Hello Everyone! I'm the original poster. My intentions of this thread was for it to be a fun light hearted friendly discussion. Just as if I were having a conversation with some of my friends. To share ideas and not judge anyone. I'm new to DCUM, this is first and only thread. It's been quite a learning experience. I think most people agree that letting their kids relax and have fun is the most important, but like myself maybe 15 minutes or so a couple days a week of some type of academics will be helpful. Thank you everyone for sharing

Not all kids are stressed about school or struggle if they don't spend the summer doing academic maintenance. September is the month to get back into the swing of things.

And not all kids are stressed by school activities year round (summer or academic year). I bet this surprises you? Some kids enjoy school activites year round just as they enjoy play activities year round. I bet that surprises you too?

For some kids school activities never create stress or struggle. I bet this surprises you, again?

Remember this. Not all kids are not like your kids. Kids have different needs, hobbies, activities and likes.

mine could really use some remediation in order to prepare for fall in a few very specific areas. I'm going to have her work on those things in a low-key way. Better now than freaking out come September when the skills required will bump up again.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What's the point of sending your kids back to school refreshed and relaxed from a summer of lazing by the pool and doing no work whatsoever if they are going to then immediately stress out because they are struggling in school? Moderation in all things--my kids will mostly play and veg over the summer, but will do a little age-appopriate "maintenance" over the summer so that they will have an easier time of it in the fall. I am doing this not to put extra pressure or burdens on my kids, but to help them lighten the load during the school year by spending the summer making sure they are rock solid on the foundational skills they will need to do well in school.

Not all kids are stressed about school or struggle if they don't spend the summer doing academic maintenance. September is the month to get back into the swing of things.

Ok so fine, but why the criticism on this thread of those who choose to do so for those kids who DO need it? Or was this just an opportunity for you to get in a brag about the superiority of your kids?

And even if a kid doesn't "need" it per se, I believe in developing disciplined work habits. If you believe that ten weeks of relaxation is what is best for your kids, then go for it, but to do otherwise is hardly ludicrous

Like a previous poster asked, I would ask that you keep your negativity in check if you don't like summer "school." Maybe you might even not click on this thread anymore since it causes so much stress and time out of your life to comment.

Turning back to the original question, I would welcome more ideas. I am thinking of encouraging my older to child to update an existing blog, and younger child to create an illustrated book about summer. We also plan to visit museums, pool and beach. We'll camp too.

For science. math and health, we'll cook together. For math, we'll shop. We will also do some formal mini lessons. All real academic stuff will wrap up by lunch time.

My kids are actually excited about our plans. We'll leave the TV and unstructured screen time for the weekend.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are picking some themes and exploring them in-depth

Because I found a good source of guided curriculum, we are going to do the Romans and electricity. So about 4 hours a week will be dedicated to either exploring an experiment or reading up and making a poster or writing on a topic like roman architecture, words, myths, volcanoes and maybe government.

This is a good idea, but 4 hrs a day seems overkill. Maybe 1.5 hrs?

PP said 4 hours per WEEK, not DAY!