!

# data[].attributes.headline
Spots around the city that I like visit and they are free!  Click on any of these to find out more.

# data[].attributes.subject
Spots around the city that I like visit and they are free!  Click on any of these to find out more.

# data[].attributes.body
Art on the mart

National Museum of Mexican Art

Chicago Air & Water Show

Garfield Park Conservatory

Public Art in Pilsen

Chicago Cultural Center

# data[].attributes.body
Add this extension to your computer so it can help you improve your writing!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Childish Gambino - Feels Like Summer (Official Video)

# data[].attributes.body
You've been resilient, focused, patient, and so much more this year. I have seen so many of y'all putting in the hard work and now it's time to enjoy yourself and just have fun! I know ya'll know how to do this already! It doesn't matter how much or how little you do this summer, just do things that bring you joy!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Social House - Magic In The Hamptons (Lyrics) ft. Lil Yachty

# data[].attributes.body
Do you enjoy plays? Wish you could watch some this summer? This website can help out with that! With plays for all ages and grades, your bound to find one you'll love!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Have students watch a stage play online, and then fill out a report on the play! Plays with an asterisk (*) indicate plays with somewhat mature content (PG-13). If this is a concern to you, we suggest that you assign specific plays. Free

# data[].attributes.body
Why not get ahead and start learning some great new things before you head into 8th Grade!
Here is a great website with videos and lessons!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
HippoCampus - Homework and Study Help - Free help with your algebra, biology, environmental science, American government, US history, physics and religion homework

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The best multimedia instruction on the web to help you with your homework and study.

# data[].attributes.body
If you would like to learn a new language (which will open up so many more doors for you if you learn another!) this app and website is a great way to get started!

# data[].attributes.body
In case you feel like you want to get ahead of the game this summer, Khan Academy offers free high school lessons on many subjects!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn for free about math, art, computer programming, economics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, finance, history, and more. Khan Academy is a nonprofit with the mission of providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.

# data[].attributes.body
This website has some awesome educational games for every grade level if you would like to brush up on your ELA skills.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
3/23/24 - Teachers and Parents - Access the ad-free, full-content, unlimited students, plus much more MrNussbaum.com when you subscribe. Click "Sign up" in the upper right corner to start. Join thousands of teachers and parents and countless students who now enjoy the site with no distractions, tons more content and way more options! Only $29 per year.

Advertisement

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Language Arts & Spelling Games - 47 Original, Interactive Games

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
MrNussbaum.com features over 50 language arts games reinforcing spelling, phonics, reading comp., parts of speech, punctuation, and much more!

# data[].attributes.body
Give yourself time to rest and relax this summer. This school year was a tough one, so make sure to save time to engage in self-care, relaxing activities, or just doing nothing :) Catch up on your sleep schedule! Make sure you're relaxed and ready for next year.

# data[].attributes.body
High School can be an anxious time as you attend a new school that may not have all the friends you had in Elementary School. Check out this website with that High Schoolers have to say!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
No doubt about it: starting high school can be scary! Wouldn't it be nice if someone who's made the leap could give you a heads up about what to expect? Is there anything you can do now as an eighth grader that will help you get the most out of high school?

Well, you're in luck! We recently asked a few NW high schoolers and their moms to share some words of wisdom with current eighth graders. Freshman Frankie and his mom, Susan; freshman Isaiah and his mom, Emily; and sophomore Nathan and his mom, Susan, were kind enough to talk about what they did right in eighth grade, and what they wish they would have known to do better.

"Time management is challenging! In middle school, it's fed to you in small bites, but in high school you need to see the bigger picture." - Susan (Nathan's mom)

Yes! We hear this all the time. Many students have a hard time keeping up with the increased demands of high school. The work is harder, there's more of it, and teachers aren't going to hold your hand. As Emily pointed out, "Efficiency is huge, and you have to know how to prioritize."

A solid organization system, a good planner (paper or online), and a daily routine are essential to completing quality assignments on time - as well as fitting in extracurriculars, time with friends, and sleep! Find out what works best for you in eighth grade, when the stakes aren't so high, and the transition to high school won't be so rough.

