2. About this Summer Packet
A wonderful sixth grade teacher I know (i.e., my wife) had to put together a summer
enrichment packet for incoming sixth grade students. As her packet came together, I realized
that Discovery Education has a ton of free resources for students to help keep their minds
sharp during the summer.
I also realized that a lot of schools distribute summer packets in some shape or form and that
most teachers have to spend a ton of time assembling them. So, I decided to take the majority
of what my wife put together and put a few tweaks on it so that others could benefit from her
hard work and creativity.
There are a lot of other ideas that I wanted to include in my sample version here including just
putting the whole thing on a wiki. But although I had more flexibility in developing a “sample”
packet than she had, I did keep in mind that making a summer packet where every activity
relied on the internet would be prohibitive. My wife’s version of the packet also included
activities specific to the students reading Maniac Magee over the summer and doing a
Language Arts and Math review with materials that have copyright restrictions for mass
distribution.
So, the end result of this sample summer packet is that it is just that. It is intended to be a
sample to spark new ideas that others can build on, steal from, tweak and so forth. Hopefully it
will save you some time as well.
The packet is built around a point system where students try to accumulate 100 points or more
out of 120 possible points to earn a golden ticket to a summer cookout at their school. If this
doesn’t work for you, feel free to edit away. Adjust the point scale, change the prize, or simply
remove the whole point system idea.
This sample packet is just me teaching vicariously through my wife and hoping to save another
teacher or two a few hours (or days) of work. Plus, I actually think the students will enjoy it.
If you decide to use it in any way, shape or form, all I ask is that you keep the links to the sites
from where I borrowed resources and ideas like the amazing Jen Wagner’s “Guess the
Wordle” site. Also, I’d love to hear from you via email or twitter on how you’re putting a
creative spin on things.
Enjoy!
Lance Rougeux
teaching vicariously through Martha
@lrougeux
Lance_Rougeux@Discovery.com
3. Some notes about the content
This sample packet was modified from my wife’s summer packet for incoming sixth grade students.
So for the most part it is intended for upper elementary school students.
Each week has a consistent theme for each day:
Minds- On Monday
Every Monday the students are directed to a free resource from the many Discovery Education
partnership programs - http://www.discoveryeducation.com. This day does require that the students
go online to complete the day’s activity, but they do not have to log in to any sites with a username
and password.
Tues- Day- in- History
This gem of a day takes ideas from the Discovery Education calendar and presents students with a
historical event that happened on that day many years ago. They complete a writing prompt
connected to that historical event. Teachers who have a Discovery Education subscription can use
the calendar tool in the Teacher Center and make even more connections through video content that
is specifically aligned to the events.
Wordle Wednesdays
Every Wednesday students are given a wordle, or word cloud, to which they must find the answer.
This is the brainchild of our DEN Guru, Jen Wagner. Teachers, you really should check out Jen’s site
at: http://projectsbyjen.com/GTW.
The answers to the Wednesday Wordles btw:
June 13 (Parts of a flower); June 20 (Seabirds); June 27 (Vegetables with double letters); July 4
(Prepositions); July 11 (Little Miss Muffet); July 18 (Types of teeth); July 25 (Polar Bear); August 1
(Parts of the ear)
ThurZday SkillZday
Yes, I intentionally spelled Thursday with a Z. This day directs students to a free site to practice their
Math skills - http://www.webmath.com. This day does require that the students go online to complete
the day’s activity, but they do not have to log in to any sites with a username and password.
Fun Friday
I love the free activities on http://scienceofeverydaylife.discoveryeducation.com so I devoted an entire
day to them. Simple science activities that use common household items.
4. Name:
Homeroom Teacher:
Dear Student,
We hope you have a wonderful summer break. We are looking forward to
seeing you back at [school name] on [date] . In order to help you keep
your thinking cap on and sharpen up your skills over the summer, we
have prepared a fun summer packet to help get you ready for [insert]
grade.
If there are pages you don’t understand, try asking someone older for
help. Remember you can also use the library or internet for extra support.
You will see that there is a “point” system with the summer packet.
Students who earn 100 points will be admitted to the Summer Cookout
at [school name]. You will receive a phone call this summer reminding
you of the summer cookout.
