Library of Clean Reads: Summer workbook

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Summer Fit: Exercises for the Brain and Body While Away from School

Summer Fit: Exercises for the Brain and Body While Away from School by Kelly Terril and Sarria James
Summer Fit Learning Inc.
ISBN: 978-0976280057
Published April 1, 2011
Paperback workbook, 144 pages

It's a well-known fact that during their summer vacation children lose some of what they learned at school. So I was thrilled to once again get a copy of Summer Fit—a summer workbook with daily activities and exercises for a 10-week program—for my son who is currently in second grade. When I showed it to him, he groaned. I understood why. He was now at the end of the school year, deep into projects and exams, and was waiting for the day when he could burst out of the school doors for the last time until next September.

But after a week or two of frolicking in the pool and enjoying the lazy, hot summer days, he will get antsy and will go looking for his workbooks, markers and books. This is when Summer Fit will come in handy. Although jam-packed with activities that cover academics, fitness, and core values, it's not overwhelming for the child to do. One leisure hour per day (2 pages) covers the material in a fun way. I also appreciate this workbook because my son goes to an all French school where they only cover one hour of English a week, so this will give him a chance to review school material in English.

Each week of the program begins with an incentive contract page where the child can check off his work as he does it during the week. He can write his incentive for completing the work, for example, getting a special treat. Most kids find it fun to be rewarded for accomplishing their work. The workbook also covers some info on nutrition, bike safety, and includes a fitness index with a list and explanation of the many exercises to be done. I'm going to encourage my kids by doing some of these together with them and getting more fit too!

The material is based on US National Standards, however, there is additional Canadian-specific content available on their website, www.summerfitlearning.com, which also contains educational games, online book report templates and other information from summer learning partners. I downloaded the list of fun activities and reading list. On the back cover of the book, it stated that trivia apps are available but I did not see any on the site. I will have to contact the publisher and ask about this. My kids have iPods and love apps! Also, there is no link on the website for online ordering. It would be easier for parents if this could be included.

The last page is a Certificate of Congratulations to be filled out with the child's name and given as he completes the Summer Fit program. Overall, Summer Fit is a great tool for parents to keep their kids motivated and active during the summer and prepared to tackle a new year of school in the Fall.

Note: This book is rated C = clean read.
For updates, promotions, activities, and fun facts, visit their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/summerfitlearning

Reviewed by Laura

Disclosure: Thanks to the publisher and Michelle Carpenter from Mediaguest for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Review of Summer Fit Workbooks

Summer Fit: Exercises for the Brain and Body While Away from School by Kelly Terril and Portia Marin (Rated: C)
Summer Fit Learning Inc
ISBN: 978-0976280002
Published April 1, 2011
Paperback, 144 pages

Making sure their children get an overall good education is important for many parents, myself included. So when those lazy summer months come along, I worry they will forget all those new math and language concepts. In the past, I stocked up on workbooks and visited the library on rainy days. But my kids are so busy with swimming meets, synchronized swimming, slumber parties, visiting with friends and family, and late nights that little time is left for educational pursuits.

Then I discovered the Summer Fit Workbooks.

I got one for my daughter (grade 4-5) and one for my son (K- grade 1). Since my children go to an all French school I wanted them to brush up on the same skills in English. I am happy to say that unlike the other workbooks, this one is still being used now that we are in mid-summer. Yahoo! The only problem is that I got the wrong grade level for my son. He is going into grade 2 in September and the K-1 workbook was way too easy for him even in English. However, I adapted some of the activities and still used the incentive contract to keep him interested in doing work. The workbooks are for American children but there is additional Canadian-specific content available on the publisher's website.

Here are what we love about the Summer Fit workbook:

It covers reading, writing and math based on national standards.
It also covers fitness, nutrition and core values, such as honesty, self-discipline and kindness. And the fitness exercises are diverse and age-appropriate.
The work is clearly divided into 10 weeks, and my kids knew exactly what pages to do every day.
At the beginning of each week, there is a page that states what topics will be covered followed by an incentive contract, which my daughter and son liked because they could keep track of their progress and work toward their weekly goals and rewards.
At the end of each week, there is a page of activities to do with family and friends and also a booklist.
Each day's work only takes about 30 minutes.
Colourful icons make it easy to identify a mind, body or value activity or skill.
Additional games, activities, booklists and book report sheets are available for downloading on the publisher's website summerfitlearning.com.
It's a fun and creative workbook!

Overall, this is a well thought-out workbook that keeps children active in mind, body and soul throughout the summer. It's a fun book, appealing, not too heavy on the workload but just the right amount so as not to become drudgery at a time when kids expect to do nothing but have fun. Highly recommended for families who want to instill a good overall education even throughout the summer, making it part of an entertaining family routine.

Disclosure: Thanks to Michelle Carpenter from MediaGuests for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.