RSD 13 Summer Learning - August Edition by Jenny Lussier

A Sequence Sandwich

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

Does your child realize all the complicated sequences that go into making a simple PB&J sandwich? Probably not. But organizing things into a comprehensible sequence is not only a skill set for the kitchen: it also helps with writing, critical thinking, math, and science. Help your child take a bite out of sequencing with this fun activity that will have him deciphering directions for sandwich making—and learning about sequence along the way!
Click HERE for a complete set of directions for this activity

Everyday Darwin

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

Charles Darwin is best known for discovering how species evolve and adapt, and your kid can follow in his footsteps. Take advantage of all types of weather and accompany your child on an adventure in species mapping.

This activity encourages your child to get outdoors and provides tips on creating a Darwin-esque nature journal by having them research and track a native species. By creating an interactive observation notebook, not only will your child strengthen their organizational skills, but they'll also get a chance to see the world from a different point of view.

Click HERE for a complete set of directions for this activity

Guess My Rock!

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

OK - this one could be in the Science column as well...but there is plenty of writing involved!
Sure, rocks aren't exactly the most exciting item to spend your afternoon with. But as an exercise in descriptive writing, they're just about the best thing you can find. Big, small, brown, gray, smooth, rough—and that's just getting started! There are hundreds of properties which you can describe, so get your geology goggles on and get ready to rock your child's science skills.
Click HERE for a complete set of the directions for this activity

Uniquely Me

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

Everyone of us is special and unique. The world would be a pretty boring place otherwise. When you appreciate your uniqueness and that of others, you become more loving toward yourself and the world. Follow the steps to create a special board all about YOU!

Dear Future Self

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

Write a letter to your future self. What do you want to say? What are the goals and hopes for the future? What advice would you give your future self? Seal the letter in a dated envelope and read in a year.

Jeff Kinney's Advice - How to Become an Author!

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

Jeff Kinney, author of The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, gives students advice on how to become an author.

Governor's Summer Reading Challenge

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

It’s that time of year to encourage your students to participate in CONNECTICUT READS, the 2026 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge!

Get Into Character!

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

Lots of students plow through their reading without stopping to understand the finer points of character development. Sure, it's fun to be able to zip through a big text, but as an experienced adult reader, you know: the real joy of literature comes when you can slow down, take it apart, and savor all the pieces. Here's an activity that will help your child dig into a text and see how the words can come alive. It's a great way to understand character and practice oral reading skills. And if your child is struggling at all with understanding the story, this is an ideal way to help.

Keeping Current with Current Events

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

It's important to keep up with current events - and just as important to keep up with your reading! Choose from any of these links to online news for students (or search for your own) and complete a summary form that you can view and print.

Time For Kids

DOGO News

It's Poetic

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

Poetry is such an important form of reading and writing. Every student should not just experiment with writing it, but reading it as well! Here is a good start if you want to look for some poetry to read (the internet has much, much more!): Go to poets.org and find a poem you like. Then, complete form for analyzing a poem (see links below). Enjoy some poetry every day!
Poetry Reading Strategies
Inference Graphic Organizer

Department of Education: Summer Learning Hub

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 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. Parts of this have not been updated yet for 2026, but you can access last year's links. Enjoy your learning!

Durham Public Library

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 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.

CT Nutmeg Nominees

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

Looking for something new to read this summer? Check out the newly announced 2027 Nutmeg Nominees for students in grades 2 and above. Which nominee would you vote for? There are also lots of resources too! Here's the link to the list.

Book Wizard

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

Need a book recommendation? Students can create personalized booklists to start summer reading off on the right page.

Commissioner's Summer Math Challenge

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

This is the 2025 Commissioner's Summer Math Challenge which stresses the importance of maintaining math skills during the summer. Please click on the link to visit the web page - scroll toward the bottom to where it says Passport Tasks. If there is an official 2026 challenge, the page will be updated.

A Pinch of Math - A Dash of Fractions

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

Pick a recipe and show what
the recipe would be if you
wanted to double it, triple it,
or only make half. Record the
original amounts as well as
the new amounts you have
calculated.

Algebra Tic Tac Toe

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

In order to build a strong foundation for higher-level math, practice is essential. Try a new approach to working with variables and equations by playing this tic-tac-toe game and watch your kid's math confidence increase exponentially.
Click HERE for a complete set of directions for this activity

Play an Equivalent Fractions Spoons Game

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

Roll and Round the Number

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

For this game, kids need scratch paper or a whiteboard, as well as a set of dice. The number of dice used should match whatever place value you are working on. So if you’re focusing on hundreds, partners need three, or for ten thousands, partners need five.

