I need ideas to keep my 5 children busy now that school is done. Any ideas?

Tam - posted on 06/30/2009

Definitely take local field trips!

Have you considered teaching him, without "teaching"?

Maybe have an art day each week that each of the kids could participate in, but maybe his is a little more "in depth" (like painting, let the little ones do their own painting and give him an assignment or talk about the paints/hues, etc)

There are some really neat "experiment" type books out there. We got one off the Alpha Omega site that is for food experiments. Maybe you could set aside a day each week and do something with him when daddy gets home. Give him something to look forward to.

Same with something you don't do all year that way it's special, yet he's learning and occupied for a bit.

I would also encourage him to take part in the family more. Let him help you plan the menu for the day/week/month. Let him help you do more around the house. At that age they are usually eager to help but we think they can't do much. Obviously this wouldn't be full-time, but it might give him a sense of helping and teach him to do so with a cheerful heart and at the same time give him something constructive to do sometimes so there is a bit more structure to his day yet he can "play" too.

Katy - posted on 06/29/2009

Some movie theaters have free movies Tuesdays through Thursdays by me (tampa area). You can check out their websites and usually there are 2 free movies at each theater at 10 a.m. on those days. That is especially nice by us b/c we can't be outside all the time in the summer with the heat. Hope that helps.

Amy - posted on 06/28/2009

I am an Education Consultant for Usorne Books, and we have a reading program called 10 Teriffic Weeks. I have a couple of friends that homeschool with me and they are using this program through the summer. They are built for different subjects, and different ages. They are absolutely loving them!! I have been so busy since we finished school that I haven't had any time for my boys to get board, but I totally understand. My oldest is the same way! If you are interested in the program, it is on my website at www.ubah.com/a3470 Hope this helps!

Christina - posted on 06/08/2009

libraries have summer programs for kids, do you belong to a children's museum, zoo pass, etc? we just like to go to parks a lot, or visit relatives we don't get to see during the year. Planning a special "tea party" in your back yard, coloring, legos, music, wacky science experiments. We also make up fun, weird, backyard obstacle courses too. There are also lots of books at the library for fun summer stuff to do. Letting my kids help me plant flowers, and veggies in my gardens help take up their time and gee, they are learning at the same time! Good luck and have a great summer.

John Helen - posted on 05/29/2009

Thanks for the compliment! A lot of people think they are twins. Especially when I go grocery shopping with the children I get asked that a lot when I say no some will give me a weird look.

John Helen - posted on 05/29/2009

When we finished grade 1 I asked him if he wanted to start grade 2 and he said no he needed some playing time.

Anna - posted on 05/29/2009

I thought your older girls were twins until I saw their ages here! You have a beautiful family!!

Anna - posted on 05/29/2009

My son Zephan finished school a month ago so I just started the next grade. I didn't really know what else to do to occupy his time besides playing.