Please remember to bring your completed packet to the cookout along
with your golden ticket enclosed at the end of this packet.
Also, students who earn 115 or more points will be entered into a
drawing to win one of five special summer prizes that include [insert
description of prizes donated by local businesses].
Everything is explained in the summer packet.
Good luck and have a great summer!
We’ll see you at the cookout :)
Your teachers,
[Names of teachers]
5. Summer Packet
Each week during the summer you will have a series of
activities to complete to keep your mind sharp and get you
ready for next year. Each day has a different focus to help mix
things up and work different muscles in your brain :)
Minds-On Monday
Stimulate your mind every Monday with activities from Discovery
Education’s featured programs for students that include interactive widgets,
virtual labs, quizzes and more!
Tues-Day-in-History
Each Tuesday you will read about an important event in history that
happened on that Tuesday years ago. You will reflect upon that event and
complete a writing prompt.
Wordle Wednesdays
On Wednesday you will be given a “wordle” to decipher. What’s a wordle
you ask? A wordle is a word cloud. Your challenge is to look at the word
cloud and figure out the common theme. Take a look at the example below
and think about what all the words have in common.
Answer: Possessive Pronouns
6. ThurZday SkillZday
Each Thursday, or ThurZday, you will have a math skills review to make
sure you’re ready to flex some brain muscles at the start of the school year.
Fun Friday
Everyday should be fun, but on Fridays you get to have a little extra fun
while learning. It’s great way to wind down a summer week. Enjoy!
Don’t forget!
You need to earn 100 points or more to attend
the Summer Cookout.
If you earn 115 points or more, you will be
entered into a special prize drawing.
Have fun!
7. Week One
June 11-15
Minds- On Monday, June 11
• Minds-On Monday Activity (3 points)
Tues- Day- in-History, June 12
• Respond to the writing prompt for Tues-Day-in-History (3 points)
Wordle Wednesday, June 13
• Solve your Wednesday Wordle (3 points)
ThurZday SkillZday, June 14
• Test your Math SkillZ activity (3 points)
Fun Friday, June 15
• Have some fun and earn two points while you’re at it. (3 points)
Total Points Earned for the week = __________/15
8. Minds-On Monday
June 11
Power Up today by going to: http://energybalance101.discoveryeducation.com
and working through the “Power Up!” interactive widget. Just look for the Lunch
Box and click on “Power Up!”
Explore more at: DiscoveryEducation.com > Students > Featured Programs
9. Tues-Day-in-History
June 12
June 12, 1942 - Anne Frank is given her diary
Anne Frank is world famous for her diary. Anne wrote the diary
while in hiding from the Nazis during World War II. In her diary
Anne describes her fears of living in hiding for years, her
feelings for a boy who was also in hiding, conflicts with her
parents, and her aspirations to become a writer. After surviving
the concentration camps, Anne's father published her diary
under the title The Diary of Anne Frank (1947). It has since
been published in over 50 languages.
Writing Prompt for June 12
Anne Frank was a very courageous young woman. Tell us
about something you have done that shows courage and
explain why you did it.
10. Wednesday Wordle
June 13
Your challenge is to look at the word cloud and figure out the common
theme. Think about what all the words have in common or what they are
describing. Use the internet or whatever resources will help you discover
the answer and help you Guess the Wordle!
Guess the Wordle
What is your best educated guess? ______________________________________
Guess more Wordles at: http://projectsbyjen.com/GTW
11. ThurZday SkillZday
June 14
Do you have skillz?
I’m sure you do, but it’s always good to brush up on them, especially
over the summer.
Go to DiscoveryEducation.com, click on Students and select
WebMath or go to: http://www.webmath.com
Practice today’s skill multiple times so you can flex those Math
muscles when you get back to school.
Today ’ s skill is under K-8 Math
Place Value
12. Friday Fun
June 15
Happy Friday!
Find a sibling, friend or your pet goldfish and have some fun with this
science activity.
13. You can find these activities at:
http://scienceofeverydaylife.discoveryeducation.com.
Select Students and then click on Science Fun!
