Tutoring by Allison

GREATEST HITS: Summer tutoring work is off to a great start!
•Hungry Word Beast: it was the kiddo’s idea to cut the center of the mouth out and grab a box to catch the words the beast eats as the child reads the word independently.
•Sticker Book to fancify puppies and kittens has been the most requested item for 5 min of choice time at the end of sessions. Kids are OBSESSED!
•Word Puzzles have been a hit for years when helping kids with beginning and ending sound blends. Students try out silly words and real words as well as work on meaning of the words they create. Crayola had this in their lineup!
•Ghost Letters is also a phenomenally engaging activity. Notice this kiddo wants to co-create the organizer as well as take the lead on mimicking or having their own copy. Color use is purposeful and helping this student categorize the information. Picture cues where needed. And this child said my ghosts looked like a video game they had seen… lol (I am an 80’s kid… PAC Man)
•Measurement builds and being sure both systems have a solid foundation is important. Also using color and picture cues in meaningful ways, whether the child realizes it or not.
Grade levels k->1, 2->3

ANOTHER REAL-LIFE PHONE STORY: from the parent of a pr***en.
Food for thought…

WOW!! Great ideas for summer, holidays, outdoors anytime! I’m living the projects and ideas I’m seeing on this site. Wish I had the materials and time to do all myself/with the kiddos in my life!
💡Switch to red, white, and blue for July 4th and patriotic days

Ocean Puffy Paint Sidewalk Art

Materials

1 cup flour

1 cup shaving cream

A few tablespoons dish soap

Food coloring or washable paint in assorted colors

Mixing bowls

Squeeze bottles

Spoon for mixing

Outdoor sidewalk or driveway surface

Instructions

Step 1

Mix equal parts flour and shaving cream with a small amount of dish soap until smooth and fluffy.

Step 2

Divide the mixture into separate bowls and add different colors to create ocean-themed paints.

Step 3

Transfer each color into squeeze bottles for easy drawing.

Step 4

Draw outlines of sea creatures such as turtles, fish, octopuses, and starfish on the sidewalk.

Step 5

Fill in the designs with colorful puffy paint and add details like scales, shells, and facial features.

Step 6

Allow the artwork to dry in the sun until the paint puffs slightly and sets.

Step 7

Enjoy the colorful display, then rinse away with water when finished.

Tips

Use bright colors for a vibrant underwater theme.

Shake squeeze bottles occasionally to keep paint smooth.

Create larger designs for easier decorating by young children.

LIGHTHEARTED CONNECTIONS that can make meaningful, impactful memories for children. Share with any adult role model who has children in their life.

The moments that fill a child’s cup aren’t usually the big ones. 💛

They’re the 60-second conversations, the silly questions, the secret handshakes, and the moments that say, “I see you, and I enjoy being with you.”

Connection doesn’t have to take hours. Sometimes 5 intentional minutes can leave a lasting impact on a child’s heart. ✨

🐦

Credit: Paul Karasik, The New Yorker

250 CELEBRATION through reading. Go for it!
(I’ll have to find what ages…)

Second Lady Usha Vance is inviting children across America to take part in her 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, encouraging students entering kindergarten through eighth grade to read 12 books between June 1 and September 4.

Families who complete the challenge and submit their reading log will receive a personalized certificate, an America 250-themed bookmark, and a special link to claim a prize. Participants will also be entered for a chance to visit Washington, D.C., and the White House with a chaperone.

The initiative comes as America marks the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, turning summer reading into both a learning opportunity and a patriotic celebration for young readers.

Photo: Instagram