Summer Boredom Busters

It happens every summer...kids get bored.  It's too hot, friends aren't home, or they just need something to keep them busy.  Check out some of the awesome resources below to offer meaningful learning that is fun and engaging. I love to share these with my parents throughout the summer using Remind.

Camp Wonderopolis - This is a completely free program from Wonderopolis.org.  There are six different wonders that students can explore and experience.  Each one includes a reading activity, a video, a maker activity, and a dashboard to track progress.  This a great way to encourage curiosity throughout the summer.  My students love Wonderopolis and Camp Wonderopolis is just a reason to love it even more!

DIY.org - This website is perfect for kids that enjoy making, designing, and doing.  They are given a list of skills and choose which challenges they would like to complete.  After completing three challenges, students earn a badge and after completing six, they earn the Master Skill badge.  I am a huge fan of DIY.org simply because it give students an opportunity to apply their learning in ways that are meaningful for them.  If you have not seen this website, check it out and give it a try.  You won't regret it.

Camp Google - So I just learned about Camp Google this week.  I was so impressed!  It is a free camp that is filled with fun science experiments. The learning adventures are led by experts and you can join at any time.  Ocean Week is happening now and you can even watch a National Geographic deep sea dive!  How awesome is that?   Other topics include space, the wild, and music.  Students earn badges as they participate and are even challenged to complete hands on activities.

DogoNews - DogoNews has been a favorite of mine for a while.  It is a wonderful place to find student-appropriate current events.  Each story includes pictures, video, article comprehension questions, and a critical thinking question.  I also LOVE that DogoNews offers a map when readers click on a location that they do not recognize.  Readers can click words in order to be given a definition as well.  There is a Summer Reading Club that encourages students to read and review books throughout the summer.

If you are looking for ways to keep your kiddos busy this summer or just want to offer some meaningful learning experiences, check these out!  You will be glad that you did.