RSD 13 Summer Learning - July Edition by Jenny Lussier

Don't Sink the Boat!

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Grades K - 4

Easy and exciting challenge! Build a boat - load it up, but don't let it sink!

Update: the Youtube video in the instructions doesn't work, but here is an alternate video.

Build a Rube Goldberg

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

What's a Rube Goldberg? Only the coolest machine-building experience you'll ever have! Build a crazy, artistic and complex machine to.....give your dog a treat! Here's an awesome one someone built. Watch the video and see how you can create your own Rube Goldberg machine. If the videos don't load, click the refresh button.

Insulators and Conductors

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

What exactly is a closed circuit? Why do the lights turn on or off when I flip the switch? Why does electricity seem to travel better through some items, but not others? These answers and more when you explore the *complete* lesson from Eversource: Insulators and Conductors. Videos and other materials linked right on the sheet for you to use.

Build Your Own Instrument!

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Making music and finding a rhythm can be done anywhere, any time! Open the Bingo sheet here and complete these tasks to tap into your musical intelligence!

Oil Spill Clean Up

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

An oil spill in an ocean or other body of water is a major problem for the ecosystem. Have you ever thought about how scientists clean up after an oil spill happens? How do you think an oil spill should be cleaned up?

Crystal Suncatcher

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Have you ever tried to grow crystals using water and salt? Well this is a new twist on the experiment that creates a beautiful suncatcher that you can use to observe how sunlight shines through crystals.

Stop Motion Film

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Are you interested in film making? Follow these step by step instructions to make your very own stop motion film!

Be a Publisher!

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Do you have a story that you worked on throughout the school year? Do you have a story that you are proud of and would like to make it into a book? Here is your chance! With just a few materials that you can find around the house, you can watch this video and publish your own book. It takes a little effort, but a book is forever!

Let's Take a Trip

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Students - in this scenario, it's up to YOU to research a new vacation location for the family. You will research multiple aspects, ie: cost, location, attractions, etc. of the trip from multiple sources. Decide where you and the family would like to vacation and why. Feeling like a travel agent? Create a brochure and write a letter to your parents stating why the location you selected should be where the family goes on vacation. Use maps to plan the route and decide what everyone will need to pack.
Click Here to go to a website with a printable Travel Planner

Summer Journaling

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Many people think of keeping a journal as one of the best habits students can build. Journaling allows you to reflect and express yourself. It enables you to identify strengths - not to mention it helps you to experiment with a different form of writing. Grab a journal - any notebook or journal will do. Click on the link to view or print Summer Journaling Ideas for 5th or 6th grade and see what amazing ideas you are capable of.

The Daily News

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

In intermediate grades, teachers often start asking kids to give class presentations, often in conjunction with multistage projects, which are also a common part of the curriculum. This may sound easy--after all, it's just fourth grade, right? But for most kids, it's anything but. Stage fright is always an issue; so, too, is the natural tendency of most 4th-6th graders to tell a story pell-mell, sideways, and even backward.

Writing Prompts

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Select one or more of these writing prompts to get your creative writing juices flowing.

Book vs Movie

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Select a book to read that has been made into a movie. Use the template provided to compare and contrast the book with the movie. Which was better?

Family Heirloom Cookbook

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Collect your families favorite recipes and create a family cookbook.

Evidence + Reasoning = Inference

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

This is an uber-important skills for all readers. Making an inference is a skill we use in all forms of reading. It's also a big part of problem solving! Start your journey with this slideshow (yes - you'll have to work on the computer for this one!) but you won't want to miss out on practicing this skill. When you complete this activity, go to the next Inference challenge!

Make an Inference, My Dear Watson! Inference Challenge: Part 2

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

This one will keep you busy all summer - or longer! Drawing an inference can go beyond reading. Ever wonder what this thing was that you saw at grandma's house? What was that object you saw in the museum?? Look for clues and evidence, like a detective. Click on the link and see if you can infer what these strange objects are. But the fun just begins! On the pages that follow, keep track of interesting objects you find around your house, at grandma's, while strolling through the park, or anywhere! Take a picture of make a sketch and use evidence and clues to make an inference as to what that crazy object could be!

Summer Reading Bingo!

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Have some summer-time fun meeting these reading challenges! Can you fill the whole board by the end of the summer?? You can do it! Click the link to see or print your very own Summer Reading Bingo board!

Governor's Summer Reading Challenge 2026

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

It’s that time of year to encourage your student to participate in CONNECTICUT READS, the 2026 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge! Click the link to be taken to Governor's Summer Reading Challenge page:

Fishing for Headlines

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Does your 4-6th grader read the newspaper every day? Probably not, but by cutting up the newspaper and teaching him how to “fish for headlines,” you can turn everyday reading into a new adventure for your child! This game only takes a little preparation and can be played over and over again.

Durham Public Library

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Durham Public Library’s Youth Summer Reading page! We have many awesome types of activities this summer. Check out our page for more information. Even includes a bingo board for adults so the whole family can participate!

Vocabulary

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Learn a new word everyday and grow your vocabulary. Do you want a challenge? Try to use your new word in a conversation throughout the day.

SO Many Ways to Learn Facts

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Want to learn facts but looking for a fun and interesting way? Tired of looking at the computer to practice your multiplication and division? Look at these fun and easy, artistic ways to make learning facts creative and entertaining.

