PRACTICAL
SUMMER IDEAS
from Mr. C
2. Read like the Dickens…actually, you can read Dickens if you’d
like. Or, you can refer to our Hopkinton Schools Summer Reading Fun
pamphlet, which is produced by our Reading Department. Ask for it by calling
746-3473.
3. While you’ll want to keep "screen time" to a minimum, make some
time to explore some educational computer software. You may be able to change
your kids’ computer habits.
4. The best part of our summer is travel and consider visiting
Washington D.C. this year. Our nation’s capital is very inexpensive, since
the Federal buildings are free. To receive White House tickets and tickets
for other venues, contact Sen. Smith’s office at 634-5000. If you can splurge
a bit, visit Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia as well.
5. I lived in St. Louis, Missouri for 12 years and never visited the Arch-the
famous "Gateway to the West". We often take for granted the attractions
in our backyard. Check out nh.com for ideas
on those "day trips".
6. Hiking is one of our favorite family activities. There are so
many advantages to this pastime, including the aerobic activity, the exploration
of nature, and of course, the price! A great resource for New Hampshire
hikes is Larry Pletcher’s book Hiking New Hampshire on Falcon Press.
Larry includes a map for each hike, description of major points along the
trail, difficulty ratings, and general hiking information.
7. As you travel, an incredible source of information is Mapquest.com. The site supplies
Point A to Point B directions, either in written form or on a printable
map. Encourage the kids to plan some trips ahead of time, using maps as part
of the process.
8. One of actor Mickey Rooney’s lines in his early movies was "let’s do
a play!" In Rooney fashion, why not challenge the kids to create a musical
play to be performed for the extended family sometime in August?
9. Summer is a great opportunity for parents to share skills with
their kids that they have not had the time to bestow. Examples include cooking,
sewing, or instrument lessons.
10. I wish I had kept track of all of my summer vacations when I was a
child. Encourage your kids to keep a journal of their summer.