Summertime is Fun-time - Birmingham City Schools

[Pages:20]Summertime is Fun-time

While summer is potentially full of fun outdoor activities, young people can spend hours inside and inactive, with video games, television, or friends. Encouraging physical activities and good nutrition during the summer can help our children enjoy their summer while staying on track in their physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and verbal development. Students whose families are actively engaged in learning during summer months tend to be more successful. By planning constructive learning activities during the summer break, parents can provide their children with valuable opportunities to retain what they've learned and practice the skills they need to be successful in school and in life. Allow summer learning to be fun! Remember, the best learning often occurs when children don't even realize they're learning.

1. Participate in e-learning activities. What is eLearning? eLearning utilizes electronic technologies to access educational curriculum outside of a traditional classroom. Electronic technologies may include, but are not limited to: computers, the Internet, tablets, smartphones, digital cameras, and DVD players. The "e" is most often interpreted to mean "electronic" but can also be interpreted as extended, educational, enriching, and engaging. Visit some educational websites.

2. Participate in summer enrichment activities. Allow students to participate in programs designed to curb learning loss. Make sure reading, writing, math, and technology skills are enhanced in a fun, non-traditional way.

3. Start some type of collection - Bugs are everywhere and once properly dried can be collected. Marbles of every color and shape, coins or whatever interest them make great collections.

4. Record and catalog information - What type of birds, animals, or wild flowers they have spotted? What better way to learn than from hands-on experience. Later, take the time to search the Internet to learn more about plants, rocks, and animals that you discover. This can be a one-time adventure, or an adventure that lasts all summer long.

5. Visit the Zoo - But don't just walk through it and you're done. Sit and draw the animals, figure out what they're doing. Research where the animals came from and what they eat. Have each child pick an animal to research and go back and visit the animal that they're interested in several times. Try to come up with ways to raise money for that animal. Admission is half-price on Tuesdays. The Birmingham Zoo is open daily from 9am ? 5pm. Visit for more information.

6. Visit the Museum Art museum - Have them pick one of their favorite pieces of art and research the artist. Where did they come from and what other works of art are they known for? Visit today. The Birmingham Museum of Art is open Tuesday ? Saturday from 10 ? 5 and Sunday from 12 ? 5. General Admission is free, however admission may be charged for special blockbuster exhibits. Learn about Bart's Art and Bart's Adventure. History museum - Research their favorite part of history and share what information they have learned. Build a model of that part of history. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is open Tuesday ? Saturday from 10 ? 5. Admission is free for children, birth ? age 17, who reside in Jefferson County. Visit to learn more. Music museum ? The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, located inside of the historic Carver Theatre, is an artdeco museum that honors great jazz artists with ties to the state of Alabama. While furnishing educational information, the museum is also a place for entertainment. Visit to learn more. Science museum ? Find something that interest them in this area and have them research it. Build a machine or model of their interest. The McWane Science Center is open from Monday ? Saturday from 9a ? 6p during summer months. Admission is free for children under age 2. Visit to learn more. Sports museum ? The ASHOF is a magnificent state treasure, dedicated to the celebration and preservation of Alabama's exceptional sports heritage. Out of ESPN's list of the top 100 athletes of the century, five out of the top fifteen greatest ever are in the ASHOF: Jesse Owens, Hank Aaron, Joe Louis, Willie Mays, and Carl Lewis. Visit to learn more. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students, and $14 for families. Negro Southern Baseball League Museum ? Located right outside of Regions Field, this museum was designed to preserve the history of the Negro Baseball League. Visit to learn more. Admission is free and the museum is open Monday ? Friday from 11am ? 7pm and Saturday ? Sunday from 12pm ? 5 pm.

7. Go to the park ? Pack a picnic lunch, invite some friends and have fun. Birmingham has many parks. Included among the City's offerings are dozens of public recreational facilities including golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, walking tracks, stocked lakes, softball fields, recreation centers, and parks for enjoying other outdoor activities. For more information, visit .

If you enjoy jazz, take advantage of the Summer Jazz in the Park series. Visit to learn more. If you enjoy classical music, take advantage of the Summer Symphony Series at Railroad Park. Visit to learn more.

8. Go fishing - Dust off that old fishing pole and take them fishing. Learn the different types of fish that they could catch and what types of bait to use. The City of Birmingham Park and Recreation Family Fishing Rodeo, the largest community fishing event in the state, will take place on Saturday, June 4, at East Lake Park, 84th Street and 1st Avenue North, 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. In addition to tons of fish added to East Lake for the event, participants of all ages can enjoy contests, giveaways, family-friendly activities, information booths, health screenings and more. This event, for the 19th year, is free! When going fishing as family, don't forget your fishing license.

