By Dougetta Nuneviller
As a homeschooling family, summers in our home,are a time of great anticipation. We take this season to explore the great outdoors. Charlotte Mason, a great school teacher in the late 1800′s and early 1900′s, believed in taking her class outside for nature walks. She gave her students, pads of paper and pencils to journal about and draw pictures of their observations and created a “nature notebook”. I’ve followed Ms. Mason’s example and did this with my own children. After learning: John 1:3 ”All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
We then, explored pond habitats, the woodlands, oceans, prairies, and even city life. Nature and life, have so much learning to offer a curious mind. After a few outings and lots of information has been gathered, I’ve taken the journals and their art work and turned them into a valued keepsake.
There are so many ways to enjoy summer whether its a family vacation to a beach or whether its catching fire flies in the back yard. Remember, the memories you make will last a lifetime. I’m a believer that even simple, quality time with your family is far more valuable than any expensive vacation. Time together, can never be replaced. Beaches are always available, Mickey Mouse will still be at Disney, cruise ships will still be in the harbors. But, children will not be children forever and mom and dad will not always be around. Whatever your summer plans are, remember its the family your with, that makes it special!
Below are some family fun summertime activities that we’ve done in our own home. Whatever you do, enjoy each other. Family is a gift from God, make the most of the time you have together.
Summertime Family Ideas:
Walks
Swimming
Picnics
Fishing
Cookouts
Play in puddles
Explore the great outdoors
Sports
Everyone play with sidewalk chalk
Blow bubbles
Ride bikes
Family Scripture reading on the patio by candlelight
Hunt for shells
Go bird watching
Have a camp out
Throw a neighborhood block party
Do a mission work
Do something special for a neighbor
What do you have for your summer plans?
DOUGETTA NUNEVILLER is a veteran homeschooling mother of three wonderful children: Ashley, 20, who is actively attending college; Joshua,18; and Jacob,15. She has been happily married to her husband, Harry, for 23 years and they reside in Springfield, Missouri. She is the author of parenting4christ.com, a website devoted to bringing families closer together and growing in the love of God. Dougetta loves to blog, and Facebook (follow her at: Christian Patenting) She loves the Lord, and actively seeks to serve and bring honor to Him.
Photo from: Babycenter.com