The first person rolls all three dice at the same time and builds a number with it. The second person does the same and then each person rounds his/her number to the highest place value. For example, a roll of 5, 3, 7 could make the number 753, which would be rounded to 800. Students compare rounded numbers and the highest correctly rounded number wins (or use the more/less coin to decide).

Variation 1: Give the kids a certain number of dice and tell them how to round them. Change that every few minutes. For example, if partners have 5 dice, tell them to round it to the nearest ten. After five minutes, tell them on their next game to round it to the nearest hundred…

Variation 2: This can also be a decimal rounding game.

Make Your Own Art Using 3D Geometric Shapes

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

So Many Choices...

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

Math Choice Board Activities

Building Bridges

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

The popsicle stick bridge is a classic science demonstration and competition. Every year many students world-wide build bridges made from nothing but popsicle sticks and glue, to see which designs can hold the most weight.

It’s In The Stars: marshmallow constellations

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

Why do the stars form patterns? Why are there stories about them? What kind of patterns do they make? Where can I read more about them? All of that and more PLUS a super fun activity for making Marshmallow Constellations are all right here:
https://www.kcedventures.com/blog/astronomy-activities-for-kids-books-about-the-stars

Did you hear that?? Echolocation

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

How do your senses affect other senses? How do animals use sound to see? Find out the answers to these and much more on this page FULL of activities that show students how sound waves work. Activities range for kids young and old, so all are sure to enjoy!!
Look for the

Bat Science Experiments: Echolocation Activities! at this website: http://preschoolpowolpackets.blogspot.com/2015/10/bat-science-experiments-echolocation.html

Molecule Madness! A Water Experiment

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

Water is a great molecule that is truly under-appreciated by teens (as well as the rest of us!). Just about every chemistry student knows the chemical formula H2O and can draw a rough diagram of a water molecule, but does your student really understand how unique water is? Put your budding chemist’s water knowledge to the test with this fun activity!

Click HERE for a complete set of directions for this activity.

Make a Marshmallow Shooter!

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

Do you like SMOREs? Well save a few of your marshmallows, gather some balloons, plastic cups and some targets to shoot at because you'll love building a Marshmallow Shooter of your own!

Construct Cardboard Creations

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

Fun Watermelon STEM Ideas

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

Make your own Rock Candy!

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

A Great Science Website!

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

Being Mindful

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

Being mindful means being aware of what is going on with you...right now. And it's an important and effective way to handle all kinds of feelings! There are many activities you can do to be more mindful. Click on the link below to discover some simple ways to help you become more aware.

Being Mindful Cards and Mantras

Practice Mindfulness

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

For the next 28 days incorporate one act of Mindfulness each day into your life and watch your life change in *beautiful* ways! It's easy and it will change how you see everything!

Click on the link to see the Mindfulness Calendar or click the link HERE.

Create Your Own Signature Smoothie Recipe

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

Feeling Hot? Tired?
Try using the following ingredients full of naturally wonderful things to help your body feel energized and healthy.

Spinach – the beauty of spinach lies in how easy it is to disguise the taste. It’s mild tasting yet packed with vitamins, has anti-cancerous properties, and is one of the healthiest foods on the planet
Blueberries – one of the highest antioxidant capacities of all fruit which helps to combat free radicals in your body
Strawberries – just one serving provides more vitamin c than an orange while being low in natural sugars
Greek Yogurt – double the protein and half the carbs as regular yogurt
Cucumber – since it’s 95% water, it’s an incredible detoxifier and helps with liver and kidney function
Lemon – one of the most important items to stock in your kitchen as it’s a highly effective cleansing agent and cuts through the bitterness of greens
Banana – an essential in smoothies as it adds creaminess, a touch of sweetness, and helps you feel full longer plus, it’s rich in potassium and fiber and gives you natural energy.

Make a Wellness Heart Map

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

Celebrate you! Grab paper and something to write with. Create a heart map that captures what means the most to you!

Yoga

jlussier — 2023-06-06 00:09:48 UTC

Feeling stressed? Need to wake up? Yoga is a great way to center yourself. Try out these poses!

jlussier — 2023-06-08 15:09:19 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 State Library - PebbleGo Next & interactive books

jlussier — 2026-06-10 15:50:55 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.