Structured Summer Activities that are also FUN!

Hello there!

It's been a while since I posted on the blog! I mentioned on my instagram that I would be taking the summer off from regular posting, as my kids are at home. I have spoken before about how no one can do it all, and that it comes down to letting a different ball drop from time to time. This summer that ball is blogging! My son starts Kindergarten in the Fall and my daughter (3 years old) will be in the Primary room with him full time. They attend a Montessori school, so this is the typical structure. I love that the kindergartners feel the pride and responsibility of being role models and helpers with the younger kids. It certainly is a bonus to feel the safety in having your sibling with you in the classroom, and in relationships with teachers as my kids will have had the same teacher for 3 full years! There are many reasons we opted for Montessori, but these are on the forefront right now!

Moving on to something that is usually deemed, "not very Montessori," summer work books and activities! I joke that these aren't labelled as, "Montessori" because typically we opt for hands on approaches to learn material, not drills on paper. But, I had been noticing that William (5) needed some more exposure to practicing writing. These books from Highlights and School Zone have been incredibly helpful in a few ways: (1) it is a wonderful activity during the quiet time after lunch (*note, it's helpful to be present when they work on it to assist them), (2) it has added fun exposure to writing skills, and (3) it's helped in a practical way to really drive in on letter recognition, beginning sounds, and sight words! The exposure to actually practicing writing has seemed helpful to us, I just previously didn't want to push it too much. For Norah (3), we have been doing the cut and paste books, stickers, clay, and other hand and finger strengthening activities since she is still firmly in the "pre-writing" category!

The Kids Made Modern Art Kits have been a lot of fun and so convenient for us! I've purchased several versions of these kits, the alphabet beads, the STEAM Paint Exploration Kit, and several other holiday themed ones. They even have monthly subscription boxes on their website if you're into that! The reason I love these kits, is every theme box is curated with the supplies you need. I love going to craft stores and loading up the shelves at home for free creation, but when you want to make something specific it is nice to just get what you need and not have a bunch of wasted supplies at the end! These are also FABULOUS for play dates, or when a babysitter comes over!

What types of at home activities do you like doing with your kids right now? We have the outdoor adventures covered, but these activities have filled in our time at home quite nicely!

Comment below or hop over to my Instagram to share more!

Melissa