Now that summer is officially here, unless you are a year around home schooler, many of you have made sure that your students have finished their curriculum for the year, done the yearly required testing (if that is applicable to you), and are ready for some relaxation. When I was home schooling my three older children at once, I couldn't wait for summer to come, probably as much or more than my children. It was my time to take that well needed break.
A local school district near where we live went through the longest strike in the history of our state at the beginning of this past school year. As a result, the students are in school until July 19th! They do not have a choice in the matter. Today a small number of the middle school students were protesting, wanting the school district to give them their summer back. I really don't blame them. We, as homeschoolers, have more flexibility. We can follow the school year, go year around, or do what ever, unless it is in your state home school laws as to when you are suppose to start home schooling. But whatever the case, we are not at the mercy of the school district, especially if they choose to go on strike. It's a great freedom.
I am now home schooling my youngest, who is five years old, and feel I need to work with her through out the summer to keep her fresh on her basics and continue her reading skills. Since I am only home schooling one child now, I don't feel such a huge need to take a summer break. In fact, I am excited to see what we can accomplish this summer. But I am still going to keep it on a low key level. After all, she needs a break and I know my limitations. Besides, I have never been able to get any of my kids to do much schoolwork when the summer hits. Maybe it's because it rains so much in the winter here, that it is a real celebration when it finally gets warm.
So, when we have good weather that we can depend on, it's the time of year to do outdoor learning, exploring, and observing. I remember my oldest son, calling me and pointing to the sky, showing me a bald eagle soaring high above near our house. It is an awesome sight to watch.
Summer also is the time of year that I am able to read to my children more. I like to utilize the library and read fun books. Our summer has basically already started when my West Point son came home for a brief whirlwind of a week. Now that he is back there again our summer plans will continue and we will share our experiences with our cadet son by sending letters to him on a regular basis. Our plans include attending a family reunion, camping, visiting the beach, but most of all enjoying each other and making lots of fond memories. Whatever your family plans is for this summer; I hope you have a great time together. Have a wonderful summer!
A local school district near where we live went through the longest strike in the history of our state at the beginning of this past school year. As a result, the students are in school until July 19th! They do not have a choice in the matter. Today a small number of the middle school students were protesting, wanting the school district to give them their summer back. I really don't blame them. We, as homeschoolers, have more flexibility. We can follow the school year, go year around, or do what ever, unless it is in your state home school laws as to when you are suppose to start home schooling. But whatever the case, we are not at the mercy of the school district, especially if they choose to go on strike. It's a great freedom.
I am now home schooling my youngest, who is five years old, and feel I need to work with her through out the summer to keep her fresh on her basics and continue her reading skills. Since I am only home schooling one child now, I don't feel such a huge need to take a summer break. In fact, I am excited to see what we can accomplish this summer. But I am still going to keep it on a low key level. After all, she needs a break and I know my limitations. Besides, I have never been able to get any of my kids to do much schoolwork when the summer hits. Maybe it's because it rains so much in the winter here, that it is a real celebration when it finally gets warm.
So, when we have good weather that we can depend on, it's the time of year to do outdoor learning, exploring, and observing. I remember my oldest son, calling me and pointing to the sky, showing me a bald eagle soaring high above near our house. It is an awesome sight to watch.
Summer also is the time of year that I am able to read to my children more. I like to utilize the library and read fun books. Our summer has basically already started when my West Point son came home for a brief whirlwind of a week. Now that he is back there again our summer plans will continue and we will share our experiences with our cadet son by sending letters to him on a regular basis. Our plans include attending a family reunion, camping, visiting the beach, but most of all enjoying each other and making lots of fond memories. Whatever your family plans is for this summer; I hope you have a great time together. Have a wonderful summer!
