Summer Learning Week of August 10: Neighborhood Volunteers and more (Grades 6-8)

There are just two weeks left in our Summer Learning series! We hope you and your student have enjoyed exploring some of these simple, mostly screen-free activities together. Whether you have completed every activity or are just getting started, every opportunity to read, explore and learn together makes a difference.

Here are a few more ideas to help keep learning going before the new school year begins.

Weekly Learning Menu

Daily Reading

Students should continue to read for at least 30 minutes each day.

The Arlington Central Library is open Monday–Thursday from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. and Friday–Sunday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Students can also access digital books through APS Library Resources in Canvas.

Read a piece of mail, a magazine article or a newspaper story together. Discuss its purpose, identify the main idea and talk about any unfamiliar vocabulary.

Math and Problem Solving

• Estimation Debate: Estimate answers to questions like, “How many gallons of water fill a bathtub?” Explain the reasoning behind your estimate.
• Integer Tug-of-War: Start at a number on an imaginary number line. Take turns adding or subtracting positive and negative numbers to see where you land.

Science and Nature

Gather a variety of household objects and shine a flashlight through each one. Sort the objects into transparent, translucent and opaque groups. Discuss how these properties affect the way light travels.

Social Studies and Community

Identify one way you can help your neighborhood or community this week, such as picking up litter, helping a neighbor or volunteering with a local organization.

World Languages

Introduce yourself in the language you are learning by sharing your name, interests and favorite activities. Students studying Latin can describe aspects of identity and compare how identity was expressed in ancient Rome.

Creative Expression and Arts

Create a collage using magazines, newspapers or recycled materials to tell a story or represent one of your interests.

• Families can also explore the National Gallery of Art through a free virtual tour.