Hoopla

 My students in the Composition class introduced me to Hoopla.  Our library system offers the app for free, along with Libby and Overdrive.  These apps extend the number of books, audiobooks, and films available free.  See if your library has Hoopla.  Down load the app using your library card.  We had to stop into the library for help when the app didn’t accept our library card number.  If you have a newer TV or streaming device, such as Roku, you can add the Hoopla app and stream content on your TV.  I found it hard to search via the TV app.  However, it’s easy to search content on the tablet or phone app.  Films such as My Side of the Mountain, are available on Prime Video, but cost a fee.  Many of the same movies are available on Hoopla.  Try it!

Summer Reading Lists: High School

 I just sent out a summer reading list for next year’s Composition class.  I want the kids to read four books and watch the films to write book vs. movie reviews. I assign material in the summer to allow enough time for kids to either read or listen to the audio versions. Please note some of the books below are oriented to younger students.  I offer books oriented for grades 6-8 as well as high school level books to accommodate students with learning differences.  I’m also looking for books with terrific film versions.  Let me share several book lists at different reading levels: BYU Summer Reading List for Literature,  MODG Grades 8-12 Reading List, Seton’s Grades 6-8 Reading List, Seton’s 9-12 Reading List, Liberty’s K-8 Summer Reading List,  Liberty’s 9-12 Summer Reading List, and Kolbe’s Summer Reading List.  You may notice some overlap to the lists, such as Tom Sawyer or Little Women.  Many of these lists have Classic Literature (6-8).  My initial list has books the kids like.  Take a look and make your own list.  Get listening, reading, and watching!

Virtual Escape Rooms

 Has your family tried an escape room?  I have some virtual escape rooms: Free Virtual Escape Rooms (Escape fro Narnia) and Escape from Tardis.  Many teachers use Escape Rooms in their instruction.  Here are free samples.  Hey, even better!  Make your own DIY Escape Room. What a fun project!

Camp!

 Right now, I have camps on my mind.  I’m leading a science camp and a faith camp.  Additionally, I help with VBS. (The Faith camp is for children behind in receiving the Sacraments and runs two weeks.). Friends at a Montessori school are posting everywhere to advertise their summer camp.  Have you thought about hosting your own camp?  The Montessori School, Hilltop, has Baking and Slime Camps, along with academic weeks of camp.  I’m thinking about a French Camp in August.  There are kids who skipped French 1 and need a blast of basics.  Where do you begin?

1.  Select a theme.  Here is a recent post on my science blog about the Joy of Toys Science Camp.  Sometimes, the Science Camp title is Mad Science because it’s composed of random science labs and activities with stuff I have on hand.  Here is the Pinterest Mad Science board for ideas.  

2.  Once you have a theme, start organizing activities.  I use a spreadsheet and Pinterest.  Get in the habit of linking the activity to a specific website.  Make tabs for snack, games, activities, songs, etc.  

3. Pull supplies and organize into boxes as kits and sort them by activity.  Are you having a baking camp?  

4. Recruit help.  I rely on teens, especially experienced campers.  One family used to volunteer to come and clean up after Science Camp.  What a blessing!  

5. Create a budget.  Generally, I charge a fee for the camp materials.  Below is a budget for the Joy of Toys  camp.  I try to keep costs low so families can afford to attend.

No, hosting a camp is not easy.  But, the kids have a blast!  Give it a try!