Last Tuesday I posted my take on having a Summer Bucket List. I chose to call my list a Summer Opportunities List so as to relieve any pressure from checking each and every item off the list.
I suggested seven QUIET activities, one of which was Stations. My boys worked through eight stations, spending 15 minutes at each one and we all loved it so much it is permanently on our Monday afternoon schedule.
Here's how we did it:
1. I chose a different location of the house for each activity.
2. On a colored note card at each station I wrote the task for that station.
3. Before we began I laid out all materials needed for each task so they were ready to go.
4. We used a loud timer and set it when everyone was ready to begin.
5. Each child had a separate note card detailing the order of the stations and what they could look forward to doing at each stop.
6. Two stations included snacks. :)
The photo shows the note card list of our stations. Letters of Love means they had to write a letter to a family member far away describing their summer so far.
Overall it took three solid hours to complete these stations due to first-time logistics and mini breaks. I can't recommend this idea enough! Thanks again Kara for the suggestion!
Note: Today is the official first day of Summer and also the longest day of the year. Don't forget to let the kids stay up late to watch the sunset tonight!
What a great idea! I love that two stations included snacks, too - great idea!
ReplyDeleteI think this is such a fantastic idea and I'm definitely going to be doing this at our house! Thanks so much for such great inspiration and for sharing it at the Blogger Block Party! :-)
ReplyDeleteVanessa
This looks like a great idea. I have the kids doing some learning activities each day. Sometimes I get the "aw mom" routine, but maybe doing it this way would be more fun. I'll give it a try. Thanks for linking up to the Summertime Fun Party!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea Misty! 15 minutes is about the maximum before boys start to lose interest and focus.
ReplyDeleteWanted to tell you...on that last post...can't remember if I actually wrote ya or just thought about writing you... (cuz that's how i'm functioning these days :) BUT--I love the way you called it the Summer Opportunities List...that's exactly how I view it as well. Love these ideas...keep 'em coming. Thank you for sharing with NOBH.
ReplyDelete~Kara @ The Chuppies/NOBH
Great post...and great timing!
ReplyDeleteWe just cracked some sketchbooks open and I'm planning a scrapbook bee...for 4/5 of the kids.
I like your ideas...and love that timer!
So nice to find your blog!
Love this idea!
ReplyDeleteI meant to drop by and let you know that I was linking your milk recipe- but then had to run out the door. Yes, the boys loved it! Every time I walked in the kitchen today they asked me "now what are you going to make?" in anticipation of another treat. I am going have to come up with something good to top those.
I have been enjoying reading your blog! Lots of good stuff.