Ready or not – Summer is here!

During this time of year everyone loves to declare – NO MORE SCHOOL! I will freely admit that when I worked in the public schools, “School’s Out” (by Alice Cooper) was played shortly after I lovingly waved goodbye to the kiddos on busses for the last time of the school year.  You know the song….feel free to sing along…..

Video from You Tube

A few minutes after the song ended, I would always worry about the students who would not participate in any educational activities during the summer months – the ones who wouldn’t even read a few good books.  It is the lack of educational activities that cause skill regression over the course of the summer.  This is the reason behind starting each new school year with a period of review.  Teachers have to make sure the students have the skills necessary to move on.

It is hard for me to imagine to have the mindset that once a book is read or a workbook completed that the learning process is over.  I hear others make comments about finally being done with homeschool for the year because a math book or science book was completed.  Why does learning have to stop just because a book was completed?  I believe it is quite simple to find fun and educational opportunities during the summer.

So what is going on in the Heathen house this summer?  We have a few preplanned activities, but we leave lots of free time to explore and see where life takes us.  A couple of the bigger events the kiddos are looking forward to ~~ My son is going to his first sleep away camp.  The camp is hosted my Missouri Science & Technology.  He is excited to be staying in the dorms during the camp.  Be sure to check out the information about all of the precollege programs they offer.  My daughter has a two week program at Springfield Little Theatre.  All the campers will participate in a production at the end of the camp.  She is beyond excited to have a chance to be on stage.  Both of the kiddos will be going to workshops at the Discovery Center.  We have a few short trips planned as a family this summer.  I am sure we will find many fun things to do during each trip.  I will be using Four-Square to check in at educational locations we find during our summer fun (If you are looking for me on Four-Square, my user name is Heathen Mom).

Summer is also a great time to explore art.  I have no problems doing messy art projects inside, but I know many moms want to avoid the mess.  Take your children outside and your house will remain mess-free.  My son has decided we wants to do a bit of nature photography this summer.  I happily said yes when he asked if he could print a book of his nature pictures sometime this summer.  My daughter heard him talking about it and decided she wants to make a book as well.  Digital cameras and walks outside are going to be frequent events for us in order for them to finish the books during the summer.

Playing outside, swimming, nature walks and laying under the stars seem to always make their way into our summer schedule.  There is just something magical about playing outside during the twilight hours.  Maybe it is because we are in Missouri and it is just too dang humid during the day, but it is like the world comes alive in a special way as the sun begins to set.

This time together is priceless.  I hope my children always remember the fun times of their childhoods, especially the fun adventures the warmer months of summer allow.  So what are you doing this summer?