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Pull up a lawn chair. Better yet, spread out a blanket under a leafy tree on the cool green grass, stretch out, and let’s talk about summer and its special meaning for homeschooling parents. A common question that I am asked is, “Is it okay to not do school in the summer? The homeschooling families that I know say they work right through the summer.” My stock response is, “You are the one in charge of your family. What do you want to do?”
“Well, I’d like to take the summer off, but I’m afraid that my children will forget their math facts and phonics. It will be that much harder to start up again in the fall.”
“Oh, that’s right, children don’t read in the summer at all, do they? I forget that homeschooled children haven’t been allowed to use math in real life,” I say, tongue in cheek. The parent usually grins, takes time off in the summer, and comes back refreshed.
Let’s look at the steps most teachers go through as they near the end of the school year and enter into the summer holiday. You will see yourself in these simple steps because you are the experienced teacher of your private school.
Step 1: Frazzlehood The end of the school year leaves most teachers frazzled, exceedingly tired, and anxious for a break from the routine. They try to wind up academic studies, take field trips, and complete the paperwork that the system demands be done by a certain date. The teachers notice that the children are also anxious to spend more time outside in the fresh, warm sunshine instead of closed up in a stale classroom. Yes, the teachers also want to run around outside, plant their gardens, and go sailing, too.
Step 2: Second Wind Along comes the last day of school and suddenly the teacher has her ‘second wind’ which encourages her to introduce new material. This is directly linked to having completed the reports that describe each child’s unique qualities and weak areas. Thankfully, this second wind cannot be fulfilled because the children have escaped...err... gone home to enjoy their summer vacation.
Step 3: Reflect & Renew During the summer holiday, I was glad to have the opportunity to reflect on the year just ended and to renew my commitment to teach. It is difficult to reflect when in the midst of a situation; a still pool is necessary to see a clear reflection. A common malady is not allowing oneself the luxury of just sitting. Not doing school work, not planning the day’s menu, not looking over new textbooks, just sitting. I have discovered that planting myself in one spot allows me to exercise my brain which is handy if I want to continue thinking sensibly later on.
Reflect on each of your children’s strengths, interests, learning styles, and weaknesses. Make the conscious decision to focus more on the first three areas and you will find that the last often disappears. Observe your children when they are busy. What do they do when no schoolwork is assigned? How do they spend their time? I imagine that you will find reading and math applications galore. This is what you are training your children to do: use what they have been taught.
Use the summer to renew your personal interests and pursue your hobbies. Your unique qualities are often overlooked by the children and yourself throughout the year. You have denied yourself so that you could give more time to your school. Now is time to become reacquainted with yourself. Your children will be glad you did and you may even find that one or more actually has the same interests as you. Develop a deeper friendship with your children at this time.
It is too easy to fall into schooling year ‘round with no break at all. Take a tip from nature. The perennial flowers are appreciated by everyone because of their breathtaking colors and arrival on the scene at just the right moment. If they do not have a rest in their cycle to gain nourishment, they will not come back more brilliant than ever. They will stay small and have less vibrancy each year. Another interesting fact is that they also will not give birth to new plants, but will stay weak and will not promote new growth in surrounding areas. Most of us prefer using perennials because we know that the initial expense in getting the plant will pay for itself mightily throughout the years.
Taking a summer break is expensive, too. We all think we can do it all all the time. The superman/superwoman syndrome is unrealistic and potentially harmful because you will not receive the essential rest you need. Rest, renewal, and reflection...that’s what summer is all about. Now, just lie back and take a nap under the tree. You deserve it.
About the author:
Shirley M.R. Minster is founder and director of Home Education & Family Services and Royal Academy. Working with families all over the world, Shirley and her staff provide homeschooling families with custom-designed programs for each child and the necessary support and assistance each family needs to succeed. For more information visit the web site: http://www.homeeducator.com
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