Summer is a great time for...

​

"School" is over for those of us who do not homeschool year-round.  But LEARNING never stops.  

But get ready because kids are going to say, "There's nothing to do!"

Here are a few things that summers are perfect for:

• READING...of course!
• Learning or practicing an instrument
  
• Swimming, hiking, sewing
  
• Writing a story
  
• Visiting a museum
  
• Bible study
  
• Volunteering
  

And finally...being bored!  Yes, as uncomfortable as boredom is, it is a catalyst for action. Kids left in their boredom don't stay that way.  They figure it out.

Reading - You will find that many kids who do not like to read are struggling readers.  This is all the more reason that they need to read consistently throughout the summer.  

Reading isn't a "school subject" but it's a skill for life.  And it can be fun.

Even some good readers don't always like to read, but they should still do it.  Reading is great way to build a knowledge bank.  This will make writing much easier later on  Nothing in; nothing out.

Music - Teach your children to be producers and not merely consumers.  There are so many studies out there proving the multiple benefits for those who work at mastering an instrument.  Maybe they don't want to play the piano, but they might try somethig else.  A guitar? a flute? the harp?

Swimming, hiking, sewing - Physical activites are a good idea for everyone.  These are just some possibilities.  There are also sports, dance, horseback riding, fencing....the list is endless.

Writing - Many children love to write imaginative stories.  Give them some tools and let them go!  Give them some colorful pens and paper. Show them how to bind their story into a book.  Or learn to type, add graphics, and print out the story.  Share with the family.  

There are so many kinds of writing.  If they don't like to write stories, have them write something - a journal, a joke, a recipe, a clue, advice, etc...

Visit a museum - Curators work really hard to put together engaging exhibits.  The whole family can learn interesting things if you slow down and spend time reading the plaques and really observing the exhibits.  

I think our museums are one of America's strengths.

Bible study - What's more important than studying the Bible?  NOTHING.  Summer is a fine time to dig in.  If your kids do this alone, be sure to have a time of sharing and conversation about what they are learning and what questions they may have.

Volunteering - Just about anywhere you look there are needs.  What can your FAMILY do together?

These are just a few of my suggestions.  I could write a book.  Do you think I should write a book? LOL.