Summer school can be fun school when it combines learning and free time.
Summer is just around the corner for many homeschoolers. As days heat up and lessons grow short, homeschooling parents are looking ahead to the break from school.
While summer months can be time for a homeschooling parent to get caught up on chores and projects, they can also be a great opportunity for kids to grow and continue learning, as well. Then there is the added goal of avoiding hearing those three dreaded words - “Mom, I’m bored”.
Unit/Theme Study
Summer months can be the perfect time to get that unit lesson in there was never time for during the school year. Catch up on geography or introduce a whole new topic, like the life and art of Leonardo da Vinci.
Cooking Fun
Cooking remains an excellent way to learn, combining all sorts of disciplines in one art form. Of course, the delicious result at the end is an added benefit.
Use summer months to learn about The Science of Ice Cream or the Science of Pie. You will be glad you did!
Vacation Education
For many families, summer means vacation. In the terms of education, vacation becomes a goldmine of real-world learning. Whether you are hitting the beach or the mountains, you can turn your time away from home into an excellent vacation education.
- Several weeks before leaving, have your children find the vacation destination on the map. Learn about that area of the world - natural resources, population, interesting history.
- Do not be afraid to have assignments during vacation. These can be fun as well as education. For example, if you are at the beach, have your child keep a list of all the different animals and ocean life they see. Or, collect shells from beach walks.
- If you are in a wooded or mountainous area, bring along a good bird guide and start a life-list of birds you spot.
- Visit historical spots.
Business 101
Money, finance, and business skills can flourish in the summer months. Many kids experience the urge at one point or another to venture into the world of capital. Learning entrepreneurial skills translates to skills for life, whether that be a newspaper route, lemonade stand, mowing lawns, hosting a soccer camp, babysitting, or an infinite variety of other possibilities. Homeschooled kids are often capable of thinking outside the box. Do not be afraid to let them explore ways to earn money. As always, however, make sure they stay safe in whatever they do.
- Teaching Kids Business - developed for kinds from K-12, this site probably works best for those aged 10-14. Full of great information for kids and parents alike, this site is a good introduction to business skills and information.
- Find a great book on business for kids at your local library or bookstore.
Have fun and stay cool!
