Prepare for School: Labeling Your Supplies

     You finally finished all of that back-to-school shopping. You've got pencils, notebooks, folders, binders, pencils, pens, and more. Finally, finally you have gotten back home, and you are ready to plop on the couch...your bed...even the floor. You think you're done. But, not so fast: you still have to do some things. One such thing being labeling your school supplies.

If you don't change classes, then this process will be easier for you.
     First, grab all of your supplies and a pen. You do not want to use a pencil. If you use a pencil, your hard work could easily be erased or looked over. A dark pen will stick and stand out.
     After you have gathered your things, it's time to label! Start out with the simple things: notebooks, folders, binders, etc. Write your name, grade, room number, and teacher on the supplies. It's good to write on the inside of things (inside covers, not pages), just in case your teacher is specific about what she/he wants written on your supplies. Just be careful when you write: let it dry before closing it up to avoid a big smear of ink.
     Don't think you are done just yet: you still have the more complicated things left. These include pencils, pencil cases, tape, etc. These, of course, are optional, but can be helpful in the long run. For pencil cases, it might be best to paste a piece of paper on it and write on that. Tape, too: homemade paper labels are useful. In fact, these labels are a great way to label any difficult surface.

However, if you do change classes, you'll have to be more careful when labeling your supplies.
     First things first: look at your school supply list. On this list, is it specific about what supplies are needed for each class? For example, does it say, "1 3-subject notebook for math, 3 composition notebooks for language arts, etc."? If not, you will not be able to label things as specifically as preferred.
     Organize your supplies based on what is needed for each subject. Put math in one section, science in another, social studies in yet another, an  so on and so on. This will make it easier when labeling your things, and will also make clear any mistake  in back-to-school shopping.
     Once this is done, you may start labeling. Write your name, class, grade, and other necessary information on the inside covers of things. Writing things on the inside is best because each teacher might have a set way they like information written on supplies. Be sure that you write in pen, as pencil can easily be erased, and let it sit for a little to prevent smearing. Then, now that you have done this, you can move on to general supplies.
     These include pencil cases, pencils, pencil sharpener, etc. You can choose what you want to label. Do you want to label everything? Or do you want to leave some unlabeled? The decision is up to you.

     Remember to put your supplies away in your backpack when you're done...you don't want all of this work--buying supplies and labeling them--to be wasted by carelessness!

Prepare for School: The Importance of a Clean Room

     Let's face it: no one really likes to clean their room. Yes, there are those who actually find pleasure in doing this, but for most of us out there, cleaning our room can be very difficult. Even if we say, "I want to clean my room," when it comes time to do so, we suddenly find ourselves not wanting to. But we all know that a clean room is important...especially during the school year. The longer you stall, the harder it will be when you clean it, so you might as well do it now. (This, in a way, is also a reminder to myself. In fact, I will make you a deal: I will clean mine, and you, yours. Okay? Good.)


Why should I clean my room?

Answer #1: You should clean your room because a neat room is important for the school year. For a lot of teens, tweens, and kids, homework is done in the bedroom. And, who wants to do homework in a messy bedroom? A neater room is easier to concentrate in. Additionally, a clean space is more welcoming (you will actually want to go in it), and less distracting (pretty difficult to focus on homework with clutter all around, isn't it?), making homework time easier.

Answer #2: A clean room is more welcoming (as mentioned briefly in Answer #1). With a cluttered room, you will not want to spend much time in it. If it is insanely messy, it will be difficult to move around. Your room should be a place where you can relax and rest at the end of the day, but with an unorganized room, it will be harder to settle down. The mess is distracting and stressful, and might even keep you more awake. Plus, if you are like me, a messy room will be a constant reminder of all the work you will have to do to clean it, adding more stress to whatever pile you have already created. Hanging out in your room will not be fun, as you might not be able to sit in it, move around easily, or do things you want to do.

Answer #3: Having a tidy room is key to being organized. Having an untidy room however, is a one-way path to a struggle in finding things. You might currently find yourself thinking, "Where is it?", and this might be happening a lot. If this is happening (or you think you are close to being in this state), you know you need to clean your room soon. Not being able to find things is really annoying and frustrating...and definitely something you don't want happening to you. On the other hand, if you have a clean room, you will easily be able to find things, important when you need to quickly grab something.