Interestingly, both Frankie and Isaiah talked about not appreciating all the free time they had in eighth grade. Isaiah said, "After school I dilly dallied a lot with my friends instead of going home and getting homework done." Frankie told us that he wished he'd used that time to learn more about his interests.

What wonderful reflection! That sort of awareness helps kids take ownership and make good decisions. Think about your days and weeks now, and imagine yourself in the future looking back. What do you think future-you would tell current-you to do with some of that extra time?

"What he learned made his foundation going into ninth grade stronger." - Susan (Frankie's mom)

Frankie was glad he spent the summer before high school revisiting and mastering some math concepts. "It wasn't stressful because it was really fun to work with my tutor," he told us. It made the entire freshman year easier because he was confident about his math skills. We hear similar comments from students who work on their writing over the summer. Mastering the basics also allows you to grow because you can focus your attention on the more difficult work.

Frankie's mom, Susan, realized the importance of vocabulary while Frankie prepped for his high school admissions tests. To build his vocabulary, he read books in addition to school-required reading. "Any reading helps, so we really encourage Frankie to pick books he wants to read to also maintain a love of reading."

Here are some of our favorite math and reading resources:

"You can get away with poor study habits in junior high but not in high school." - Emily (Isaiah's mom)

That's right. It's not enough just to pay attention in class or study the night before the test. Preparing for a test includes taking good notes, learning from mistakes, applying active study strategies, and understanding the test format (there's a big difference between a multiple choice test and an open-response test!).

Nathan was grateful that his eighth grade math teacher pushed him and his classmates to study. She taught them to utilize different resources and various study strategies. His mom, Susan, also likes to ask this insightful question: "How do you know if you're ready?" Learning how to be an engaged studier is vital to truly understanding concepts and doing well on tests.

For a lot of students, freshman year is the first time they've had to take finals. "I was definitely nervous. I didn't know how hard or how easy they'd be," said Nathan. Knowing what to expect as a sophomore, he created a schedule to study ahead of finals and did well!

"I wish I'd communicated with my teachers myself instead of my parents doing it." - Isaiah

Like we mentioned earlier, high school teachers won't hold your hand; you need to be independent and advocate for yourself. Isaiah's point is a good one: learning to talk with your teachers in eighth grade will make it less daunting to do in high school.

A good place to start is to ask one of your teachers to help you prepare for a test. Schedule a time to meet, and then prepare for the review session. Jot down some questions (e.g. What's the test format? What's an active study strategy I could use?), make a list of materials to take with you (e.g. completed homework assignments), and note any content you'd like to review.

Why is communicating with your teachers so important?

They can help you understand content and prepare for tests

When they know you and see how invested you are in doing well, they're more likely to give you the benefit of the doubt if you slip up at some point

You may need them to write you a recommendation letter for a job, internship, volunteer opportunity, or college admissions

They can teach you academic and executive functioning skills that will serve you well in college

These meetings are real confidence builders, too. Taking responsibility for yourself and knowing how to ask for help are two super important life skills!

"Put yourself out there. Talk to every person you see." - Nathan

We focus a lot on the actions students can take to become better learners, and it's important not to forget the impact their social life has on their education. Expanding your social circle can seem intimidating at first, but there are so many ways to do it.

Nathan's mom, Susan, told us that he attended a summer camp at his high school. "He met a lot of people before school started. He would go out to lunch with people after camp. When he started school, he knew someone in every class."

Find out what your school and community offers in the way of sports, arts, classes, and other activities. Frankie was encouraged to volunteer, and that opened his eyes to helping others which he found very valuable. It created a lifelong interest in giving back!

Before eighth grade, Frankie had the same bunch of friends. However, in eighth grade he developed new friendships through school and other activities, and that opened him up to building a more diverse friend group in high school. He found that this helped with schoolwork in high school because "there's a big push to work with different sets of people all the time and you aren't graded only on your work, but on your ability to work with different people. You have to be very open to figuring out how to get along with everyone."

Feeling a bit less nervous about the jump from eighth grade to high school? Our hope is that you realize how much control you have over your future experience. It takes a little work and a little courage, but it's so worth it!

