Are you excited about summer break? In my early days of homeschooling, I would look forward to having the summer vacation that most parents dread. It was a time to give me a break from daily school with the kids, and a time when we could do some of the extras that we never had time for during the school year. I found that if I didn’t plan things, that the kids would quickly get bored. That would often lead to arguing and bad attitudes. I found that if I planned part of their days with some good, profitable activities, they would also be happier the rest of the day.
What are some things you can do to fill some of the time for your kids, and benefit them?
1. Memorize Bible verses together
Choose a chapter to work on each month. (And don’t forget to review them!) You could also review verses they learned during the school year, so they’ll retain them.
2. Work Together
Tackle some projects together, like cleaning the basement, or the garage. Also, teach them to do jobs that require training. Work with them till they’re able to do it alone. This takes time initially, but SAVES time in the long run.
3. Learn Scripture Songs
Make a goal to learn one Scripture song a week. These songs will stick in your kids’ minds, and it’s an easy way to teach them Bible verses.
4. Encourage your kids to read!
Hopefully, you’ll encourage them to continue to read their Bible daily. Also encourage them to read lots of good books. (Be sure to include some Christian biographies.)
5. Encourage Others
Write notes together as a family to Sunday School teachers, youth workers, the Pastor, etc. Send card or visit church members who are in the hospital, or confined at home. Pray about who you should encourage. This will teach your kids to think of others. (We always enjoyed visiting some of the widows from the church.)
6. Do some service for an elderly neighbor
Rake his leaves, cut the grass, or vacuum for him/her. Ask if they need anything from the store. Teach your kids to do this for the Lord, not rewards.
7. Study Proverbs & Work on Character
Choose areas where your kids are weak, and list verses about that character trait. For example: the tongue, friendship, wisdom. Then discuss the verses, and how they apply to daily living. Teach the trait, give Bible examples and personal examples (good and bad) of it. Sing a song about it. Then try to practice it! Keep a chart to show progress.
Do you need some ideas for character training? The Build Your Bundle sale begins on Monday, and has an AWESOME character bundle in it that will give you many options for fun and practical character training. It also has two Mom bundles that are packed full of encouragement, bundles for various grades, Charlotte Mason bundle, Unit Study bundle, and others.
