Take Daily Walks Together

     Schedule a daily walk as a family for health and exercise, as well as a time to visit with each other away from the distractions of home.

 •  Schedule your walks at the same time each day or stop what you're doing and go when there is a break in inclement weather. (Add rain gear and a stroller if necessary.)

 •  You might save topics or upcoming events to discuss or just ask questions to draw out your children's thinking.

It's Not Too Late To Plant Something

     If you are not a serious gardener with your garden already planted, you can still plant some vegetables or flowers!

 •  Buy plants, rather than seeds.

 •  Let each child plant a patch of earth (for a couple of zucchini plants) or a container (for a tomato plant).

     What fun to nourish a plant and watch it grow -- then eat or preserve your produce!

Some Ways To Fulfill Our "Great Commission"

     Opportunities to share the good news of salvation are available in some unique ways during the summer!

 •  Help with a Vacation Bible School.
 •  Teach a neighborhood 5-Day Bible Club.
 •  Help man an evangelistic booth at a fair.

Spend Time with the Lord Every Day!

     Be sure your family's summer schedule includes daily time with the Lord.

    "Family Bible time" or "devotions" do not need to be long or complicated. Just do it!

 •  Set aside a time each day, perhaps while everyone is still at the breakfast or dinner table or before going to bed at night.

 •  Let God talk to you by reading His Word. You can read through the Bible each year in only about 15 minutes a day -- and you can start at any time (not only Jan. 1!).

 •  Take a few minutes to discuss what you've read. Recall facts, test comprehension by paraphrasing, and make applications. (See Newsletter #29.)

 •  Pray, sing a song, or memorize a verse.

     If you don't do anything else this summer, bring your family together to meet with the Lord each day!

Consider a Year-Round Schedule

     Most home-school families continue learning during the summer, either formally or informally. Many families have chosen to continue their studies throughout the entire year with variously timed breaks, such as:

 •  A four-day school week; three days off.
 •  Three to six weeks of school; one week off.
 •  Eight or ten weeks of school; two weeks off.

     Vacation days can be spaced out evenly, reserved for holidays or family vacations, or taken all at once in the summer or whatever season is preferred.

Benefits
 •  Retention of basic skills.
 •  More time to thoroughly cover a year's program.
 •  More time to include enrichment activities.
 •  Consistency of disciplined habits; productive use of time.
 •  More flexibility for other activities.
 •  A more relaxed, but steady, pace during the whole year.

Read Aloud Together

     Reading is a pleasurable summer activity with educational benefits. Reading together as a family makes it that much better!

 •  Select a book that will keep the interest of all family members.

 •  Make this time relaxed and enjoyable, but stop to explain or discuss items that come up.

 •  Read with expression at a slightly slower pace.

 •  Read together before or after a family activity, such as a meal, Bible reading, or bed time.

 •  Read at the table, sitting together on the couch, or outside.

 •  An alternative is to listen together (at home or in the car) to an audio recording of good literature, such as those from your local library, Henty Historical Novels or Blackstone Audio.

Outings and Day Trips

     Enjoy God's diverse and wonderful creation with another family or just your own family.

 •  Prepare a list of the parks and scenic and interesting nature places around your area that you want visit when the opportunity comes up.

 •  Plan day trips or camping trips.

Add Interest and Education

 •  Take along binoculars, magnifying glass, and camera.

 •  Buy a field guide book so that you can identify plants, birds, and animals (guides limited to your area or region are easier to use).

Make Your Father's Day Cards Special

     Whether you buy a ready-made Father's Day card or make your own, add a personal note or enclose a letter that tells Dad exactly why you appreciate him!

     Be specific in telling Dad what you appreciate about his character and actions with examples, such as:
     "I appreciate your thoughtfulness in showing interest in me and what I do, like when you ask me what I did today."
     "Thank you for helping our neighbors when their car wouldn't start."

     Dad will be sure to treasure these cards!

Out with the Old; In with the New

     Before starting preparations for next year, get last year wrapped up and off your mind.

 •  Collect and put away your home-school books, records, papers worth keeping, and other materials.

 •  Evaluate your year by simply asking "What went well?" and "What do we need to change?" Or use our evaluation form for more detailed discussion with your husband and family.

 •  Decide whether there is any unfinished schoolwork that really needs to be finished up and plan to work on that.

     Remember: Your school year did not have to be perfect in order to be good for your family and honoring to the Lord!