July Homeschooling

Have you thought much about what your homeschooling will look like this July?

Let’s face it, as we roll into July and consider what homeschooling might look like, it’s common to worry (at least a little!) Some families choose to homeschool year-round while other families opt for taking the summer off from any kind of structured learning plan.

When I think of homeschooling in July, I often think of the phrase, “The dog days of summer”.

Do you have any idea where this phrase comes from?

I certainly didn’t until I did a tiny bit of research.

Turns out, The Old Farmer’s Almanac notes the “Dog Days” as beginning July 3rd and ending on August 11th, for a total of 40 days.

Historically, this time coincided with the heliacal rising of Sirius, (the Dog Star). Sirius appeared just before the season of the Nile’s flooding and so the ancient Egyptians used Sirius as an indication, (or “watchdog”) for this critical annual event.

Watchdog…

Get it!?!

And so this connection and identification to the “Dog Days” has stood the test of time.

Interesting, right?

Regardless of whether your family opts for homeschooling year-round or takes the summer off, the following activities provide plenty of simple and hot-weather-friendly entertainment.

Perfect for adding plenty of FUN to your July homeschooling!

Quick Note: For my friends in the southern hemisphere, I realize this is your winter. So feel free to bookmark this post and return to it during warmer days!

Ready to get started?

Let’s go!

Here are 5 simple ways to add some fun to your July Homeschooling!

1. “Camp out” at home

If you enjoy camping and have the opportunity to go, get out there and enjoy!

But even if you’re just staying in town, how about dedicating an evening to “camp out” at home? Have your kids grab sheets, blankets, and furniture and build a fort in the living room. Get out the sleeping bags and pillows and set up a comfy area within the fort.

For dinner have some hot dogs, throw some meat and veggies on the grill, or have walking tacos – walking tacos are a tried and true, go-to meal anytime we go camping. Super easy, tasty, and the kiddos LOVE them!

Then be sure to throw in some s’mores for dessert!

Grab a guitar if someone in your family plays, sing some songs, play games, and watch a movie.

Alternatively, you may decide you want to pitch a tent in the backyard and have a fire outside, complete with roasting marshmallows.

However you decide to arrange your “camp out”, these simple tips and activities will provide hours of fun!

2. make a Glow-in-the-dark mason jar

Using this tutorial, you can make a glow-in-the-dark mason jar.

All you need is a mason jar, glow-in-the-dark paint, paintbrushes, and some newspaper/magazines/or drop cloth to use underneath your supplies and project. You may also want to incorporate glitter in which case you’ll also need some glitter and glue.

This is a fun and fairly quick project to work on during hot summer days. Then at night when it’s dark, go outside with your glow-in-the-dark jar, use your imagination, and imagine that your jar is full of fireflies!

Another great use for your jar is as a beautiful night light. Your children can put their jar somewhere in their room and enjoy the magic as they drift off to sleep.

Have fun making a glow-in-the-dark mason jar to enjoy both outside and indoors.

3. play with Water balloons

Other than time spent at the pool, beach days, and popsicles, few things feel more like summer than water balloons!

I purchased Bunch O Balloons a couple of years ago and my life was forever changed! No more laboring over the hose outside or sink indoors while waiting for balloons to fill up. No more sore fingers from painstakingly tying countless balloons.

Bunch O Balloons = serious magic.

What’s so special about this magical tool?

Well, water balloons are conveniently bunched together and all you have to do is connect a single bunch to a water spigot and turn on the water. In no time, an entire group of balloons is filled up with water.

Magic!

I highly recommend purchasing Bunch O Balloons – worth every single penny!

In addition to all-out water balloon fights, try playing hot potato, basketball, dodgeball, and baseball all using water balloons.

4. Make a list of movies you want to watch this summer

Grab a piece of paper or your phone and start listing the movies your family members have mentioned wanting to watch.

Are there any blockbusters you’ve been wanting to see? Any musicals you’re eager to expose your children to? Movies that feel especially reminiscent of summer?

Make a list of some family movies you’ve been wanting to watch, then start working your way down your list as time allows.

5. implement a daily quiet time

If you don’t already have an established daily quiet time, this is the perfect time to implement one.

This offers an opportunity for rest and quiet each day which will benefit both you and your children.

Consider what time of day would work best for your family.

After lunch? Mid-afternoon? Before dinner time?

When do you find yourself most inclined to lose your patience? The time of day when you feel the most tired and a little irritable?

This is usually the perfect time to require daily quiet time.

Figure out how long you want this quiet time to be, (I recommend an hour, or even longer if you feel like you need it!)

Next, decide where quiet time will take place. I recommend each person have their own quiet room, (or at least a quiet area) where they can be alone with their thoughts, ideas, and creative projects.

Then decide what activities are acceptable during quiet time. Reading books, listening to music, audiobooks, or podcasts using earbuds or headphones, puzzles, legos, quiet games, art projects, writing, and watching educational shows are all fantastic quiet time activities.

Implementing a daily quiet time is a wonderful way to encourage creativity, rest, and self-care.

In summary, here are five fun excellent ways to enjoy July homeschooling:

“Camp Out” at home
Make a glow-in-the-dark mason jar
Water balloons
Make a list of movies you want to watch this summer
Implement a daily quiet time

And make sure you check out the following blog posts to help you with homeschooling throughout the entire year:

I’m sure you’ll find encouragement and inspiration in each of these posts!

Now it’s your turn! Do you have any fun tips to incorporate into the “dog days” of summer? If so, I’d love to know how your family enjoys celebrating July!

New Seasons Life Coaching Announcement