14. Week Two
June 18-22
Minds- On Monday, June 18
• Minds-On Monday Activity (3 points)
Tues- Day- in-History, June 19
• Respond to the writing prompt for Tues-Day-in-History (3 points)
Wordle Wednesday, June 20
• Solve your Wednesday Wordle (3 points)
ThurZday SkillZday, June 21
• Test your Math SkillZ activity (3 points)
Fun Friday, June 22
• Have some fun and earn two points while you’re at it. (3 points)
Total Points Earned for the week = __________/15
15. Minds-On Monday
June 18
Get Connected today!
Go to: http://scienceofeverydaylife.discoveryeducation.com and select “virtual
labs.” Then open the Getting Connected virtual lab. Work through the lab with
a sibling, friend or adult to help STEMulate your mind.
Explore more at: DiscoveryEducation.com > Students > Featured Programs
16. Tues-Day-in-History
June 19
June 19, 1941 - Cheerios was invented
Cheerios was invented as an alternative to oatmeal and
provided a more convenient and better taste. Each piece of the
whole grain oat cereal was shaped like an O and weighed less
than an ounce. Cheerios has only one gram of sugar, no
saturated fat or cholesterol, no artificial colors or flavors and
are low in fat. Invented by General Mills, the first ready-to eat
cereal is considered one of the largest cereal brands
consumed annually by Americans.
Writing Prompt for June 19
Think about what you like to eat for breakfast. What is your
favorite cereal? What is it missing? Describe your ultimate
cereal, what it would include and what you would name it. You
can even draw a picture of the box it would come in.
17. Wednesday Wordle
June 20
Your challenge is to look at the word cloud and figure out the common
theme. Think about what all the words have in common or what they are
describing. Use the internet or whatever resources will help you discover
the answer and help you Guess the Wordle!
Guess the Wordle
What is your best educated guess? ______________________________________
Guess more Wordles at: http://projectsbyjen.com/GTW
18. ThurZday SkillZday
June 21
Do you have skillz?
I’m sure you do, but it’s always good to brush up on them, especially
over the summer.
Go to DiscoveryEducation.com, click on Students and select
WebMath or go to: http://www.webmath.com
Practice today’s skill multiple times so you can flex those Math
muscles when you get back to school.
Today ’ s skill is under K-8 Math
Using a Number Line
19. Friday Fun
June 22
Happy Friday!
Find a sibling, friend or your pet goldfish and have some fun with this
science activity.
20. You can find these activities at:
http://scienceofeverydaylife.discoveryeducation.com.
Select Students and then click on Science Fun!
21. Week Three
June 25-29
Minds- On Monday, June 25
• Minds-On Monday Activity (3 points)
Tues- Day- in-History, June 26
• Respond to the writing prompt for Tues-Day-in-History (3 points)
Wordle Wednesday, June 27
• Solve your Wednesday Wordle (3 points)
ThurZday SkillZday, June 28
• Test your Math SkillZ activity (3 points)
Fun Friday, June 29
• Have some fun and earn two points while you’re at it. (3 points)
Total Points Earned for the week = __________/15
22. Minds-On Monday
June 25
Are your curious?
Today go to http://curiosityintheclassroom.com and click on Students. Then
take the Curiosity Quiz “Feeling Curious?”
Explore more at: DiscoveryEducation.com > Students > Featured Programs
23. Tues-Day-in-History
June 26
June 26, 1498 - The toothbrush is invented
The invention that most people say they cannot live without
was invented on this day in 1498. Toothbrushes with hog
bristles first appeared in China. Until nylon was invented, hog
bristle brushes remained the best. Toothbrushes were invented
as a means of maintaining the mouth, teeth and gums.
Interestingly enough, Americans view the toothbrush as the
most important invention ever.
Writing Prompt for June 26
First of all, we hope you brushed your teeth today :) A lot of
people believe the toothbrush is the most important invention
ever. What is the one invention that you could not live without
and why is it so important to you?
24. Wednesday Wordle
June 27
Your challenge is to look at the word cloud and figure out the common
theme. Think about what all the words have in common or what they are
describing. Use the internet or whatever resources will help you discover
the answer and help you Guess the Wordle!
Guess the Wordle
What is your best educated guess? ______________________________________
Guess more Wordles at: http://projectsbyjen.com/GTW
25. ThurZday SkillZday
June 28
Do you have skillz?
