In This Issue: Rare Reptile Discovery, Gardens Grow Worldwide, Cash for Class
A Rare Find Scientists are excited about a new species of lizard found on Luzon island in the Philippines. The rare discovery has the environmental world buzzing with the possibility of finding new species on other islands. The 6.5-foot monitor lizard is a relative of the Komodo Dragon. Activity Ideas - Language Arts Reptiles and amphibians are unusual, interesting creatures! Together with your child, learn more about their wild, wild worlds.
Make a t-chart. Label one side "amphibian," the other "reptile."
Write down the characteristics and features that amphibians and reptiles share.
Write down the differences between the two.
Catch its even larger relative, the Komodo Dragon, on Kideos. Learning Tips: Reading Diagrams, Charts and GraphsGrowing World Peas Visitors to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., this spring may be surprised to find a living exhibit outside of the Agriculture Department headquarters. The People's Garden, created last year by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, grows organic peas, peppers, tomatoes, and other produce for donation to area food pantries and soup kitchens. Vilsack called on other USDA employees to create gardens; currently, 255 have taken root worldwide. Activity Ideas - Language Arts Imagine that friends from another planet will be visiting this summer. They come from Veggie-Non, a world without any fruits or vegetables.
Pick at least one favorite fruit and one favorite vegetable that you would like your friends to try.
Imagine that you are writing them a letter. Describe each one in great sensory detail: How does a tomato feel, taste, smell? What does a ripe tomato look like? What is the experience of eating a fresh tomato? (Juices dripping down chin, etc.)
Bonus: Challenge your child to eat his or her vegetables this summer, to compare the real, freshly picked variety with its distant canned or store-bought cousin. Record the differences in a journal. Learning Tips: Providing Descriptions and Sensory DetailB+ Earns Big Bucks In recent years, low-performing schools have experimented with paying kids to do well. Some people say that schools need to motivate kids—not bribe them. A recent study indicates that kids respond better to programs that pay them for specific actions within their control, like getting to school on time. Activity Ideas - Math Help your child figure out this money math. If possible, have coins available for counting.
Your brother owes you $1.00, but he only has coins: three quarters, two dimes and one nickel. Does he have enough to pay you? Yes. ( 25¢ + 25¢ + 25¢ + 10¢ + 10¢ + 5¢ = $1.00 )
Your friend has three dimes; you have six nickels. Who has more money? You have equal amounts. (10¢ + 10¢ + 10¢ = 30¢) (5¢ + 5¢ + 5¢ + 5¢ + 5¢ + 5¢ = 30¢)
You have $2.00 and decide to buy two apples and two bananas. Each piece of fruit is 20¢. How much did you pay for the fruit? 80¢(20¢ + 20¢ + 20¢ + 20¢ = 80¢) How much money do you have left? $1.20 ($2.00 - $0.80 = $1.20)