9. Draw pictures of what you think you might be doing at age 16, 19, 26, 35, 55, 65, and 75. Include a timeline.

10. Go biking - Pack a small backpack with water, snacks, and drinks.

11. Go hiking - Hit those trails and start walking. Find some trails that you've never been on before.

12. Study the architect for buildings and walk around town. Take photos or draw the different designs. Research who came up with those ideas and find out if those designs are still used today.

13. Go to your Public Library - They have many great things going on all summer long. Libraries have summer reading clubs and a great place for resources and research and they usually have air conditioning on those very hot summer days. Summer reading programs kick off on May 16 for all 18 libraries in the city of Birmingham. Reading program participation is free! Check your local libraries for a calendar of summer fun events for children, including free movies and shows. Visit to learn more.

14. Work on a skit or play with your neighborhood kids. Plan out a stage and costumes and invite the rest of the neighborhood for the production.

15. Go to the farmers market to see all the vendors and fresh produce.

16. A fun way to keep track of local and national news is to have your child create a newspaper for others to read and enjoy. Develop a list of articles he or she can create such as sports, comics, TV, and movie guides. Before the writing begins, spend time gathering facts or observe what is happening. For example, if your child is writing a movie review, make plans to see the movie. If your child is writing about a community event, make sure he/she can answer the following questions to develop the article ? Who is the story about? What happened? Where did the event take place? When did it happen? Why? How? At the end of summer, gather and organize all of the articles and create a great keepsake.

17. For teens, listen to (conservative) talk shows (TV and radio) and discuss the topics. Get the kids to think about the world they live in and what they can do to make a difference.

18. Weird food night ? Go to the store, find a piece of produce that you have never heard of, and find out where it is from, and how to eat it.

19. Teach kids how to shop online properly. Teach the importance of SHIPPING CHARGES, DISCOUNTS, and how to calculate the TOTAL COST of items to find the best deal.

20. Open a bank account. Learn to manage your deposits and withdrawals. 21. Do community service work - Pick up litter in a park, work in a shelter serving food, or contact someone to find out

where they would need help that the whole family could get involved in. or Dial 2-1-1 for volunteer opportunities.

22. Visit the elderly in homes; make cards and/or fresh baked goods for them.

23. Cook and bake. Great learning experience is measuring and following the instructions on a recipe. The greatest reward is eating what you made! Developing a cookbook is a great way for your child to share favorite foods and snacks with friends and family. Ask family & friends to submit recipes. Gather recipes from magazines, newspapers, and the Internet. Compile the recipes by category ? appetizers, beverages, soups, main courses, side dishes, and desserts and develop a keepsake by the end of summer.

24. Write in a journal - Have them write down their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Keep them in the habit of writing.

25. Write letters to friends and family. If they don't have email, they can send those wonderful works of art that are usually over flowing in your own home. Write about what you are doing over the summer, your favorite vacation memories, or latest adventure with your family. Visit a craft store to decorate your letters with stickers, stamps, etc.

26. Have you read that movie? Oftentimes popular movies are based on books and are sometimes different from the original script. Before your child watches another movie this summer, have him/her read the book first! As he reads, tell him to picture the story in his mind as a movie. Have him mark sections of the book that would make good movie scenes. Ask him to write a favorite part of the book that he thinks would make a good movie scene. Take it a step further and have him create his own movie using technology. After you watch the original movie with your child, discuss the differences between the book and movie.

27. Play a game - There are many great board games and for physical games go to the Great Game List (Learning Games, Relay Games, Water Games, etc.)

28. Clean the house or organize a room. Kids love it when a list is made of what has to be cleaned. Each child loves writing down their name next to the item that they have cleaned. The list really motivates them and you're not telling them what to do. Rewards can be paid for all their great and hard work.

29. Plan a vacation or trip. Research together the area that you'll be going and get feedback as to what everyone would like to see. Have your child use the Internet or research the local tourism bureau or chamber of commerce for brochures to learn more about your destination. Give them a journal and have them write down what they would like to do. After visiting that location/ attraction, have them to write their reflections. When they go back the following year and read it they'll remember certain events with fond memories. Plan a "stay-cation" and visit attractions in the area. Plan a virtual vacation. Allow them to create passports, travel arrangements, anticipated expenditures, and daily itineraries for places they may want to visit. Allow them to research, learn about cuisine, locate main attractions and more.

