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Summer Reading Challenge
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Several years ago we made a decision as a family not to sign our kids up for camp programs. Instead, we scheduled activities during the summer months. We felt that during the school year our lives were so busy and scheduled -- from getting up for school to participating in after school activities and sports -- that we really wanted our summers to be a time to slow down, explore and not have to live with a set schedule. Some families "home school," but at our house, we "home camp"… and that's how we developed the idea of Camp Rowley.
Before the end of the school year, the kids and I sit down and plan out our summer calendar -- penciling in field trips, activities, crafts and meals to cook together. Of course, it is also important to set aside time to keep up with the academics learned during the school year, to avoid the "summer slide." We approach this several ways: Each child receives a grade-appropriate workbook of bridge activities (published by Scholastic), which reviews key concepts taught during the last school year. The kids are also assigned daily sessions of reading time and a weekly writing assignment.
Each week the kids can check off their work as it is completed and have a chance to win a prize, which can be anything from a new book to a pack of Silly Bandz. I also offer a bonus prize each week for completing that week's homework with a good attitude (no complaining, no nagging from Mom to get it done, etc.). The bonus prize allows them to earn souvenir money that can be used during our end of summer vacation. Here is an example of the summer homework chart that we use:
I feel that it is so important to read during the summer months with your kids! And signing up for the iVillage PBS Reading Challenge is a great way to get your family started!
In my next blog post, I will share some great ideas for summer book series for your kids -- ones that are great and appropriate for different age levels.
Your iVoice,
Sharon
