Tag: creative

Summer At Home 2020: DIY Creative Learning Fun

(We are re-sharing our favorite DIY ideas for creative summer fun and this year they may be even more on point when most are sheltering at home. Parents please share with your middle or high schooler and feel free to join them in the projects and have some fun yourself!)

Yay! Summer break is here! You can forget all about learning for a while. Wait. This summer is different though. There may not be many opportunities to go to a camp and you’re already bored with social distancing-induced activities of binge-watching old TV shows and getting your thumb in a cast playing a zillion hours of video games. And the dreaded summer learning loss is probably also worse this year given the haphazard distance learning due to Covid-19.

 

The good news is that you can make your own summer learning plans and it doesn’t have to involve outside teachers or a camp schedule. We have some ideas for summer activities that are:

• • Inexpensive and use readily available materials
  • Take up as little or as much time as you care to put in
  • Can be done pretty much anywhere in the world
  • Build your critical, and creative, thinking skills
  • Totally controlled by you!

The steps for any of these activities are pretty simple:

 ✔️ Pick something you enjoy doing

 ✔️ Dive deep to learn about it

  ✔️ Make it your own

Check out our ideas to get you started!

1. If you’re into games.

Is playing video/online/board games how you relax?

Take your favorite game and think about how you would do it. In detail. How would it work, what would be the rules. Keep refining it. And then create a new game with your own rules. Maybe this would even get you into coding!

If it’s a board game, here are some ideas on getting started and even build a prototype with cardboard. This is a good one to do with friends, you can at least get them to play it with you.Think the characters in the video games are stereotyped? Mix them up. The levels are too easy? Add new ones. If you want to take on coding, you can create, or add to, an online game. Minecraft modding anyone?

2. If you love movies.

Watching movies is almost an universally popular way to spend time, but do you feel you’re more than a mere fan, you’re a critic and aficionado?

How about going beyond watching movies to thinking about making one? Take a favorite movie and think about how you’d remake the movie. Think (or learn about) about all the stuff that actually goes into making a movie – you’d be amazed at how much there is to learn and do.

But, though it is good to be informed, don’t be intimidated by what it takes to make a professionally. Write a script, recruit a few friends, charge up your smart phone and create your own masterpiece. You’d see the difference between making a movie and capturing 10 seconds of your dog chasing its tail to share on Snapchat – the first step to preparing for being asked to make Star Wars Episode 35: The Force is Still There.

3. If you’re a maker.

Are you into the Maker movement and DIY thing? Do you like to knit, crotchet, sew, solder or glue stuff together?

Then forget instructions and patterns. Think of something that you’d like to make and go about making your own instructions, patterns, how-to guides. Experiment, review, revise, repeat. This is also an activity you can do with friends. Whether it is making a doggie hat or a robot, you will be exercising your brain as well as your maker skills. Here are some suggestions for DIY ideas to get you started on thinking about what you’d like to make.

4. If sports are your thing.

Are you into one or more sports at school but not attending a sports camp this summer? Or you’re just a casual player and would just like to get better?

Whatever your sport, you know you can get better at it. There’s practice and watching/learning from the pros of course – that what you get from camps. But athletes are turning to analysis to figure out how to improve.

What if you did the analysis for yourself? Angling the ball differently to make a basket, how you can put more power into your kick if you change the way you stand – you may be able to learn some of this on  your own. Recruit a friend and two and make your own mini-camp. Take turns capturing plays on the video, review your play against the pros (YouTube has you covered there), make your own training schedule.

5. If you really like writing.

Do you read a lot and enjoy the challenge of creative writing, or would just like to get better at it?

One summer may not be enough time for you to finish the Great American Novel, but it will help to get started. Or tackle something smaller and set yourself a challenge like writing a mystery short story. Do some research on writing resources for teens (you can get started with the one here) to figure out what interests you.

If you prefer to write something shorter and get more immediate feedback, try writing your own blog. This site might give you some ideas.  (Contact us if you’d like to write a post for us!)

6. If you want to change the world.

You often volunteer for various causes to help people, why not take some time to get more involved? Kids the world over are getting into the act of improving the world they’re inheriting.

