My family requires a little structure in our summer rhythm, or we fall into some bad habits. To help with this – and still have that slow summer I look forward to – I have gathered a few easy and fun activity-based studies to bring out a few afternoons a week.
Here is what I have gathered for my family!
Learning with Friends Summer Enrichment Bundle. This hands-on science bundle includes three fun projects that will capture your kids imagination and prompt them to embark on some independent exploration of their own! Your kids will work through a challenge that asks them to design and test a space rover, experiment with various ways to tackle an ocean oil spill, and test the lengths they can reach with a rubber band (and sneak in a little math practice in the meantime!). You can download this free bundle at learningwithfriends.com/shop.
Sonlight is offering a printable unit study on Japan in anticipation of the 2020 Summer Olympics (taking place this year starting July 23). This 54-page unit includes some workbook pages, but more exciting for me are the instructions for hosting a Japanese tea ceremony. There are also pages of read-aloud information on Japanese history, culture, and art that I plan to incorporate while having our afternoon tea.
Amazon is offering a free book to children who read at least eight books this summer, although you have to be near a physical retail location to participate. Barnes and Noble is also hosting its reading reward program this summer. Use this printable record to keep track and turn into the store.
Embark on a journey with Mozart, with the free, downloadable Mozart Music Appreciation packet that helps you walk through five pieces from the famous composer. Creator Jenna Nelson includes links to listen to the songs for free through YouTube, as well, which is very helpful.
The beautifully written and produced All Things Bright and Beautiful Nature and Hymn Study is a 13-page printable packet that includes the hymn, background information, copywork pages, and a liturgy study of the Apostles’ creed. There’s also a nature study, nature investigation, and diagram about the brightest thing in Creation – the sun! Creator Leah Martin also produces Idea Nests for each month, full of activities and book suggestions.
Have you found some amazing free resources to explore with your children this summer? Add them in the comments below!
Nicole Paitsel is creator and co-founder of Learning with Friends, a hands-on science enrichment curriculum that equips parents to create moments of discovery, connection, and conversation in their homes.
