Dawn Spence

 

When I was a public school teacher I taught summer school to make extra money. I know the kids dreaded coming to school in the summer when they could have been swimming! I saw though the value as I knew some of my students never cracked a book over the summer. So I taught in units that students would enjoy learning and I would enjoy teaching.

 

Fast forward as a homeschooling mom and I still see the value of summer learning activities or even what can be called year-round schooling. Having a child with special needs I learn that if we walk away from learning for three months, she will have regression. Don’t get me wrong; we play a lot and swim a lot. What else can you do in Texas heat? But I do try to have fun or do units during the summer to change things up.

 

However you decide to structure your summers, have fun and enjoy the journey.”

 

Here are some of my favorite summer learning activities:

 

  • Unit Learning– One summer we spend the whole summer studying all things Rainforest. We read, made hands-on projects, and celebrated by going to the Rainforest Cafe. I usually ask my kids what we want to learn about and go from there.

 

  • Character Building- Do you see some character training that needs tweaking? It is the perfect time to slow down and focus on their hearts.

 

  • Field Trips- Summertime gives us time to go on field trips and mini trips while dad is home from teaching public school. We enjoy learning new things as a family.

 

  • Reading Programs- We sign up our kids for summer reading programs at local libraries, Barnes and Noble, and Half Price Books. It is a great way to keep them reading while earning free books.

 

  • Finish A Subject– I find that every year we are needing to finish up math. It gives us time to finish and not rush. We summer school and then do something fun, such as swimming. It’s a great motivator to finish up your fractions.

 

These summer learning activities allow us to keep a routine and structure because my kids need that and I need that! However you decide to structure your summers, have fun and enjoy the journey.

 

 


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