It's Summertime!

Every summer I enjoy sharing a little of our plans and goals for the summer.  This year is different, of course, because I don't have the "extras" that usually fill our week so I have to do more planning then normal.  In past years, I take time to fill in dates on the calendar with ideas for each week like Library activities, going to the zoo, and other fun field trips but this year that is not happening.  We will be staying close to home.  Instead, I've picked a theme for each week and am hoping I can keep up with the plan!

Pinterest is always one of the best sources for ideas when it comes to planning stuff for kids.  I will say that more of the ideas are geared towards preschool/early elementary but if you dig, you can find ideas for the upper elementary ages too.  Plus, I've found that some of the younger ideas are fun for the older kids and they go faster :-)  I also really like the TeachersPayTeachers site.  This offers printables created by teachers to be used with students.  I usually search for free things as often as possible but for this summer I did pay a small amount for the daily review sheets and weekly them plans.  After doing a lot of searching, the small cost was really worth it in the long run.

One of the most difficult things planning for this summer is going to be to find things to do at home that get the kids outside . . .especially in the middle of July when it is hot, hot, HOT!  I'm thankful for a local state park that has a swimming beach with lots of space (I don't swim in it but the kids don't mind!) that we will visit a few times for sure.  I also have a sprinkler and I'm looking at picking up a few lawn games throughout the summer.  I have even considered getting a "kiddie" pool so they can fill it up and use to not only sit in but to fill water guns or whatever!  Honestly, we will miss the campground pool and had even hoped to be able to use it this summer after a discussion last year with the owner but, due to the COVID-19 restrictions, that will not happen.  BUT, that's ok!  We can be creative.  We MIGHT even take a trip to the big lake (Lake Michigan) with the whole crew this summer too.

So, here we go!  It's almost summertime!  Last week ended the school year --   Yes, my boys finished their school year 2 weeks ago but our two friends wrapped up their year last week so we work on a modified school scheduled still.   This week I have declared "Vacation Week"!  That means there is nothing specific planned.  There are no electronics breaks, no required outside times, and no review work.  After a long few months they can all just "veg out" for a week!  (I might do a lot of reading . .. or cleaning . . .or planning!)  Finally, the following week we will start with my weekly themes/plan.  I promise to share those, my sources, ideas, what works and, honestly, what doesn't work.  (I know, you can hardly wait!)