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I'm trying to come up with a summer reading project for students that they will not only enjoy, but will also help them open their imaginations. I've decided to use the book A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle. I'm thinking that I may use a lapbook format. In this format, students will use manila folders filled with minibooks, pockets, and flaps to record their ideas about the book, learn vocabulary, make connections. Has anyone else tried to a summer project like this or do you have any ideas for great summer projects to keep kids engaged in learning over summer break?

Maureen

Hi Maureen, Have you heard of these books? Wicked Plants:The Weed that Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities and Wicked Bugs: The Louse that Conquered Napoleon's Army and Other Diabolical Insects both by Amy Stewart, isbn 13: 978-1-56512-683-1 and 13: 978-56512-960-3 I borrowed them from the Chicago Botanic Garden and have been reading them off and on. Such fun information - kids and adults alike would find them entertaining - and the stories are all based on facts. Carolyn

Carolyn, Your post reminded me of one of my favorite jean Craighead George books..The Firebug Connection. It is about a young lady on summer vacation and her adventures. Maureen, I always assigned a book over the summer. It really does help those students who lose ground when they are away from school. I provided all the books to make sure ALL students had access. I couldn't provide equal access for support but I could provide the books. Kathy

On May 31st NPR aired this list of books to send children exploring http://www.npr.org/2013/05/31/177930647/mara-alpert-s-favorite-books-for-kids

Good reads also has a list of children's science texts http://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/childrens-science

Here is a list from the Smithsonian http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/science/2010/12/great-science-books-for-the-little-ones/

Here is another list from reading rockets http://www.readingrockets.org/articles/books/c793/

My AAAS newsletter just provided this link to summer science activities and reading http://sciencenetlinks.com/newsletters/june13-newsletter/#summer

THE CHILDREN’S BOOK COMMITTEE at the Bank Street College of Education strives to guide librarians, educators, parents, grandparents, and other interested adults to the best books for children published each year. In choosing books for the annual list, reviewers consider literary quality and excellence of presentation as well as the potential emotional impact of the books on young readers. Other criteria include credibility of characterization and plot, authenticity of time and place, age suitability, positive treatment of ethnic and religious differences, and the absence of stereotypes. Nonfiction titles are further evaluated for accuracy and clarity. Each book accepted for the list is read and reviewed by at least two committee members and then discussed by the committee as a whole. http://bankstreet.edu/center-childrens-literature/childrens-book-committee/best-books-year/best-books-year-2013/

Pam, The link your provided to the AAAS website for summer activities is great. I loved seeing some the classic books in the reading list. Some of these books have been around for many years, but never lose their interest for children. Betty

Hi Ladies, Thanks so much for all of the fantastic ideas! Carolyn, I hadn't heard of the Wicked Plants and Bugs books, but they look like great reads. Kathy, thanks for the tip to provide the students with copies of the books. I know that sometimes it can be challenging for students to gain access to books. Providing the books it a great gift for your students! Pam, thanks for all the fantastic links. What fantastic resources to find books. Thanks again for all your suggestions! Maureen

Interestingly, as a teacher I've often assigned a required book and then open book list for summer reading. Now that my own children are older, I've seen how that 1 required book can actually turn into a negative reading experience. My 13 year old son can't read enough, so seeing him dread the required reading is tough. From this personal experience, this year for my students I decided to have a choice from a recommended list. We're using My Big Campus (MBC) as a forum to discuss our reading. I LOVE MBC or Edmodo for discussions across the curriculum.

Annie wrote: I've seen how that 1 required book can actually turn into a negative reading experience.

Annie,

Thanks so much for sharing your observation. I know I'm always so excited about books, that sometimes I forget that my students may see reading the book as a chore. With your open reading book options, how many choices do you give the students? Also, do they have to complete a project with the book, or do you just have them read?

I'm intrigued by My Big Campus. Can you tell us a little more about this resource and how you use it with your students and in your classroom?

Thanks for your input!

Maureen

Last Sunday the NYTimes reviewed two new books for young would be scientists: The Boy Who LOved Math (about the mathematician Paul Erdos) and On a Beam of Light (about Albert Einstein) the reviews are located here Book Reviews Both Books are available on Amazon [url=http://www.amazon.com/dp/1596433078/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=27394144285&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13750386941657299812&hvpone=10.52&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_7jbiajfbl9_b]The Boy Who Loved Math [/url] On A Beam Of Light

Carolyn, Thanks for the titles of these two books... Wicked Plants:The Weed that Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities and Wicked Bugs: The Louse that Conquered Napoleon's Army and Other Diabolical Insects both by Amy Stewart, isbn 13: 978-1-56512-683-1 and 13: 978-56512-960-3 They sound so interesting that I am going to try them. Betty

Maureen, That is a wonderful idea and I encourage you to do it. Let me know how it works out. My son is an autistic 8th grader and loves Time travel stories. I'm going to consider Using the book myself. Well done. Sincerely, Tom Ebling