Summer Ideas for Homeschoolers

School’s out but learning is still happening, even if it’s not in front of a computer or textbook. There are many different ways to adapt homeschooling to a more relaxed setting. Read on for summer homeschool ideas.

Start a summer garden

This is a great way to teach children about plants, the environment, and the importance of patience. Children can help to choose the vegetables and flowers to grow, plant the seeds, and water and fertilize the plants. Gardens, whether in your backyard or in a shoebox by a window, are a great way to see science and in action. Your child can also keep a journal to track their progress by drawing different growth stages of the plants. Some easy plants for kids to grow include tomatoes, sunflowers, cucumbers, zucchinis, aloe vera, basil, and strawberries. Help them observe the colors, sizes, and shapes of seedlings, leaves, and flowers.

Look for Rocks or Seashells

Engaging in the exploration of rocks and seashells is an exciting and educational activity that can be enjoyed wherever you go, like the beach, the mountains, or even in the comfort of your own backyard. Children will have a hands-on opportunity to discover the wonders of nature while fostering their curiosity and enhancing their learning experiences.

With their eyes on the ground, they’ll search for rocks and seashells in a variety of colors. Encourage them to observe the subtle variations in shades and hues, from vibrant blues and greens to earthy browns and reds. They can also explore the different shapes and sizes of rocks, ranging from smooth and round pebbles to jagged and irregular fragments.

Talk with your child about what they find. Some rocks may feel rough and gritty, while others may be smooth and polished. Seashells, on the other hand, often have delicate and intricate patterns on their surfaces. By touching and feeling these natural objects, children develop their tactile sense and gain a deeper understanding of the diversity of textures found in nature.

If your child is searching in your backyard, they can use these found objects and their creativity to create art and crafts projects. They can arrange the rocks and seashells into colorful mosaics, make jewelry, or construct miniature gardens. This not only fosters their artistic expression but also strengthens their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

If you’re in a public place, it’s best to leave found objects where you found them so that others can enjoy nature just as you and your child have.

Create New Habits and Routines Ahead of the New School Year

Maintaining good habits from the school year or starting new ones for the next will make your summer days go smoother and ease the transition back into an academic schedule.

Start new habits that will help your children be successful in school, such as going to bed and waking up at regular times, establishing good hygiene, eating healthy foods, and having time outdoors regularly. You can also use this time to create new routines that will make your family life run more smoothly, such as having a family dinner together every night or doing chores on a regular basis.

Make a Summer Bucket List Together

Having a summer bucket list is a quintessential part of the summer experience! This is a fun way to create a list of all the things you want to do over the summer. Grab a piece of paper, encourage your child to imagine all the things they’d like to do, write them down, and hang the paper in a prominent place where they will see it. When deciding what to do for the week or when summer boredom strikes, encourage your child to look at the list.

Some items on your child’s summer bucket list list can include:
1. Plan a beach day 
2. Build a fort
3. Catch lightning bugs
4. Make ice cream together
5. Go fishing
6. Have a picnic
7. Run through sprinklers
8. Go mini-golfing
9.Camp in the backyard
10. Have a water balloon battle

Develop the Interests Your Child Has Expressed Throughout the Year

This is a great time to explore your child's interests in more depth. If your child has expressed an interest in dinosaurs, you can visit a dinosaur museum or read books about dinosaurs. If your child is interested in art, you can take them to an art museum or provide them with art supplies. With a more relaxed daily schedule that the summer allows, your child might love to try Artist Dates.

With Outside the Box Creation, you can help unfold your child’s interest in art month after month. It’s the easiest way to add art education to your child’s day. Get homeschool art curriculum delivered monthly so your child learns like an artist, with zero-prep on your side.

Visit a Local Botanical Garden and Take Your Child’s Sketchbook

Save this one for a rainy day! Get some fresh air, get out of the house, and learn about different plants. Children can draw pictures of the plants they see, or they can write about their experiences in their sketchbook.

Artist-in-residence, or artist residencies, are collaborations between artists and hosts, like organizations or communities. The point is to give artists space and time to create art and refine their craft free from distractions, often within a theme or framework.

  Check your local garden’s website for special summer discounts, exhibitions, or children’s programs.

Be an Artist-In-Residence for a Day

Pack a bag. You’ll need your child’s sketchbook, some crayons or colored pencils, and something comfortable to sit on. Your child is going to pretend they’re an artist-in-residence!

Spend an afternoon at your local aquarium, library, or museum. Encourage your child to sit quietly, observe what they see around them, and draw it however they choose to express themselves.

Check the website of your local aquarium, library, or museum for their homeschool ideas for summer as well.

Tips for Making the Most of Summer With Your Homeschooler

Be flexible. Summer is a time for relaxation, so don't be afraid to take a break from homeschooling when you need it. If your children are getting bored or restless, change up your routine.

Make learning fun. The best way to keep children engaged in learning is to make it fun. Use games, activities, refreshed supplies, and hands-on projects in a departure from their typical school activities to teach your children new concepts.

Get outside. Get outside and enjoy the weather. Take your children on hikes, bike rides, or picnics. You can also visit local parks, beaches, or museums.

Spend time with family and friends. Summer is a great time to spend time with family and friends in your community. You mzay find other homeschool families are looking to connect with you too.

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