• START HERE!
    • ABOUT CARLY
    • CONTACT
  • FASHION
  • BODY POSITIVITY
  • GIRL POWER
  • SD LIFE
  • DISNEY
  • SHOP MY INSTAGRAM
  • SHOP MY FAVES

Lipgloss and Crayons

Learning At Home

Summer Learning and Fun: Tools and Plans

This post may contain affiliate links. Purchasing through them helps support this website. This post may also contain items gifted for consideration.

Preparing for summer learning and summer activities? These are some simple tools and tips to help plan a fun summer break!

Preparing for summer learning and summer activities? These are some simple tools and tips to help plan a fun summer break!

Well, summer is officially starting…..and man it's an interesting one this year.  Since in all likelihood we'll be home most of the time here in California…..I wanted to be sure to plan some learning activities and some fun activities we could do each day.  My goal? Some online and some offline activities.  Some reading, some math, some writing, some music, some art, some dance and some totally unplugged playtime.

Summer Learning and Fun: Tools and Plans

These are the materials, programs and tools we'll be using this summer.  I've spent some time perusing each of these, making sure that I felt they were high quality materials, and that they're appropriate for Lydia's age (she's finishing kindergarten).

Summer Bridge Workbooks and Writing Tools:

Bridge Workbooks and Grade Level Review Workbooks are a great tool for summer learning.  They're a good way to facilitate a little independent learning time and for you to have a little down time.  Our plan? To do about 30 minutes of workbook time a day and then a bit of writing in Lydia's Story Notebook.  That won't be all in one sitting, it will be spread out throughout the day in smaller chunks.

Disney Learning: I know, I know.  I've talked about the Disney Learning workbooks a million times (you can see them in the IGTV I made about doing independent work too).  They're a GREAT option for reviewing an entire year worth of skills.  If your child's teacher suggested that they do a review of the previous year, this is a great option!

Brain Quest Bridge Workbook:  If you're looking for a true Summer Bridge Workbook, the Brain Quest Workbook is a GREAT option.  It's specifically meant for being completed over one summer vacation, and has a really cute map where kids can track their progress.  It's created for the time between finishing one grade and starting another (aka summer break).

Story Notebook:  One of my goals is to have Lydia write everyday.  Something short.  A summer journal of sorts.  We ordered one of Erin Condren's new Story Notebooks and I'm SUPER impressed with the quality.  Lydia got to choose her own cover, we personalized it, and it has JUST the right amount of pages for a summer break.

Enter to win a gift card to buy your own Story Notebook here:

Entry-Form

Book Club and Literacy:

Materials: We are so so excited about our Summer Reading Chart and Summer Reading Club.  It's a fun set of coloring pages with the goal of helping kids keep track of how many books they read this summer (the goal is to read 100 books or 100 chapters for the chapter book readers).  We have printable bookmarks and a super cute certificate for completion (you can get all the materials HERE).

Chapter Books: Lydia started getting really into reading chapter books, so we're diving into a bunch of great series chapter books for kids.  She's loving the idea of reading a full series (she just finished ALL the Junie B Jones books, and next up? The Never Girls!)

Audiobooks: For the last few weeks, we've been implementing a new morning routine and it's been a huge hit.  I did some research about the best audiobooks for kids.  Each morning Lydia and I go for a thirty-ish minute walk and listen to a chapter or two.  She loves it! You can see a full list great audiobooks for kids to start with (along with a discount code to get free books) HERE.

Summer Learning Online Programs and Classes:

Reading Eggs: I know, this is another repeat.  I've been raving about Reading Eggs since we tried it out months ago (and you can read my full review of it in my online reading programs article).  It's a great program that kids can work through without a ton of guidance (they have a math component as well called Math Seeds).  It will give your child an opening assessment so that all lessons are at their level, and I LOVE IT.

