My friend, Gloria, is the mom of many boys, and she just shared a fabulous idea that she uses in her homeschool. One day a month, Gloria holds “D.E.A.R. camp”. D.E.A.R. stands for: “Drop Everything And Read!”
Gloria used to draw a number out of a hat and that would be the date during that month that they would toss aside normal routine and set up the tent and read all day. Now she has planned on using the 4th Wednesday of each month, so everyone can look forward to it. Any way you choose it, kids love to camp and I think you’ll have enthusiastic energy for this fun, educational activity!
Gloria starts her D.E.A.R. camp day with a real camp-style breakfast. Then they set up a tent in the living room—or build a fort with blankets and pillows in front of the fireplace—and “camp out” reading all day long. They enjoy hours of reading: silently and aloud, and they play phonics games too.
“It does a homeschooling mom’s heart good to have days like this once in a while!” Gloria says. I agree! The fun and novelty of it keeps the kids happy in homeschool. And that break from routine, of teaching math and juggling it all, is good for Mom too!
If your kids are feeling restless or you’re getting a bit burnt out, maybe it’s time to “drop everything and read”, camper’s style.
Don’t forget the s’mores!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
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This is perfect! I will be using this wonderful idea.
What a great idea! Will have to remember this when we start up our new year.
That sounds like so much fun!! I'll have to remember that next year.
This is an awesome idea!! I'm definitely going to add this to our homeschooling plans for the coming months!
Kelley