Use Summer to Build Habits
Oh summer is for fun! Summer can also be opportunity. See, without all the regular ‘have tos’ of school and extracurricular activities, there is time. That wonderful, empty space on the calendar. But sometimes having more time can be a challenge. So we have found a balance. Summer is when we work on those basic ‘bones’ of our days – all the while having fun and taking an official homeschool break.
There are a few, long-standing habits that have blessed our family and our homeschool. These particular habits have built both independence and focus. See, in the summer we like to head to the library about once a week and simply choose books for pure reading pleasure. These habits give us a couple of designated times for reading.
All of my children have outgrown this habit. But I continue to see the benefits. Especially being able to play independently and to focus. More in How Morning Room Time Building Learning Skills for Later.
Are you ready to put your feet up and relax? I am! Afternoon quiet time is our longest running habit at over a dozen years. Today’s layer gives a spot of quiet for all ages. Back when my first toddler outgrew her nap I wondered what to do. See, I needed that time. Why did she outgrow her nap when I had an infant? Afternoon quiet time was the answer.
There are so many benefits that come with afternoon quiet time that I have three posts written on the subject. If you don’t know about this habit or if you need some new ideas, please start here: Afternoon Quiet Time for All Ages.
Bedtime Reading
When the days are longer and there is more sunlight, a few times a week the children go to bed a little earlier and read. More ideas for building the habit of reading.
More Habits to Build in Summer
It also helps to simply have a check list of ideas. That’s why I created this list last year…
Chalkboard of Summer Prompts
I love chalkboard. I also appreciate a good list. And so we created a chalkboard of summer prompts. A combination of the two! Simple. Actions verbs. Encouraging us all to be creative! Chalkboard of Summer Prompts.
100 Helpful Homeschool Habits for All Ages
I’ve featured a few of our habits today. But maybe you would like to focus on something else over the summer? Well, I have a few! 100 Helpful Homeschool Habits for All Ages. Our habits help us accomplish a basic school day and get food on the table. We leaned on one or two habits more heavily when all our children were age 10 and under. And we’ve tweaked habits to meet our needs with growing children.
Last Days of Homeschool!
Here’s very short wrap up of our homeschool year, along with some celebrations! And I’ll share a few more of our favorite basic summer habits at the end as well.
This week I have been tying up loose ends. That will continue into next week. One way is by writing Narrative Report Cards following Barb-Harmony Art Mom’s excellent example. We’ve done these for several years. It meets our state requirement for a yearly summary report. Plus it helps us reflect on the year of learning. And the children really like getting them!
- Second Grade
- Fourth Grade
- Eighth Grade
- Plus a high school Junior and a Senior!!!
Summer Wish List – When we move away from the regular rhythm of studies, there happens a simpler way of learning. I like to plan summer learning in wish list form.
Don’t miss our Atlanta Summer Fun Wish List (lots of fun things and some ideas even if you aren’t in Georgia)
Many thanks to these kind hostesses (I’m linking up!):
- Collage Friday – Homegrown Learners
- Finishing Strong – Homeschooling the Middle & High School Years
- Weekly Wrap Up – Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers
I’ll still be sharing art tutorials, helpful habits and more through the summer. Have you subscribed to Hodgepodge? But first, we are taking a bit of time off. Family will be in town, Hodgepodgedad and I are celebrating our 20th anniversary and there’s just good ol’ fun to be had for kicking off the summer!
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:4
How about you? Will you use summer time to build some basic habits?
Download the Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue art tutorial today!
Download the Homeschooling in Georgia ebook today!
Download the Summer Trees acrylic art tutorial today!
Download the Impressionism with Chalk Pastels: Monet's Bridge art tutorial today!
Download the Baseball and Bat art tutorial today!
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