Summer Success

As the school year winds down, many parents start to wonder how to keep their children engaged and productive during the summer break. While summer is a time for relaxation and fun, it's also a wonderful opportunity to nurture your child's curiosity, creativity, and physical health in a more informal and enjoyable setting. The key is to strike a balance between learning and leisure, and to make the most of the summer months without the pressure of formal schoolwork.

This newsletter will offer practical tips for helping your child stay academically, creatively, and physically engaged this summer - right here in Tyler, Tx!

Reading is one of the best ways to keep children mentally sharp over the summer. Encourage your child to explore books that both excite and challenge them. To get started, consider these summer reading suggestions for different age groups:

• I am Enough by Grace Byers - An award-winning and beautifully illustrated book that teaches children to think positively, believe in themselves, and embrace diversity in the world. It is a great book to spark questions and conversations in Kindergarten.
• The Gingerbread Cowboy by Janet Squires - The traditional Gingerbread Man fairy tale is morphed into a Wild West setting with cacti, cattle, and coyotes. Yeehaw! A wonderful, fun, and immersive rhyming story that uses clever repetition and catchy language.
• The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka - The traditional tale of the Three Little Pigs is retold by the Wolf, and it wasn't his fault. A very funny reimagining of this story with great illustrations.
• The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes - Wanda is teased by her classmates for wearing the same blue dress every day. This isn't helped by a lie she tells which snowballs out of control. But, her friend, Maddie, then shows extraordinary kindness and stands up for her.
• Duck for President by Doreen Cronin - Duck decides farm life is just too hard and sets up a vote to replace the farmer. Soon he begins to like elections and gets voted in as Governor, and then - President! A funny and easy read!
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney - A must-have book for any 3rd-4th grade library. Highly entertaining with fun comic-style illustrations and excellent for motivating children who don't like to read.
• James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl - James is sent to live with his two evil aunts after his parents are unexpectedly eaten by a wild Rhino. Just when he thinks things can't get any worse, a chance encounter with magic, and a peach that grows and grows, finds him escaping in a hugely imaginative and funny adventure that will appeal to young readers.
• Real Friends by Shannon Hale - Bullies, frenemies, and long-lasting true friendships fuel this fast-paced graphic novel story which will appeal to more reluctant readers.
• Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo - When Opal is sent to buy the groceries, the ten-year-old instead returns with a dog. Not just any dog, Winn-Dixie helps Opal with finding not only new friends but deeply hidden family secrets. A classic that is ideal for reading aloud, also.
• Bridge to Terabithia - by Katherine Paterson - When Jess and Leslie become friends through a shared love of track running, they spend time crating an imaginary world - Terabithia. But when Leslie goes there without Jess, something terrible happens and life will never be the same. A modern classic.
• Wonder by R.J. Palacio - A touching and thought-provoking story about Auggie, who wants to be like everyone else but struggles with how the other fifth graders react to his unique face. A great book to help children empathize with differences and understand the importance of inclusion.

• Holes by Louis Sachar - A captivating novel about teen, Stanley Yelnets, who is sent to Camp Green Lake for a crime he didn't commit. Generations of seemingly unconnected family histories are woven into a stunning plot set in a barren desert which certainly isn't summer camp. A great story of redemption and a must-read.
• Ghost by Jason Reynolds - Castle Crenshaw is always running away from his problems - whether it's from his difficult home life, bullies, or danger. That's until he meets Coach, an ex-track star, who inspires him to use his talents in new and positive ways. It's an uplifting and transformational story.
• The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies - When a brother and sister set up competing lemonade stands, neither would have predicted the war which results. Evan possesses savvy and entrepreneurship, whereas his sister, Jessie, is a math genius. This book is ideal for reluctant readers and also useful for discussions about sibling rivalries and problem-solving.
• The Giver by Lois Lowry - When 12-year-old Jonas is appointed the Receiver of Memory, he starts to uncover and understand the buried secrets held by the people he lives amongst. (The first book in a gripping quartet.)
• Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls - After years of saving and waiting, Billy buys two pups, Old Dan and Little Ann. Soon he feels invincible, exploring the Ozarks with his stellar hunting dogs. But danger lurks just around the corner. This modern classic is a perfect, easy read.
• The Maze Runner by James Dashner - Thomas knows who he is, but that's it. Finding himself trapped in a walled encampment, he has to choose friends and alliances carefully to survive the dangers of the maze. Thrilling and edgy, this story will appeal to reluctant readers.
• Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor - When Marty finds a stray dog in the woods, the beagle soon becomes the most important part of his life. But when he discovers who the dog ran away from, will the dangerous secret become too much for Marty to bear? A moving story that is perfect for less confident readers.
• Animal Farm by George Orwell - In this classic allegory, the animals take over the farm. They tried to create a perfect world where everybody is valued and treated equally; however, things don't go entirely to plan. A book every teenager should read!
• The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas - A multi-award-winning novel about Starr Carter, a teenager who has one foot in the exclusive preppy world of her school and the other foot in the deprived neighborhood of her home. When her best friend is shot by a police officer, she is the only person who knows what really happened. A startingly, powerful, young adult novel that is great for 8th graders.
• I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai - Destined to become an important work in the 21st century, Malala's autobiographical story takes her from a victim of Taliban in 2012 to becoming the youngest ever recipient of the Novel Peace Prize. An inspirational and motivating book which is bound to appeal to middle and high school students.
• Lord of the Flies by William Golding - A group of boys is marooned on a deserted island and left to fend for themselves. What could possibly go wrong?

