Wouldn't it be glorious if we could just embrace summer to its fullest?
I used to think taking a complete break from "school" was best. The kids (and mom) needed time to decompress, relax, sleep in, and do all of the wonderful things summer has to offer.
Then reality set in.
After about a week of "embracing" summer, I started observing grumbling, boredom, and a spirit of discontent (and this was just from mom!). The kids were at loose ends and not so happy about summertime anymore.
Routine is a GOOD thing.
When my kids were younger we always embraced a gentle way to school throughout the summer. Now that they are older we need more formalized routines to maintain good moods and fosters peaceful relationships (can you relate?)
A routine also keeps academic skills sharp and inquisitive minds churning. It eliminates the need for questions and keeps kids off of devices.
It's all about SIMPLE in our homeschool.
Both my husband and I work from home. I need to be sure there is time for me to WORK in the mornings, so having this simple routine in place greatly helps our home run smoothly. We are both structured people and tend to become unhappy without routine.
It's just natural our children will need routine then, too.
This is nothing fancy, and it might look different in your homeschool, but here is our routine. Resources we are using will be listed at the end.
Morning Time
We keep Morning Time going throughout the summer.
Devotions
Read-Aloud (I spend A LOT of time reading aloud - we're enjoying this part of our summer. We take turns reading aloud and using this fun color by number... makes read-aloud time fun.)
SQUILT (my son helps me preview SQUILT LIVE! lessons - I always try them out on him first)
Chores
Take out the garbage, unload the dishwasher, make sure your room is picked up and bed made, etc...
Math
Math is too important a skill to let slide. My son completes a full math lesson each day (yes, I am a mean mom).
We are also peppering in some ACT practice problems this summer as well. I'm finding it's never too early to start this.
Vocabulary
My son enjoys words (I think a lot of this comes from learning Latin), so I ordered a set of ACT flashcards.
He enters them into Quizlet each day. I've challenged him to learn all 500 words by the end of the summer. If he can learn them I have promised him a trip to our local LEGO store.
Yes, I know - bribery.
Don't judge.
Piano Practice
Piano is another skill that needs constant attention. 20-30 minutes practice is required each day. I'm quite thankful my kids enjoy playing.
(If you don't have a musician, you might choose another skill your child enjoys to work on this summer - maybe it is art or some other creative outlet)
Read Alone
Once the other activities are finished, it's reading time. You can see some of the books my son has been interested in below.
Normally, the morning time, math, vocabulary, and piano take approximately 3 hours - then reading seems to occur for 30 minutes, or however long a book will captivate my son.
This routine seems to take us right to lunch time.
(I don't make the kids get up at any certain time in the summer, but they've seemed to figure out that if they sleep in too late they will be doing their required work longer, and that's no fun.)
After lunch there is usually time spent with a friend, errands to run, going to the YMCA, or something else to keep the day interesting.
Of course, we have a couple of vacations planned, the kids have a mission trip, and Grant is going to camp. This routine is in place for those weeks when we are home and need to be occupied.
That's it. I told you it was simple.
Resources for Summer Homeschool
Do you have a summer routine with your big kids? Tell me about it.