Summer break = free play!

It's been a month into our summer break...what have we done?  Originally I had big plans to do 3 days of school each week teaching about animals, body, telling time, etc., however, things didn't work out the way I planned.  I ended up signing the boys up for nature camp.  Noah gets to spend 2 hours each day for a week learning about woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands and explore nature.  Ethan gets a week of all-day camp to do hiking, fishing, canoeing, biking, and even learn survival skills.  

Today was Noah's first day of camp, he was able to share in details of the story book they read in camp, as well as making new friends.  He told me about a mean boy who didn't want Noah to be near him, but Noah was able to peacefully resolved the conflict without getting into any fights.  I told him I was very proud of him and it's a sign of his growth and maturity.

Our friend shared this article "Why Free Play is the Best Summer School", after reading this, I feel more encouraged to just let the kids play all summer and not worry too much about academics.  I still keep up with reading everyday and math problems every other day though.  I do believe summer months are the best time to work on their characters and behaviors rather than academics.  It's also the best time to train them up on doing house chores, and learn how to be "bored".  Right now the boys need to work on getting along with their little sister, who can be very sensitive at times.  I believe letting them do free play is the best way to encourage them to figure out how to get along peacefully.  

Here's the article.

http://m.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2014/06/for-better-school-results-clear-the-schedule-and-let-kids-play/373144/