Coming to an End

As the school year fast approaches a close, I have been busy trying to come up with creative ideas and things for the kids to do once school is out to keep them busy and active and to prevent the ever dreaded phrase "I'm BORED".

Our kids range from preteen to toddler and each one is so different it seems an impossible task to try and get them all involved.

Idea #1 - Family Bike Ride.
I have hooked up my bike with a toddler seat and am checking all the tires. I thought this summer we could, as a family, enjoy a bike ride to a local park and a picnic. I am slightly unsure if all the kids can make the ride, so first we will set out in the neighborhood.

Idea # 2 - Create summer scrapbooks.
All of my children love to take pictures and star in their own photo albums. With the boys being a little older, I thought this summer I might try to incorporate their love of pictures into a memorable summer album. I have shopped the dollar stores and was surprised to find that they carry a decent supply of cheap scrap-booking pages and trinkets.

Idea# 3 - Workbooks.
Each child needs to continue working in some areas of learning once the school year winds out. I have been scouring the internet for great ideas to incorporate into age appropriate workbooks to assist them with their studies over the summer. My goal is to keep it simple and fun, while allowing them to continue learning or at the very least hold onto the knowledge from the school.

Idea # 4- Reading challenge.
Reading is very important in our household, though often overlooked. I have decided to incorporate a reading challenge for the kids so that they will continue to read over the summer. The winner of the challenge will receive a gift card to their favorite store at the end of summer. In addition to that gift. Barnes and Noble has created their own challenge, rewarding children grades 1-6 with a free book at the completion of 8 books.

Idea # 5- Garden.
My final (for now) brainstorming activity was to give each child a responsiblity in our garden. Since the garden is flourishing well, there is plenty to do and to date each child is more than anxious to get their hands on the loot.

I am open to any ideas and suggestions anyone wants to contribute to helping this summer be productive, fun and memorable.