30. Start a hobby or craft - Learn how to sew, cross-stitch, paint, play an instrument, horse-back riding, build a model car, or what really interest them.

31. Use Google Earth and Google Mapper to measure distance, find routes, and calculate travel times, learn about and see geographic names and places. Find your own house, your school, etc.

32. Go out and buy some photo albums, then gather up all those snapshots and photos that are floating around in your drawers and put them in the albums. The kids will have a great time organizing them and there's so much out there to decorate and add life to the albums.

33. Start a book club. Share the fun of reading with your family and friends this summer by having your child host a weekly reading book club and/ or book swap at your house. Encourage them to read aloud, dress as characters, or act out scenes. Develop a chart and rating scale and have each person rate their book. At the end of summer, you will have a list of favorite books.

34. Organize neighborhood Olympics for the kids in the area. Put together games that different ages can play. Even babies in highchairs can have an eating contest. Host one every year and you can keep a photo album to show how each child has changed.

35. Neighborhood Block Party - Have a block party or attend a street festival. Obtain a street block permit which allows you to block off the road. Everyone can bring a dish to pass, games are played (), you can play some music and then the kids head to one of our neighborhood pools for an afternoon dip. What a great way to get to know your neighbors and learn what's happened in their families over the winter.

36. Join a group - There could be parents that have play groups established, ask around. The worst thing a parent goes through is not having someone to talk to when their children are young. Many of us are usually going through the same emotions and trails. It's a relief to know that others are having the same struggles. MOPS - Mothers of PreSchoolers , MOMs ? Moms of Multiples, and Mom's In Touch run during the school year, but getting involved next season will give you contacts and friendships that will carry you through the summer. Also check for information about other groups within our area. Look for support groups for SLD, Autism, Gifted, and other exceptionalities.

37. Learn A Foreign Language ? Many libraries carry tapes, videos, books and CD's. Teacher stores and various other stores carry all the needed items to get started. The more exposure to another language and the sooner you learn, the more likely you'll retain the information. Use various words throughout the day. Besides the homeland, many languages are used in other parts of the world. Research the use of that language to see what other places use it and what famous people came from the homeland.

38. Learn Sign Language ? There are many Internet sites that show you how to get started. Start out with the alphabet by printing it and then go from there. You can find books in the library about American Sign Language and its variations, including Signed English. Books may also be purchased online and in local bookstores.

39. Read together!!! Find some great books that all of you will like to hear out loud. One of our favorites is "Where The Red Fern Grows". Keep in mind you might need a tissue box for the end but emotions are a good thing. The world's greatest teacher wept and taught us so much. Reading expands everyone's horizons and children might end up with a brighter future. Set family reading goals and challenge each other. Celebrate your accomplishments at the end of summer.

40. Spend time together. If you had only one thing to give to your child, the greatest thing would be your time. They really need you at any age, even if they fight those hugs. Always add laughter, it's so healing and good for the soul. If you've had a busy schedule send them a card in the mail, kids love getting mail. Come home for lunch a few times a year to make them feel special. Tell them that they are important and don't think that they should know it. They need to hear it!! What's important is the well-being of your children because soon they'll be out on their own, time goes by so fast.

41. Go pick fresh fruit ? There is nothing like eating fresh strawberries or blueberries out on a farm. Later in the season you can pick peaches and apples, once they come into season. Call ahead to make sure that the farm is kid friendly.

42. Work Out Program ? Start out the summer with a workout program. Some children are very active but there are many families that watch too much television or just sit around doing other things. Have a set plan, schedule what days you'll work on certain parts of the body. Chart out your progress to help you stay on track. You can bike, walk the neighborhood together, use workout tapes, roller blade or go to the local track and walk together. What's good for the body is good for the soul!! Visit for more information about the Crunk Fitness program at Railroad Park.

Crunk Fitness (Mondays at 6:00 p.m.):

Crunk Fitness is a fun, high-energy, hip-hop dance workout for all levels. It involves a combination of basic aerobics movements and funky hip-hop dance moves, broken down so anyone can do it. You can tone up-lose weight, transform your body, and have a blast!

The BOOTCAMP GROUP EXPERIENCE (Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m.):

The BOOTCAMP GROUP EXPERIENCE is the class you will love to hate. By using just your body weight this workout routine will help tone your muscles, build your endurance, and boost your metabolism. This class will challenge you on all levels. The combination of bodyweight exercises and functional exercises will have you burning calories in no time.