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - In this classic Pulitzer Prize winning story of prejudice, a white lawyer represents a black man accused of the most heinous of crimes in the South. Voted the best novel of the 20th century by American librarians.
• The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger - Disillusioned with school, 16-year-old, Holden Caulfield, escapes to New York for three days where the reader finds out more about Holden's life and Holden finds out more about how 'phony' the people and the world are. A classic coming-of-age story.
• Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck - Two unlikely friends, George - small, quick-witted and sharp, and Lennie, large and childlike, find themselves enveloped in injustice and inevitable danger. Will they find a way to escape?
• This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki - When Rosie's parents start arguing and yelling non-stop, she goes off with her friend Windy in search of excitement and escape. This summer, however, they find much more than they bargained for. This is a powerful, graphic novel page-turner and coming-of-age story.
• One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus - In the deliciously twisted world of Bayview High, four students with dark secrets find themselves suspects in a murder when a fellow classmate dies during detention. As the plot unfolds, alliances shift, secrets unravel, and lies abound. It's an electrifying thriller that will keep teen readers guessing until the final page.
• A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry - A Raisin in the Sun is a line from the poem "Harlem" by Langston Hughes. It is considered a landmark play. An authentic account of the struggles of a deprived family in Chicago. An award-winning drama that still resonates today.
• Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson - A sobering and thoughtful book that peels back and exposes the pressures that teenagers can experience in high school. Melinda is an outcast because of something she did. She won't explain why, believes that if she did, no-one would want to hear. Through an art project, she comes to terms with what happened and finally can take back control.
• One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey - Exploring the fine line between sanity and madness, this book attacks the overmedication of patients in an Oregon State mental institution. McMurphy, the rebel, sets out to oppose the system and do battle to change the status quo.
• The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold - An unusual murder story, in that it is told by the victim. Watching over her family from heaven, Suzie describes the agonies of her suffering family and yearns for them to discover her killer.
• The Cider House Rules by John Irving - A complex plot centered on Homer Wells, who was born and raised in an orphanage. Trained by his mentor, his life remains uncomplicated until he is drawn into the outside world with its confusing temptations and difficulties.
• The Color Purple by Alice Walker - A hard-hitting, no holds barred, novel - very highly regarded. Centered around Celie and her sister, Nettie - born in poverty and segregation, their abuse and degradation is uncomfortable but rewarding reading.
• Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes - Algernon is a lab mouse, and Charlie is a cleaner with a low IQ. They are brought together through an experiment to increase mental abilities. Charlie's delight in his newfound intelligence is soon tempered by what he discovers about his past, and by what is happening to Algernon.
• Night by Elie Wiesel - A truly powerful book, this is the personal account of a Holocaust survivor. Beautifully written with harrowing descriptions - a life-changing and memorable read.
• The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - A New York Times best-seller, this book centers around the love story of two teenage cancer patients and fulfilling a bucket-list trip to Amsterdam. While it is an emotional read, there is also a lot of humor throughout the novel.
• The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch - An international best seller, Professor Randy Pausch shares his insights into achieving childhood dreams in this book that he wrote before passing away from terminal cancer.
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky - This is an American high school-based novel focusing on a group of friends, covering typical troubles that appear in friendships and the feelings of being misunderstood.

