Summer Arts & Crafts

As the school year comes to a close and summer vacation is about to begin, I start to think about my children and their lazy days of summer.  They will not have the benefit of "structured" learning from a degreed, credentialed teacher.  However, that does force me to think of ways to keep them interested and focused educationally.

I would like to delve into ways to keep them interested in reading, writing, arts, science and math.  I also love the freedom that summer brings with hours and days of imaginative play, including getting lost in pretend worlds, on-the-fly rules to real and made-up games and just moments of sheer silliness.  There needs to be a balance so they stayed focus, yet carefree at the same time.

Although you might not expect it, I am pulled towards the arts.  I don't think that I am creative, but I do enjoy cooking, sewing, crocheting, and music.  As much as I would love to be able to take time off with them over the summer, I do have a full-time job.  My parents have graciously offered to watch my dear children this summer.  I can't expect them to keep my children entertained for hours on end.  So how do I incorporate my passion for these things while working a full-time job and providing enough guidance to my parents over the next eleven weeks.

My daughter enjoys writing, drawing and generally being as creative as possible.  My son on the other hand is much shyer in these endeavors.  What types of activities can I provide them that will allow both of them to enjoy the arts, but not set them up for frustration?  I could think of a theme to engage them each week that incorporates each aspect of math, science, reading, writing and arts either as a whole or individually.  It can't take up too much time as I don't know if my mother would be invested in it.  Or it could be less structured and based on the interests of my children.

My mother does enjoy sewing and crocheting, which might be something she can do with both children.  With the help of her grandma, my daughter has started to sew a doll bed and sheets.  The two of them could continue to work on that together.  Both children can engage in these activities with their grandma.  I can see this being not only a learning experience, but a fun way to engage in arts and crafts together.  I could provide some simple samples to either build or from which to pull ideas.  Possible ideas could be gathered from Summer Crafts, Care.com Crafts or Food Based Crafts.

My son on the other hand really enjoys video games.  On hot days I can see the benefit of this, as the Wii can provide physical activity.  Yet left unchecked can go on for hours, which I do not approve of.  However, it is a good outlet for little bodies to expend energy.  Perhaps I can speak with my father about working with my son on soccer skills.  They could go to the park to learn the basics:  dribbling, passing, different types of kicks, etc.  This isn't "arts" per se, but physical activity is so beneficial for children.

I am looking forward to coming up with ideas and themes for my children to stay interested and focused on learning.  Hopefully I can provide my parents with enough activities so the children aren't completely bored, but not overwhelmed either.