Three weeks into summer and also three weeks into a very flexible summer school. So far we are progressing okay. Possibly a little two flexible since I had a pain flair and it threw us out of wack and then had some appointments. Yet, that is the point of being flexible and we are trying to keep summer fun too. Not that the summer school isn't fun. Ha!
As mom this is really helping me see where the boys are having problems at in school and where they are strong at. I can see where they enjoy different subjects and why too. It is very eye opening seeing where my strong readers are and where my strong math guys are. Then also seeing who is more likely to give up when it gets a little hard and who is likely to dig in and get to it.
This summer is not just helping the boys with their academics, it is also helping us see who our children are. I believe it is a blessing and I am already of the opinion that every parent should give a home school summer at least once, if not every summer. After all, it helps the kids maintain during the summer to keep them stimulated and it doesn't really take a whole lot.
My prayer for the boys is that by doing this they will be more than ready for school this fall. Plus I am praying we can get past some of the problem areas. Hopefully.
Sometimes I think I am the only mom out there that really doesn't enjoy summer. I know that it is not the case. I just get overwhelmed with everything that is going on and my desire for a stress free and relaxing break never happens.
So this year, we are going about the summer a little different. With the economy the way it is we have had to cut back on going to the zoo and the adventure museum, gas is expensive and our people mover does not get good gas mileage. We have decided to stay home for the most part.
In our area (home) we have a bowling center that is participating in KidsBowlFree.com, the local movie theater has free movies on Wednesdays for the kids (check your local theater), we have a couple playgrounds nearby plus a large state park that we can go to with a swim area that is free. These are all things that we are able to take advantage of to keep the kids busy and we have done in the past.
This year, for the boys we are adding a summer home school curriculum. We started with The Complete Book of Bible Activities, Grades 2-4 mainly for B2 and B3 but I think B1 can use it too now that I have flipped through it. I really like how it incorporates Biblical values, morals, and characters into the activities so that the kids are learning multiple things at once. Then I found The Original Summer Bridge Activities 1-2, The Original Summer Bridge Activities 3-4, and The Original Summer Bridge Activities 4-5 for all three boys. These books will last about eight weeks, which is also the length of our summer (we have an altered school schedule). Each book 'bridges' the grade that the student just completed and prepares them for the next year. I am hoping with the new standards that our schools have put in place that we will at least keep the kids from regressing. Then when I was picking up some office supplies in town, I saw Summer Splash Learning Activities Grades 1-2 for B3. I went ahead and got the extra book for him because he likes the challenge and really needs to work on focusing. We are hoping that in addition to the work keeping them from "being bored to death" it will also keep them from the typical summer regression that occurs. An added bonus is that the Summer Bridge books and one of the other books also have activities that can be accessed online too.
How does your family plan to combat summer boredom? Do you have a problem with keeping the kids busy during the summer?
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Living in middle Tennessee one of the things that our family absolutely loves to do when the weather corporates is go to the zoo. This could be an expensive venture considering gas to get there, admission, parking, food, etc. However, if you get the pass, you save money after just two visits. (For our family it is cheaper to by the pass than to pay for all of us to get it.)
The Nashville Zoo has several options for membership, I invite you to look them over. (Membership Levels) Pick out a level that works great for your family, and then... do the following when you sign up to get the $12 discount. I will list my reasons for buying a year pass below.
Use this code at the zoo or on the phone ROARR62647 For online orders the new member must enter
Promotional Code: ROARR
Member Number: 62647
This discount code is only good until May 31, 2011... so hurry!
My family's reasons for purchasing the pass, and it's not just because of the costs!
FREE admission and FREE parking (once you buy the pass)
Admission = $14 adults, $9 kids 2-12, $12 seniors and $5 parking. Membership pays for itself in two visits
And the boys, and the girls, favorite is the Jungle Gym
The Nashville Zoo is a wonderful attraction for tourists, locals, and especially home schoolers! There is an actual home school program that the zoo does for special trips (Home School Days). There are also camps and many other programs available.
Another thing to remember, if you are not a member it now costs $5 to park per vehicle. Members get free parking!
Use this code at the zoo or on the phone ROARR62647 For online orders the new member must enter
Promotional Code: ROARR
Member Number: 62647
This discount code is only good until May 31, 2011... so hurry!
If you get your Nashville Zoo pass quickly you can use it April 23 for the EggstravaganZoo! It's a big Easter celebration that puts ordinary Easter Egg hunts to a shame. (I could be partial) The Zoo egg hunt is also special needs friendly if you need to help your young child that has a special need.
