So summer is finally here
And it is time to think about taking a break
Before starting a new academic year
As home educators we do not really have terms and holidays
The year is less disjointed than that
And I try to see it
And plan it as a whole
But at the moment
It feels like we could all do with a break
Or a big change
Someone has suggested to me that we need to find a more sustainable rhythm
I think they are right
I have been thinking for a while
That we would slow down for summer
Try to be outside more
Go on more adventures
Get out to explore, discover and do
In reality it is easier said than done
For us to slow down for summer
As July and August are birthday months in our house
Esther and William will be 9
And Bea is turning 5
So incredible to believe!
We have parties planned
Celebrations and gatherings galore
The children are also attending lots of exciting workshops
But between all the high times
We are going to fit in some lows
Some slow times this summer
Here is a little list of the activities
We are planning to squeeze in
As we slow down for summer
SLOWING DOWN FOR SUMMER
Sailing club at Tonbridge
Family sailing at Bewl Water
Rolling down a really big hill
Paddling in a stream
Skimming stones
Flying our kite
Going on a bug hunt
Searching for rainbows
Fishing with a net
Running around in the rain
Going on a barefoot walk
Cooking breakfast on the fire
Taking our water colour paints to the beach at sunset
Taking our art materials to Leeds Castle
Sandwiches by the sea
Making art with things we find in the wild
Visiting The Big Cat Sanctuary
Visiting Paradise Wildlife Park
Riding a carousel
Playing hide and seek at Bayham Abbey
Having a water fight
Singing along with Joseph at The London Palladium
Watching the planes at Headcorn Airfield
Cloud gazing
Star gazing
Swimming in the sea
Having a picnic breakfast somewhere new
Visiting a new English Heritage site
Seeking a new National Trust garden to explore
Reading stories under the shade of an ancient tree
Making smoothies
Making ice lollies
Singing together
Writing poetry outside
Reading poetry outside
Playing stuck in the mud
Mary Poppins chalk drawings
Having a Sunday DIY Ice Cream Sundae (Sunday Sundae)
Blowing bubbles to Baby Tilda
Playing in the sprinkler
Picking strawberries
Maybe we are not slowing down for summer
Maybe we are not doing less
Just changing the way we do things
I am excited for summer
I want to battle my anxiety and win
I want to unplug and be present
And make magical memories
Snatch moments of awe and wonder
Amid the chaos of family life
And in that sense
We are
Slowing down for summer
… Breathe ….
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