School has been out for over a week now.
Typically I schedule the holidays as they begin, but this Summer we took a family trip as soon as the 6-week break began,
While away we discovered the most wonderful village, and sweet shop. You may have seen the photos over at Facebook?
(But more on that in a future post.)
It’s time to schedule the rest of the holiday. We have just over 5 weeks left. Plenty of time to fit in all the things the Kids’ want to do.
We’re scheduling a little differently this Summer. The Kids’ are older and have much more of an idea of what they enjoy.
So, rather than Mom sitting down pen in hand and mapping out activities, I turned it over to them.
With a large piece of card and some pens (washable of course ;))…
Some scissors and paper…
Blu-tack (although it’s now white!?!)
There’s a plan! A schedule!
Rather a loose plan I grant you. But this year we are going with the flow a little more than usual.
I already have a general calendar. I know what days we are booked to do specific things. There are still certain commitments and appointments to keep such as swim lessons, dance classes and dentist appointments.
But where there is space to choose, the night before (once the weather has been forecast) the Kids’ can select an activity or activities for the following day or days.
It will, kind of, be weather dependant.
Although at the moment the UK is baking. Baking hot.
Which ironically was the activity selected today. Baking.
Kids eh? Full of surprises!
I have indeed. I have 6 days off in August so have to plan accordingly around work but we have the following planned
1. Warwick castle
2. Pond dipping
3. A French day with French lessons
4. Jewellery making
5. Swimming
6. Picnic
I love planning
Sounds fab! Warwick was kind of on our list also – but doesn’t look as though we will fit it in this year. Have Fun!
I have indeed. I have 6 days off in August so have to plan accordingly around work but we have the following planned
1. Warwick castle
2. Pond dipping
3. A French day with French lessons
4. Jewellery making
5. Swimming
6. Picnic
I love planning
Sounds fab! Warwick was kind of on our list also – but doesn’t look as though we will fit it in this year. Have Fun!
Our first ever summer holiday (mine are 3 1/2 and just 5) is also an extra long one, as we are moving from Scotland to England – which means that we broke up for Summer mid-June, but don’t go to our new schools until early September – 9 weeks!
I mapped out nine boxes, filled in weeks when we were on holiday, have people to stay, or are moving house, and then asked the children for ideas for the boxes. We planned one “costs pennies” day out each week, which has included the Glasgow Science Centre, a Castle, a Steam Train ride, and tomorrow the Safari Park, and I also asked them to come up with something outdoors (a walk to a favourite spot, hill walk, bike ride, den building etc) and something indoors (craft activity, messy play, a particular game or activity). I’ve also crossed holidaying schedules with friends to pencil in a play date every now and then, and still plan on swimming every week. It’s pinned up in the kitchen, and we can refer to whether we’ve done the items as the week progresses. Still pretty fluid and flexible though.
It all sounds very organised! I know that Scottish schools normally go back in August – so yes this will be an extra long summer – but you might need that extra time as you are moving. Hope it all goes well! Jo
Our first ever summer holiday (mine are 3 1/2 and just 5) is also an extra long one, as we are moving from Scotland to England – which means that we broke up for Summer mid-June, but don’t go to our new schools until early September – 9 weeks!
I mapped out nine boxes, filled in weeks when we were on holiday, have people to stay, or are moving house, and then asked the children for ideas for the boxes. We planned one “costs pennies” day out each week, which has included the Glasgow Science Centre, a Castle, a Steam Train ride, and tomorrow the Safari Park, and I also asked them to come up with something outdoors (a walk to a favourite spot, hill walk, bike ride, den building etc) and something indoors (craft activity, messy play, a particular game or activity). I’ve also crossed holidaying schedules with friends to pencil in a play date every now and then, and still plan on swimming every week. It’s pinned up in the kitchen, and we can refer to whether we’ve done the items as the week progresses. Still pretty fluid and flexible though.
It all sounds very organised! I know that Scottish schools normally go back in August – so yes this will be an extra long summer – but you might need that extra time as you are moving. Hope it all goes well! Jo
Our summer is different this year as we have our daughter and her 17 year old son living here so we are back on “school time” schedule. Here in Florida, USA he goes back to school in less than 3 weeks. However, he has been taking classes on-line this summer as well so 1/2 of each day is devoted to schoolwork for him. He still has had friends over sometimes too. He is now in his senior year so fairly much his schedule sets our schedule. We will take some day trips as class work allows.
All the very best with the school work and the senior year. He sounds very committed! Love Florida – bet you will have some lovely days out.
Our summer is different this year as we have our daughter and her 17 year old son living here so we are back on “school time” schedule. Here in Florida, USA he goes back to school in less than 3 weeks. However, he has been taking classes on-line this summer as well so 1/2 of each day is devoted to schoolwork for him. He still has had friends over sometimes too. He is now in his senior year so fairly much his schedule sets our schedule. We will take some day trips as class work allows.
All the very best with the school work and the senior year. He sounds very committed! Love Florida – bet you will have some lovely days out.