 Summer is a perfect time for some free-form learning — through books, field trips (virtual or real), movies, family adventures, story swapping, and exploring the world right in your own neighborhood. Ask kids what they want to learn this summer… and join them on their journey. Summer learning, side-by-side > Summer reading for children with dyslexia > 8 ways to make the most of summer > 9 characteristics of effective summer learning programs > For more articles, parent tips, booklists, and creative ways to fill the summer months with reading and learning, visit our Summer Reading section. If critical thinking depends on knowledge, then how do kids develop deep, interconnected knowledge? What can parents and teachers do to help build this background knowledge? Here's your chance to ask the expert, Dr. Daniel Willingham, a cognitive psychologist and professor at the University of Virginia, who has written extensively on how children learn. Read his provocative article Critical Thinking: Why Is It So Hard to Teach? (American Educator) and this article on Reading Rockets, Knowledge in the Classroom. Questions can be submitted during the month of June. Answers to selected questions will be posted on Reading Rockets — check back in July. Ask the expert >
(select "Ask Dr. Willingham" from the dropdown menu) Looking for a tutor for your child during the summer or the upcoming school year? Learn about the benefits of tutoring, what to look for in a top-notch program, and why it's important for your child to really connect with his tutor — in our newest webcast, Talking Tutoring. Watch webcast >
 Ah summer! Spread a blanket out under the trees and enjoy some of the wonderful new books recommended by our children's literature expert, Maria Salvadore. You'll find lots of great nonfiction this year — perfect for piquing a child's curiosity about the world. Download and print the list (arranged by age), for kids up to 9 years old. Browse summer booklist > As soon as she learned to read and write, author and illustrator Frazee started making little books. Now she works out of a 12 x 12 art studio beneath an avocado tree in her backyard. Her expressive illustrations breathe life into simple stories about real kids — like a baby taking its first wobbly steps, the impetuous Clementine, and two boys, James and Eamon, who have the best week ever.
 With summer here, many families are planning fun family adventures. The Pierce County Library System developed fun literacy adventure resources that help develop early literacy skills. Each resource includes fun ways to incorporate reading and writing and a booklist too. Sample topics include the airport, bus rides, dining out and neighborhood walks. Go to resource > The box office hit Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian has lots of kids talking about museums. But exploring the past isn't just something you can only do at a museum! The National Museum of American History has gathered great ideas on their website for things kids can do right at home. Go to website > Dads, do you want to learn how to make a cool pair of dragon hunter's goggles? Then check out this delightful, crafty website, Dad Can Do, brimming with ideas for "do together" projects. Go to website >
 Research shows that teacher quality is one of the most powerful predictors of student achievement in at-risk schools and that staff stability is critical to long-term school improvement. Learn more about what you can do as the leader of a hard-to-staff school to recruit and retain your brightest stars, before and after those crucial first days of class. Read article > Summer marks a time when teachers consider teaching in a different area, a new school, or taking on a new role in a school. Our friends at Edutopia offer some suggestions for teachers looking to find their dream teaching job. Read suggestions > Early Learning Passports from the Get Ready to Read Transitioning to Kindergarten toolkit provide an easy way for preschool teachers to communicate with a child's upcoming kindergarten teacher. See a list of suggested things to include and simple forms that can help. Go to toolkit >
 Dylexia International (DI) is presenting a World Dyslexia Forum in February 2010… and they're looking for your help. DI is asking teachers worldwide to report on good practices for teaching reading and writing. If you'd like to help, please visit the World Dyslexia Forum website, and click "Good Practice" to access the questionnaire. The U.S. Department of Education has asked Reading Rockets to join this effort by inviting you to complete the survey. Go to survey >
 On May 20, Education Secretary Duncan testified before the House Education and Labor Committee about President Obama's agenda for transforming American education. An archived webcast and the text of Duncan's testimony are available. Go to site > Charter schools are publicly funded schools that operate outside the direct control of local school districts. Some public school officials question whether public funds should be used to support charter schools. Funded by the Rand Corporation, a recent study examined the impact of charter schools on public schools, and student outcomes within charter schools. Read the study >
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