Homeschool in the Summer, What to do?

Hey there! In this post I am sharing our relaxed yet structured summer plans for our homeschool. This summer doesn’t have to be chaotic!

Summer is here. We live in a part of the state where the summer heat ranges from 90-115 degree weather. We tend to stay in due to the heat during mid day to sunset. So to keep our indoor time productive this is what we do.

For our family summer doesn’t mean we stop learning; instead, we continue in a more relaxed way. Trust me, I love the break of summer, but I also love structure. My home without structure feels a little chaotic.

If you are like me and you need a little break and a little structure, then you are at the right post 😁. I hope to provide you with some tips to help create structure in your home while still enjoying the flexibility and relaxation that summer brings.

Assess how your child did the previous year.

Was there a subjects they needed more help with?

For example, if you reached the end of your math course and noticed that your child has not mastered memorizing multiplication, summer provides an opportunity to focus on this area and strengthen that skill. If there was a unit or subject you didn’t get to cover, summer can also be beneficial for introducing and practicing new material.

Devotional time

Bible studies are a part of our homeschooling routine, so we continue them through the summer. Last year, we began a curriculum on the New Testament, and we are carrying it forward through the summer. Some of the lessons are quite in-depth, so I don’t rush through them. Instead, I schedule dedicated time to sit with my daughter and have a time of devotion together.

Reading Time

Reading is crucial for children. Whether you are reading to them or they are reading on their own, schedule it in.

Make it fun, designate a reading nook or give them a snack like popcorn to enjoy while reading.

You can also purchase them books they choose for summer. If you can’t buy a couple of books for the summer, no problem. Make a fun field trip to the library and let them pick out a couple of books for their summer reading.

The point is to make reading time enjoyable, not boring. A time that they look forward to. If you struggle to get your child to read, I believe that by implementing these tips, they might start to see reading as a fun activity.

One important thing to remember is to lead by example. If your child sees you pick up a book and read, they may be more inclined to do the same. However, if we are asking them to read, but in our free time we sit with a phone in our hand, then they may see reading as a task rather than a time for enjoyment.

Here is a list of why it is important to cultivate a love of reading in our children:

I hope this list serve as a reminder to prioritize reading time. A simple activity like this can truly make a positive impact on your child’s life.

What skill or hobby would you like to introduce or continue with your child?

Does your child have a hobby they have asked to start or continue? Maybe they like to draw or play an instrument. Summer is a great time to motivate them to start or continue with a hobby they may enjoy for fun.

For example, my daughter has been taking online piano lessons for the last two years. In the summer, we continue to schedule it as part of our homeschooling. This year, we are also adding swimming lessons, so when they start, they will be added to the schedule.

Fun Packet

Create a packet with fun worksheets or activities your child can do.

Some of the items I include in my daughter’s fun pack are: one multiplication sheet, one art activity such as sketching or sticker painting, and one to two engaging worksheets from her activity book. It’s a fun way for her to learn and stay engaged.

Schedule

Now that I have shared ideas on what you can do this summer, the next step is creating a schedule. I’m going to share my daughter’s schedule as an example just to give you an idea of how you can create one that fits your family.

9:00-10:00am- Wake up get ready for the day & eat breakfast

10:00-11:00am- One math lesson from the good and the beautiful

11:30-12:00pm- Bible study with mom

12:00-2:00pm- Lunch and chore for the day

2:00-4:00pm- Piano lesson, fun pack & reading time

Now from 4 o’clock until bedtime, she decides what she wants to do. Whether it’s playing with the neighborhood kids, talking to her cousin on the phone, or watching TV. I allow her to have that time.

I would be lying to you if I said that our schedule never changes, and she never fusses about it, and we just do it perfectly. Sometimes we may have to rearrange the schedule. On a complete off day, we may not even follow the schedule. Instead, we may just watch a movie or two or go to the park with her friends and go on with our day. That’s the beauty of summer – we can have our structure but also have the freedom to relax and enjoy the break.

I pray that this summer, you take all the rest and sunshine you need, but also set some structure to help you carry on your days without feeling chaotic.

With Love,

Anabella