Boredom Boosts Creativity, ButKeep Free Websites in Your Back Pocket

Contrary to kids’ complaints, they actually need to be bored. That’s when they will discover they don’t need stuff to constantly fill their time. That’s when they’re inspired to create their own entertainment and summer gets magical. Boredom can actually boost creativity levels to new and unexpected heights.

When the time’s right for an educational time filler, though, free online games can stimulate student learning this summer. It seems like there is something for everyone, and kids can work at their own pace. 

See if some of these offerings pique interest:

-	A Marvel comic creator helps student practice artistic mastery and experiment with storytelling techniques.
-	Art Games allows kids to create abstract paintings online and discover painting techniques. http://kids.albrightknox.org/html/home.html
-	Wonderopolis explains a new “wonder” of daily life, such as why zebras have stripes.
-	Oxford Owl offers games that test reading comprehension while improving memory, and much more.
-	Science Netlinks helps kids tap into interactive and vibrant games, listen to podcasts and get help with hands-on activities. They can learn about the inner workings of the body and much more.

Here’s hoping all our students’ minds and bodies stay active this summer, and they return to their campuses refreshed and ready to embark on a great school year.

What’s on YourSummer Bucket List?

It’s not too late to create your summer bucket list. Fill it up with anything and everything you’ve ever wanted to do, whether it’s big, small or random. Then see what’s practical to make happen before school starts in late August.

First on my summer bucket list is hosting a picnic for my grandchildren at Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose. Second is to visit Dallas’ own George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum for my first time. Lastly, I hope to attend a Texas Rangers game.

If you don’t live your days by personal goals and plans, chances are you spend most of your time caught up in a flurry of day-to-day activities. Having a bucket list keeps what’s most important to you top of mind.  Research shows that when you take time to write your goals down, you are more likely to accomplish them.

There’s no rule that your bucket list has to include big-ticket, extravagant goals.  Your goals can be as simple and important as spending more time together as a family. That can be accomplished by reading together or planning a cookout at a local park. Maybe you want to learn more about a topic of interest, so try visiting the library or a local museum.  There are lots of inexpensive ways to spend your summer that will result in cherished memories. 

Let your bucket list help you make the most of your summer months. Here’s to a fun, rejuvenating and inspiring summer!
 

Spreading the Word AboutMesquite ISD’s Science Program

John Horn High School’s honors anatomy class will be featured on the Monday, June 2, Science in the Classroom feature on Channel 11. Meteorologist Jeff Jamison interviewed teacher Aubrey Otero and several students for the segment set to air during the 4 p.m. newscast. 

Last fall, one of Jamison’s Science in the Classroom segments focused on the district’s STEM course at the Technology Excellence Center.

We are proud to spread the word about our top-notch science teachers and program.