<click here to sign up for a two week free trial>

Revolution Math: Revolution Math is a new addition to our at home learning, and we are LOVING it so far.  After a month of use, we're definitely planning to continue with our weekly classes.  We have a full review HERE….but to give a bit of info, these are virtual classes taught via Zoom with a live teacher.  But it's like no Zoom class I've ever seen.  They are small, each class is for a specific age.  There are cartoons, games, the kids interact with their teacher and classmates and it's a TOTAL blast.  There is an overarching story (sort of a comic bookish one) that continues week after week and the kids get to play characters. We even got you guys a CRAZY deal, you can do a month of classes (that's four classes, one class a week) for $1.  Yup, $1.

< click here to sign up for one month of Revolution Math for $1>

Outschool: Looking for more virtual classes? Outschool has TONS of online classes and camps for all ages that are taught via live video chat.  They've got classes appropriate for ages 3 all the way up to 18.  Everything from art classes to summer choir to coding classes (and they start at $10).  We're going to be doing a couple of art classes this summer!

< click here to search Outschool classes >

World School: This app is created by a group of early childhood educators and is focused on STEAM.  It’s super interactive and a great way to get some online learning in that is age appropriate (perfect for when you need to hop on a conference call or get a bit of work done yourself). I'd suggest this for preschool and kindergartners specifically!

Vooks: We've talked about Vooks a ton.  This computer program allows kids to watch interactive read alouds of some of their favorite books.

Play Osmo: We love love love our Play Osmo. An Osmo is a device that attaches to an Amazon Fire Tablet or an Ipad.  The device is an extension of the tablets camera and creates an interactive surface.  Each Starter Kit (the Genius Kit for kids ages 5 and up or the Little Genius Kit for younger kids) comes with the reflector, pieces for a number of Osmo Games and a stand for the tablet.  You can buy additional games to do even more with your game system or stick with the original ones.  We'll be doing some of the math games each and every day. You can see my full list of Play Osmo games and what ages they're great for in our Play Osmo Guide.

Summer Learning Outside Activities and Hands On Activities:

It's really important to us to have tons of outside time, craft time and time to unplug.

Sidewalk Chalk Ideas and Games: We just stocked up on more sidewalk chalk, because it's one of our favorite tools for outside play.  From hopscotch to obstacle courses, we use it a TON.  You can see our full list of sidewalk chalk games HERE.

Sight Word Games: If you've got an entering Kindergarten or First Grade Student, then this is for you.  Yup, the sight words.  They need to learn them.  I made a list of 17 sight word games that aren't…..boring flash card practice.

Subscription Boxes and Crafts: We've subscribed to a couple Craft and Kids' Activity Subscription Boxes (you can see all our favorites here) so that we're constantly getting new activities throughout the summer.  Our favs? The Creative Girls Club for crafts (click here to sign up for the first month for $4!) and Atlas Crate (a really cool subscription that helps kids explore a different culture and country each month).

Do you have any special summer learning tools or activities planned?

 

0 Leave a Comment

Subscribe to L&C Weekly!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Previous Revolution Math: A Full Review
Next Echelon Bike Review: Is It Worth the Money?

Related Posts

My Learning Day: Daily Routine Chart Printable

Osmo Review and Guide: What Games for What Ages

Online Reading Programs: Recommendations from a Teacher...

