Your Program Coordinator materials contain a DVD of the professor sending his brain on summer vacation. This DVD has become an instant classic with students and is anxiously awaited each year. You will know you have succeeded in developing a school culture of summer learning when the students start singing the Brain’s theme song!
While the DVD is the main attraction, many program coordinators have added more spice with fresh ideas. Share your best idea for building excitement with your students.
ADDING SKITS
“This was our third year with the ThinkStretch Summer Learning Program. To add a skit to our Kick-off Assembly, we had small, medium and tall student come up to the stage. The small student represented what each student knew at the beginning of the year. The tall student represented what each student had learned. And the middle size student represented what a student would know when they came back if they did not practice their skills over the summer.”
Public School, Michigan
“We involved students in the kick off by having one from each grade come up on the stage. Each student blew up a balloon to represent how much they had learned this year. Then a couple students let 1/3 of the air squeak out to demonstrate knowledge leaking out of their heads. The students applauded the students who kept their balloons full.”
Public School, Texas
“At each kick off we have the students who won medals last year stand up. We challenge the school to have every student standing in the fall. We also ask one student from each grade to talk about what they are going to do to make sure they complete their books. The ideas can be very funny.”
Public School, Virginia
ADDING REWARDS
“I decided to have the kids write down on slips of paper what they would like as an extra reward for completing bonus activities. They were very excited to give their ideas and it generated a lot of excitement. Although I got a lot of ipod requests, I also got ideas for silly bands, funky erasers and crazy pens. It was great to involve the kids in selecting their rewards for good summer review.”
Public School, Massachusetts
“We purchased the Professor and Brain tattoos this year. It was a great item to give to all the kids to remind them to start their books. They were so excited and if they don’t wash too hard – it should be a good reminder for a couple of weeks!”
Public School, Michigan
ADDING A CHALLENGE
“We track how many bonus activities each student completes. We add them up by grade and by school. This year we challenged students to complete 10% more bonus activities than last year. We offered a lunch time freeze pop party for the whole school if we made the goal. The kids went wild!”
Charter School, Nevada
“This year we decided to compete against another school to see who could earn the most gold medals. The school that wins will be visited by the Superintendent with a special reward. Right now we are planning on giving the kids pencils from Oriental Trading. They are pennies a piece. We are hoping that this encourages teachers to spend time talking up the program.”
Public School, Michigan
“We set a goal each year to earn more gold medals. We announce the goal and the full school reward at the kick off assembly.”
Catholic School, California