Zumba (Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.):

Zumba at Railroad Park is a Latin inspired dance fitness class. It blends easy Latin dance moves with aerobic steps. The class is fun, energizing, and easy to follow.

Yoga (Thursdays at 6:00 p.m.):

Yoga is a form of exercise that strengthens and tones the body. It promotes balance and flexibility, and quiets the mind. Yoga is for the beginning as well as advanced student.

Happy Feet Fridays (Fridays at 6:00p.m.):

Get your feet moving in the right direction with a 60-minute low to high impact walk/run course designed to wake up, shape up, or maintain the inner athlete in you. Happy Feet Friday will teach you proper walk/run techniques to maximize your current fitness goals.

Walking is safe and simple, plus it lowers your blood pressure, reduces your risk for or helps you manage type two diabetes, manages your weight, improves your mood and helps you stay strong. So whether you're training for your next marathon or just wanting to get moving, Happy Feet will get you on the right track. All experience levels are welcome.

Are you looking for some guidance in increasing your kid's activity level? Join the President's Challenge Program! This is a family oriented program for any who wants to get and keep America's kids strong and healthy. There are plenty of fun ways to get active and develop life-long healthy habits. For more tips and to become a champion, visit .

43. Visit your state capital. Take a tour of the building, find out the history about your state and observe the capital while it's in session. Study who leads your state, how a bill becomes a law and what connection does your state have with the federal government. (Montgomery, AL) Tours are available from 9 ? 4 Monday ? Saturday. The state capitol is closed on Sunday. Tours are free. Visit to learn more.

44. Take a trip to a factory or manufacturer that offers tours. Learn how they make products, how they are distributed, how they are marketed, and the history of the business and the importance of it to the community. (In the greater Birmingham area, try Blue Bell Ice Cream, Golden Flake, Bud's Best Cookies, etc.)

45. Find out what there is to do in your city and state. You can go on-line, go to the library or contact the Chamber of Commerce/ Visitors & Convention Bureau to see what's in your area. There are many neat things to do in each state if you take the time to search, you may find a hidden secret or resource. (Railroad Park, Oak Mountain, Splash Adventure, etc.)

46. Go Camping ? Our favorite pastime is camping. I'm sure if you've only camped once in your lifetime with your family you remember it. There's nothing like the smell of the campfire and cooking over the fire. It's a great time for family bonding and the memories will last a lifetime.

47. Visit your State Parks - Many great resources are waiting at your State Parks. Nature trails, fishing, canoeing, and many organized events. The smell of the trees after a rain, the sound of the birds (many only found in unpopulated areas), and nature is just calling out to you to come and enjoy. Check to see what may be going on in the coming months like festivals in the spring with many wild flowers to discover. Note: At many state parks, you are not allowed to pick wild flowers. Only leave footprints, take only memories and pictures. Visit to learn more.

48. Nature Centers - If you would like to learn more about trees, wild flowers, animals, civilization, and even the ice age, head to the Nature Center. They usually have volunteers with passion and the love to share what they know. Check out events like maple syrup making and other cultural events to enjoy. The nearest is Ruffner Mountain - Admission is $3.00 per person and the nature center is open from 9 ? 5 Tuesday ? Saturday.

49. State & County Fairs - Great time for all the family. Yes, they have rides, games and food, but they also have great learning experiences! Pick up a schedule of events to see horse pulling, riding competitions, tractor pulling, and all those 4-H events. Maybe you'll find a 4-H event to become involved in, you never know.

50. Explore History - Well how about asking them what they think their town used to be like 20, 30 or 100 years ago. Or have them research some of the amazing changes that happened way back then or the who's and what's that changed history. Use the Internet or visit museums and libraries for more research material on that subject.

51. Go Swimming - The City of Birmingham Parks & Recreation Board will open area pools on June 1st for the regular pool season. Pools will close on August 7th. Pool admission is $1 per session. Pool hours are noon ? 6 pm. Swim lessons are offered at most city pools for $5.00 per two week session. For more information, call 205-254-6371.

52. Festivals - There are festivals throughout the year, so check your local newspaper to see what's going on. They always have great food many times are tied into a cultural event. If you have a special interest, check the Internet to see where those types of events are taking place. You might experience a parade, learn about history and new food.

is the free community events calendar. From lectures, to events and recreational fun, this comprehensive calendar provides details on everything that is going on in the Greater Birmingham Area (60 mile radius.)

