Voyager 1 reaches the edge of the Solar System

In the news recently, Voyager 1 has reached the edge of our solar system.  This journey began in 1977 (the year I was born).  I thought this made for very exciting summertime reading.  Check out the story in the New York Times.
Here is the story in National Geographic.

Learn more from NASA:
Voyager - NASA
Voyager Mission -- NASA

Summertime Writing Practice

Check out kidsonthenet for excellent help and practice with writing this summer.  Try their writing links page. 

Alternatively, you can try this site for writing ideas at home.  Here are some poetry writing ideas if you are interested in writing poems. 

The last website I found was a teacher's site, but they have some good printable writing prompts.  Give it a try.  Let me know if one of these works for you.

Bedtime Math

Do you like math?

Check out the daily math problems at Bedtime Math.  There are four levels of math problems with each short story.  Enjoy one each day.

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Unrelated to this, I posted more summertime updates on my old website.

More Summertime Challenges & The SUMMER READING CHALLENGE

Two more summer challenges have been pointed out me by students I have taught.  These both seem like great ideas to me.

Scholastic has a summer reading program which is recommended by Aimee.

There is a graphic novel contest sponsored by San Jose Public Libraries which is recommended by Gwen.

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Don't forget to sign up for my Summer Reading Challenge.  You can leave a comment under this post to update your status or let me know that you want to join.  Your goal is to read a minimum of 5 chapter books this summer.  If you do this, I will recognize your work in the fall when we go back to school.  Enjoy some good books!

Did you know that women have not always held the same rights as men?

Read about women who fought for the right to vote in this country.

Susan B Anthony

Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Women who fought for the right to vote.

The 19th amendment to the Constitution.

(P.S. Don't forget about the Summer Reading Challenge.)

Sharpen Up Your Math Skills

Practice math this summer with these two websites.  Each site has links for different grade levels.  Make sure you pick the grade level that is appropriate for you.

http://www.aaamath.com/

http://www.math-play.com/

Since you are already online, don't forget to sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge.

Summertime Science Experiments!

Try out a few summertime science experiments.
Check out:
http://sciencenetlinks.com/collections/summer-learning/

http://www.hometrainingtools.com/summer-science-projects/a/1406/

http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/science/tips/summer-science-projects/

How is your summer going?

Check out my old website for updates this summer.  I will post photos of my family there, if you are interested.  We are currently in Disneyland.

Summertime Skills Practice

Make sure you keep your skills sharp this summer.
Try out softschools and internet4classrooms.

Don't forget to sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge.

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE (2nd post) -- Library Style!!!

"Dig Into Reading" is a program promoted by the San Jose Public Library.  Check it out!  Join the library program while you are working on the SUMMER READING CHALLENGE. 

Parents:  Here are the top 5 reasons to join this program.
Sign up easily online, or go to your local library.

Don't forget that the Summer Reading Challenge is to read at least five chapter books this summer.  Leave comments so that I know which books you have read and your recommendations.  You can track your status here.  Enjoy!

(Special thanks to Aimee, who reminded me about this library program.  Way to go!)

Announcing the SUMMER READING CHALLENGE!!!

I challenge all of my current, former, and future students to read at least 5 good chapter books this summer.  Are you wondering what you should read?
5th grade summer reading list
5th grade book list -- San Jose Public Library
6th grade summer reading list
6th grade book list -- San Jose Public Library

Leave me a comment so that I know what you are reading.  I might even recommend your book on this website.

As you are completing this challenge, let me know by leaving comments.  I will keep track of the number of books you have read on this link.  If you complete (or better yet, eclipse this challenge) I will try to get you recognized by the principal in the fall.  Happy reading!!!

More Holes Links

Author's Purpose
Discussion Questions
Character Descriptions (1st person)
Resources 1
Resources 2 & Activities