Osprey Expand Nesting Areas to San Francisco Bay Shoreline

It is always a good time to learn more about science.  The San Jose Mercury News ran this article about Osprey nesting in the Bay Area.  These beautiful raptors are very exciting and interesting birds of prey.  I have often seen them fishing near Clearlake, CA.  I encourage you to learn more about these local birds.
National Geographic Osprey
BioKids Osprey
All About Birds Osprey

Summer Math Practice

Prepare yourself for next year in math.  Try out some of these practice websites or Google your own.

Math Playground -- Common Core grade 5
Math Playground -- Common Core grade 6
5th grade math practice
Internet4classrooms -- 5th grade math
Internet4classrooms -- 6th grade math
Math Antics -- Fun & free video lessons 

Keep Reading This Summer

Keep reading good books this summer.  A recommendation that I forgot to mention in an earlier post is The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien.  I am aware that many of you are thinking "But I've already seen the movie."  To which I would answer, REALLY?  Do you really think you can appreciate a good story by seeing the movie and not reading the book?  I hope not.

Here are more book lists for you to find ideas for summer reading:
50 books every child should read
100 books every child should read
Must read books for ages 8-11

Don't forget to track your status on the Summer Reading Challenge list.  Send me a comment when you finish a good book.  It's never too late.

Educational Activities for the Summer :)

I was browsing for good activities to try over the summer.  I found quite a few interesting websites.  Exercise your brain this summer and give some of these a try.

Education.com has a fun website that is customizable.
10 ideas from greatschools.org.
Another list from greatschools.
Check out Education World's 25 ideas.
Finally, Family Education has some interesting links.

Don't neglect the Summer Reading Challenge.  It's not too late!

Take a Summer Field Trip

Put down the video games and turn off the television! Do something educational this summer.  Not sure what to do?  Try out these two ideas:

The Tech Museum of Innovation

The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

Both of these are in San Jose.  Get your family to go and learn over the summer.

Summer Reading Challenge Update

Wow!  I am totally impressed by the number of readers participating in this year's Summer Reading Challenge.  I now have 12 of my students from last year plus a seventh grader and a third grader.  Keep up the good work.  Check your status here:  Summer Reading Challenge 2014

Start posting comments on this post, as the other one is beginning to get cumbersome.  Remember to give me a few days to publish your comments and update the list, as I may be out of town from time to time this summer.

Wondering what you should read next?  Check out Penny's online post with her suggestions.  If you create a similar list, I will feature it on a future post.  Great job Penny!

Here is a summer reading list from Scholastic that might also help you out.  Head to the library this summer and HAVE FUN READING!