So, the kids are home and are bored. They want to play Skylanders on the Wii or Minecraft on the iPad. That’s fine in moderation. It is their summer break, but they can’t do that 24-7. With working full time this summer (the first time ever in my life since I was a teacher before), things are a little different in our household. I used to like taking the kids on field trips a few times a week, but that is just not possible now. If you have time I would encourage to add that in your schedule, as learning hands-on in different places is fantastic for kids! What am I doing now that I am working 40 hours or more a week? Well, I set-up a schedule for the kids. It’s summer, but they still need to work on keeping their skills up for school! Our schedule is posted on the refrigerator (see pic below) and they are good about following it. I truly think kids crave structure, and if they have the entire day without expectations they start fighting and getting bored.
For their school work I ordered some great books off of Amazon. Also, with Amazon Prime I was able to get them in two days with free shipping! I love that! I got them books for the grade level they will be going into! Some of it they find challenging and need help with, but most of it they can do on their own. We are mainly focusing on math and reading. On Fridays I am able to do more with them in the afternoons, so that is where I might be able to fit in some quick field trips for some science and social studies education. We live in New England, so the area is rich with history. I am hoping to get them to see Plymouth Rock this summer! It’s not too far away!
It’s also great to do some sort of vacation with the kids too! We went to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware for a week, and the kids absolutely had a blast! If you do not have time or resources for a vacation away from home, then do something close by! Staycations are always a great time! I think it’s important for them to make memories and have a sense that they’ve had a summer break/vacation!
All in all, do your best to keep the kids busy! Head to the local library and check out books, take a day trip to the beach, find ways to organically get learning in for kids to keep up their skills this summer, and have fun with your kids! They grow up super fast, and even though you may feel ready for them to go back to school on some days, just think that they are only this age once! You don’t want to miss it before it’s too late! You can see here on fun ways to get learning in! Also, it is important to at least get the kids reading, so make sure to do that. Read here for information on how to get them interested in reading, or best ways to use technology in reading education!
We want to do a little Staycation before my daughter has to go back to school in a few weeks!
Love that schedule. Will have to keep that in mind when the boys start school! Thanks for sharing.
I love the “camp wheeler” idea. I need to be more organized and do stuff like that. I does make it hard working full time though, most days I am not home until 5:30pm or later.
A schedule is a great idea! My 5 year old is all over the place and always whining he is bored etc. We’ve been doing library time to keep a little bit of normality, but I like the workbook idea too. Thanks for sharing.
We limit the electronics too. It is really important for the kids to still have something productive to have done each day instead of just wasting it in front of tv or devices. Great idea for the schedule.
Love your summer camp idea! It’s hard to keep kids entertained all summer long.
I love your schedule. I am huge on schedules and planning out our/my days. Thanks for the ideas.
I have a similar schedule for my little one…except we do all the “work” before lunch and then she plays with her friends after. Definitely gotta keep a full schedule for the littles or we’d never get anything done! Great tips!
Love that idea. Going to have to use that one myself..Thanks!!
We are pretty laid back during the summer. But we take weekly trips to the library and my son is limited on video games and computer time. I want him doing other things than sitting in front of a screen but a teen is hard to get to do much of anything else sometimes.
That’s a great schedule. I am a little more relaxed in the summer.
My little man loves Skylanders and Minecraft too! LOL!
My kids are teenagers so they are generally connected in some way even when they are outside shooting hoops or at the beach with friends.
Great schedule! Unfortunately we’ve been sick for most of the summer, but when we’re not, we try to go berry picking and to the beach.
I love your schedule! My kids are 4 and 2, so they’re usually home with me, but man, I need to make a schedule!! haha!
This is fantastic! I think I will send my son to the sitter with a schedule and workbook.
I love you have a schedule printed out. I definitely didn’t stick to my plan like I wanted this Summer..