Many homeschoolers take a full summer break; I am one of those that do. I love to have the summer to refuel my heart, viagra sale my teaching, there and my energy. I also love that I can just spend quality time enjoying life with my kids that don’t involve official school time. However it doesn’t mean we don’t learn much throughout the summer. It is just not as formal and much more relaxed.
Summer is a great time to work on some organizational projects, especially the ones that are a mess and making the year more difficult. You now have time to work on these issues before the next school year starts. It is also a great time to plan your new school year and a time to just rest!
We know how much our children cherish their summers but often forget that mom can too.
Be careful not to jam pack your summer with every sport and every activity you can, I can’t tell you the happiness that comes with letting much of that go. It takes the rush out of everything and gives you time to do the things you love. For some of you sports will be part of the love list and that is okay but for the ones who are only doing them because they feel they have to, let it go. It will be the best decision you ever make.
Some great things summer break can do for us:
*rest– sometimes we just need to relax from a school schedule, for me it is so good! It helps us avoid burnout and gives us time to reflect.
*Deep Bible Study (often in the school year there isn’t the time to deeply get as involved in deeper study, summer is a great time to get one in)
*Hobbies-usually a homeschool mom doesn’t have too much time for hobbies but summer is a great time to work on a quilt, catch up a scrapbook, or work in your garden.
*Fun stuff with the kids-many summers are filled with vacations or even a fun staycations, this is also a great time to do some extra things you haven’t fit into the school year with your kids. Crafts, science projects, nature studies, enjoy a great summer reading list or plant a garden together.
*Prayer time-this is a great time to get some extra prayer time in.
I’m sure you have an idea on how you want to spend your summer. Set out some family goals together. Some of these goals will involve work and some play but protect your time. It is one of the things I have learned the hard way over the years. I try now to be intentional about what I fill my time up with so I can cherish this time to connect with my kids and recharge myself!
We take two months, Angela. We also don’t do organized sports or extracurricular activities in the summer. And those organization projects, they’re on my list to start this week!
Have fun with your organizing! I am working on mine too! Enjoy your break!
Angela
We school year round but take it lightly in the summer. We usually play in the morning when it is cooler out and then school in the afernoon when it is too hot outside to walk out and be drenched in sweat!
I keep up with a lot of folks on my homeschool blog if anyone would like to check it out. Occasionally I will post my “extras” books on there too! Stop by and hit “like” Trying to get to 100 by the end of the week!!
https://www.facebook.com/OneHomeschoolMom
I know many homeschoolers that do year round, it is great to find a schedule that works for you! Enjoy the break you do take!
Angela
The past few years, we have just taken a short break through the summer, but this year will be a much longer break. I am looking forward to it!
Enjoy every minute!
Angela
I definitely encourage homeschool families to rest and take a break during the summer to recharge. You get a lot more done in the fall if you are full of energy, rather than being depleted from doing continuous homeschooling with no break. I also do my planning during the summer, taking time to pray about what God wants me to put into my schedule for each of my children in all areas of learning.