Children’s Books Give Away & 66 Days Of Summer Learning!

Research suggests it takes only 66 days to develop a habit; so, summer is the perfect time to practice new learning habits with your kids. *scroll down for free give away!

Pip on Lynn Canyon suspension bridge, Vancouver, BC

This week Modernista Mama has been focused on suspension bridge family fun: last weekend my family explored the Kelowna Mountain suspension bridges. Combining the marvels of human engineering with nature and adventure are great activities to get those little cogs turning.

Me on Lynn Canyon suspension bridge, Vancouver, BC

Your kids will be fascinated by all of the math and physics that go into the creation of such a bridge. Mom or Dad can encourage those little cogs to turn all summer long with thought provoking questions:

How high above the valley do you think we are?

How long do you estimate the bridge to be?

How much weight do you think the bridge can hold?

Would a wicked wind storm make the bridge dangerous to cross? What might happen?

How far to you think we should we be behind the person in front of us on the bridge? If we walk closer to that person, what might happen?

What makes the bridge more stable (less likely to bounce and swing with our steps)?

What kind of railing would make us feel more fearful or safer to cross?

Me on suspension bridge, Taman Negara Jungle, Malaysia

Once you have had your fun on the bridge your kids can go home and research the world’s highest, longest or narrowest suspension bridges. They can also attempt to make a model suspension bridge (popsicle sticks and rope) for their hamster to attempt (from a safe low-level crossing—please!).

My family likes to compare our previous suspension bridge crossing with our latest crossing. We talk about the terrifyingly narrow bridges, the rickety bridges, the bridge that’s sway was terrifying.

We also talk about the fascinating ecosystems that one can view from he height of the bridge. Sometimes (as in high jungle canopies) one views a tree top world that only birds and monkeys have the privilege to explore.

Pip and I : Kelowna Mountain suspention bridge, Kelowna, BC — Pip and I : Kelowna Mountain suspension bridge, Kelowna, BC

* For more great summer learning ideas check out: www.momminded.com by Sylvan Learning. The blog has great learning tips, ideas and tricks. (I personally like the tips on teaching your kids to code).

Free Give Away!

Summer Reading Library For Kids:

Sylvan Learning and Modernista Mama are giving away a great summer reading set for children, middle years and teens to encourage your kids to read all summer long! The collection from Random House can be yours!

All you have to do is like Modernista Mama on facebook (link to do this is on sidebar of this blog). If you already like Modernista Mama on facebook then you can skip to the next step, which is to post on Modernista Mama’s facebook page. Tell us where your favourite summer reading escape is: a favourite window seat? Under the maple tree in your yard? On the beach?

Once you have successfully liked Modernista Mama on facebook and posted your favourite reading spot on our facebook page, you will be entered to win! Contest closes at midnight on June 24, 2013.

*Open to residents of Canada and USA.

Modernista Mama will randomly select a winner from all of the posts and alert you of your win on June 25, 2013. Once we have your mailing address, Sylvan Learning will send the entire book collection to you!