     So, where do you go now? Well, I hope this answer comes to you instantly. If it doesn't, I will tell you directly:

·~·~·~·~·~·CLEAN YOUR ROOM!·~·~·~·~·~·

     Remember, cleaning your room will take time, as a lot of thought and planning will be put into it (unless you just throw things in drawers and your closet...don't do that), and that's okay! No one is expecting you to finish cleaning your room in an hour (unless it really isn't that messy), and there is no set level of how organized or clean it should be. Some people like it so that every little thing has its on place, and others are a little more laid-back. But whatever your style, be sure to keep your goal and self in mind. :)

[Just a Little Note: To make up for not posting on Monday like usual, I will be publishing a special Wednesday treat for tomorrow. I hope you will enjoy it, and thanks for reading our blog! :D :D :D]

Summer To-Do List Check-In

     I know that you were probably expecting a post from Emily today, as she usually writes on Fridays, but for this Friday, you get me (Julia) instead! Hope you don't mind that. I'm not that bad, right? Anyway, I am here to remind you of something very important. Remember that summer to-do list I suggested? Well, how many of those things are actually done? 
     If your answer was "many of them", "most of them", or "all of them", then congratulations! You are very well accomplished this summer! But, if you are like me, and answered "some of them", "few", or even (gasp!) "none", than you might want to continue reading. Sorry. Oh, and if you did not make a summer to-do list, don't worry! Click here to view that post.
     Okay, so you don't have a lot of boxes checked off. Don't worry, for there still is some time left of summer vacation left (for some people) to get at least some of these things done. How are you ever going to do these things? There are a few solutions to your troubles, so don't worry. Read through each one and find the one that best fits you and your situation.

1. Make a plan. Making a plan is probably one of the simplest options, but might sound easier than it is. Before finalizing your plan, think about the following. Do you have any plans with family and friends over this time? Do you have other priorities? How long will each activity take? Oh, and don't forget to work some testing time into there too!
2. Discard some of your "to-dos". So maybe you don't have enough time to do all of your planned things. I know that I don't have enough time to do all of the activities on my list! Pick certain activities based on both the amount of time you have left and on what you like the most. The rest of your activities can be saved for next summer's fun!
3. Save some activities for school weekends. You do need something to do over the weekend, and if you can't complete these activities over the summer, why not do it during the school year? It might be a slow process (one or two per weekend), but eventually you'll be able to say that you completed your summer to-do list...even if it is a little late!

     After looking through these myself, I suggest combining the first option with the second or third option. If you know you can't complete these over the summer, why not extend your plan over the rest of the summer and the school year? So, I wish you luck with your last-minute summer plans, and maybe future school plans. Just don't let it distract you from enjoying your last days of summer vacation...or doing homework!

[Sorry about the hastily-made post. At least it's something! :)]

Top 10 Things to do in the Car

     Over summer vacation, you'll probably do a good amount of traveling. Whether the car ride is only half an hour or 5 hours, you probably don't want to be bored out if your mind waiting. So, I have created this "Top Ten List" to help guide to the world of car ride fun! Even if you have some ideas, it wouldn't hurt to have a few more! Look below for my top ten picks!

1. Read a book! Everyone loves reading, right? Okay, this might not be true for everyone, but Emily and I sure live to! Books take you to new places. They teach you so many things! Romance, comedy, mystery...there's something for everyone! Check out our book reviews page for a few good suggestions!

2. Talk! Why not? Your parents have tons to say, and I'm sure you do too! Talking is fun for most people, and will make time fly! It also is a great chance to bond with your parents! Have siblings? Even better! You can have a chit-chatter party!

3. Listen to music. Your parents might by mind. In fact, some (maybe including yours) parents listen to the radio themselves! If not, don't worry: a lot of people have some sort of device that they can play music on. Just pick some songs and listen! Just, be careful not to crazily sing along...out loud.

4. Look out the window. Okay, okay, I know: might not be your favorite. But, it can be worthwhile. Especially if you happen to be driving through rows of trees or rolling hills; historic houses or tall city buildings. I'm sure there's something out there! All you have to do is turn your head!

5. Play gin! While this card game may not be ideal for a car ride, it surely is fun--and addicting! It is possible to play in the car though, and is a great thing to do with a friend! (Don't know how to play? Do not worry! Next Monday you can learn how to play through a blog post! So, stay tuned!)

6. Think. Who says you have to actually do an activity? Thinking can be quite fun. And the great thing is, there's so much to think about! Think about what's going on in your life: family, friends, what you're going to do on vaction; what has happened in your life: happy things, troubling things, what happened on your vaction; and, of course, there always is the simple fun of thinking random thoughts!

7. Crochet/Knit. Yes, you may not know how to do either of these things, but there must be a hobby of yours that can be done in the car! Whether it is crocheting, knitting, drawing, etc. it doesn't matter. As long as it is fun for you and meets the previous requirement, it's a possibility!

8. Play a car game. Don't have a deck of cards? That's okay, because there are plenty of games that are made for car rides! Games include I Spy, 20 Questions, an assorted selection of hand games, and so much more. You can even create your own car game to pass the time!

9. Take a nap! Who says this isn't nice? Maybe you had to get up at some unpleasant hour early in the morning. Or you didn't sleep well from vacation excitement. Whatever it may be, naps are an easy and simple option. They especially come in handy during LONG car rides. So sit back, close your eyes, maybe even snuggle up under a packed blanket and begin your snooze!