Pick one problem that you wish you could fix, maybe something close to home, but that’s not a requirement. Dig around to find out what is already out there to help fix this problem and if there’s someone doing something you would like to join in, you can start by contacting them. You can also take on bigger sized projects, either one that already exists (like sending used books for kids in Africa) or one that you’d like to start. You will find many adults willing to give you support, and you will gain invaluable skills while helping others.

These are just some quick, simple ideas to get you started. Do your own add-ons and take it as far as you’d like to go. Take ownership of your summer activities for creative learning and enjoy the experience!

And let us know how it goes – others might get inspired by you!

Stop The Summer Slide With Creativity!

Many schools are already out for the summer, though it’s not technically summer yet. How are those summer plans coming? While parents (and teachers) may worry about how to stop the “summer slide”, students are of course looking forward to enjoying a break – a break from routine, deadlines and stress. Is it possible to do both? Yes, of course! A little creativity will help you stop the summer slide while also recharging the batteries for the next school year – we’ll show you how.

 

 

Make Two Lists

Sure, pretty much anything that needs to be done starts with a list. But make one list of what you MUST DO and one for what you WANT TO DO.

The “must” list is where you add the academic tasks, the books to read and write reports on, the extra coaching or classes needed to polish up certain skills and so on. There might be non-academic tasks that must get done too – maybe related to sports, or a family trip, but we’re guessing that they are less of a chore!

Now for the “want” list – here’s where the fun stuff will show up. The summer break is a good time to refresh your brain as well as your spirit, so it makes sense to spend some of the time in doing non-school related activities. Hobbies that normally get little attention during the school year can flourish during summer. But, it is helpful to limit the list to the ones that would be most satisfying to get done. If joining a local theater group for a month is more exciting than building a robot with friends again for the second straight year, it makes sense to just list the first one.

For both lists, since there are only so many weeks during the summer break, it is important to keep them manageable!

Pick Your Activities

Starting with the “must do” list, the academic activities can probably be grouped into specific ones that have to be done a certain way (book reports for example), and others, like “improve your essay writing skills”, that can be done in many different ways from signing up for private tutoring and summer school to choosing more flexible online options (like on Meemli). Choosing the best way will depend on many factors like cost, timing, location, what is covered etc.

For the “want to do” list, again there could be many activities to choose from, ranging from do-it-yourself to organized groups, classes and programs with the same factors of cost, timing etc. influencing choices. The good news is that any area of interest can be made into something where you develop creative and critical thinking skills. From video games to art, anything can be set up as an activity that reduces the summer slide. (Check out our tips for projects you can do on your own that sharpen your brain while developing your interests.)

Time It Right

Yes, summer is not endless, and in fact, it usually flies by really fast. So with the “must do” and “want to do” lists all ready, there’s one more thing to figure out – when to do them.

Here are some basic tips that will help make the most of the summer break:

• start with a real break for at least a few days,
• mix in “must do” with “want to do” activities on a daily or weekly basis,
• and finally, schedule the academic work closer to the end of the break so your brain is already primed and ready for when school starts.

And hot tip to reduce stress: don’t pile it all towards the end of the break!

Be Social

This may not have made it to the “must do” or “want to do” lists but it is something that all students should make time during the break. Whether it is playing games, watching movies, or just going out for ice cream, it is mentally and emotionally refreshing to spend time with family and friends, especially as there’s not much time to do that during the school year. Maybe they can join in some of the planned activities (taking classes with friends is a lot more fun!), but in any case, socializing – in person, not online! – should be something to make time for during summer.

Just Relax

With the lists and planning, whether for must-do or want-to-do items, you may despair that summer feels just like school – too much structure and scheduling! While some may enjoy that, it is important to give yourself some time to just relax with no schedules and nothing planned.  Your brain, body and spirit all need it and you’ll find yourself more refreshed and willing to get engaged in your activities. Check out this article (great for parents as well as students) on why downtime is so important!

So set aside a few days to kick back, not worry about the summer slide or to-do lists and maybe find a real long slide in some park where you can go and enjoy being a kid!

Learning loss from the summer slide is easily prevented. It only takes a commitment to not spend all your time playing video games or streaming movies, but to mix in activities that engage brain and body, and have some open, unscheduled time as well.

Enjoy your summer!

