summer fun – American History in a Box

Teotihuacan with the moon pyramid, sun pyramid, and ruins.

Our newest expansion pack explores some major themes regarding Mexico and the United States. Much of the Southeastern United States was a part of Mexico before the Mexican American war and today the countries overlap in many ways. Our expansion pack looks at indigenous people (prior to the formation of either country), the Mexican American war, famous artists (Romare Bearden and Diego Rivera) and immigration today.

This pack is perfect for an expat student from the United States living in Mexico or vice versa. Each pack includes books and a directly mailed activity packet that asks the student to review, reflect, make connections, and analyze current situations.

We also suggest that students visit famous historical sites including Teotihuacan, the Alamo, the Anthropology museum (Mexico) and the Native American museum (U.S.). If visits in person are not possible, we hope students will be able to explore the sites online.

The packet can be ordered separately or with an existing grade level American-History-in-a-Box. Orders are reimbursable for some expat families. Email us for the Reimbursement Request Form.

If you have questions, please contact us at afterschoolplans@gmail.com.

Summer is coming and your kids will be home all day long! While summers quickly fill up with playdates, camps, and outdoor play, what can you do on rainy days and quiet moments? We would like to suggest a few of our favorite summer activity books for your consideration!

First, most schools will recommend that your child continue reading at home. Fifteen to thirty minutes of reading time before bed is great throughout the year. It calms kids down, gives them a quiet activity before bed, and promotes learning. Try to find books that connect with Common Core required knowledge for next year to give your kids a head start!

Second, it is proven that having a parent read out loud to a child benefits learning all the way through eighth grade. Children can typically understand books two to three levels above their current reading level when read by an adult. Challenge and select up, then talk about your reading and the content.

Third, use your daily activities to promote learning. Talk about science while gardening and cooking, talk about history when driving around town or visiting grandparents, discuss math while shopping or building a project.

Finally, here is a list of our favorite summer activity books:

1.) Summer Bridge Books. Just a couple of pages a day will keep your child on grade level!

2.) Unbored, The Essential Field Guide to Serious Fun, Elizabeth Foy Larson. This is a great book for down time when your child needs to find something to do.

3.) 50 Dangerous Things (You Should Let Your Child Do), Gever Tulley, Your kids will love looking through this book!

4.) The Art of Tinkering, Karen Wilkenson. Kids learn so much by exploring and experimenting!

5.) Brainquest Workbooks, Fun activities to do while sitting at home on a rainy day! Exercise that brain!

6.) The Nature Connection, an Outdoor Workbook, Steve Rich. Get your kids outside to do some learning!

Tag: summer fun

Mexico and the United States

Summer Activities for Elementary Kids