Use this homeschooling info to make the most of the last few days of R & R. Enjoy your youngsters--and yourself--with simple, no hassle family fun.
(We devised the following ideas for our teens but they can easily be adapted for younger children.)
- Nocturnal Hunt--My husband did this activity one night when boredom was bearing down on all of us.
--Give everyone flashlights.
--Make ten (or so)signs with numbered clues directing the kiddos to a variety of places in the yard.
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Actually, since we live next to a park and across the street from a school yard and our children were all teen-agers, he sent them far and wide. Make the scene as demanding as safety permits.
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Examples--"Clue #1--Go the front bed of roses." Then, "#2--Climb the oak tree across the street." Then, "#3--In the rocks under the side window."
We had enough children for two teams so Dad made the directions on two colors of paper. If this is the case for you, instruct the players to leave the papers as they found them. ie. Don't pick them up; they might be for the other group. (Don't tell them that!)
--Make clue #10 "Back to the kitchen." We had gone to the store for ice cream and sundae toppings. We then sat down for a delicious treat.
Of course, the prize could be whatever your family most enjoys.
- Family Trivia
--Make up index cards with questions about the family. Write the question on the front and the answer on the back. Everyone should write ten or so cards.
Examples--On what vacation did we leave Sue at the rest stop? How did Jack learn to ride a bike? Who is Mary's godmother?
--Shuffle them us and have a go.
-- You can organize the actual playing of the game elaborately (like a game show) simply. We just sat around the kitchen table and took turns asking each other the questions.
This activity recalls warm memories and offers an opportunity for celebrating your family.
- Visit a Nursing Home
A chance to help and be helped. This helps develop the virtues of compassion and gratitude (among others).
- Coin Collecting
Collect and organize the state quarters or other coins.
- Crazy Cups
Buy plastic mugs or tumblers. Decorate with colorful pens.
- Cooking Practice
Assign each child a dinner night. (If children are little, pair with older sibling.) He is responsible for picking the menu, recipes, shopping, and preparing the food. The rest of the family does clean-up.
- Clothes Care
Show the children how to do the laundry. Let them practice!
- Charity Collection
This can be a joint or individual project.
--Have each child select a container suitable for collecting coins. A soup can (be sure to file any sharp metal edges) or jelly jar is great.
Cover with construction paper and decorate.
--Save spare change for charity or a special project. We saved over $75 in one year's extra coins.
Put this homeschooling info to work. Vacation time is such a valuable time. Now you and the family can do all the "extra" things that are put off during the school year. Let your imagination soar.
