I have summer fever. I am ready for the kids to finish up the preschool year and be home with me every day. I am going to soak up every last ounce of summer this year as it is the last summer break before I lose Caroline to "real school" but while I am looking forward to summer, I do realize I need some structure. I need a plan! I figured the best way to ensure some structure to our day was to basically make "lesson plans" (teacher friends, does that strike fear in your hearts?). I also made a hefty trip to Target and the Dollar Tree for some fabulous finds. Look at all of the goodies I found (and I spent less than $30 on everything, although the games we already had)!
My basic strategy for this summer will be time at the pool in the morning 4 days a week (weather permitting) and the farmer's market 1 morning a week. After an early lunch, we will spend some time at the table working on "skills". Caroline loves workbooks and writing, so I have lots of writing paper and booklets for her. I have flash cards and alphabet workbooks for the twins. We are going to focus on three or so letters and numbers a week and make a craft (magazine collages, color pages, painting with the easel) and kitchen project (rice krispie treats, cookies, sandwiches with the cookie cutters) using the letters and numbers for the week. It will help the twins recognize the letters and Caroline can fine tune her writing of them. We will also play a game or two after nap time. My kids are really into these kinds of activities, which is why I am going to focus our time here (your kids might not like any of this, and forcing them wouldn't be any fun for your summer!). I am also going to limit my computer time to morning coffee and after bedtime so that I can "present" in this time with them. What are your summer plans and goals? Send me your ideas!
I am so going to still your ideas when mine gets older! What a great mommy you are! They are going to be such smart little kids!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me I need to pick up some workbooks for my little one for this summer...haven't done that yet!
ReplyDeleteI love all of your ideas but my children are a little bit older and aren't into these things as much. But, we will be doing lots of fun things to keep us entertained through the summer. I plan on a trip to the zoo, and we are going to be watching butterflies & tadpoles grow (to learn abour life cycles) as well.
ReplyDeleteWe will be making our own ice cream & popsicles too.
You're such a good mommy! I'm sending Donut to your house when she's older!
ReplyDeleteWOW! Love it. I wish you lived closer so I could send my kids over. :)
ReplyDeleteWe are going to work on things like that too. I've got grand plans to go to library time, review, work around the house, play at the park, etc. We'll see how it goes though. With the huge age difference it's hard to do things everybody likes AND everybody can enjoy and do!
What a great Mom you are. Your kids are VERY lucky!
This is all so great! I remember all those summer plans so long ago, although it doesn't seem that long ago. Now we are busy with jobs, camp, youth group activities, baseball and trying to find time to chill. Jonah applied for a job at the city pool, but didn't get it and honestly it was a blessing to me. He has a couple yards to mow and that will give him some pocket money. I still like having him home with me.
ReplyDeleteAbove all, I will be cherishing the time we are all together, all too soon, summers won't be spent at home anymore. Hope we get to see you and your family sometime in the near future!
You've got a great plan! I find we certainly do better when I have activities planned. But I don't think I'm quite as organized as you are! :)
ReplyDeletesounds like a great plan. Can I send my kids to your house? lol
ReplyDeleteI need to come up with a game plan for my kiddos too. You have given me some great motivation and ideas.
Great finds! Your summer plan sounds good to me. I just want to spend more fun time with my kiddos and get them ahead for school too.
ReplyDeleteHello! It sounds like you will have a very fun summer! Your little ones are so adorable! My boys are older, but for the last three years at the beginning of summer we make a list of things we want to do - they choose places they like - usually the ice cream place by my mom's, certain cities or restaurants, etc. It's nice to have ideas in advance to work from!
ReplyDeletelooks like you have a great plan for the summer. i'm planning to go over some of the same things with my 5 year old daughter since i feel like i didn't spend enough time with her during the school year (we homeschool) she is SO ready to start reading i don't think it will take too long
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