Here Comes Summer!

Summer is right around the corner! Many of us here at school are often asked, "What should my child do or work on this summer?" Often the answer is a simply one. Have FUN! Summer is a great time to relax, reconnect with family and friends, & perhaps try new things! One way to encourage this is to create a Summer Bucket List for your family. It is a great way to spend quality time with your children, make new memories, & it may be the answer to the dreaded, "I'm bored. There's nothing to do!" phrase that we hear all too often :) 


Here are some ideas to get you started! Be sure to involve your child in the planning! ...

{Source: via Pinterest}

{Source: via Pinterest}

{Source: via Pinterest}

{Source: via Pinterest}

{Source: via Pinterest}

{Source: via Pinterest}

How about adding some of these to your Summer Bucket List?

Zoos:

Brookfield Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

Cosley Zoo - Wheaton (Non-resident Adult $3; All Children are Free!)

Phillips Park Zoo - Aurora - Free!

Nature:

DuPage County Forest Preserves: www.dupageforest.com

The Morton Arboretum - Children's Garden - Lisle

*Discounted Admission on Wednesdays

Horse-Drawn Hayrides @ Danada Forest Preserve &

Quail-Wagon Tours @ St. James Farm in Warrenville:

(Saturdays & Sundays *Check calendar for specific dates)... www.dupageforest.com

Fullersburg Woods/Graue Mill & Museum - Oak Brook

*Beautiful walking trails, see the operating waterwheel gristmill, visit the Museum

Garfield Park Conservatory - Chicago - Free!

*The Elizabeth Morse Genius Children's Garden - Free!

*Check website for special activities/events

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum - Chicago (just north of Lincoln Park Zoo)

*Free admission on Thursdays!

Willowbrook Wildlife Center - Glen Ellyn - Free! ($1 donation recommended)

Chicago Botanic Garden - Glencoe - $20 to park, but free admission!

Naperville Riverwalk – Go for a walk along the river, have a picnic, or go for a Paddleboat ride!

The Field Museum - *Check website for free admission days

The Museum of Science & Industry - *Check website for free admission days

Shedd Aquarium - *Check website for Community Discount Days

Art Institute of Chicago - *Free admission the 1^st & 2^nd Wednesdays of every month

Arlington Race Track - Check website for “Family Days” (pony rides & petting zoo)

The Importance of Sleep

Last Friday I had the opportunity to attend a very informative workshop entitled "Better Sleep, Better Learning" presented by Central DuPage Hospital Center for Sleep Health. Sleep is such a vital part of our students' overall well-being and it plays a key role in their ability to learn and participate in the school day.

*From the National Sleep Foundation:



*Ideas to promote good sleep hygiene in your child:

1.Try to keep your child's sleep/wake patterns consistent. Try not to deviate from his/her school night sleep schedule on weekends by more than about 1 to 1½ hours or it may disrupt the brain’s sleep/wake patterns.

2. Awaken your children at the same time every morning and put them to bed at about the same time every evening.

3. Limit consumption of drinks high in sugar or caffeine.

4. If your child is taking stimulant medications for ADHD or other reasons, check with his/her physician to see if this medication may be interfering with sleep

5. Have your child turn off all electronic equipment 1 ½ hours before bedtime (i.e., cell phones, computer and video games, high action television programs, Ipods with lively music) and do calmer activities like reading a relaxing book or listening to peaceful music.

6. Do not let your child fall asleep in front of the TV in the bedroom or family room, and if she/he will not comply, remove all electronics from his/her bedroom.

7. Encourage your son or daughter to develop an enjoyable bedtime routine like taking a shower or hot bath before bedtime, and then getting in bed 30 minutes before she/he wants to sleep to listen to relaxing music or a story. If your child is old enough to read a book alone, have him/her use a dim night light beside the bed.

8. Try to refrain from late night outings on school nights (i.e., mall shopping, late evening sports events, have friends over past 7:00 p.m., or going out to other evening entertainment).

References:

www.sleepdisorderhelp.com
www.sleepfoundation.com