After School at Home
Summer Wishes from the After School Team!
Week of June 1
Bedtime Book Club
Each week Ms. Fross will be reading a chapter from James Howe’s classic Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery! So put your pajamas on, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and get cozy.
Drumming with Mr. Rubinshteyn
Stretching With Mr. Ridore
Bow Pose
One of the significant benefits of bow posture stretching is to improve spine flexibility. Practicing this exercise regularly would help in reducing strain in the neck, back, and also release muscle tension. Also, it enhances the blood flow and strengthens the upper body.
Lie on the belly with the head towards one side and the hands alongside the body.
Turn the head to touch the floor with the chin. Exhale, fold the knees, and grab the right ankle with the right hand and left ankle with the left hand.
Inhale, slowly lift the chest and raise the knees while continuing to hold the ankles with hands.
Exhale and slowly lower chest and feet. Return to the original position in step one.
Cobra Pose
Cobra pose helps in relieving backache, improving hunger, and reducing abdominal fat. It can also help in strengthening the stomach and spine.
Lie down on the belly with face down, elbows bent and hands placed next to the face.
Gently push the hands to the floor and lift the body upwards. Gradually straighten the elbows and raise the head while doing so.
Put the weight on the palms and raise the upper body.
Hold this position for 10 seconds and come back to the initial position.
Seated Toe Touch
This stretching exercise is good for the hamstring and the lower back. It releases hamstring tension, flexes the spine, and improves the motion of hips.
Sit on the floor with legs straight forward and feet next to one another.
Slowly bend forward and touch the toes with hands. Hold the position for 10-30 seconds and return to the original position.
Beginners can also perform this exercise while sitting in a chair and legs slightly bent.
Explore the Van Gogh Museum with Mr. Brewer
As an international referee I have been able to travel and visit so many amazing places! Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities with all sorts of life and music.
Amsterdam is home to my favorite museum of work by my favorite artist. I hope you enjoy the Van Gogh museum as much as I have every time I am there. Check out their virtual tours—the museum is amazing. All of the pieces can also be independently viewed and there is a large section about the artist as well!
DIY Stained Glass with Mr. Corey
This project draws influence from those in these videos.
DIY Faux Stained Glass (without paint)
Stained Glass Method 1
Materials
painter’s pape
glass paint
Instructions
Using this method, you can use glass paint and painter’s tape cut into thinner lines to create interesting works of art on bedroom windows. Once your paint dries, remove the painter’s tape to reveal perfect lines and interesting gaps.
Stained Glass Method 2
Materials
fun colored tape
different colored binder dividers
scissors
Instructions
Use colored binder dividers that you can find at Target, Walmart, or office supply stores.
Cut binder dividers into small random polygons using only straight cuts.
Use colored tape to tape the pieces onto your window, leaving room between shapes for the tape to adhere to the glass.
You can use other types of permanent paints by mixing them with Clear Elmer's Glue in muffin tins. Use painter's tape to create shapes, and enjoy painting between the spaces. When the paint has dried, remove the painter’s tape and carefully fill in the unpainted areas in with black paint.
Snack Story with Mr. Jean-Mary
The King of Kindergarten
Hello everyone! Are you hungry? Do you need to relax? Perhaps you need a story to listen to while you have a snack, or are getting ready for a nap. Come listen to a story with me!
Art Unplugged with Beth Meditz
Create awesome art by re-purposing everyday materials!
Flying Bird
Materials
several pieces of any color paper
markers, crayons, or Craypas (oil crayons)
1 stick or dowel
scissors
glue gun (for adult-use only), strong tacky glue, or strong double-sided tape
Instructions
Find a workspace
Gather your supplies
Fold one piece of paper in half
Draw out one bird wing from the top and bottom of the fold
Cut out the wings from the folded side; don’t cut the fold
Open to see two wings
Draw the head with enough “neck” to fold around the stick
Cut out head
Cut ovals from different colored papers for feathers
Design both sides of the head and wings; make your patterns beautiful!
Glue on cut colored paper feathers
Fold the neck so it can wrap around the front end of the stick
Fold the wings so that it will wrap around the stick
Glue or tape the head and wings to the stick
Hold the stick and use your wrist to flap the wings of your flying bird.
Safety tip: don’t run with a stick!
Ms. Vitale’s Easy Slime Activity
Ingredients
1 cup of corn starch
½ cup of water
4-5 drops of food coloring
2 bowls
spoon
plastic bag
Directions
Put 1 cup of cornstarch in a bowl.
In a separate bowl stir ½ a cup of water and 4-5 drops of food coloring together.
Combine the water mixture and the cornstarch together until it has a slimy gooey mud-like consistency.
Get messy!
Clean up the slime with soap and water or put it is a plastic bag for safe keeping.
Story time with Mr. Balkovetz:
“The Day the Crayons Quit”
Mr B. here with another personal favorite! Get your most awesome and softest stuffed animal and let's read a story!