It Time To Go Shopping!

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Next time the opportunity comes up, go shopping with an adult. But you'll need to bring your notebook and pencil! You can be the accountant who keeps track of how much is being spent. Keep adding and subtotaling until you get to the register. Check your result against the total at the register. Go ahead-you can ask the cashier how much the total was before tax!

Measurement Conversion Game

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

You can learn so much just by using things you have around the house! Here is a great game that will help you reinforce your conversion of measurement skills. Just grab a deck of cards, and read these directions!

Go Shopping for Decimal Practice

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

What better place and time to practice computing numbers with decimals then when you're......SHOPPING! Click on the link to read your directions. All you need is your favorite catalogs, pencil and paper (and it helps to have someone check your work!)

Commissioner's Summer Math Challenge

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

The 2025 Commissioner's Summer Math Challenge stresses the importance of maintaining math skills during the summer. The Math challenge hasn't been updated for 2026 yet, but you can scroll to the bottom to access Passport Math Tasks.

Design an Area Robot

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Use a pieces of graph paper and draw a robot using rectangles of varied sizes. Find the area of your robot. As a challenge, design a different robot that has the same total area.

Here is a Link to Virtual Graph Paper for Your Robot Design

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Try a Math Problem or Two

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

I am a two digit even number that has 8 factors including 1, 6 and 7. What number am I?
A. 48
B. 42
C. 67
D. 84

Answer: 42
The factors of 42 are :
1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 14, 21, 42

Try Another Problem

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

The length of a ribbon is 35 cm. A rope is 40 cm longer than the ribbon. What is the length of the ribbon and the rope together when placed next to each other?

Answer: 110 cm

Play Multiplication Bingo

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Download the file and print it out. Cut out the two Bingo game cards and all of the multiplication problems. Play Bingo by marking the products for facts turned over.

Hey Stars- Try These Out!!

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Make Seed & Spice Mandalas

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Fun with symmetry & measurement

Practice Kindness

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

There may never be a more important time than now to practice kindness, compassion, and empathy. Performing random acts of kindness towards others gives us a greater sense of purpose, makes us feel connected to others, and can even make us feel good! It may even cause others to do the same! Click on the link to print or view the Random Acts of Kindness Journal. Use it (or keep your own journal) to keep track of those moments when you make a positive impact on others' lives. The result may surprise you!

P.A.U.S.E.

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Being able to be aware, to step back and find calm, and to name feelings are so important to everyone's health. Click to view the guide: PAUSE. Let it help you navigate through your feelings and stay connected to yourself and others.

Photo Challenge

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Discover gratitude and happiness for the Summer by taking part in a photo challenge! Grab a camera and a friend and brainstorm places, people, or things that make you feel joy. Snap a photo of each one. You could turn it into a slideshow, a poster board, or just hang up the pics around your room. Everyday you can think about the photos and show gratitude for all the things that bring you joy! Here are a few ideas:

Take a Hike!

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

Durham/Middlefield has loads of great hiking trails, get out and explore with your friends or family. It's great exercise and a fun way to explore your town.
Some tips before you go:
1. Go morning or later in the afternoon, 12-2pm are the hottest part of the day.
2. Pack the bug spray and wear a hat and drink plenty of water.
3. Always go with a responsible adult so you make sure you are following the trail guide.
4. Have fun!

Sleep

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:05:46 UTC

That's right, even in the summer it's important for your body to stay healthy and get enough sleep.

If you like to watch TV or scroll through a phone or tablet before bed, it may be interfering with how well your body is able to sleep at night.

Here is a list of things you can do before bed to make sure you are getting the best sleep possible.

1. Read a book

2. Take a warm bath or shower

3. Deep breathe, or meditate (you can listen to a GoNoodle like the one attached)

4. Write in a journal, keep track of how you felt during the day, you can set goals for yourself or just reflect.

5. Draw a picture

6. Drink a cup of decaffeinated tea

Levi Coe Summer Reading programs

jlussier — 2023-06-08 14:14:35 UTC

Levi Coe Library’s Youth Summer Reading event page! We have many awesome types of activities this summer. Visit their Facebook or Instagram page or check out our page for more information.

CT Nutmeg book award nominees!

jlussier — 2026-06-10 15:05:34 UTC

The Nutmeg book award is for students in grades 2 and above. Click here to access the book lists.

Summer Learning Hub - Dep. of Ed.

jlussier — 2026-06-10 15:20:26 UTC

Choose your own summer learning challenge courtesy of the Connecticut State Department of Education. Choose from activities such as Tech Ed Bingo Challenge, Social Studies Ambassador, Story of Me Learning challenge and more! Links to the Governor's Reading Challenge and the Commissioner's Math Challenge also located on this page.

Please click HERE to be taken to the Department of Education Summer Learning Hub page. Enjoy your learning!

CT State Library - PebbleGo Next & interactive books

jlussier — 2026-06-10 15:50:19 UTC

PebbleGo, PebbleGo Next and a variety of Capstone Interactive books are available June 1-August 31 as part of the CT Governor's Summer Reading! Link - then click on the large blue-ish/purpleish PebbleGo graphic on the left.