settling in

We're settling in to summer. It's funny, on Tuesday, our 'second' official day of summer break, my little guy had trouble finding stuff to do. (Monday was great because we were busy picking strawberries and visiting with friends) But on Tuesday, he kept saying he was bored. Oh. man. Does that happen at your house? We've been watching the calendar eager for break and when it arrives the kids don't quite know what to do with themselves. I, on the other hand, have lists that I've been chomping at the bit to get to. When I look at it honestly though, I think that an entire day without structure can be overwhelming to kids. Maybe you have kids that are complete self motivators. I don't. So, in thinking about how I would like our summer to go, I've come up with a couple of ideas to keep us from boredom. Because I know if they are having trouble with their free time, I'll be having trouble with mine. :) These bones will be in place for those days that we're just home, with no other plans. Hopefully they'll help us keep some shape to our days without it seeming too structured. Because it is summer after all!

I've asked the kids to come up with a couple of long term projects that they'd like to complete over the course of the summer. So on those days when we're home, we can take some time to work on them little by little. Maggie's chosen to complete her novel (she's been writing one all year long) and work on a scrapbook from the basketball season. Mckenzie is wanting to make a log cabin quilt top for her bed (did ya hear that Larissa?!!) as well as some jammie pants for winter. John Samuel needs to organize his baseball/star wars/trading cards and (with some input from me) make a pizza book reviewing our mammal study.

We're also going to have some time each day to do some jobs around the house. It's hard to do chores when your brother or sister are playing x-box and you're working, so if we're all chipping in together on house work, then hopefully we'll get lots accomplished and no one will feel jipped. I feel strongly that I want my kids to help contribute to the running of the house. This isn't a hotel with maid service. We all live here and part of my job is to help them grow into adults who know how take responsibility for themselves and they place where they live. (OK. I'm off my soap box now!) The other thing I'd like to add to our long, summer days is some set aside reading time. For Maggie that's not an issue, she could read the days away. But for Kenzie and Jammer, they need a little nudge to pick up a book. Once they get reading they love it, it's just starting that seems to be needing some help. So, I'm working on some book lists. They will each have their own list with a variety of genres for the kids to read with some free choice slots as well. When they finish their book list, they'll be rewarded ( with a new book :)). With some choices by me, I'm hoping they'll read something that they wouldn't normally choose and maybe enjoy an unexpected book.

So, that's my plan. I'll keep you posted! What are some of your ideas for a fun, relaxing kid filled summer?

eta: Skeins Her Way is running a little giveaway and she wants to hear your summer plans...if you've got some, head her way and give her a shout out!