Currently there are almost 40 studies that show the decline in tests scores of children from the beginning to the end of summer vacation. The set back can vary from one month to up to one grade level of learning. And the more a child struggles during the school year, the greater the setback. Certain case studies show that math, reading, and spelling are the subjects most significantly affected by summer vacation.

Summer Bridge workbooks are designed to both keep your child’s mind stimulated and prevent academic setback over the summer. The workbooks are available for the different grade levels Pre-K thru 8th grade.

The layout of the book provides for the completion of one workbook page per day, 5 days a week for 10 weeks during the summer vacation months. The workbook covers various subjects, and provides an answer key in the back for parents as well as certificates of accomplishment that serve as incentive for your child. The workbooks are $13.95. Each book also includes a special code for more activities online at SummerBridgeActivities.com

This summer keep your children reading and their minds stimulated. If you are in search of the Summer Bridge series call your local bookstore before making the trip as not all bookstores carry it. The series can be found at Barnes and Noble.

Have a fun and safe summer!

Do you find at the end of each summer you didn’t do all that you thought you would? Maybe you didn’t go on a picnic with your child, or didn’t take your son to a baseball game. Or perhaps you never made the road trip to visit mom and dad, or the trip to a historical site, or even the beach. Your intended plans just never seemed to fit into your schedule.

This year, before summer begins, ask each member of your family to write down what they would like to do the most this summer. Typically “big” ideas will come to mind, but you might be surprised that your kids will suggest the simple ones. Maybe your family is interested in a hike up a mountain, fishing, or a backyard water balloon fight.

Once you have a list, you may need to cross off a few hard-to-do ideas due to the cost or length of time required. Provide each family member the new pared down list and have them circle the three options that are most important to them. Keep a tally of the votes. Make a new list in order of the number of votes received, and begin to make plans to schedule your special moments and activities. Remember to schedule the activities with the highest number of votes first. And, if you find your family’s summer schedule has room for even more family fun, have each family member create a new wish list of summer “must dos” and begin the voting process once again!

You’re summer will be sure to end on a peaceful note with many fond memories to look back on.

Happy summer memories!

One of the hottest items on the market for this spring and summer is SwitchFlops by Lindsay Phillips. These flip-flops and heels allow you to change the strap on your shoe. You’ll no longer need to spend tons of money stocking your summer wardrobe full of sandals and flip-flops to match your outfits. By purchasing one pair of SwitchFlops and additional straps with varying colors and designs, you’ll have others convinced you have a closet full of shoes.

Just how does it work? The design strap simply adheres to the Velcro strap that is attached to the shoe making for quick and easy style changes. And with a flat and wedge style flip-flop, cork heel, black heel and children’s flip-flops to choose from, not to mention over 60 different strap designs, the fashion possibilities are endless!

So stop in to All Bright Ideas and step into a pair of SwitchFlops (adult and kid sizes available). All Bright Ideas is located on Main Street in Emmaus, Pennsylvania (just three blocks from Allentown).