August Long Weekend! While there may be some Back to School Shopping commercials making their way onto your television set, I refuse to support that here. Our summer vacation may be more than half over (and very close to a close for a those of you doing all-year-round schooling.
However, just in case you are in that "shopping" mood, here are some fun summer learning products that you may want to check out.
However, just in case you are in that "shopping" mood, here are some fun summer learning products that you may want to check out.
Pick up a New Book - $14.99
Summer is a great time to check out a new book to share with your class come Autumn. Published in 2008, The Dopple Ganger Chronicles is a series I recently picked up for my nephew. It is a great link between a typical novel and a graphic novel. I would call it a cross between Neil Gaiman's "The Graveyard Book" and the "Amulet" series by Kazu Kibuishi. Basically a good way to hook any boy into reading, but check it out for yourself.
Explore a Classic - $6.99
I will always and forever believe that Summer is meant for reading the classics. To get you started, I suggest reading A Little Princess. To get you inspired for your classroom, consider a "Princess" unit. Sound too girly? One teacher did it with a co-ed preschool class and the large amount of kinesthetic sensory activities brought the boys into the mix without a worry. Check it out here at the Academy at Thousand Oaks preschool blog!
Buy a Camera! - $349.99
There are so many memories to record over the summer... memories much too important to be left to the abilities of a cell phone camera. This Pentax camera is a wee bit expensive for a point and shoot but it looks awesome, is waterproof, shockproof, weatherproof, dust proof and crush proof. That is a lot of "proof"! Sounds a bit unnecessary, however, if you want to be able to take a camera into a classroom and let your students use it, you may want it to be a little bit more "tough". It will be well-worth the investment, especially if you are considering taking on the Reggio Emilia Documentation approach.
Stay Sun-Safe! - $9.99
Sun safety may make you the "lame" teacher but this gadget (the UV Monkey) is just plain cool. It is a device that tells you how bad the UV rays are outside... great for anyone who loves solar power or avoiding sun cancer. Fits on a key chain and may work with a weather unit!
See What All Your Students have been Talking About! - $149.99
As I live in a cold climate, I believe that my two months of Summer need to be spent outside as much as possible. That said, I know many of you live in places where going outside in the Summertime is the same as inserting yourself into the oven while it is on. This is also known as insane. If you need something to do while inside, pick up a Wii! I know video games are on many teacher's lists of evil products that prevent children from reading, but the Wii has the potential to encourage physical activity and family togetherness. Give it a try!