I’m sure you do, but it’s always good to brush up on them, especially
over the summer.
Go to DiscoveryEducation.com, click on Students and select
WebMath or go to: http://www.webmath.com
Practice today’s skill multiple times so you can flex those Math
muscles when you get back to school.
Today ’ s skill is under K-8 Math
Comparing with a number
line
26. Friday Fun
June 29
Happy Friday!
Find a sibling, friend or your pet goldfish and have some fun with this
science activity.
27. You can find these activities at:
http://scienceofeverydaylife.discoveryeducation.com.
Select Students and then click on Science Fun!
28. Week Four
July 2-6
Minds- On Monday, July 2
• Minds-On Monday Activity (3 points)
Tues- Day- in-History, July 3
• Respond to the writing prompt for Tues-Day-in-History (3 points)
Wordle Wednesday, July 4
• Solve your Wednesday Wordle (3 points)
ThurZday SkillZday, July 5
• Test your Math SkillZ activity (3 points)
Fun Friday, July 6
• Have some fun and earn two points while you’re at it. (3 points)
Total Points Earned for the week = __________/15
29. Minds-On Monday
July 2
Check out how these weird conservation tools help make your favorite things.
Go to http://www.natureworkseverywhere.org and click on “Play and Learn.”
Explore more at: DiscoveryEducation.com > Students > Featured Programs
30. Tues-Day-in-History
July 3
July 3, 1890 - Idaho becomes a state
Idaho’s panhandle almost became part of Washington state,
while much of its southern land almost went to Nevada. But
after resolving these territorial issues with its neighbors, Idaho
and its 88,000 citizens joined the United States of America,
with George L. Shoup as their first governor.
Writing Prompt for July 3
Tomorrow is our nation’s birthday. We have a lot of amazing
places to visit in the United States, including Idaho. What is
one place in the United States that you definitely want to visit
and why?
31. Wednesday Wordle
July 4
Your challenge is to look at the word cloud and figure out the common
theme. Think about what all the words have in common or what they are
describing. Use the internet or whatever resources will help you discover
the answer and help you Guess the Wordle!
Guess the Wordle
What is your best educated guess? ______________________________________
Guess more Wordles at: http://projectsbyjen.com/GTW
32. ThurZday SkillZday
July 5
Do you have skillz?
I’m sure you do, but it’s always good to brush up on them, especially
over the summer.
Go to DiscoveryEducation.com, click on Students and select
WebMath or go to: http://www.webmath.com
Practice today’s skill multiple times so you can flex those Math
muscles when you get back to school.
Today ’ s skill is under K-8 Math
What’s a Ratio?
33. Friday Fun
July 6
Happy Friday!
Find a sibling, friend or your pet goldfish and have some fun with this
science activity.
34. You can find these activities at:
http://scienceofeverydaylife.discoveryeducation.com.
Select Students and then click on Science Fun!
35. Week Five
July 9-13
Minds- On Monday, July 9
• Minds-On Monday Activity (3 points)
Tues- Day- in-History, July 10
• Respond to the writing prompt for Tues-Day-in-History (3 points)
Wordle Wednesday, July 11
• Solve your Wednesday Wordle (3 points)
ThurZday SkillZday, July 12
• Test your Math SkillZ activity (3 points)
Fun Friday, July 13
• Have some fun and earn two points while you’re at it. (3 points)
Total Points Earned for the week = __________/15
36. Minds-On Monday
July 9
What’s in your food? Make a Math connection and discover what’s in the food
we eat by going to: http://energybalance101.discoveryeducation.com and
working through the “Anatomy of a Food Label” interactive widget. Just look for
the Lunch Box and click on “Anatomy of a Food Label.”
Explore more at: DiscoveryEducation.com > Students > Featured Programs
37. Tues-Day-in-History
July 10
July 10, 1962 - Telstar 1 is launched
Telstar I, the world's first geosynchronous communications
satellite, was launched by NASA from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Designed by AT&T to relay media signals to homes around the
world, its launch ushered in the era of live satellite TV
broadcasts. For the first time ever, voice and video were
beamed directly between the United States and Europe.
