Summer is approaching fast. Already the weather here is above 80°F and heading higher. Students and teachers in traditional schools are counting the days until summer break. But what about homeschoolers? Are you planning to take the summer
off, or continue full speed ahead? Which approach is better for your children?
The answer to that question is as varied as are homeschool families. I know a large family who takes an extended spring break to plant and tend a family garden, which provides a large part of their nutritional needs at a very low cost. In the heat of summer, when no one wants to be outdoors (at least in our climate!), they are indoors doing school work. During the summer and fall, they harvest their produce and preserve what they cannot immediately consume for future use. They also bless others with their largesse, teaching their children the value of hard work, as well as sharing with others. The children learn so much that cannot be taught in books in the family garden. Even though they are not actively “schooling” in the spring, they continue to learn.
Some families homeschool year round, taking several smaller breaks throughout the year rather than a long summer break. This is a good approach for families with a parent who travels for work.They can plan time off, field trips and family activities when the parent is home, and concentrate on schooling while the travelling parent is away. This is a common approach where I live, as many dads work “seven and seven” (seven days of work, followed by seven days off) or in seasonal work such as fishing or farming
Many families follow the same schedule as the traditional schools in their community.The children are off at the same time as their friends, cousins, neighbors, etc. This allows families to take advantage of seasonal activities in the community, such as youth sports leagues, swim teams, etc.Visiting extended family members is easier, as relatives’ children are off at the same time.
Which approach is right for you? That depends on your lifestyle, and your family’s needs and goals. If your children were in a traditional school setting before beginning homeschooling, following the traditional school schedule makes sense. If you started homeschooling when your oldest started school, your children have no preconceived notions of when school should start or end. Feel free to make the schedule work for you.
Perhaps that is the most valuable advice I can offer:Make it work for you .There is no right or wrong way to homeschool.
Use the approach that works best to fill your family’s needs, and don’t sweat the small stuff.