Connecting Home & School while on Summer Vacation
As we wind down our school year and look forward to a beautiful mountain summer, we become aware of the fact our children will spend more time at home. Here are some ideas to connect school and home while encouraging self-reliance and independence:
Provide a space, perhaps a low cupboard or drawer, where individual snacks are stored. This allows the child to help himself/herself on his/her own schedule. During growth spurts children often eat more. Having snacks and drinks available without having an adult get it is handy. This will also give the adult a little more time (to breathe). Make sure to supply a space to put the dirty dishes, whether into a dishwasher, which they do at school, or a dish basin to be washed later.
We all get a bit dirty outside in the summer. Make a few choices of clothes available to the child so they can change at will. Again, hanging low or in drawers they can open. Not too many choices in one place. Some children just like to dress and undress.
In the garden: children do not readily distinguish between planted plants and weeds. Give them a corner of the garden they can tend by themselves. It really is about digging! A pail with a finite water source is a plus for those creative minds. Whenever possible, teach the child how to appropriately weed and pick vegetables or fruit. They are attracted to little hints like, “See how I twist the tomato to pick it?”
Establish an orderly way to store yard toys so the child can “clean up” at the end of the day. This is especially helpful to younger children (under age 5) as they are in the Sensitive Period for Order. 5+ years could give a hoot ;) so this is more of a reminder to them that they are part of a group bigger than themselves and not everyone wants toys strewn everywhere…
As much as possible, follow your family routine, especially for sleeping.
Sing songs.
Have a great summer!