Keep Cool with Coding

With a plethora of free coding classes and apps available, consider delving into coding for kids. Instilling a doting for coding does not have to begin with a series of troublesome tasks, and conceptualizing coding and programming logic should empower children to solve problems with acuity and advance their analytical reasoning readiness. According to one website, children as young as five can have fun while learning abouut coding fundamentals. Free educational programming websites include Blockly, Code.org, and Scratch. For older children (10+), try Code Combat; teens (14+) may enjoy Code Academy.

Go Camping… Online!

With fun, free options available, consider virtual untrodden treks and small-group learning situations at online summer camps. Learn what makes hot air balloons rise, marvel at art and natural history museums (some with curbside material pick-ups), create crafts, or learn with Legos. Take yoga breaks or bust out board games. Online summer camps can also teach children about cooking, fitness, games, and music.

Let Them Write

Provide many magical moments for putting pen to paper. Write notes or short letters…It won’t be long before [your child] is trying to write back to you. Consider jovial journal entries once a day or twice a week. Make it fun! Ask children to pen their pursuits, envision new encounters, or posit opinion pieces rife with radiant illustrations. The concept is to communicate rather than generate grammatical perfection (grammar structure should develop in a more practical and natural way). Ask questions to provide opportunities for children to reflect on what they’ve heard and read. This enhances higher-level cognition. Online publications and resources organized especially for children include Diary Land, Stone Soup, The Telling Room, and Tikatok.

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Day Trips

To enhance excogitation, choose an interactive celebration! Empower children to think critically via media-rich visual tools for modeling and visualization, as both online and in-person experiences can spark cerebral conversations and educational enlightenment. Visit fantastic farms, a sprawling zoo, national parks, historical sites, or even a virtual visit to outer space!

Questions to ponder:

● Whatdid you thinkofthisfieldtrip?

● Whatquestionsdo you have?

● Whatisthemostinterestingthing you learned?

● Whatelsewould you like to know?

● Basedonthisexperience,would you prefer to visit in-person or online? Why?

● Wherewould you likeour next visit to beandwhy?

Volunteer!

Mahatma Gandhi suggested, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” Peruse a plethora of worthwhile projects and causes to consider. PointsofLight.org is one positive place to start. Filter by issue or opportunity, or search by keyword or zip code. Virtual volunteer opportunities can also be found online. Remember to always keep the light of positivity well-lit. In the words of Harvey S. Firestone, “It is only as we develop others that we permanently succeed.”

Have a sensational summer!

Scott Freiberger is an assistant principal in New York. He is an attentive administrator and a passionate pedagogue who advocates for all students, especially ELLs/MLLs and students with special needs. Follow him on Twitter/X: @scottfreiberger