We're in the home stretch, friends! With less than 4 weeks left of the regular school year, we're looking forward to all that summer brings! It's no secret that summer is one of my favorite times of year. Since we do more of a year-round school schedule around here, we typically get a lot done during the summer months. Plus, it always seems more relaxed and fun, too! I'm telling you, it's that summer state of mind.
I wish I could just bottle it up and make it last all year long! To me, summer is a great mix of relaxation, fun, and learning something new.
Did you know that there are all kinds of statistics out there on the effects of summer learning loss, a.k.a. "The Summer Slide?"
Yup, it's a real thing. Makes perfect sense, right? Three months off from learning is just WAY too long.
In the summer, we try to keep it light. Maybe 2-3 hours tops/three days a week. The girls will also continue to go to Lyndi's for summer school (June & July) on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. They'll do some writing, math, and little bit of everything else.
This summer, I've begun making a list of goals for the girls. After all, you know what they say...
A goal without a plan is just a wish, right? 😊 Here's what I have so far:
Top 10 Summer Goals (in no particular order).
1. Know all 50 state capitals as well as the location and shape of each state. We actually got started with this a few weeks back and I'm happy to say, this goal should be accomplished by the end of next week! The girls have been learning 10 capitals a week by using fun and interactive worksheets as well as puzzles and games. This goal has been a LONG time coming so I'm glad to have it done next week!
2. Complete a state report. We'll do this after we learn all 50 state capitals. Presentations to follow.
3. Complete 3 book reports (1 per month). The book report will be accompanied by some form of artwork that represents the story. This could be a drawing, painting, diorama, or other creative art project of their choice. Presentations to follow.
4. Poetry & Tea Time each week. I'm not sure yet what day of the week this is going to happen but I'm excited to get back into reading and reciting poetry with the girls, while enjoying a fun afternoon treat together.
5. Complete at least 10 read-alouds as a family (mom reads 5 + dad reads 5).
Here's what I've compiled for our real-aloud list so far:
Can't wait!
6. Listen to as many good audio books as we can get our hands on. The girls typically do this when Zach is napping for an hour in the afternoon. Over Spring break, they read about 10-12 books each and listened to 4 audio books. Our local library is our best resource and we like to make frequent visits.
7. Learn something new. Summer is the perfect time for this. So far, we know the girls will be attending my brother's basketball camp in July. Four days of hustle, fun, and hanging out with their cousin, Kylie. Also, starting in June, BOTH the girls will be taking piano lessons. This isn't anything new for Faith but Grace hasn't played in years so she'll be starting up with Faith's piano teacher for a 4 week summer session. The girls will also be taking some knitting/crocheting lessons from my friend's sweet daughter, Monique over the summer.
8. Since we break for CBS over the summer, I thought it'd be fun to do a mother/daughter bible study together so I picked this one called, Becoming a Girl of Grace.
I don't want to waste a whole summer when it comes to keeping in God's word. These pre-teen years are critical and I want to make the most of them by pouring into the hearts of my precious girls. I don't know what the Lord has planned or their future but I may only have 7 more summers until they leave for college.
I want to be intentional about making each one of them count. I'm hoping this bible study will be a sweet mother/daughter bonding time for the 3 of us. We're all looking forward to it!
9. Have FUN!! What's summer if it isn't fun, right? For us, this means a lot of family time (we have a couple of trips planned) and spending time with our friends and extended family. Whether we are in the pool, at the beach, or just hanging out at home, we want to make the most of our time together. Summer means saying YES more often! 😃
10. Be still. This may seem like a weird goal to have (and opposite of goal no. 9) but honestly, learning to be still is a valuable gift. We all need peace and quiet and lazy days once in a while. Having our days packed full of activities or driving my kids from here to there has never been my idea of fun. Allowing time to be still (i.e. reading, creating, praying, or listening) allows us to reflect, rest, and recharge. For me and my family, being still is essential to keeping everything else in balance.
So, that's what I have so far. Believe me, I hold all of these goals loosely and ask God to bless, intervene, and direct our days as He sees fit. Most of all, I hope to be intentional and choose joy every single day, no matter our circumstances. After all, each day is such a gift!
The saying is true, "The days can seem long but the years are short." Time is moving quickly and these girls are growing up so fast, right before our eyes. There's no time like the present to embrace and enjoy.
These are the days!
You know what? All this goal setting has got me thinking about my own summer goals! I think I'll create my own list, too and see how far I get. 😊
Happy weekend, friends!
Post a Comment