I have two children who will be home from school (PreK and Gr. 1) for Spring Break next week. This is a good opportunity for me to try out a summer "we're all home all day" schedule.
Last summer was a disaster. We were home, inside, far too much. I spent far too much time concentrating on the "keeping up the home" tasks and as a result, the kids did not have enough routine, too little responsibilities and spent too much time in front of the TV. I am determined not to make the same mistake again.
I need a routine that will get them the exercise and play time they need, but that also includes a chore time, and reading/academic time, as well as enough time that I can get my "homekeeping" chores done as well.
SO, please send me your ideas... web links are fine too. I'm open to all suggestions.
4 comments:
My suggestions would be staying on a schedule and getting up at a set time, meals at a set time during the day. When mine were little we had breakfast and Bible story, then 1/2 tv so I could shower [pbs kids or StoryKeepers video]. Morning chores--they made their beds, put their dishes in dishwasher, clothes in hamper etc. Free play. Snack mid morning and a story or one of those "summer workbooks" for some math or something. Then a walk or bike ride. A great suggestion would be a NATURE WALK--if you live in such an area. [Hint: google Harmony Art Mom for more ideas] The "One Small Square" books are a great help. Wash up, lunch and then QUIET TIME we liked to listen to soft music or a Bible verse song. More free play or go to friends or pool. One day a week run errands and hit the library or free stuff for families. Then inside play or video so I could make dinner. Early bedtime. Staying on a schedule, hard as it sounds, really helps your kids feel secure and it helps you stay on top of the housework without ignoring your needs or your kids! Another idea is co-op with another mom to have a 2 or 3 day a week home "day camp" so each mom gets to run errands ALONE! Set up a tent, a pool, etc in your yard or if your in the city, hit the park....
I have a post from last year that might help you...
http://theten0clockscholar.blogspot.com/2008/05/5-steps-for-establishing-summer-routine.html
If it does help, maybe you'll link to it sometime?
I will tell you my pit fall for vacation time from school is over scheduling. Then we don't keep up and I end up feeling so defeated. So next week for our spring break I have planned a couple of fun things like the zoo and a trip downtown...but let me encourage you to just take the time to slow down and enjoy the kids while they are at home. I'm all for routine, but they probably just want to spend time with you. Maybe include them in that errand running and make it fun... Above all, enjoy your week.
I wrote an article about this last year. Somehow it didn't transfer w/ my new blog, so this link is to my old blog spot address, but the content is the same :) Hope it helps you!
http://ahighandnoblecalling.blogspot.com/2008/05/schedule-for-homeschool-in-summer.html
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