I hope that everyone’s summer is off to a GREAT start!

I wanted to remind everyone that I strongly encourage your child to continue reading 20 minutes each day (Epic! and RazKids will remain available through this summer), writing 2-3 sentences in a journal each day, and working on MobyMax Fact Fluency for 5 minutes each day. This will help your child to retain all of the skills and knowledge learned this year!

Below are some free summer learning opportunities, check them out!

Free Summer Learning Opportunities:

Camp Kinda: Camp Kinda is a free virtual summer experience designed to keep kids in grades K-8 engaged, curious, and having fun—even if they’re stuck at home. It’s like summer camp… kinda.

MDE Summer Resources: Many resources including elementary, middle, and high school literacy and math, as well as social-emotional links are just a click away from The Michigan Department of Education.

Summer Book Clubs from Local libraries:
Gary Byker Memorial Library in Hudsonville
GeorgetownTownship Public Library
Patmos Library in Jamestown

Michigan eLibrary: MeL is a 24/7 digital library for Michigan residents.

Creative Summer Learning Ideas from Scholastic: Keep kids learning during vacation with these great activities, from road-trip bingo to ice cube experiments, and much more. Grades PreK-K, 1-2, 3-5, 6-8

Virtual Field Trips Families can join their students on virtual field trips to enhance student learning. 
Suggestions include:
Pure Michigan Virtual Travel: “Whether it’s from your couch, kitchen or patio, stay connected with each other in Pure Michigan.”
Virtual field trips around the world: Virtual trips, Museum visits, and Webcams “Take a trip around the world while staying home.”

Ten Ways to Get Kids Reading Over the Summer and Prevent Summer Reading Loss:  “With endless summer activities calling, it can be a challenge for many parents to get their child to pick up a book and practice his or her reading skills. By incorporating reading activities into each day of summer vacation, you can encourage your child to read more—and have fun doing it.”

Backyard Challenge– Six weeks of easy to do backyard challenges
We currently have three exciting pathways for you to take:
The Great Backyard Challenge: A six week exploratory! Venture outside each week with a new theme. Complete the challenge and submit your entry. Anyone who submits all six weeks will receive an ODC T-Shirt in the mail!
Backyard Learning Adventure: Looking to go deeper into your backyard? Check out the five crusades we have put together that take you on a deeper learning journey in your own backyard! Look for additional crusades throughout spring and summer 2020!
The Nature Rich Community Park Passport: Explore West Michigan. This project will bring you up to 15 different parks and natural areas in West Michigan to explore and discover at. Complete the passport and win prizes!