Really Quick

I'm about to hit the road again. Goin' to the country.

About this time of year, people ask what we do during the summertime. Here is my bullet point answer:

• Read! I don't usually do library programs because I don't stay in one place long enough to get into that routine. However, Half Priced Books has a fun reading program. The kids are reading daily without being reminded, and they are responsible for writing down how long they read (good math practice). There is still plenty of time in June to start- you need to go to a local store and pick up a record sheet, then read at least 300 minutes for the month.
• Write a book "report". We have started with the basics: who, what, when, where- and sometimes why and how. Once that is mastered, we've added some other questions like, What was your favorite part? What would you change? What is something interesting about the main character?
• Write, write, write... there are plenty of opportunities to write in the summertime. Journals, stories, how-to's..
• Pictures. We take a lot of pictures. Hopefully we will get them in a book soon.

• Drawing- whenever it is appropriate. Usually motivation isn't needed for this one.
• Science experiments. During the school year, we don't always have time to do as many as I'd like, so we do them during the summertime. These kiddos love science experiments.
• Nature walks.
• Vacation (hopefully). These are also great learning experiences.
• Sports and camps.
• Thinking exercises.
• Crafts.
• Math. I find it easier to keep going with math on IXL so we keep on schedule and don't lose our math skills over the summer. 20-30 minutes a day is sufficient.
• Piano. With four girls around, if one gets excited about something, they all follow. Often someone is playing on the piano.
• Goal/ Checklist. They have been writing down 3-4 things that they would like to get done during the day and check them off. This has been good for self motivation.
• VBS/devotions/verse memorization.
• Play. Plenty of time to play, time to get bored, time to get wet, time to imagine, time to pretend.
• Gardening. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa...
• Talking about nearly everything. Learning doesn't stop when conversations are encouraged.
• Cooking.

These are the main things- really quick. There's more, and sometimes there is less.

I do love summer.