What I'm Reading This Summer

A few weeks ago I decided to read a "grown-up" book for fun. We were at a relatives house who has A LOT of books. I decided on "The Time Travelers Wife". It had really good reviews and was recently made into a movie. I opened the book~ and didn't want to read it! What's wrong with me? I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I prefer juvenile fiction! Maybe I'm just looking for something easy, but I really, really prefer juvenile fiction. So, I'll tell you about the juvenile fiction books I'm reading this summer.
1. Little House on the Prairie. I'd never read this before. No wonder it's a classic! It's wonderful! Now, I guess I'll have to watch the television show.
2. The 39 Clues: One False Note. This series is published by Scholastic and is intended to be an interactive experience. I've enjoyed this adventure fiction, but haven't done any of the extra (interactive) activities.
3. Miss Daisy is Crazy. This is a great book for reluctant readers. It's a very silly chapter book with lots of pictures. It is interesting for a variety of ages.
4. Hank Zipzer The World's Greatest Underachiever: My Secret Life as a Ping-Pong Wizard. Another good book for reluctant readers. It's a very silly account of a little boy that struggles with ADHD.

Just so I don't sounds too pathetic, I'm also reading a nonfiction recommended by my husband. "The Prodigal God" is by Timothy Keller. It takes a very familiar Bible story and sheds new information on parts that were probably skipped.

I hope everyone has a great time reading this summer!

Susanne

Do you like to play Hangman?

I frequently use Spelling City to help with spelling words. One of our favorite activities on that site is Hangman. My daughter received a magnetic Hangman game last week and I realized it would be a great tool to work on spelling words. When the spelling words are first introduced, you could allow your child to keep the list out. He could even refer to the list during the game. Think about it: your child will repeatedly scan the list to find the correct word. You could also progress to removing the list. Another great way to play Hangman would be to tell your child the definition and have them "guess the correct word. Again, they could have the option to look at the list. Last week we played Hangman for hours. It was a great game for the 4 of us. We each tried to find clever words that were also very common. I got my family on the word "Hangman". It was a hoot! They couldn't believe I got them with the name of the game.

Happy spelling,
Susanne

Summer with Raising Readers

We are in countdown mode at my house! Yeah for Summer! Two regular school days and early-dismissal to go bowling on Wednesday. We've loved our first year at Eastwood! AG was crying the other day because the school year was ending. HP, on the other hand, is counting the days just like his Mama! Speaking of HP, he'll be my guest blogger this week. He's reading the first book in a new series by Rick Riordan. Details to follow! (He has to finish the book first.)

This Summer I'll be tutoring and hosting some Art and Reading Enrichment Camps. Tutoring will be at my house on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. I only have 2 slots left, so let me know if you're interested. I'm super-duper excited about the Art and Reading Enrichment Camps at Eastwood! Susan Parker and I have been perusing books that would be appropriate and interesting for a variety of ages. It's going to be awesome! If you're interested in tutoring or camp, give me a call.

Happy reading,
Susanne
334-451-0917

Free Rice

I'm always looking for educational internet-based games. I'd forgotten about "Free Rice". How could I? It's educational and it's linked through a program that gives out... you guessed it! Free Rice! I'm going to let my son (age 9) play it this afternoon. In addition, I've played it a little this morning and am disappointed by my performance. However, I LOVE seeing those grains of rice accumulate! The vocabulary is my favorite, but they've also got Art, Chemistry, Grammar, Geography, Foreign Languages and Math. Have fun!
http://freerice.com/index.php

Are you looking for some parent-led educational acitivities this summer?

I love the Scholastic website! There are so many fun activities! Check out the link below to find some interactive learning activities:
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/learn.jsp?lnkid=TNav:SA:home&ESP=SA/ib//acq/main_tnav_SA///nav/txtl////

While you're reading to your kids next time, give 'em a big ole kiss! I love to snuggle while reading~ such a precious time with the little ones (that aren't so little anymore!).

Art and Reading Enrichment Camps

Abrakadoodle and Raising Readers are teaming up this summer to provide Art and Reading Enrichment Camps.

Are you looking for a fun, educational activity for your child (open to all K-6th graders) this summer? We are integrating literature with related art activities to inspire lifelong reading and imagination. A variety of books will be used to develop creative writing skills, reading comprehension and artistic expressions. Using art to demonstrate comprehension of literature is an indication of higher-order thinking. Spaces are limited.

When: June 15, 16 & 17 from 9 am-12 pm
July 13, 14 & 15 from 9 am-12 pm
July 20, 21 & 22 from 9 am-12 pm

Where: Eastwood Christian School
1701 East Trinity Blvd.

Tuition: $180 per session,
$30 deposit to hold your child’s space,$150 due first day of class

Contact: Susanne Estes
334-451-0917
raisingreaders.estes@gmail.com

Quantity, Quantity, Quantitiy

I have the pleasure of talking with concerned Mommas, Daddies, Teachers and Grandparents EVERY SINGLE DAY. It seems each family has a child that is struggling with reading. Here's the advice I give them. Read. Read a book. Read a magazine. Read a newspaper. Read a graphic novel. Read a cereal box. Read. Read some more. Your child should be reading every single day outside of the classroom. Your child should see you reading. Make sure your child is surrounded by books that interest him. Give your child the opportunity to buy or check out books. I know you want your child reading "War and Peace", "Little Women" and other valuable classics. However if she's not interested, let her start with Henry and Mudge, The Dish Series or My Weird School. The key with getting your child interested in reading, building fluency and increasing comprehension is quantity, quantity, quantity. It is not quality. I love to give book recommendations. If you're looking for some book recommendations for a specific need, please email me. raisingreaders.estes@gmail.com

Happy reading,
Susanne