If you could use some guidance as you prepare for high school, give us a call! We'd love to help.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Take It from Us: High Schoolers' Advice for Eighth Graders | Nurturing Wisdom Tutoring

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
No doubt about it: starting high school can be scary! Wouldn't it be nice if someone who's made the leap could give you a heads up about what to expect? Is there anything you can do now as an eighth grader that will help you get the most out of high school?

# data[].attributes.body
If you enjoy writing, consider using this website that can help you write a novel in 30 days! Who knows, you can be the author of the next best seller!

# data[].attributes.body
Summer is the perfect time to be adventurous. Learn how to play sudoku, pick up that sport you've been meaning to try, go explore all the free activities throughout the city (like Garfield Park Conservatory!).

# data[].attributes.body
Spending time in the sun gives you Vitamin D, a mood-boosting chemical! Enjoy that sun before it starts snowing again!!

# data[].attributes.body
It's easy to get lost in our phones or video games during this summer but try your best to be present with your family, friends, and loved ones! Memories you make are more important than technology! (but take pics and videos to remember some!)

# data[].attributes.body
Whether you have big plans for the summer or not, that's okay. It's been a long year and your summer is yours, not anybody else's. Enjoy it at whatever pace is best!

# data[].attributes.body
Like science? Want to try out some fun experiments when you're bored at home? Check out this website! (Just please be careful and ask for an adult for help!)

# data[].attributes.body
Don't let your math Skills get dull! Keep practicing so you can wow your math teacher next year!

# data[].attributes.body
Go through missions where you learn and have fun! Good for anyone who loves Magic Tree House!

# data[].attributes.headline
Online events with the Chicago Public Library

# data[].attributes.subject
Online events with the Chicago Public Library

# data[].attributes.body
Take a look at these events the library is hosting now and into the summer!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Explore upcoming events at Chicago Public Library

# data[].attributes.body
Check out this list of free days for the many amazing museums Chicago has to offer!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Experience Chicago's award-winning museums, without spending a dime. Check out our ever-growing list of free museum days in 2021, plus some Chicago museums that are free all year long.

Looking for other ways to save? Check out the Chicago CityPASS or Go Chicago Card, which offers admission to several Chicago museums and attractions for one discounted price.

Here's a list of free Chicago museum days for 2021. Keep in mind that many museums are currently operating with shortened hours and new ticketing procedures; check our list of open museums in Chicago or contact the museum to learn more.

Field Museum

The Field Museum will be offering free basic admission, plus discounted passes to explore a ticketed exhibition or enjoy a 3D movie, for Illinois residents on the following 2021 dates:

Illinois residents can redeem free admission by reserving their tickets online then providing proof of residency at the museum. The free tickets include all general admission exhibitions, such as Evolving Planet, The Ancient Americas, and Inside Ancient Egypt.

Illinois teachers (pre-K through 12th grade) and active military personnel receive free basic admission year-round.

Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium is offering Illinois residents free access to all permanent exhibits, including special exhibits Underwater Beauty and seasonal Stingray Touch, on the following 2021 dates:

Advance reservations required; no tickets will be available onsite. A $3-per-order transaction fee applies to Illinois Free Day tickets reserved online. All adults must provide proof of residency in-person when redeeming tickets at the discounted rate.

Museum of Science and Industry

Admission at the Museum of Science and Industry is free for Illinois residents on the following dates:

The Museum of Science and Industry is always free for United States military active-duty personnel and veterans, Illinois POWs, Chicago firefighters, Chicago police officers and Illinois teachers (Pre-K through 12th grade).

Chicago History Museum

The Chicago History Museum is offering free admission:

Illinois residents under age 18 are free and all children under 12 are always free.

Art Institute of Chicago

At the Art Institute of Chicago, the museum admission is always free for Chicago teens under the age of 18, all children under age 14, Link and WIC cardholders, active-duty military, and Illinois educators. Upcoming free museum days for Illinois residents include:

The public can enjoy the following public museum areas free of charge:

The Ryan Learning Center in the Modern Wing

The North and South Gardens (accessible from Michigan Avenue)

The Nichols Bridgeway connecting the museum to Millennium Park

The Bluhm Family Terrace on the 3rd floor of the west pavilion of the Modern Wing

DuSable Museum of African American History

The DuSable Museum of African American History is free for all during the month of June 2021.

Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art is always free for visitors under age 18, visitors with disabilities and their caregivers receive free admission, members of the military and police and fire departments and veterans, and Illinois elementary and high school teachers.

Illinois residents receive free admission every Tuesday

To encourage more people to visit and visit often, the MCA has a pay-what-you-can policy - no one will be turned away. They also offer suggested admission of $3 each for up to six individuals when visitors present their LINK (EBT) Card as part of the Museums for All program.

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

The Illinois Holocaust Museum is offering free admission on:

June 1 - 30, 2021, all kids and students receive free entry to the museum

Reserve your free tickets in advance.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Free admission year-round for everyone at the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Brookfield Zoo

Free admission at the Brookfield Zoo for all active, reservist, and retired members of the military with ID. Admission is also free for children age 2 and under.

Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium is not offering any upcoming free admission days, please check back.

Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier

The Chicago Children's Museum offer veterans and active military free admission every day with the presentation of valid military status identification. They also offer families that qualify for state food assistance and are in possession of an EBT card or WIC card free admission for up to 6 people.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum:

No upcoming free admission days

Loyola University Museum of Art

Admission is free year-round at the Loyola University Museum of Art.

McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum

The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum:

No upcoming free admission days

Swedish American Museum

Free admission every second Tuesday of the month year-round at the Swedish American Museum. Children aged 1 year or younger are admitted free.

Clarke House Museum

The Clarke House Museum is the oldest home in the city of Chicago. There are free public tours on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Glessner House

There are currently no upcoming free admission days at Glessner House.

Charnley-Persky House

The Charnley-Persky House is temporarily closed, please check back for future free museum days.

Wrightwood 659

There are currently no upcoming free admission days at Wrightwood 659.

National Veterans Art Museum

The National Veterans Art Museum is temporarily closed, please check back for future free museum days.

National Museum of Mexican Art

While the museum remains temporarily closed, admission is free year-round at the National Museum of Mexican Art.

Chicago Cultural Center

While the center remains temporarily closed, admission is free year-round at the Chicago Cultural Center.

Museum of Contemporary Photography

Admission is free year-round at the Museum of Contemporary Photography. All visitors must reserve a free timed ticket.
Dates are subject to change and may not include fees to view special exhibits. Visit individual museum websites for admission details, as well as policies for specific community members such as military personnel and local school groups.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Free Museum Days in Chicago | Free Admission to Chicago Museums

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Experience Chicago's award-winning museums, without spending a dime. Check out our ever-growing list of free museum days in 2021, plus some Chicago museums that are free all year long. Looking for other ways to save? Check out the Chicago CityPASS or Go Chicago Card , which offers admission to several Chicago museums and attractions for one discounted price.

# data[].attributes.body
This year, Chicago Park District is having their events streamed online! Check out their website to see what cool events they have for you, your friends, and your family to enjoy!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Night Out in the Parks brings neighbors together to laugh, dance, sing, and engage, activating parks with over 2,000 robust cultural events. Since its inaugural year, Night Out in the Parks has provided thousands of hours of safe, diverse, and unique arts programming where artists and audiences connect and celebrate Chicago's rich cultural tapestry in neighborhood parks.

Now in its 8th season, Night Out in the Parks continues to provide opportunities to uplift and support Chicago's arts community and vibrant culture, through both virtual and safely distant in-person events. "Your Night Out at Home" features more than 50 artists and neighborhood organizations in a series of digital performances available for the public to view on demand.

Calling all Chicago based artists, organizations, and collectives!

The Chicago Park District invites you to submit your best performance and event ideas for the 2021 season of Night Out in the Parks. Now accepting proposals through December 15, 2020.
APPLY FOR NIGHT OUT IN THE PARKS 2021 NOW
Before you check out the list of events below...

Get the Night Out in the Parks schedule through the My Chi Parks™ app!

Help spread the word about these events - use #NightOutInTheParks

Night Out in the Parks is Supported by:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Night Out in the Parks brings neighbors together to laugh, dance, sing, and engage, activating parks with over 2,000 robust cultural events. Since its inaugural year, Night Out in the Parks has provided thousands of hours of safe, diverse, and unique arts programming where artists and audiences connect and celebrate Chicago's rich cultural tapestry in neighborhood parks.