As the end of the school year is drawing closer, my mind is starting to think about summer. Since our school year schedule is down right insane. I like to keep our summer schedule a bit laid back
I remember when I was growing up. Summer was spent at the pool with my friends. As I got older, maybe I did some babysitting or was assigned chores to complete. Later as a senior in high school, I actually had a real job a few hours a week at a donut shop (best.job.ever.
For my kids, a few of their sport obligations carry into the summer. My daughter has swim team practice at 5:30am and my son has hockey. Additionally, they both participate in our community swim team…which is 100% fun for them. I really try to limit camps and allow for more unscheduled, less structured FUN time.
However, I do like to provide a few hours of academic focus each day. As a former teacher, I believe in this for a number of reasons. First, without continued work there will be skills lost and some backside. Starting the school year “behind” is stressful and will often lead to anxiety. (Anxiety issues can also hold true for children who have too many academic demands/pressures hanging on them….this is another post all together).
During the summer, I love focusing on the lost art of writing with my kids. I truly believe just as good readers read…good writers write. Writing is hard and a skill that has to be worked on often in order to really get good at it. In school, my kids spend very little time writing. Yeah they minimally do it…but come on neither kid is yet to write a book report…EVER.
So, in the spirit of sharing, here are some of my favorite ideas for getting kids to write:
- Journal: this can be a personal journal, but better yet over the summer it could be a vacation journal or a journal of day trips/activities. What is really fun is to combine writing with photography. Have your child take pictures, paste them into a journal and write about it. This can also be done on the computer.
- Make a recipe pamphlet/booklet: Allow your child to help you cook and then have them write out their favorite recipes. You can take the recipes and turn them into a booklet. Maybe focus on breakfasts? Or healthy snacks? Desserts?
- Blog: Work with your child and set up a blog. Focus on a topic and then have your child write daily. There are a lot of kid friendly sites available.
- Thank you notes and letters: If you have family that live out-of-state or country, have your child write letters.
- Grocery lists: Talk though your grocery list with your child and have them make the list.
- Write a book: Writing “how-to” books or informational books can combine art, photography and writing. Books can be made on-line or created using blank books which typically can be found at craft stores.
- Jar full of fun prompts: On line you can find tons and tons of writing prompts. Type some up, put them in a jar, and each day have your child pick one and write on the topic.
These are just some of many projects you may want to consider. However, always remember: good writers brainstorm and plan.
Other tips to consider: Work on writing at a set time each day. Possible include special treats or snacks. Think of different areas for your child to work…maybe outside? Remember, we don’t want kids to view learning or extra work as a “punishment”, but just like in their sports…practice makes them their best.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world “~Nelson Mandela
“Somewhere, somethin INCREDIBLE is waiting to be known “~Carl Sagan
Life in Snippets 