Vacation: Full of Learning Opportunties

You don't have to be a home school parent to recognize and enjoy all the learning opportunities presented during summer vacation.


Did you read that sentence?  Read it again.  Remember it.  All around us, the world is in action.  Are you taking a summer vacation?  Of course pack some books to relax and fall asleep with in the evenings but what about the notebook?  They may need to draw or write a short journal entry to keep them entertained on a long car ride or flight.  


What are you doing to enjoy your summer?  


Going to the beach?  


Play in sand for a little bit but learn about the ocean and the wildlife found in the area.  Show them the flowers and plants.  Teach them the names of these things.  Spend a few quiet moments watching birds.  Pick up seas shells that you can take home and look at under a microscope or play with at home.  Leave foot prints in the sand, use at as an opportunity to talk a few moments about how fossils are really just big footprints left behind in the earth.  Or take a few minutes to share about the carbon foot print we are all leaving everyday on Earth.  Find something that interests you and engage  your child.  If you are not a bird person, it's really hard to teach them to enjoy bird watching.  They will sense your disinterest in the topic.


Are you going camping?


Talk about the terrain where you are at.  Take a hike.  Pick up some leaves.  Notice the plants.  The animals.  The natural resources such as mountains, caves, creeks.  


Are you going on a cruise?


Before you go spend a few minutes learning about the area you are going to visit.  Engage them in fun things to know about the place you are visiting.


Are you going to a theme park?


There are several theme parks that have a lot of knowledge.  There are several fun books on Walt Disney's life.  Share his story.  Follow the birth of Mickey Mouse.  Learn about animation.


Are you staying home?


Chances are there are several learning resources in your own backyard.  You can garden with the kids.  You can take advantage of local places you may not have visited.  We are making it a goal through out this summer and fall to go out and find the fun places to visit that are relatively close to our home.  For instance we have discovered a copper mine that was a fun, engaging learning experience.   We have mountains we can go up and view.  We have fishing spots that are full of learning ability.  


Summer should be fun but fun is no reason not to learn.  Learning can be fun.  You just need to take the first step and look for the great things to do.