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.
Mature ginger rhizomes (as sold in the grocery store) will generally be ready to be harvested in about 10-12 months, or after the leaves die back in the fall/winter. When harvesting, you can choose to harvest the entire plant or you can just cut off what you need and allow the plant to continue growing.