If you're ever unsure where to start with getting books and reading list ideas, Tyler Public Library offers summer reading programs that provide both kids and teens with book recommendations, incentives, and a sense of community. Check out their website by click below or visit the library in-person to learn more.

Summer doesn't have to mean putting the books away entirely. There are plenty of online platforms and educational apps that can keep your child engaged while still having fun:

This website offers interactive lessons in math, reading, and more, tailored for children ages 2-7.

A comprehensive early learning platform with activities that cover a variety of subjects, including science, math, and literacy.

A fun and interactive way to introduce your child to a new language. Click HERE!

An engaging game that helps children practice math skills while exploring a fantasy world.

This site offers videos, articles, and activities that engage children in science, geography, and nature.

Keeping your child physically active is essential during the summer months. A good mix of exercise and outdoor play can improve mood, boost energy, and enhance overall well-being. Here are some fun and easy ways to stay active:

Tyler has many beautiful parks and trails, including Tyler State Park and Rose Rudman Trail, where kids can explore nature while getting exercise. Turn your hike into a nature scavenger hunt by making a list of things to find, like specific trees, animals, or even a certain color of flower!

Tyler's many scenic routes and trails make biking a great family activity. Whether you're cruising around the neighborhood or exploring Tyler Rose Garden and Caldwell Zoo, biking is an excellent way to get exercise while enjoying the great outdoors.

Summer is a great time to practice a sport. Whether it's basketball, soccer, or even something like tennis or swimming, playing sports with friends and/or family is a great way to stay active. The Tyler Parks and Recreation Department often has sports leagues, clinics, and camps over the summer.

If you're looking for indoor options (especially due to the Texas heat), YouTube offers a variety of child-friendly exercise videos, including yoga, dance parties, and even workouts designed to get kids moving in short bursts. Check out channels on YouTube like Cosmic Kids Yoga or GoNoodle for fun and engaging videos.

Summer camps and local programs offer great opportunities for your child to learn new skills, make friends, and have fun in a structured environment. Here are a few local options in Tyler to consider:

This hands-on children's museum offers summer camps where kids can explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). They often have themed camps focusing on robotics, space, and more. Click HERE for their website!

Join UT Tyler Summer Fun Camps for weeks full of activity and summer fun. Most camps are geared for campers ages 5-11, and most activities are filled with swimming, sports, outdoor activities, games, crafts and movies. Visit their website by clicking HERE!

A local camp offering nature-focused program for kids. Camp Tyler provides day camps and overnight camps with hands-on environmental education, team-building activities, and outdoor exploration. Click HERE for their site!

While it's a bit of a drive to Longview, this museum offers engaging exhibits and activities that make learning feel like play. Longview World of Wonders inspires a sense of wonder by giving children the experience to become lifelong learners. Check out their website HERE!

The summer months are a perfect time to get outside and learn about the natural world. Here are some ideas for informal learning activities that help your child connect with nature:

Involve your child in planting a vegetable or flower garden. This hands-on activity teaches patience, responsibility, and the science behind how plants grow. Plus, it's a great way to spend time outdoors.

On clear nights, head outside and look at the stars. Tyler's wide-open spaces and lower light pollution offer a great view of the night sky. There are many apps available that can help identify stars, constellations, and planets.

Bring out the binoculars and teach your child about local bird species. The Tyler Nature Center or Lindsey Park are great spots to observe different types of wildlife/birds. You can even start a birdwatching journal to track your observations.

You don't need to be a scientist to conduct fun and easy experiments. Try things like making a volcano with baking soda and vinegar, creating a homemade slime recipe, or testing which objects sink or float in water. Many websites offer simple at-home science projects you can do with household items.

Summer break doesn't have to be a time when your child's learning comes to a halt. With just a little creativity, you can help them stay engaged in activities that are both educational and fun. Whether it's through reading, outdoor activities, or local summer camps, there are endless opportunities to keep your child learning and growing while they enjoy the summer months.

So, get ready for a summer of discovery and fun - Tyler has so much to offer, and your child's potential for growth is limitless!

Crystal Binning

Parent & Family Engagement Coordinator

Email: binningc@chapelhillisd.org

Phone: (903) 566-2441, ext. 1964

Website: https://www.chapelhillisd.org/page/parent-and-family-engagement-connection