2020 was a different year for all of us. As we get back to a normal way of doing things some have expressed concern for the past disruptions for the kids and how these disruptions have impacted their learning and school progress. Some parents are looking for options for continue learning this summer to make sure their kids are caught up or continue to learn so they are ready for the next school year. With the delayed school year Alachua County Public Schools had a delayed start to summer, leaving us with a very short summer this year. We put together a list of learning opportunities around your non-student Gainesville apartment to explore this summer and kids, don't worry; these are all fun options and not just more work.
Activity Backpack
First on our list is a summer activity backpack. These backpacks are provided to every kindergarten through eighth-grade student enrolled in the Alachua County Public School system. The backpacks are free and include a workbook with daily activities in reading, language arts, and math specific to grade level, a journal, four nonfiction readers, a parent tip card, and suggestions for real-world learning opportunities to do as a family. For more information on the backpacks and distribution locations around your apartment in Gainesville,
click here.
Libraries
Many of the backpack distribution locations mentioned above are located at one of our local libraries. The Alachua County Library District offers twelve locations throughout the county, and you are sure to find a local library near your Gainesville apartment. If you stop by one of the locations for a backpack, make sure to sign up for Summer Reading with the Library program. The program allows you to track your reading progress over the summer, earn badges and learn about the Gainesville community. Virtual events are also offered through the program for continued learning. When you sign up in person, you will receive a bag filled with fun activities and a FREE book. Suppose you are looking for books for your child on their grade level. In that case, the library offers a list selected by librarians and educators from Alachua County Public School for
Kindergarten through 5th Grade and
6th through 12th Grade.
Pizza Hut Book Program
Another learning option this summer may bring a bit of nostalgia for the parents. Pizza Hut has expanded their book it programs to
Camp Book It!, a summer camp option for families. They offer free resources to help beat the summer slide and get the kids reading all summer long. Enroll your children, track their reading progress on their digital dashboard for June, July and August then. Once they meet their goals, they will receive a certificate for a Personal Pan Pizza via email. Then night out for the whole family at Pizza Hut. There are four Pizza Hut locations in Gainesville. One in
West Gainesville, a location in
Northwest Gainesville, one north of
Downtown Gainesville and a location off of
Archer Road.
Reading IQ
Last on our list is
Reading IQ. All kids in Florida ages 2-12 are able to access the Reading IQ's Digital Library from Age of Learning this summer for FREE. Enroll your child and select your child's reading level or take their reading level assessment to customize the book selections available, and your child is ready to get started. The available book titles are sure to please any child or reader. Some books offer options based on their level offering a Read to Me, I Can Read and Read with Pause options for the younger ones or beginning readers.
We hope this list provides some additional learning opportunities for your kids this summer are your apartment in Gainesville. All options are FREE and help get your kids caught up after a weird year of schooling or help combat the summer slide. Alachua County Public Schools starts back on August 10, 2021, so the next school year will be here before we know it. Enjoy the summer!