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.
Plant Brussels sprouts so that they come to harvest in the cool of autumn; there is not enough cool weather to bring Brussels sprouts to harvest in spring in most regions. For the best planting date, count back from the average first frost date in autumn the number of days required to reach maturity for the variety you are growing; plant on that date.