The Beauty of Summer

Summer is full of beauty. It's all around us in the changes that occur in nature, the way we naturally slow down when it's hotter outside. The chances for family vacation time for many people, and then for home educating families there's the question of school during summer?? What do you do?

For our family there are cut and dry "Seasons" of home schooling. As most in the Northern Hemishpere we are in our Summer Season. It is hot and mostly dry (with only an occaisional thunder storm) and full of fun and adventure. We just moved to a new city and are discovering the beauty of Summer by exploring and discovering all that our new surroundings have to offer. We've had visits to the Zoo, we try and have a Wild Day! at least once every two weeks or so, we've hosted some little ladies for a lovely Lavender Tea, and every now and again we love to have A Crafty Day! when it's too hot outside!!

I really enjoy the slower rythym of summer, although I truly crave a "schedule" so I kind of sneak in scheduled things for us like regular library days, math drills on the computer, or a worksheet, set read aloud times, our daily morning devotions and bible time so it feels a little more like we're accomplishing our tasks. To be honest, the kids thrive on a bit of scheduling as well, and they do much better with somewhat of a plan than none at all, mayhem and chaos will reign otherwise and that does not make for a happy mother I can assure you :) I have been in a perpetual state of organizing the school room and re-shelving our books so as to be "all set" for when we crank up again!! For me, this is one of the beauties of our slower pace ;)

Our Summer Season is full of richness and family time and there is certain to be learning going on all around us in the form of summer reading lists, as well as Swimming lessons, Skateboard camp, hosting out of town family, camping trips with the West Coast Charlotte Mason gang, that it hardly seems like we're missing a thing!! I think I'll go and curl up on the porch with a good book and some kiddos!!

Here's hoping you have found the beauty in your Summer and may God bless you in your day!!

Comments

[Theresa]

Sounds like a great summer! I've never been able to schedule summer or get away with any academics whatsoever from mid-june to mid-august!LOL!
BTW: how is it going with the Montessori set-up for your littles? I remember you posted on 4real that you were considering it before the move. Did that happen? I'd love to hear about it as I am considering it for my dd as well.

[CreativeHSMom]

I need to bookmark your suggestions, they are fantastic!
Cathy =o)

[Amy]

Sorry, no time to post a comment, I'm off to find the beauty in my summer... ;-)

:)