Making Summer Connections
Whether your student is staying with you this summer or living somewhere else, there are ways to stay connected...

• Create a Workout Time. Get up in the morning to take walks before work or meet after supper to walk the dog or take a bike ride.
  
• Tap Into Skype. Sign up for this free video or voice connection over your computer at www.skype.com. It's the next best thing to being there!
  
• Have a Reunion. Meet halfway for a picnic if you're living separately. Or invite old friends and family for a barbecue if you're living close by to get everyone together for some summer celebrating.
  
• Read the Same Book. Give your student a book that you've both talked about wanting to read, and then read it yourself, too. It'll give you common ground to discuss the next time you're together, on the phone or connecting through Skype!
  
• Be Tourists. Hit up the local caverns that you haven't been to since your students' childhood or explore back roads and flea markets. Make it an adventure to just get out and do something out of the norm!
  
• Send Wacky Postcards. It takes 3 minutes to write out a postcard and pop it in the mail. So, arm your student with postcard stamps and get some for yourself – then pick up funny postcards along the way this summer and let your student know that you are thinking about her!
  
• Take Up Tennis. This can be a good way to spend some time while also getting great exercise! Or consider golf, hiking or other companionable activities.

It doesn't take much to stay connected, yet the benefits are invaluable!

Tech Connect
• Send a Twitter "tweet"
• Text a quick note
• Instant Message a smiley face or a joke
• E-mail a photo
• Find a funny or inspirational video on YouTube and send your student the link