For the 8th graders going to Washington DC:
Really take in the history and sights you are visiting. There is so much to see while you are there. My favorite places on this trip are Williamsburg, the Lincoln Memorial and the Mall (no, not a shopping mall!). Take lots of pictures, be goofy and have fun! Feel free to send me pics while you are gone that I can update on here to share with the other students.
Going somewhere else?
It is always awesome to travel to new places (or places you have been). What can you learn about that place? What sort of geography are you seeing?
If you happen to be going to Disneyland (my favorite!) don't forget to check out Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. It is near the front gate and is pretty interesting, plus a nice place to relax inside and get away from the crowds.
Going out of the country? Lucky! Absorb all you can and try to learn a few new words each day of your trip.
The best part of traveling is seeing new sights, trying new activities, meeting new people and even sampling new foods. Just don't forget to take pictures!
Relax and Read!
Vacations are also a great time to catch up on some reading. Pick up a fun book for you to enjoy, no need to torture yourself with something dull or "educational." Check out my previous post that links Miss Kono's sister's reading blog. She can direct you to great books. Sit by the pool, sit on the beach, grab a magazine or book and relax!
Games:
1. Draw Something! Seriously! Unless your opponent isn't a challenge at all, playing games like this actually make you think and be creative.
2. Words With Friends: Obvious brain activity here... words, spelling, vocabulary...
3. Mine Sweeper: This game may just seem like an addictive time sap, but it makes you look for patterns, and uses your math neurons.
4. Trivial Pursuit and other trivia games, challenge your family for who has to do the dishes.
5. Apples to Apples: Nouns! Adjectives! Creativity!
Other ideas:
Go for a hike, how many trees can you identify? See the wildlife...
Go out stargazing at night. (There are good apps you can download that will help you locate all of the visible constellations in your area).
Amusement Park? Try to figure out exactly how those rides work without crashing, that is Physics in action.
Hit the beach: Check out tide pools, watch the waves, dig for sand crabs.
Stuck at home? Make Ms. Paulson proud and try a new recipe, watch some videos on Discovery.Com, or help out in your family garden.
Vacation time is for having fun and spending with friends and family. Enjoy your time, just don't shut off your brain!
In the comments of this post, share what you learned over vacation, top answers will get a ticket. Remember that this is a public blog, so if you leave a comment, just post your first name and last initial for your on-line privacy.
Ms. Lawver will be stuck at home, reading : )
