As school ends, Nurturing Genius is back on! Here are a few things to be aware of this year:
I will hold an open house sign-up event on Monday, June 6th from 10:00 am-12:00 pm. This will be an open event for anyone who wants to sign up, ask questions, look around, donate, etc. If you would like to fill out a form before you come, you can find one here. (If for any reason this does not work, please email me and I will send you the Word document.)
My time is very limited. I'm keeping our activities down to one a week instead of two so that I can keep up with the rest of my crazy life, and I'm due to have a baby in the first few days of August-- as you mommas know, that may or may not put his birth date in July. This really limits my time with your kids, so I plan to utilize the time we do have.
I've been considering holding activities in the morning this year, as I do not have to work and I'll have more energy at that time of day. This would put activities at about ten a.m. so I don't go over lunch time and have hungry kids on my hands. If this is too early, please let me know and I will do everything I can to accommodate.
I am tentatively planning on Wednesday mornings. This is subject to change due to your feedback on the Facebook page (if you haven't seen this yet, please stop over and visit Facebook, or comment here which days you prefer). I may add some activities on Saturdays as bonus activities as well.
Activity Ideas
The following is a list of ideas from activities. It's a compilation of my own ideas and ideas from last year's group. The kids will have an opportunity to vote for their favorites at the open house activity, following which an official calendar will be posted, including activities and days/times I will need drivers.
Pet Day- Everyone brings their pets to share and enjoy!
Write a Book- We tried this last year, writing individual books. It ended up being too much of a workload for the kids. If we try this again, we will brainstorm, draw, and write a book altogether as a group in one activity, thus making the process both easier and faster. The book will be available to buy online at Blurb.com (look here to see an example of one I did with the 1-2 graders from Promontory.)
Visit a Beehive- This is one we wanted to do last year, but were unable to organize. I know several people who own bees and may be able to help us out this year.
Plants- Kids may choose their own favorite kind of flower or vegetable to plant. If this is done, it will be the first activity, so the plants have time to grow and blossom.
Shark Week- This week begins Sunday, June 26th and continues throughout that week. I would love to have that week's activity be dedicated to sharks and shark activities. This may include water play this year, as I have a yard!
Science Day- This was a big hit last year. One of the kids brought her collection of science experiments and showed her peers. We had an absolute ball.
Crochet/Knitting Day- This may have to be a bonus activity held on a Saturday so Mr. Burgan can be available to help with knitting. If not we will learn to crochet a basic chain stitch to make bracelets, necklaces, cat toys, etc.
Outside Day- This may end up being in conjunction with Shark Week if we choose to play outside games.
World Wars/ History Day- This was a request from last year that I thought was excellent. With your permission, we will learn about the history of the world and do our own version of the Candy Drop. (What is a candy drop/ who is the candy bomber?)
Baking Day- I tried this with one child for a tutoring session on Fractions. With your permission, we will bake cookies (or another treat, designated beforehand,) and learn about fractions. (Allergy information is essential for this activity.)
Make Play Dough- This never gets old no matter how big you get.
Fathers' Day- Make cards/gifts for dads. Learn about the history of Fathers' Day.
Poop Light- Mr. Alan Riser has invented some incredible innovative technology dedicated to making life easier for people in third-world countries. His mantra is to "Live Life with No Regrets". We were able to visit with him at Promontory School a year or two ago, and I would love to invite him to build one of his lights with our group. This is tentatively offered, as I don't know if Mr. Riser will be available, and I would need to ask for donations to cover the cost of supplies.
Minecraft Days- These were a lot of fun for everyone involved last year. If they happen this year, they will be bonus activities held on some Saturdays, so that Mr. Burgan can conduct them (I don't have the expertise.) On these days, we use Minecraft to build together and learn about teamwork.
If you or your kids have any additional ideas, shoot me a message and I'll add them to the list!
This post and future posts will be updated with information as it becomes available. Thank you, and be sure to share!
