Summer Tip #9 Make a Vacation in a City

Taking a vacation in you own city can 

sometimes be difficult.  

This week, to do something different, 

pretend you live in a different kind of city. 

What if you lived in a large, busy city like New York City?  Would your backyard look different? 

What if you lived in a medium size city, like Billings, Montana?  Would your backyard be bigger?

What if you live in a farming city, like Chase, Kansas?  Would your backyard have small animals and fields nearby?

What if you lived in a tiny city, like Drummond Island, Michigan where there is only one traffic light and children have to ride a ferry to the mainland to go to school? Would your backyard have a shore?

Here is how you can have a vacation 

in another city while staying 

in your backyard:

1.  Pick a type of city you would like to pretend your backyard is in for one week. 

2.  Create tall buildings around your yard; mountains in the distance; lakeshore sands, animals, desert plants, whatever would normally be in the type of city you chose. Use objects you have at your home.

3.  People from different cities might speak differently, dress differently, or play different games.  A kid who lives near a creak likes to hunt for crawdads.  What would a kid like to do who lives on a ranch or the city you chose? Use things you have to try to dress like and speak like kids from the place you chose.

Have fun playing in a different city this week!

Tell us what city you chose and what fun you had in the comment section.

  

  

Summer Tip #8 Make a Vacation Part 2

By Mary Vee

Take a Vacation in Your State

Last week’s post gave ideas how to take a vacation in another country while staying in your own backyard.  This week let’s talk about taking a vacation in your state, province, territory, commonwealth, or governorate.  For space in this post, I will use the word state for all these words: state, province, territory, commonwealth, or any other similar term.

1.       Pick one special place in your state that you would like to visit.  My state has a national park, mountains, desert, a few lakes and rivers.  I will pick “Old Faithful”. 

2.        Go to the library to find a book or video about the place you chose. You could also ask an adult or friend who has been to the place what it is like.  I have been to “Old Faithful”, but I would like to go again.  You can choose a place you’ve already been to, also.

3.           Make a mini version of the place.  Since I picked “Old Faithful” I need to make a geyser.  A geyser can be messy, so I need to make my mini “Old Faithful” in my backyard. To be safe, I will use safety goggles and a paint shirt.  If you choose a messy project, be sure to let your guardian know before getting your ingredients.

 

If I lived in the province of Isle de France where the Eiffel Tower is located. I could make a mini Eiffel Tower using blocks, Popsicle sticks, or maybe toothpicks. If you choose toothpicks, be sure to use the round tip ones.  They will stick together easier.

 

If I lived in the governorate of Cairo where the Pyramids of Giza are. I could make a pyramid shape with cardboard, cover it with glue then sprinkle sand or dirt.  Let the pyramid dry overnight.

4.         Usually when people go on vacations they take pictures or send postcards to friends.  With your guardian’s permission, take a picture of your mini vacation place.  Have someone take a picture of you with your project.  You could email the photo or send copies to family or friends.  If there isn’t a camera available, draw a picture of your project. Be sure to include yourself.  Send copies of your picture of family and friends.

5.          Going on vacation in my own state means I won’t need a passport. 

 

6.         Going on vacation at my home means I get to sleep in my own bed.

Enjoy your vacation!

End of School Year Tip

By Mary Vee

OK, so you're done with school--wahoo! Here is a tip that will give you a bubbling feeling inside. Take a moment to write a thank you note to your teacher. Nope, it can't be from Mom or Dad, or...anyone else. It needs to be from you.

I am a teacher. I can't tell you how good I feel when I get cards or notes or even emails from my students. I don't stop caring about them when the year is over. I remember each one, from every year I've taught. So...take a moment and write a note to your teacher. Guess what? Even if your teacher was your parent, they need this letter too.

Some ideas to choose from for your note:

1. What you liked best about the year.
2. Who your best friend was at the end of the year.
3. What you plan to do this summer.
4. What you plan not to do this summer.
5. Ask him or her what book they plan to read during the summer.
6. Tell them what you decided you want to be when you grow up.
7. Give them one compliment.

When you're done with the note or letter, include something like a drawing even if it is small. Don't forget to sign your letter!

Ask your parent to help you address the letter. After sticking a stamp on the envelope, mail your letter.

Tah Dah--you have been a blessing to someone!

Note: One year my daughter did home school with a video program. At the end of the year she sent a thank you note to the video teacher. At the end of the summer, we took a vacation to visit the teacher. She really enjoyed meeting the real person!

Well, did you write the note? Was it fun? Click on the button to tell us your ideas of what we could include in the note.