Writing Prompt for July 10
Fifty years ago we didn’t have Facetime, Skype or these really
easy ways to connect with others around the world. But, now
we do. If you could have someone, anyone, join your sixth
grade class next year over the internet to chat who would it be
and why?
38. Wednesday Wordle
July 11
Your challenge is to look at the word cloud and figure out the common
theme. Think about what all the words have in common or what they are
describing. Use the internet or whatever resources will help you discover
the answer and help you Guess the Wordle!
Guess the Wordle
What is your best educated guess? ______________________________________
Guess more Wordles at: http://projectsbyjen.com/GTW
39. ThurZday SkillZday
July 12
Do you have skillz?
I’m sure you do, but it’s always good to brush up on them, especially
over the summer.
Go to DiscoveryEducation.com, click on Students and select
WebMath or go to: http://www.webmath.com
Practice today’s skill multiple times so you can flex those Math
muscles when you get back to school.
Today ’ s skill is under K-8 Math
Proportions
40. Friday Fun
July 13
Happy Friday!
Find a sibling, friend or your pet goldfish and have some fun with this
science activity.
41. You can find these activities at:
http://scienceofeverydaylife.discoveryeducation.com.
Select Students and then click on Science Fun!
42. Week Six
July 16-20
Minds- On Monday, July 16
• Minds-On Monday Activity (3 points)
Tues- Day- in-History, July 17
• Respond to the writing prompt for Tues-Day-in-History (3 points)
Wordle Wednesday, July 18
• Solve your Wednesday Wordle (3 points)
ThurZday SkillZday, July 19
• Test your Math SkillZ activity (3 points)
Fun Friday, July 20
• Have some fun and earn two points while you’re at it. (3 points)
Total Points Earned for the week = __________/15
43. Minds-On Monday
July 16
Go to: http://scienceofeverydaylife.discoveryeducation.com and select “virtual
labs.” Then open the Too Hot to Handle! virtual lab. Work through the lab with
a sibling, friend or adult to help STEMulate your mind.
Explore more at: DiscoveryEducation.com > Students > Featured Programs
44. Tues-Day-in-History
July 17
July 17, 1955 - World’s first theme park is dedicated
The world's first theme park, envisioned by Walt Disney as a
place where the entire family could go for amusement, was
dedicated on July 17 and opened July 20, 1955. With four
"lands" (Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland and
Tomorrowland) the point of the park was that each attraction be
a total experience rather just a "ride."
Writing Prompt for July 17
Get your creative cap on and tell me about your ideal
amusement park. What would it be called? Where would it be
located? What rides would it have? The sky is the limit.
45. Wednesday Wordle
July 18
Your challenge is to look at the word cloud and figure out the common
theme. Think about what all the words have in common or what they are
describing. Use the internet or whatever resources will help you discover
the answer and help you Guess the Wordle!
Guess the Wordle
What is your best educated guess? ______________________________________
Guess more Wordles at: http://projectsbyjen.com/GTW
46. ThurZday SkillZday
July 19
Do you have skillz?
I’m sure you do, but it’s always good to brush up on them, especially
over the summer.
Go to DiscoveryEducation.com, click on Students and select
WebMath or go to: http://www.webmath.com
Practice today’s skill multiple times so you can flex those Math
muscles when you get back to school.
Today ’ s skill is under K-8 Math
What’s a Fraction?
47. Friday Fun
July 20
Happy Friday!
Find a sibling, friend or your pet goldfish and have some fun with this
science activity.
You can find these activities at:
http://scienceofeverydaylife.discoveryeducation.com.
Select Students and then click on Science Fun!
48. Week Seven
July 23-27
Minds- On Monday, July 23
• Minds-On Monday Activity (3 points)
Tues- Day- in-History, July 24
• Respond to the writing prompt for Tues-Day-in-History (3 points)
Wordle Wednesday, July 25
• Solve your Wednesday Wordle (3 points)
ThurZday SkillZday, July 26
• Test your Math SkillZ activity (3 points)
Fun Friday, July 27
• Have some fun and earn two points while you’re at it. (3 points)
Total Points Earned for the week = __________/15
49. Minds-On Monday
July 23
Today go to http://curiosityintheclassroom.com and click on Students. Then
take the Curiosity Quiz “Smarty Pants.”
