IDEA #18: ARTS & CRAFTS

The possibilities are almost endless! Maribeth Spangenberg has compiled the following list: "Candle kits, latch hook rugs, knitted scarves, stuffed pillows, painted lamp shades, stained glass, paint-by-number pictures, puzzles glued together and framed, prepackaged wooden projects, painting ceramic Christmas tree ornaments, assembling model cars, a model of the solar system, plastic models of the heart, lung, eye, or ear--are all very profitable learning activities."

Tamara Willey agrees, suggesting that families pursue worthwhile crafts that add to the family, such as "quilting, sewing clothes for the new year, landscaping or gardening, interior updating for beauty, etc. These are things we too often have to let slip for other things. But during the summer, when it gets too hot outside, they are indoor quiet things for mid-day."

Susan Lemons adds, "A fun idea would be to do a lot of different types of art, and then put on an 'art show,' inviting your friends and family to see your children's creations." (Don't know what kind of art to try? Check out the May/June '07 issue of Home School Enrichment for Susan's list of fifty fun and easy art experiences for children of all ages!)

IDEA #19: FINE ARTS

This is another one of those easily neglected areas that you can finally concentrate on during the summer. "Attend concerts, study selected works of art, and read up on the backgrounds of various artists," writes Tamara Willey. "Do a humanities course in worldview training (see Schaeffer's How Shall We Then Live? book and video series). Does your family do photography? Artwork? Music? Textile crafts? Gardening? Have each family member work on their specialty and plan an 'Open House' with a gallery, a concert, a walk through a beautiful garden area, and craft display. Get together with other families, if this is possible, and do it together for the church, family, homeschool group, or community (whichever you are braver for!), or just for each other."

IDEA #20: EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS

As long as they're not overused, there's nothing wrong with utilizing a collection of well-chosen educational videos to enhance summertime learning. Maribeth Spangenberg recommends selections from Answers in Genesis, the twenty titles in the Moody Science Series, and Alpha Omega's science experiment videos.

IDEA #21: DO A LONG-TERM GOAL

With lots of time on your hands, take the opportunity to accomplish a long-term goal, suggests Tamara Willey. "Hike a section of the Appalachian Trail, canoe a whole stretch of a local stream or river, take that month-long vacation traveling through a region of the U.S., go on a missions trip."

Even if your long-term goals aren't so grandiose, think about a project you've been wanting to get done, then tackle it together as a family. Most of us have something around the house that we've been putting off for awhile. Why not get it done now?

IDEA #22: LEARN A NEW SKILL

Has your son or daughter always had an interest in learning a particular skill--woodworking, sewing, or photography, for instance--but you've just never found the time to get around to it? Now's your chance! Get a book from the library, research the topic online, or find a trusted friend or family member who could teach your child the skill they're interested in.

Melanie Hexter and her family have taken a proactive stance in this area. Melanie writes, "In the past, we have had each child choose one or two 'badges' from the Contenders for the Faith/Keepers at Home series (www.keepersofthefaith.com) to work on over the course of a summer. My son once earned a Jack Knife and a Chess badge, my daughter a Baking and a Library Skills badge. It requires of them reading, research, skill development, help from a knowledgeable adult, setting a goal and then executing steps to get there, and sometimes just plain hard work over a few weeks time!"

Summer doesn't have to be a dull season of endless boredom and mental lethargy. Just a bit of effort and creativity can make all the difference. So are you ready to get started? Then gather the kids together and get ready for some fun and fantastic summer learning!

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Jonathan Lewis is a homeschool graduate and enjoys working with his family on Home School Enrichment Magazine. In his spare time, Jonathan can be found reading, playing chess, and spending time with his family.

This article was originally published in the July/Aug '07 issue of Home School Enrichment Magazine. For more details, visit http://HomeSchoolEnrichment.com