Make Time To Explore The Arts

The arts are an important part of a comprehensive education, but have been pushed to the back-burner all too often in recent years. Typical school curriculums are often packed with “core” academics, and the arts don’t always receive the attention they deserve. We at Meemli strongly recommend that all students (and adults too!) make the time to explore the arts whenever they can carve out some time – it helps us be better-rounded people!

Participation in the arts comes with a host of benefits as it improves critical thinking and can lead to higher achievement across other academic areas. In addition, University of Pennsylvania researchers found that neighborhoods can experience “spillover effects” and become more vibrant communities from better access to the arts.

Now that you’re convinced that sampling the arts is a smart thing to do – try it and you’ll find out it is fun too! Squeeze in something artsy every now and then, and during longer breaks like summer, make it a point to explore the arts in a little more depth – here are some recommendations to get you started!

Take A Class

There’s a lot of benefit to the structured approach, especially if you already know you’re interested in a specific art form and want to learn more. For some activities, you may have to take a class – pottery or glass-blowing for example require special equipment and someone to show you how to use them.  On the other hand, online classes work well for art you can explore on your own, like drawing or painting or even learning to play an instrument. There are plenty of options from the frequently fee-based platforms like Craftsy or Skillshare, to the many free how-to videos on YouTube – you can find a course (or source) that best suits your interests, time and budget.

Go To A Live Show

Countless studies have shown that young people would rather spend money on experiences rather than fancy things. If that sounds like you, consider grabbing some friends and seeing a local performance like a play, dance show, or even a concert. Many community-based shows are free and are a good way to sample the fare. Follow the artists you like on social media, and you may luck into a free show! Bandsintown is another useful resource for check out artists playing near you – you can even connect the app to your music streaming service so it can recommend local shows to you. However you find your shows, grab some tickets and support your local artists!

View An Exhibit 

If you’re exploring the visual arts, check out a local museum or gallery. Museums typically have free days and/or discounted rates for locals, so research your trip in advance to take advantage of everything your local museums have to offer. They also hold interactive workshops or events (especially in the summer), so you can even try your own hand at the arts. And the art is not always indoors – there are tours to view “street art” from sidewalk sculptures to over-sized murals, which are often fun to check out with friends and family.

Do It Yourself 

Learn by doing and take the arts into your own hands, literally! Try some DIY projects to get creative – like making a movie (check out some ideas here). Finding a creative outlet is great for stress relief, you might even discover a new passion. You could also try volunteering for an organization that supports the art in your community, where you can meet likeminded individuals and maybe even local artists. At a minimum, you’ll have fun expressing your creativity and getting to know some artsy people!

However you choose to explore the arts,, we can guarantee you’ll have fun doing it, and gather all kinds of other benefits along the way. We’ll get you started in exploring the arts with this cool dance video – maybe you’ll get inspired to make one of your own!

 

3 Reasons To Step Up Your Writing Game

School breaks are a great time for all sorts of fun activities, spontaneous adventures, and down time for students to pursue and enjoy their favorite things. But it can also be a time when students may be smart to pay attention to building up key skills – especially the ones that they will use all their lives. Writing is one such skill, which can be practiced and sharpened with just a little effort and with no special costs (unless you choose to get expert help). Here are three easy-to-remember – and accept! – reasons why we think you should spend a little time step up your writing over the break.

(Parents: your younger children will benefit from this too!)

 

Prep For The Future

Think you wrote a lot during the last school year? Buckle up, you’re going to write a lot more during your remaining years as a student – all through high school and through college. Each year you’ll notice that you read more and write more, and the quality of the essays expected will require you to step up your writing skills.

For most of us, writing is something we have to do all our lives. Solid writing is one of the most important skills to have in a wide variety of professions. Even STEM-heavy jobs and internships will inevitably require you to convey your ideas in a way that’s both quick and easy for others to understand – tech companies need skilled writers too! The more you practice your writing, the more natural it becomes for you to transfer your thoughts from your brain to the paper, and fewer things get lost in translation. Honing your communication abilities will go far in helping you with your extracurriculars.

Also, in your senior year of high school you’ll have to submit the all-important college application essay. Though this is something you can get some help with, it goes so much easier if you’re comfortable writing, and it is never too early (or too late) to start building that skill.

