Happy Summer!

Don't go away, dear readers. We will be back with lots more educational fun. But first we're going to go play at the beach...

How do you turn summer vacation into a school lesson?

Here are some ideas...

• Break out the map - let the kids figure out the best route to take when you hit the road.
• Check out the guide books for history - learn about where you're going.  Do the touristy fun stuff, but also check out some local museums.  Museums can be touristy, fun, and educational!
• Get your science geek on - learn about different climates and terrain, then compare and contrast to where you currently live.
• Continue with that inner geek and look at the local wildlife - there are surely some birds or bugs you don't normally see at home.
• Practice math and money skills by setting a vacation budget and having the kids work together to make sure you don't go over.
• Talk about new cultures and visit some cultural areas wherever you go.  Discuss the history, the people, and the reasons certain groups live the way they live.

There are so many ways to enjoy a vacation while you educate at the same time.  And the best part is, the kids won't even know they're learning if you just keep it exciting.

And here's one more tip - have the kids write letters.  We are going to be emailing Daddy on a daily basis with what we did for the day.  This will practice letter writing skills and descriptive story telling.  Unfortunately my Hubby's work schedule doesn't allow him to come with us on this trip, but having someone to tell all about it makes for one great writing lesson!

Sun, fun, and some awesome family time... See you back here soon!