It is summer time - and it seems there is a common panic among parents right about now. With our newborn baby this year, summer will be a little trickier. We no longer can just pick up and go - we are way more tied down. Hard to explain that to a 7 year old.
BUT - we can have fun if it is expected and planned for. Does that take all the fun out of it? I sure hope not. I spent the past week creating our Summer Binder. This binder is going to help me stay on top of things!
First off, I printed off a blank June and July calendar. Here is the link: Finding Home. Our school starts the beginning of August. Then I started filling it in. I have decided to the following throughout each week:
MONDAY - Move It day
TUESDAY - Totally Science
WEDNESDAY - What's Cooking
THURSDAY - Arts and Crafts
FRIDAY - Field Trip
Then, I started filling it in. I got most of my ideas from my Pinterest Board. I have been collecting ideas for months!
The binder also has pages printed off for extra ideas.
I have also printed off some reading logs from here and oh yes - we have a Mommy's Ransom Box (which has worked like a charm the past week).
It is pretty common around blog world to make a summer checklist and list all the things you want to do. That, however, does not work with my kids. They try to do them all the first week and we all get totally burnt out. For the past couple of years, we do the opposite. I tape a huge sheet of paper up and we write down fun things as we do them.
Then, when they complain and say they don't get to do anything fun, I point them to the poster! To translate my son's writing - eating waffles. The boy is very passionate about his food!
When my kids said to me that they were bored, I told them to grab our binder. We looked for about 10 seconds and they were off building:
(Can you see the basketball blur?) They had fun and I didn't stress out. Summer fun at home = a win!
PS - Have you entered the sneakpeeq giveaway? I usually have awesome odds!
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15 comments:
Thanks for commenting on my post! I really loved looking at your scheduler! I have a two year old and I am trying to get a "mommy and caden" schedule going!
Looks like you have a great summer ahead of you! It is hard having a newborn and juggling activities. Hope it all goes well!
If I had to do it over again, I would take a page or two from you. The binder idea is awesome!
What fun! I had a friend that held "camp" at home. Her kids had the best summer ever!
Hi found you from another blog (of course) but had to comment on the cups...looks like my house!! Cheap easy fun...why do we buy our kids toys?
The other summer 'organizing' ideas I've come across seem more academic. I love how this is just organized...no lesson plans or achievement goals. This seems so doable for our family. I just needed the inspiration! Thanks!
Mom is the Only Girl
Http://Momistheonlygirl.blogspot.com
Can I ask where you got the printable calendar from?
This is some great encouragement to be organized, thank you. i was just redoing our weekly schedule this week and wanting to make sure I make the time for fun and learning for out little girl. Great tips, thanks! (Found you through Cheerios and Lattes :) ).
Laurel - This is awesome! I think you and I would get along great {I'm a piano teacher and blogger, too, and of course love to organize}! Great stuff you have here...totally pinning!
Becky B.
www.organizingmadefun.com
Organizing Made Fun
As a former elementary school teacher, I know how excited the kids are when summer rolls around...and how bored they can get after a week of hanging out at home. Your binder idea sounds like a great way to give the kids some structure to their summer vacation. Thanks for sharing!
just found your blog...love!! Where can I get your Calender?
Hi! Found your blog on Pinterest - LOVE IT! But I'm with Emily; I would love to have your calendar template. PLEASE share it? Thanks!
Jane
Saw the binder on Pinterest and just love your calendar - where did you find it?
This is wonderful Laurel! You always have such great kid and organizational ideas...bookmarking this for future reference. Loved catching up on how you have been doing...love the baby photos, big bro/sis bags, and your pre-baby weight post! You are one inspiring momma!
I just happened upon your blog for the first time today and I'm excited to explore a little more! We do a very similar "summer school" with daily adventures as well. I really like your idea for the binder though to keep it all together! I'm starting to plan our summer "curriculum" for 2013 and I would love to see your boredom list! The more ideas the better, right?
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