June Homeschooling

Are you trying to figure out whether or not to continue homeschooling through june?

Because in the northern hemisphere, June means the start of summer. It’s synonymous with longer days, more sunlight, the summer solstice, and opportunities for outdoor relaxing and adventure. Is it a good idea to keep homeschooling year-round, or to take this time off the year off?

Here’s some good news…

Either way is fine!

Whether you continue homeschooling through June or decide to follow a more traditional schedule, here are a handful of activities that provide simple and natural learning opportunities.

June is a great time to embrace JOY!

Quick Note: For my friends in the southern hemisphere, I realize we’re currently at the beginning of your winter. So feel free to bookmark this post and return to it during your warmer summer days.

Now let’s get started!

Here are 5 simple ways to embrace joy in your June homeschooling:

1. learn about the Junior Ranger program

In the U.S., the National Park Service offers an INCREDIBLE opportunity for children called the Junior Ranger Program. Most of the national parks offer this awesome program which you can inquire about at the specific park’s Visitor Center.

My family stumbled upon the Junior Ranger Program when my children were tots; a couple of years before our homeschooling journey officially began.

We have now visited TONS of national parks and national historic places where my kiddos have received and completed activity books, gone on hikes and trail guides, chatted with rangers, and learned about the national park service. They’ve been sworn in as official Junior Rangers and have received badges and certificates for completing the activities.

Becoming a Junior Ranger is fun, simple, and FREE!

The Junior Ranger Program has enhanced our travel immensely and I want EVERY family I know to be aware of this incredible (and FREE!) opportunity.

And if your budget and schedule don’t currently allow for visiting a national park, check out Webrangers, the online discovery area which offers interactive games and learning.

My family and I also discovered the Junior Canadian Rangers program when we took a trip to the Canadian Rockies. It was very similar to the program in the U.S. and was engaging, educational, friendly, and fun.

It doesn’t take much time and effort to learn a bit about the Junior Ranger Program in the U.S., or the Junior Canadian Rangers in Canada so start exploring!

Important Sidenote: If you are a U.S. resident and have an up and coming 4th grader, be sure to participate in the Every Kid in a Park program. It offers every 4th grader and their family FREE admission to U.S. national parks during their 4th grade school year. We took advantage of Every Kid in a Park when my son was in 4th grade and it was fantastic!

And if you live in a different country with a program similar to Junior Rangers, PLEASE let me know in the comments section below! I would LOVE details!

2. Celebrate the summer solstice

The day when the North Pole is tilted closest to the sun is called the summer solstice. This is the longest day (containing the most daylight hours) of the year for people living in the northern hemisphere. It is also the day when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky.

Throughout history, the summer solstice has been a time of celebration. Consider reading a book about it. Picnic outside. Pick flowers. Garden. Have a bonfire and stargaze…

Find a couple of simple and meaningful ways to celebrate the summer solstice.

3. Visit a local Farmers Market

People strolling along and sampling fresh produce at stands. Vendors chatting with customers and answering questions. The sweet scent of fruit and flowers. Sounds of laughter and children playing.

The vision of a vibrant Farmers’ Market!

I happen to live in the “Salad Bowl of the World” and I realize how fortunate I am to have access to a variety of wonderful Farmers’ Markets.

If you’re also fortunate enough to have a farmers’ market or farm stands nearby, be sure to go for a visit!

But if you don’t have a farmers’ market nearby, I encourage you to buy some fresh produce, make a fresh green salad and colorful fruit salad, and enjoy a light healthy meal.

Consider watching a brief documentary or video clip about a farmers’ market too. A quick google search will provide plenty of options.

Nothing feels like the start of summer quite like the experience of a thriving farmers’ market.

4. Sign up for your public library’s summer reading program

Does your local public library offer a summer reading program?

If so, be sure to sign up!

This summer activity is something my children participated in throughout their young years. Especially when they were emerging readers and still learning the basics, this was a wonderful opportunity for them to see other families excited about reading and summer library activities.

Frequent library trips throughout the summer, chatting with librarians, special events, and prizes (of course!) all make for a rich literary season!

5. go berry picking

If you live in a rural (or semi-rural) area, it will probably be much easier for you to find a spot where you can go berry picking.

Head to a you-pick area or farm stand nearby, Grab your buckets or baskets and head out for a few hours of berry picking at a local you-pick area or farm stand.

If you’re a city dweller or don’t have a place for berry picking nearby, grab some fresh berries from your local market and enjoy them with your meals or whip up a dessert, like strawberry shortcake.

And if you want to create something that will taste like summer all year long, consider making some of your very own homemade jam.

If you’re able to, head out for some berry picking!

In summary, here are five fun ways to enjoying homeschooling throughout June:

Learn about the Junior Ranger Program
Celebrate the summer solstice
Visit a local farmers’ market
Sign up for your public library’s summer reading program
Go berry picking

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

I hope these posts offer you lots of support and inspiration each month!

Do have any joyful suggestions to share? If so, let me know how your family enjoys celebrating June!

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