Cost Free Summer Vacation Planning

What are your summer travel plans? Ready to hit the road with family and friends? 

There are lots of fun ways to vacation that do not involve travel or travel funds. Try day trips to local points of interest in your area. Your Chamber of Commerce is a great place to pick up free brochures and coupons. Let children explore the list of America's Chamber of Commerce to get acquainted with cities and towns.

Also, try libraries and be sure to ask librarians for suggestions. Local libraries offer summer programs for kids of all ages, and programs are free. Review a list of libraries throughout the United States by clicking here.

Another great free summer option is vacation bible schools. Regardless of your religious or non-religious affiliation, vacation bible schools provide a break from boredom and offer kids safe places to grow and learn. Let's kids explore VBS HQ, a compilation website, to find the perfect vacation bible school.

Want to take a vacation and never leave the house? Visit national parks at NPS.gov to watch live webcams, view maps, and experience our country's beautiful landscape without ever leaving your home! Use the following handouts to complete your national parks visit:

Get full packet here! See previous posts for more free national parks handouts!

Remember, summer vacation time does not have to be costly. Include kids in vacation planning and make use of free local resources to enjoy a fun, inexpensive summer break! 

Happy Summer Break!
Beth, Educator Helper

Road Trippin' for Father's Day

Road trippin' with Dad for Father's Day? 

It's a great time to hit the road with Dad and visit one or more of America's national parks! 

Get full packet here!

Make the most of a road trip... Learn more about one another then complete the below infograph:

However you decide to spend Father's Day, enjoy your time together!

Happy Father's Day!
Beth, Educator Helper

Juneteenth: The End of Slavery in the U.S.

What is Juneteenth, or Emancipation Day/Freedom Day? Take time to learn and teach the holiday that celebrated the end of slavery in the United States by using the video below:

                     Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOOguH71--E

For younger students, try the cartoon video below:

               Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2HAVuld0_0

Juneteenth is celebrated as a holiday in Texas. There are parades, parties, theater productions, and more... 

Learn more about Juneteenth through comic books with opportunities to retell history:

Want to learn more about Juneteenth and Galveston? View more lessons and activities at my TpT Educator Helper storefront:

FREE for Hurricane Season!

Father's Day Freebies

fa·ther

ˈfäT͟Hər/

noun

1. 1.

   a man in relation to his natural child or children.

   synonyms:

   dad
2. 2.

   (often as a title or form of address) a priest.

   "pray for me, Father"

   synonyms:

   priest, pastor, parson, clergyman, cleric, minister, preacher

verb

1. 1.

   be the father of.

   "he fathered three children"

   synonyms:

   parent, be the father of, bring into the world, spawn, sire, breed

There are many synonyms for "father", but a father is more than a natural parent or caregiver. A father is someone who loves and mentors others, who takes time to listen and share, and who steps in to fill shoes that are otherwise empty:

What makes a father happier than ever? A homemade gift that says, "I love you!" Whether planning a get together or an outing, make Father's Day special by taking time to craft your own gift. A homemade gift is a memory that will last forever.

Free Father's Day activities to make and give:

Pick up more Father's Day activities and cards:

Happy Father's Day!
Beth, Educator Helper