10. Go on a device. You may be wondering why I chose to put this last on the list. My reason for doing so is because I believe that kids these days already spend enough time on their kindles, phones, iPods, iPads, etc. Anyway, you might not be able to bring such things with you in the car, so it might be best not to think about! With so many options listed above, hopefully you won't have to turn on your electronic!

By Julia

Summer Book Club with Friends!

     Reading. A lot of schools, including my own, require you to do so over your summer vacation. Some people, possibly including yourself, don't find the fun or need in this. But, it is important, and it can be fun. Even if you don't enjoy reading, having a book club can make it enjoyable. And the best part is, you only need at least one friend and enough copies of a book for each person.

Get your friend(s) on board with the idea. Before you can start your book club, you need to find a good group to have the book club with. But don't rush into gathering your group. Try thinking a little. A few factors might make some friends unsuitable for your book club. Ask yourself the following when looking over a friend:

1. Would they have time to get together (or at least chat electronically) for the book club?
2. Do they have a reading level similar to yours?
3. Would you enjoy having them in your book club? (After all, you're trying to have fun!)
4. (If others have already been invited) Is there enough room for them in the book club?

Pick a book. This might sound simple, but there is actually a lot of thinking involved! Is it on a good reading level for you? Will everyone in the book club be able to finish it on time (before summer vacation ends)? Is it interesting to all or most of the book club members?  Are you able to find enough copies of the book for each person? (This last question should also be considered when finding members.) If you need help finding books, you can look at our book reviews page!

Get started! From here on, a lot of the details are up to you! How do you want to do your book club? Will you have physical meetings or electronical ones? How many discussions will you have? How will you split up the book? Will there be assigned roles, or will everyone talk freely about their thoughts on the book?

Why should I have a "Summer Book Club"?

• It would make summer reading even better!
• It gives you a chance to hang out and interact with friends while doing necessary things.
• By having your own book club over the summer, you would be prepared for a book club you might have to do in school.

By Julia

Let's Go Bowling!

   Bowling is a great activity for the summer. It's indoors, which means air conditioning; it's something you can do with friends and family; and it's fun! Go bowling with your family and friends!
   Imagine a hot day (it can get really hot in the summer). You can't stay outside for five minutes without sweating. Your parents want to get out of the house to do something, but it's just TOO hot! But, with bowling, you can bring the fun indoors!
   Also, bowling isn't fun with just one! This is an opportunity to have some fun with others! A little friendly competition can't hurt! ;) Afterwards, you can always get a yummy treat. May I suggest ice cream?
   Bowling is a great activity to do this summer. I have done it a few times myself. Go bowling!

By Julia

Make a Summer To-Do List

     What do you plan to do this summer vacation? Clean. Draw. Write. Play. The possibilities are endless! To keep track of all of these wonderful things (that you MUST do), you can create a summer to-do list! It's easy, simple, and can be fun! But most importantly, it will serve as a reminder of all of your goals.

Step 1: Think! :) Obviously, before you make the to-do list, you have to think about everything you going to put on it! While you probably already have a good idea of what you want, allow me to list a few suggestions below!

• Read (our book suggestions can be found on our books page)
• Draw, paint, color, or sketch
• Tidy up your room
• Have sleepovers (check out our sleepovers label)

Step 2: Gather your supplies! Once you have thought of most of your plans (you'll probably think of more along the way!), it's time to get all needed materials!

• Paper (lined or blank; you pick)
• Different colored pens or pencils
• Any decorations or pictures you may want to add (ex. paper flowers, beads, etc.)
• Glue (used to apply decorations)

Step 3: ***CREATE*** the to-do list! This is the best step for me, and maybe you too! When you make your to-do list, don't just make it in one color! You can organize your goals while making it pretty just by doing this! For example, you can use orange for craft-related goals, purple for "chore"-related ones (ex. cleaning), blue for goals that involve reading, and green for social goals (goals that have to do with other people). You can do whatever you want to do! Use different colors and categories if you wish! Don't forget to include the check boxes! When your done writing down these plans, you get to ~~DECORATE~~ your list! Color, add, draw...I'll leave it up to you! ;)

Step 4: Hang up your to-do list! Where is a good spot for you? On your whiteboard? Wall? Bulletin board? Wherever you hang it, make sure that it is in a spot that you will easily see it and be reminded of your goals. After all, what good is a to-do list if you never look at it?

*~*~*~*CONGRATULATIONS*~*~*~*

You have successfully created your own summer to-do list!

I hope this will be helpful to you during your summer vacation.

Don't forget to check off completed to-do's!

By Julia

Love it? Loved it? Did it? Comment below and share with friends! :)

I am having my second sleepover right this second. I am having a blast so again if you  want to have one do it. You will have so much fun!

A Great Place to Go

Hi! Recently I went to the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Their gift shop was amazing. (I got a cute little white blood cell stuffed animal!) You can make your own paper, walk inside a giant heart or operate a giant crane! So if you love science or just want to get away from boring stay at home weekends, then this is the place to go. -- Emily