Gearing up means getting prepared...

We have less than two weeks of school left, and aside from being really excited, I am taking the time while I have less kids at home to get organized and prepared for our summer activities.  I think this is one of the few times I make lists, and lots of lists, so I thought I would share that organization and preparation process here.  If you are planning to follow along with us this summer, this is a great heads up and sneak peak into some of our hands on ideas.

Load up on books, do the research, pick activities...

Be creative and be flexible....

Keep it kid friendly...

Stock up on the basics.... (art supplies, misc. sales items from Michaels and Hobby Lobby go a long way when you have a house full of kids) start saving toilet paper and paper towel rolls, baby food jars, etc. Check with appliance stores about getting some large boxes, or carpet stores for large carpet rolls, check with the schools art teacher to see if they are disposing of partially used items such as colored pencils, crayons, etc.... they will often donate them to you.

As we move through the decades this summer, we will embrace the music, fashion, and food of each decade.  This has required some research so I went straight to the local library.  I have checked out books, that are decade rich, and have been pulling ideas and started planning activities around some of the typical daily life during each decade, and planning field trips (if I can relate it to a decade) and creating menus...  Along with daily activities, the kids will be creating a notebook from their summer, so I ordered as many copies of newspapers and magazines as I could find that had to do with major events of the decades.  One of our activities, is to watch a black and white film (of course on dvd, lol) as well as watch popular television programs from each decade.. I found a record player on craigslist, and some cool records on ebay.  We will study the evolution of the automobile during each decade.  I am having a lot of fun preparing everything and I know they will enjoy learning more about these different decades as it related to their grandparents and to my husband and I growing up.  Of course we will touch on all major events that occured and shaped our world during this time. I have also researched our area to find homes built during each decade so we can study architecture and building supplies and how they changed.  Here is a site where I have found some great and relavent information, the peoples history site... The kids will all work on posters comparing things like the price of gas, milk, houses, etc.... I also wanted books for the kids to flip through and I searched at AMAZON and found these.

      

 

When it comes to Egypt I have been gathering supplies for the kids to use to construct a pyramid out back.  We will also construct pyramids from sugar cubes and glue on a smaller scale.  I found a great kit

with some activities for the kids.  We will write in hieroglyphics, learn about mummies (this is probably a little scary for my younger ones, so we will touch on it lightly for now).  And a few other activities.

One thing I want to point out, a lot of our activities require some preparing, but most require little money, and when it does cost for supplies, I look at it this way... a family vacation for 6 would cost a few thousand dollars, and so far I have spent less than $80.. I know I will spend a little more probably, but in comparisson, it really is a frugal way to have fun.  My intention with summer activities is to involve learning with fun and to keep my kids from being "bored".  

I will post more this week about basic summer fun, including recipes, arts and crafts, and party ideas. 

Comments

[Maureen]

I can't wait to see how this all unfolds! I'm always so impressed! :)

[Terra]

Wow! I wish my kids were old enough to do something that extensive. Sounds like a lot of fun. We're going to do a small unit on Hurricanes. Since it is hurricane season and we live on the Gulf Coast I want my lil' munchkin to be familiar with them.

[Lynn Williams]

You are a great mom! I really liked your unique ideas. You might also want to consider taking your children to various museums that have historical exhibits that complement what you are teaching them. I don't know what city you are in, but many regions have free family days during the Summer where you and your children can get in free.