Take Care Of Yourself

Aside from getting your prepared for future needs, writing can serve as a wonderful form of stress relief as well as a type of creative outlet. Use your writing time to create your own world of wizards, aliens, dogs, or whatever you want! If you’re stuck, check out this website, which randomly generates a first line for you to write your own story about. It can actually be fun to write about whatever you’re interested in, especially as it is not a must-do assignment.

Also, try using your writing time to journal your thoughts about yourself or events in your life. Writing regularly like this can help you convey your thoughts quickly and efficiently. This kind of introspective writing is also great for managing stress, working through problems, or even just remembering fun things you’ve done. It’s an activity that you could do anytime, anywhere – all you need is a writing device, analog or digital – whether you want to fire up your creativity or calm yourself down. And just like that, you could be building yourself an awesome lifelong hobby!

Get Empowered

Writing is healthy activity which benefits your brain, and who wouldn’t want that? Wait, there’s more, it gives you power! As the saying goes, the pen is mightier than the sword (or is it the keyboard being mightier than the drone?). Practicing your writing can be an exercise in self-empowerment as writing can help in getting what you want. Persuasion isn’t just for academic essays; a little bit of solid persuasive writing can effect the change you want. Compelling communication is a way to get people to agree with you. Whether it is for a larger community-oriented cause like getting your neighborhood community center to improve their teen room, or an email to your teacher to give you extra credit for a project, a strong piece of writing can make all the difference. Learn how to write persuasively, and you could be convincing your boss to give you a bigger raise and writing articles and blogs inspiring thousands to change themselves and the world – though you’ll probably be starting with your college, scholarship and job applications, convincing schools and companies why they should choose you!

It doesn’t take a lot to step up your writing – a journal and a pen, or your trusty laptop or tablet. Whatever works for you. And if you want more specific writing support, Meemli can help, just let us know what you need. Happy writing!

5 Activities To Include In Your Summer Break Plans

School is out for the summer! While laying by the pool and trips to the beach are probably top of mind right now, it’s a good idea to include some academic learning and other activities in your summer plans as well. As always, making a plan is a good way to take control of your activities and your time. Tip:  include these five areas in your summer break plans to to get the most out of it!

 

Sharpen Academic Skills

Do you need to catch up on any specific subjects in school? Or do you need to just brush up on a subject you haven’t taken in a while or prepare for college entrance tests? Consider taking a summer class! Many schools offer in-person or online classes that you can take over the summer.

There are also many resources online that you can use to study at your own pace. A little bit of academics will keep your brain from the dreaded learning loss from summer slide! Meemli can help with programs you can do wherever you are (even if traveling) and whenever convenient, just let us know what you’re looking for here!)

Gain Work Experience

Want to add some experience to your resume, or just make some extra cash? Look for a summer job that you can do and would enjoy doing. A great place to start is thinking about your interests and if you can incorporate that into your job. For example, if you like playing sports and/or being around kids, consider applying to be a summer camp counselor.

Some students seek out opportunities in the field they hope to study in college, for example, interning at a clinic if they’re considering health sciences – summer jobs look great on college applications!

Give Back To The Community

Volunteering is an easy way to give back to your local community and it makes you feel great as you’re making a difference. Added bonus, it also looks great on college applications.

You can even volunteer when you’re out of town! For example, if you are going to the beach, take an hour or two walking around and picking up trash. If you find yourself stuck inside on a rainy day, visit a local nursing home or recreation center and ask if you can help out for the day. You may make new friends and have a great time.

Have Fun With Family And Friends

The school year can be hectic and busy. If you are too busy during the school year to be social, summer break is a great time to get together with friends/family.

For any activity that you like to do, whether it is watching movies, or playing basketball or cooking up a storm, you can find family members and friends to join you. Best of all, going for a hike to gathering for a group game night is inexpensive and easy to do and could reward you with memories for a lifetime!

Prepare For College

Are you going to be a high school senior next year? If so, this is a great time to start preparing for college and the application process! Once school starts you know life is going to be hectic so taking a little time now will make a huge difference. This article helps outline a few key areas to focus on and provides some insight into what you can be doing this summer to prepare yourself.

Have your summer break plans done? We’d love to hear about them.