Ah, summer!
Our first reaction is usually something akin to, “I can breathe again!” And the second along the lines of, “What will I do to keep them busy!”
But seriously, summer is a perfect time to enjoy those children while taking a refreshing break (even if it is a short one for year-round homeschoolers). It is also a good time to review what worked and what didn’t, and to think about what to add or subtract from the mix the next time. Finally, it is a great time to simply live…and learn!
“Summer of Fun: A Natural Nature Study” is an article by Kathy Reynolds that first appeared in the 2011 edition of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. In the article you’ll find a host of ideas for letting the world be your inspiration, and learning without planning or pushing an agenda using nature study as the catalyst.
However, the bigger picture is capturing these ideas and attitudes and incorporating them into a real-learning atmosphere when the break is over in the fall. To that end, you’ll also find several simple ideas to consider implementing in your homeschool, such as:
- Asking your children to form a list of things they would love to do and letting them work through the list.
- Involving your children in the things you do and enjoy.
- Keeping a journal to reflect on all that is discovered each week.
- And my personal favorite, “Don’t turn every interest into a unit study!”
Realizing all that had taken place that summer with almost no planning from me, I wasn’t amazed. God designed each of us with a hungry curiosity that hadn’t inadvertently been quashed. I was reminded of the Bible verse and motto of our homeschool: “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:3)
It is that living and learning attitude that we hope will stay with us throughout the next year!
Have a sizzling summer!
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