Sidewalk Chalk Games

Primary Sidebar

Search

NEW? START HERE

DISCLAIMER

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

….and also why are we commenting negatively abou ….and also why are we commenting negatively about people’s appearances in 2023?Double also: if the worst thing people on the interwebs can say about me is that they don’t like my smile…..then I feel pretty good about what type of person I’ve chosen to be.
💕Because we all want our kids to soar………⠀⠀So fitting right? Elvis named this plane after his daughter.  And all I’ve been thinking about throughout our St Jude experience…..is how certain things truly bond all of us.  Certain things cross economic barriers and continent and language differences.  Parenthood is one of those.  It’s a universal experience.  And I think whether we are parents or role models or aunties or friends……we all know what it’s like to dream and hope on behalf of a child in your life.⠀⠀In 2012, when I was newly married and not yet a parent one of my students was diagnosed with cancer.  Without revealing details about her or her family, I think it’s important to recognize that economic barriers prevented what should have been an earlier diagnosis.  It was one of many times I was reminded during my time with the amazing humans in my classrooms that…..we do NOT all have the same access or experiences in life.  That student and her family were one of the miracle stories.  In fact, when she came back to class, she complained about missing soccer games at recess and fell right back in with the rest in a way that to this day brings joyful tears to my eyes. ⠀⠀I said this on my stories during my trip, but…..I didn’t realize until this experience that families at St Jude NEVER receive a bill.  Ever.  No matter what.  That this access gives families hope during their darkest days.⠀⠀I’m going to be teaming up with St. Jude to do a fun challenge that will hopefully inspire y’all to support them too.  Let’s just say that…..for this scared of heights, refuses to take my feet off the ground theme park girlie……I’m going to making the ultimate sacrifices.⠀⠀What rides would you want to see me go on in support of St Jude? (be kind, I’m literally TERRIFIED of any and all rides that have a height limit). You know they REALLY moved me if I’m even thinking of doing this! ⠀⠀@stjude #stjudeambassador
💕Double tap if you know what the Peabody is fam 💕Double tap if you know what the Peabody is famous for…..so many of you guessed it in stories last night!🦆The Peabody Hotel is famous for their duck parade.  And we got to see it as a part of Day 1 of the St Jude Content Creator Summit.  I’m in Memphis to learn all about how St Jude is doing life saving research to fight and cure childhood cancers.💕Real talk: I get to do a lot of fun things because of this little app but projects like this? Are an absolute honor.  Did you know that patients at St Jude NEVER RECEIVE A BILL? What a gift to families in crisis. I’m so happy to share this next couple of days here in Memphis with y’all and to support such an important organization.🦆Now, swipe to see the ducks. @stjude #stjudeambassador
She IS Ariel. We saw it. It’s a gift. This s She IS Ariel. We saw it.  It’s a gift.  This stunning movie shows a princess who is absolutely……royal.  Graceful.  Brave and……the perfect mermaid. Years ago, I was sitting in the theater during the live action Lion King premiere just days after the Little Mermaid casting was announced.  And in walked Halle Bailey.  This young girl and all I could think was……how much weight of the world was on her shoulders.  The room paused.  And people everywhere stood.  They applauded her and smiled and I thought…..she really is a princess. Halle, you are the epitome of royalty.  Thank you for sharing your shine with the world.I would love to encourage you to follow these amazing creators who have been shining themselves and sharing a ton of special Little Mermaid experiences:@jenniferborget @erikaenchanted@davidvaughn@_the_adventurous_rjay@colormemagic@melizzablackLydia’s, Robbie’s and my full review of the film will be on the blog Monday morning.How excited are you for the film? Who is your favorite Little Mermaid character? #littlemermaid #colormemermaid #ariel
Mother’s Day Memories: Starting to wonder how ma Mother’s Day Memories: Starting to wonder how many more years we have of this family tradition before SOMEONE becomes a full blown teen / tween and the Happiest Place on Earth is a whole different vibeWe: hugged our favorite characters, danced every time mom got a coffee (swipe for that excellent content), Lydia and Robbie rode all the mountains, walked 22,000 steps on Saturday alone, and Robbie finally got to see Toontown for the first time since it’s reopening.We slept like rocks on the comfy beds at the JW Marriott (it was such a kind gesture when they offered to host us for Mother’s day weekend), I drank my morning coffee in their beautiful garden, and loved that it was a quick 15 minute walk to the Disneyland gates.  If you are looking for a luxury hotel experience near Disneyland, I highly recommend.  They have great dining options, a Starbucks in the lobby each morning, and a lovely pool.  This was a perfect treat yourself location.Have you done a holiday at Disneyland? My favorites (in no particular order): Halloween (Oogie Boogie is the best), Holiday Time and Mother’s Day……each has it’s own unique flavor.@MarriottBonvoy #MarriottBonvoy @jwmarriottanaheim #jwmarriottanaheim #MarriottBonvoyMoments Hosted
  • Collaborate
  • Speaking
  • Contact Carly
  • PRESS
  • Privacy Policy
  • Fashion
  • Body Positivity
  • Girl Power
  • SD Life
  • Disney
  • Travel
  • Highlights

© 2019 LIPGLOSS AND CRAYONS  |  SITE DESIGN: MLL DESIGN STUDIO  & FUZE BRANDING