Explore more at: DiscoveryEducation.com > Students > Featured Programs
50. Tues-Day-in-History
July 24
July 24, 1887 - Amelia Earhart’s birthday
Amelia Earhart worked as a military nurse and a social worker,
but she gained worldwide fame in 1932 as the first woman (and
the second person) to make a solo airplane flight across the
Atlantic Ocean. In 1935, she was the first person to fly solo
from Hawaii to California. In 1937, Earhart and a navigator
attempted to fly around the world, but their plane disappeared
over the Pacific Ocean. No trace of them or their plane was
ever found.
Writing Prompt for July 24
What is one really exciting thing you’d like to try in the future
and why?
51. Wednesday Wordle
July 25
Your challenge is to look at the word cloud and figure out the common
theme. Think about what all the words have in common or what they are
describing. Use the internet or whatever resources will help you discover
the answer and help you Guess the Wordle!
Guess the Wordle
What is your best educated guess? ______________________________________
Guess more Wordles at: http://projectsbyjen.com/GTW
52. ThurZday SkillZday
July 26
Do you have skillz?
I’m sure you do, but it’s always good to brush up on them, especially
over the summer.
Go to DiscoveryEducation.com, click on Students and select
WebMath or go to: http://www.webmath.com
Practice today’s skill multiple times so you can flex those Math
muscles when you get back to school.
Today ’ s skill is under K-8 Math
Comparing Fractions
53. Friday Fun
July 27
Happy Friday!
Find a sibling, friend or your pet goldfish and have some fun with this
science activity.
54. You can find these activities at:
http://scienceofeverydaylife.discoveryeducation.com.
Select Students and then click on Science Fun!
55. Week Eight
July 30 to August 3
Minds- On Monday, July 30
• Minds-On Monday Activity (3 points)
Tues- Day- in-History, July 31
• Respond to the writing prompt for Tues-Day-in-History (3 points)
Wordle Wednesday, August 1
• Solve your Wednesday Wordle (3 points)
ThurZday SkillZday, August 2
• Test your Math SkillZ activity (3 points)
Fun Friday, August 3
• Have some fun and earn two points while you’re at it. (3 points)
Total Points Earned for the week = __________/15
56. Minds-On Monday
July 30
Keep a healthy balance between the energy you take in and the energy you
give out. Explore the Scales of Energy interactive widget at:
http://energybalance101.discoveryeducation.com. Just look for the Lunch Box
and click on “Scales of Energy.”
Explore more at: DiscoveryEducation.com > Students > Featured Programs
57. Tues-Day-in-History
July 31
July 31, 1790 - Patent Act is passed
Congress had passed the Patent Act on April 10 of that year,
and Samuel Hopkins of Vermont received the first U.S. patent
for a process for making potash and pearl ashes. Potash was
used as an ingredient in soap and fertilizer. George
Washington himself signed the patent, granting it for a term of
fourteen years. Only two other patents were granted in 1790 -
one for a candle-making process and the other for flour-milling
machinery.
Writing Prompt for July 31
Think about an idea for an invention you have in mind and
share it with me. I promise not to tell anyone or steal your idea
before you patent it. What does your invention do? Who
would buy it? Why is it needed?
58. Wednesday Wordle
August 1
Your challenge is to look at the word cloud and figure out the common
theme. Think about what all the words have in common or what they are
describing. Use the internet or whatever resources will help you discover
the answer and help you Guess the Wordle!
Guess the Wordle
What is your best educated guess? ______________________________________
Guess more Wordles at: http://projectsbyjen.com/GTW
59. ThurZday SkillZday
August 2
Do you have skillz?
I’m sure you do, but it’s always good to brush up on them, especially
over the summer.
Go to DiscoveryEducation.com, click on Students and select
WebMath or go to: http://www.webmath.com
Practice today’s skill multiple times so you can flex those Math
muscles when you get back to school.
Today ’s skill is under Math for Everyone > Everyday Math
Sale Price
60. Friday Fun
August 3
Happy Friday!
Find a sibling, friend or your pet goldfish and have some fun with this
science activity.
61. You can find these activities at:
http://scienceofeverydaylife.discoveryeducation.com.
Select Students and then click on Science Fun!