SpiderSmart Learning Center of Herndon & Reston

What's new in the SpiderSmart Library?

The following 3 P’s will allow you to engage with your reading, learn actively, and study more efficiently:

Did you know?

SpiderSmart began over 30 years ago when our founder, Jeannie Jung started reading with her children. She was raising 2 young kids and they loved to go to the library and read books. Being an immigrant, she knew how difficult the English language was and wanted to encourage her children to learn to love reading and writing at a young age. One day, she thought about developing writing assignments based on the books they were reading together. Her children completed the assignments and the result was a better understanding of the book and the higher ability to read and write. Her children enjoyed it and she realized she was onto something.

Over time, Jeannie accumulated about 50 assignments and she had the idea of trying the program with other children. She rented a small room in her church and set up a temporary center. On the first day, 8 children showed up! Over time, SpiderSmart has expanded to help thousands of students and we are still growing! We now have centers nationwide!

Choose one of the following prompts and write a short story. You may write using first person (I) or third person about a character you create. Your story does not have to be true in real life; you are free to use your imagination!

Write about a huge surprise that happens. What is it and how do you (or your character) react? The surprise could either be exciting or terrible – feel free to pick whichever one you think would make a more dramatic story.

Write a story from the perspective of an animal at an animal shelter. What kind of animal is your main character? Think about whether your main character gets adopted by a family or makes friends (or enemies) at the shelter.

Write a story where your character is traveling on vacation and something horribly goes wrong. The problem could involve the transportation, the hotel, the food, etc. What happens and how does your character respond? What is the rest of the trip like? Use your imagination and humor.

Imagine you are babysitting for your neighbor’s children and you hear an eerie noise from outside (or in the house). Do you investigate or hide? Explain what happens to you and the kids you are watching using plenty of suspense.

Prompts adapted from Journal Buddies (https://www.journalbuddies.com/writing-2/11-short-story-ideas-for-students/)

Quiz your Constitution I.Q. here: https://www.constitutionfacts.com/?page=quiz.cfm

National Book Lovers Day is approaching (August 9th) and we would like to take this opportunity to introduce some of our SpiderSmart teachers' favorite books!

There will be more to come!

For more information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/summer-camps.html

Did you know that today is National Teacher Day?

SpiderSmart Learning Center appreciates all of our wonderful educators and we would like to celebrate this day by highlighting one our teachers, Mr. Brian, from Tysons Corner, Virginia.

Link: www.poets.org

Today (April 22nd) is Earth Day! SpiderSmart would like to share some beautiful picture books on nature and nurture. Enjoy!

In honor of Math Poetry Month, we would like to share a SpiderSmart haiku written by Miss Mary, from Rockville, MD.

Have no worries about educational enrichment this summer. SpiderSmart Learning Center of Herndon/Reston is offering fun and new summer programs/camp! There are programs for all students. For preschoolers, we are offering a month-long kindergarten prep and for the ready-to-read 4-year-olds and kindergarteners who need review/extra practice, sign up for the "Learn To Read" program offered by an early childhood teacher. We also offer a half-day STEM science camp, where elementary students will conduct hands-on experiments. Our middle-school science camp is a 2-week camp, great for students who feel the need a review of the last school year or want to get ahead for the new school year. We also have programs for high schoolers with classes in poetry analysis or essay themes and analysis. Contact through email or phone to find out more - 703-376-5760 or [email protected]. Take advantage of the early bird registration until April 30th and get $50 off.

SpiderSmart Learning Center of Herndon & Reston Our teachers are experts in their respective subjects and are continually mentored to ensure that students receive the high quality education we are known for.

New Summer Programs for 2021! DM, Call 571-376-5760 or email [email protected] for more information.

We have programs starting at pre-kindergarten with "Learning to Read" through high school with "Essay Analytics: Themes & Analysis". We are also offering a half-day STEM camp and a full-day Science Camp for middle schoolers.