As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, let’s chat about a delightful secret to a stress-free homeschool year: embracing summer learning!
Now, I know what you might be thinking – “School in summer? No way!”
But trust me, this is not your average, boring summer school. This is homeschooling with a twist of sunshine, a sprinkle of fun, and a whole lot of joy.
Right now, one of my kids is learning how to write a formal essay about why nature is important (using the Good and the Beautiful curriculum) and the other is listening to a lecture on Hamlet (for free via Hillsdale College online). Note that I did not *ask* them to do those things.
My son was interested in Hamlet because of Usborne books and the complete Shakespeare looking ruefully at him from our bookshelves, as well as cultural references. My daughter is an artist and wants to be able to write better. She is quoting poetry in her essay that she found on her own.
Learning on your own takes practice! It is sometimes difficult to even understand what you want to pursue, but showing your kids this art is a worthy aspiration and one that will lead them to much joy and fulfillment – not to mention less idle internet-surfing/time-wasters when they are adults and out on their own.
The Magic of Summer Homeschooling
Why ditch the traditional school calendar and continue learning through the summer? Let me share a few reasons that might just change your perspective:
- 🦥Savor the Slowdown: Summer is a time for relaxed rhythms, spontaneous adventures, and rainbow-colored popsicles. I strive to weave this laid-back spirit into our homeschooling routines, fostering deeper connections and embracing the joy of learning.
- 🤗Sibling Harmony: Let’s face it, even the closest siblings can get a bit prickly when cooped up indoors… and in Texas, it is too hot to go outside by our bookworm standards! By shifting to a lighter summer schedule, we can open up more opportunities for independent play, library or around-town adventures, and creative pursuits. This not only reduces conflict but also allows each child to explore their interests at their own pace.
- ⛓️💥Learn Without Limits: Traditional school years can feel like a race to the finish line, with pressure to cram in a year’s worth of material before the last bell rings. But homeschooling through the summer gives us the freedom to explore subjects at a leisurely pace, dive deeper into passions, and create a truly personalized learning experience.
- 🍂A Gentle Transition to Fall: Instead of abruptly jumping into a rigorous fall schedule, easing back into a routine over the summer can make the transition feel more natural and less overwhelming for everyone. When we tried to end in May and start again in August, it was always a struggle – even for me. This alleviates that burden.
- 🧳Adventure Awaits: With a flexible summer homeschool schedule, spontaneous trips and family adventures become a breeze. No more worrying about missing school or falling behind!
Sprinkle Joy into Your Summer Homeschool
Here are a few tips to make your summer homeschooling experience truly joyful:
- 🕵️♂️Let Curiosity Lead the Way: What is your child interested in? What are their academic weakness that might need extra help? Work on making those two things mix. If your child is artistic but struggles with math, try Art Makes Me Smart! Does your child struggle with language arts? Find a curriculum that delves into things they like – be it pirates, fantasy books, or comics. Whatever sparks your child’s interest will help spark learning, too. Let them choose their own adventure and watch their enthusiasm for learning blossom.
- 💞Connection is Key: Use this time to strengthen your bond with your children. Read aloud, play games, go for nature walks, and simply enjoy each other’s company. Let your kids see you reading and learning for pleasure and for knowledge and they will copy you.
- ⌛Keep it Short and Sweet: Short lessons or activities are perfect for summer. Aim for 1-2 hours of focused learning each day, leaving plenty of time for play, relaxation, classic movies, and family fun.
- 📖Less is More: Don’t feel pressured to cover a vast curriculum. Choose a few subjects that your children are passionate about and dive deep. Allow them to explore their interests at their own pace. Maturity plays a key with this, as well. Pushing something that your child isn’t ready for is much more difficult than just waiting until their brain is physically ready and it immediately jives with them.
“It is normal for a fifth-grade aged student to be writing at a third-grade level, reading at a fifth-grade level, and doing math at a seventh-grade level. A child who succeeds at two subjects and cries over the third may still be showing immaturity – and the answer may be to drop back to a lower level in only the third subject.” ~Susan Wise Bauer in Rethinking School: How to Take Charge of Your Child’s Education (a book I highly recommend to all parents!)
Remember, don’t view learning as a Thing to Do and then move on, but as a continuous Way of Life.
By embracing a slower pace and a more relaxed approach during the summer months, you can create a joyful learning environment that fosters connection, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Embrace the freedom you have in creating your own joyful home environment, and let your homeschooling adventures unfold! 🌞
Scatter Joy,
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Homeschool With Joy 