Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions ions are my own.
As the temperatures get warmer, most families take a break from homeschooling. Others would like to keep some form of learning going, which is why I want to talk about how to gently homeschool through the summer. This doesn’t require a concrete schedule of waking up early and getting the five core subjects in. In fact, it’s less about getting lessons done and more about keeping their minds occupied, incorporating natural, everyday learning. Here’s how!
How to Gently Homeschool Through the Summer
Understand your motive for homeschool through the summer.
In some cases, you may want to use the summer months to explore your child’s interests. Or, perhaps you’d like to use the summer months to help them excel in a weak area. Regardless, knowing why you’ll be homeschooling through the summer will help you determine the next few suggestions.
Decide how you’d like to do summer homeschool.
Since traditional school is out and most homeschoolers are taking it easy, you could take advantage of summer programs and services that otherwise wouldn’t be available. For example, public libraries usually have summer reading programs and communities may have a variety of educational summer events. Take advantage of these opportunities to help your children learn outside the box. Summer camps is also another way to incorporate summer learning. From 4-H and girl/boy scouts to skill-based camps, or even family camps, there is something for everyone.
Get an idea of the resources available.
This goes hand-in-hand with the last suggestion, but certainly deserves its own conversation. You may be surprised of all there is available for learning through the summer. A few places to consider using (and taking field trips to) are:
- Local museums
- Local parks/historical sites
- Zoos
- Planetariums
- Science museums
- Local businesses/organizations (who may offer tours and/or classes)
- Local community college
These are just a few ideas worth exploring for your area.
Create a summer homeschool schedule.
I know I mentioned that summer school didn’t have to be a “wake up at 6am and do math by 8am” kind of thing, but it is beneficial to have some sort of schedule. This could be something as small as having your field trips planned, a list of books your children will read, or local activities you plan to attend written on the calendar. This way you’ll have some type of idea of what you’re doing and when plus you will be able to see if there re any scheduling conflicts. It doesn’t mean these things have to be in stone, but to keep from deviating from your overall plan to gently homeschool through the summer, having a schedule will help.
Make it fun.
Whatever you plan to do, always remember to make it fun. 100% of the time, kids who are having fun always tend to learn better. If reading a certain amount of books is on your kid’s summer school schedule, sign them up for a book club that offers incentives, prizes, and accountability. Maybe, even take on a reading challenge with them. If they are interested in learning about animals, add visiting a zoo or farm in the mix. There are lots of ways to make summer learning fun!
Ideas for Gently Homeschooling Through the Summer
If you need more ideas for gently homeschooling through the summer, try these:
- Set a goal to read a certain number of books.
- Create a “I want to learn about” bucket list.
- Review old concepts.
- Pick one new thing to learn about.
- Volunteer at a local shelter (animal, homeless, etc.).
- Visit national parks.
- Take nature walks.
- Do a few STEM projects.
These suggestions cost little to no money and will provide your kids with hands-on learning they’ll remember. Also, don’t forget to use everyday life as a way to teach certain concepts and skills. If your child is of age, solicit their help with cooking meals, grocery shopping, running errands, recycling and so on.
Oftentimes we forget that life skills are just as – if not more – important as academics. Give your children an opportunity to fashion the skills that will inevitably follow them through adulthood. They’ll look back and appreciate all those fun learning moments!
Final Thoughts
As the summertime approaches, don’t feel like you need to stop school altogether. Simply adopt an approach that will help you gently homeschool through the summer. You can never go wrong by going where your child’s needs lead and making it a summer filled with fun and education.