Summer Routine

A few weeks before school let out, I started dreading the long hot summer during which my kids would inevitably drive me (and each other) crazy in their boredom. So, I decided to create a routine to not only keep our days interesting, but productive as well. (Mainly because I read this excellent book recently and have determined to follow it's advice.)

So, I put together a plan. My kids have been so excited about it. They take it all very seriously and they have been really amazing with it. It is cute that they love it so much. (I was kind of surprised... I thought they would complain.) I keep each activity pretty short so that they don't get tired of it.

Here is our daily routine (times are approximate):

8:00 - Personal Scripture Study
Collin and Mary read on their own and I read to Jack from "Book of Mormon Stories."

8:15 - Exercise
This means we take turns leading a short session of stretching and cardio.... it's pretty hard to not laugh when it's Jack's turn, but they all take it very seriously and love it.

8:30 - Chores
These are simple daily chores... make bed, clean up room, plus one additional chore like wiping the bathroom counter or picking up in the family room.... not the more extensive "Saturday Chores".

9:00 - Mommy School
The kids came up with that name. This is just to keep them from forgetting everything over the summer. We review something different every day.

Monday: skip counting/times tables
Tuesday: phonograms and penmanship
Wednesday: addition/subtraction flashcards
Thursday: miscellaneous math worksheets
Friday: Cubs Scouts (I know it's not school, but I want Collin to do a lot of the achievements this summer, and most of it is fun stuff that Mary and Jack can do too. Besides, Friday should be more fun.)

9:30 - Skills Training
We are learning a different kind of skill each day of the week.

Monday: Laundry (sorting, washing, folding, etc.... ironing is too advanced for them)
Tuesday: Cooking (we are working on bread, cookies, cake, sandwiches, oatmeal, eggs, and muffins)
Wednesday: Cleaning (how to do it RIGHT: toilets, dusting, vacuuming, mirrors, windows, etc.)
Thursday: Art (I'm not very good at this, so mostly crafts... which I'm not very good at either)
Friday: miscellaneous

10:00 - Music
Piano practice and music theory

10:30 - Reading
Sustained silent reading (I read to Jack). Sometimes this gets postponed until the afternoon when they are bored and we need some quiet time.

By 11:00 we are ready to hop into the pool. (Yes, it's just as good as last year.)

What are you doing this summer?