53. Camps - There are many camps throughout the summer to experience. Day camps are a great option if you don't want them to be away for long periods of time. If they have a special interest like dance, basketball, volleyball, theater, horseback riding or whatever, there may be a camp they can try. They even have camps for the whole family to enjoy. Check to see what is in your area.

54. Re-decorate a Room - Either the kids' own bedroom, an office, the basement, playroom or whatever room needs changing. Have them layout a plan of what to do and change. You can even use paper to plot out the size of the room, with measurements of the furniture with pieces of paper to scale and move them around to figure out the best layout. Teach them how to paint and clean up afterwards. You can take them to a fabric store for supplies to make pillows, curtains and decorative blankets.

55. Garage Sale - Time to take a walk through the house, basement, closets, attic, toy chest & garage to see what you are really not using anymore. I'm sure it will be hard to part with many items but think of all the new things you can get to replace them. Price out the items so that they will go away because you really don't want to put them all back. You can have stickers that will tell you whose items were sold so that the proper money will be allotted. Kids can set up a cookies, brownies, lemonade and pop stand. And for those items that didn't find a new home, you can have Goodwill, The Salvation Army, or another local charity pick them up. List out all the items and their values, then have them leave proof that they picked the items up so that you can take a tax deduction if you itemize.

56. Grow a garden - There's nothing like growing your own vegetables, flowers and fruit. Find a suitable location that has the proper light and soil conditions. Figure out, with the kids, what will grow best in your area, the length of time it takes and what needs to be done to maintain the garden. The best thing to do is buy a book on gardening if you've never done gardening. Have the kids plan out their own areas if that helps keep the peace between siblings. Take turns weeding, feeding and watering. The kids will be excited when they see their seedlings poking through the ground and the best reward is the harvest. Encourage them to keep a garden journal, which can include a diary of the plants' growth, how often and how much water or fertilizer were given to each plant and event drawings or pictures of the plants as they develop. Maybe you'll have a bumper crop that you can share with your neighbors or friends and possibly sell by a roadside. Learn the value of each item you plant. You can do so many other types of gardens like a flower garden, herb garden, planter garden, and water garden.

57. Explore History - How about asking them what they think their town used to be like 20, 30 or 100 years ago. Or have them research some of the amazing changes that happened way back then or the who's and what's that changed history. Use the Internet or visit museums and libraries for more research material on that subject.

58. Write notes on napkins that each of you can take with for lunch during the week.

59. Participate in a savings challenge. Teach them the value of hard work and earning money. Allow them to work toward a goal. Create a plan for them to save 5 cents, 10 cents, or 25 cents daily for 90 days of summer. At the end, celebrate allow them to buy something for themselves.

60. Go Bowling ? Visit to learn how to sign up for two free games of bowling every day.

The object is for everybody to have fun and learn while doing it!

The Mayor's Office Division of Youth Services (DYS) strives to ensure that youth in the City of Birmingham are provided with quality, efficient and effective programs and services in eight key areas: Athletics & Recreation, Cultural Arts, Education, Faith-Based Initiatives, Family Services, Health & Wellness, Mentoring, and Workforce Development. By signing up for the weekly newsletter, you will receive an overview from DYS highlighting youth events and programs happening all around Birmingham delivered right to your inbox. To sign up, contact Toni Smoke at toni.smoke@ or (205) 328-0879.

Looking for a fun way to keep your children engaged over the summer vacation? Enroll them in a summer reading program at your local library.

Each participating library adopts a version of the program and offers prizes and weekly programs to incorporate the theme throughout the

summer. It's free and open to all ages (Children, Teen, and Adult). There are a number of free activities each week for patrons participating in the program. Plus children will receive rewards for completing goals each

week. Prizes can include but are not limited to, toys, books, coupons, vouchers

for events or attractions and more. It's a great way to encourage readers.

KIDS' CODING CLUB ? sponsored by TechAlabama and Tech Birmingham

Monthly Weekend Kids' Coding Club Sundays from 1:00 pm -3:00 pm This program is for kids who like technology, love to code or are interested in learning to program. We want to create an environment where kids can get together in a fun, collaborative environment to learn and share their love of technology with each other. The program each month will include some level of instruction, but this will be determined by the kids themselves. Ages 10- 17 welcome Free to attend, but pre-registration is required. () For more information, contact info@ via email. Events are held at McWane Science Center. Bring your laptop or other devices/tech if you have them. Dates ? June 5, July 10, August 7, September 11, October 2, November 6, and December 3.

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