Encourage students to take advantage of the free resources available at their local library. They may know they can get books, but they may not know that they can check out movies, video games, use the computer, or join community reading programs (many of which have incentives for summer reading).
Like cabbage and cabbage sprouts, Brussels sprouts are a cool weather crop. They should be harvested when the sprouts are small, compact and bright green. Avoid yellowing sprouts with signs of wilt rot or insect damage. Harvest sprouts when they are no larger than 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
You can harvest the brussels sprouts when they are between 1 and 2 inches in diameter and still firm - do not wait until leaves yellow. The sprouts on the lower part of the plant will mature first. Brussels sprouts are biennials, meaning that they will flower and set seed the next year and then the plants will die.