The second week of our summer break is coming to a close, but does that mean there’s been no learning taking place? Does education take a back seat to playtime? Absolutely not!
Do you think summer is all about fun and games? Well, think again! While having a grand time running and slipping and sliding and cooling off, the children have no idea they are participating in PE class and physical training, building strong muscles and healthy lungs and taking in good ol’ dose of Vitamin D.
Gabe spent an entire day assembling molecules, learning how many hydrogen atoms link with an oxygen atom to make water, and so on. I call this Science, he calls it fun. With the painting necessary to color-code the atoms, there’s a little art thrown in for good measure.
Noah had a great time racing his balloon boat in the bathtub. What did he learn, other than Mom will make you wipe up the water you splash on the floor? Let’s see: math=estimating the length of travel in comparison with the amount of air in balloon; physical science=buoyancy and water displacement and did you know air takes up space?
A day in town with Big Sister provided an opportunity for creativity. The local community college hosts an Art on the Block day every year. We created drip art canvases and sidewalk chalk masterpieces.
The children all pitched in and proved that a chore can prove to be fun. They helped Dad clean, refill and take care of some maintenance on the baptistry at the church building. What could this mom record in her children’s education logs? Chemistry – what can we use to break down the mineral deposits in the drain; Physics/Fluid Mechanics – how does the water get from here to there, Dad?; Lifeskills Training – what would happen if we just left the water and didn’t clean it?
Esther is following in her sister’s footsteps and is writing a movie script with a few of her friends. While she steals away to her hidey-hole with the creative literary juices flowing, she’s practicing her writing skills, character and plot development, keyboarding skills, communication skills. She’ll get credit for cinematography one day if they get the movie cameras rolling.
And then we have cup stacking. This requires great dexterity, not to mention patience. Don’t forget the math and engineering skills like estimation and problem solving and balancing weight and analyzing structure and strength.
And so, our summer break school fun continues. I mentioned earlier this week how we started a Lego Club and Sisters’ Craft Club. Tell me, do you school through the summer? Or take a full length summer break? What fun and exciting and educational activities is your family involved in this week?
linking this post with Collage Friday and Daily Outdoors and the Real Life Homeschooling Blog Hop and Family Fun Friday
I love the way you find learning in all that you do. It is true that we are always learning.
Blessings, Dawn
Thank you, Dawn 🙂
You are right, we are always learning something or other. The trick is to take a step back and find out what we are learning! I’m so glad you stopped by. Have a blessed day.
Aw, what fun! Cup stacking – such a GREAT thing! It can get quite competitive though! LOL
LOL – it does get competitive! But that lends itself to some life lessons as well 😉 Sometimes these stacks get higher than their heads, and then the avalanche – oh my!
Thanks for stopping by, Jessy. Have a wonderful day.
Oh I find all of this so inspiring. I want to come make molecules!!! 🙂
Thank you Heather 🙂 amazing what we can learn playing around with pipecleaners, styrofoam balls. Thanks for hosting, have a blessed week!