Play this Summer!

I hope you make LOTS of time for play this summer!  Try many types of activities: different board games, all sorts of card games, dice games, paper and pencil games, outdoor games, ball games, imaginative games.  While some games are "better" than others, they can all be of some value.  Some are great for fine motor skills, reading, math, spatial orientation, and building strategy.  In addition, following all types of directions and rules for different games better prepares them for understanding directions for something new.

Some games we've tried in school:
UNO
Spot It!
Chutes and Ladders
Chess
Checkers
Memory/ Concentration
Bingo
Blink
Trouble
jigsaw puzzles
crossword puzzles
word searches
word scrambles
Legos
mazes

Other great activities to try:
bike riding - work toward riding on two wheels!
hidden picture puzzles
"What's Different?" pictures
I Spy books
Zoobz/ K'nex
pop beads
journal writing (I sent home a blank journal for the summer.)
shoe tying
practice fastening (buttons, snaps, zippers, etc.)

In addition, there are a TON of great computer games and apps for smart phones/ tablets.  Your Lexia account will still be up and running this summer, too.  If you need the directions again, just let me know.  While I would limit a young child's screen time to 30-60 minutes a day, these games can keep their brains going to maximize learning retention.  Also consider art projects with coloring, cutting, and gluing to develop fine motor skills.

End of Year Picnic on Friday!

The Longfellow End of Year Picnic is tomorrow!  Come for food, socializing, and fun.  Please note, although the PTO is selling tickets, they plan to have extra food available for sale.

(This is different from the kindergarten picnic on the last day of school during school hours.)

Do Something Fun for Free ths Summer!

Free days can be BUSY!  Chicago Public Schools on a traditional schedule get out on June 15th, so you might consider going before then.  Please visit each website to double check dates.

Adler Planetarium
Free June 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Art Institute of Chicago
Free 1st & 2nd Wednesdays of the month for Illinois residents
Children under 14 are free.

Brookfield Zoo
Free admission to all U.S. Armed Forces active military and reservist personnel.

Lincoln Park Zoo
Always Free!

Chicago Children’s Museum
Navy Pier
Free for everyone – Every Thursday evenings, 5-8pm
Free for ages 15 and under – First Sunday of every month

DuSable Museum of African American History
Hyde Park
Free on Sundays

Field Museum of Natural History
Free June 1, 4, 5
Museum of Science & Industry
Hyde Park
Free June 4 - 8, 11

National Museum of Mexican Art
Pilsen
Always free!

The Oriental Institute
Hyde Park
Always free!

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Lincoln Park
Free on Thursdays

Shedd Aquarium
Free June 17 - 22

Garfield Park Conservatory
Always free!

Oak Park Conservatory Trip

Next Wednesday, May 9th, our class and Ms. Mulsoff's class are walking to the Oak Park Conservatory. We have been learning a lot about seeds and plants in science and our new reading unit. We'll leave around 9:10 and walk over. I need two parent volunteers to come with us. Unfortunately, our group number is already at the capacity the Conservatory allows, so please make other arrangements for younger siblings. We'll be back in time for lunch, so hot lunch and milk are still an option. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather that day.

Olympic Day is May 18th

Have you been looking for a way to participate a little more at Longfellow School? Our annual Olympic Day needs you! Olympic Day is a great 1/2 day sports/fitness/health event featuring our wonderful P.E. teacher Ms. Patterson and a climbing wall. Our K, 3, and 5 classes will be participating in the morning, 1,2,and 4 in the afternoon. If you want to volunteer at this great event, please e-mail Lori Bradford at ldemain@sbcglobal.net, or call 763-0225. Morning shift is 7:45-11, afternoon is 11:45-3. The volunteer lunch is at 11.

Super Summer Math

Earlier this week, sign-up sheets went home for Super Summer Math. This is a wonderful program for which I strongly encourage you to sign up. It is run by Longfellow at the Maze Library. (I hope you will be there anyway checking out lots of books over the summer!) Even if you can't go to SSM each week, you can still get credit for the work you do at home or on vacation. I really hope you consider it!
Please note however, there is an error on the form. In years past, there has been a pizza party as a reward for those who participate all 6 weeks. Our district Wellness Committee has eliminated food-related rewards. In lieu of pizza, students who participate all 6 weeks will earn extra math bucks to spend on prizes.