School’s out for summer. Nah, not around here. We are back in action and starting 4th grade with style. We realized that we are a year-round summer school here at Soco School. Summer does mean that mama and mini find ways to change things up. The entire point of homeschooling for us is to make it our own. That means that our “summer session” will require a new summer school setup.
I’ve learned this past year that the setup of “school” has power. JustaBXgirl needs control over how her school day looks. She also needs to have school in style. She’s always loved shopping for school supplies, it just looks a bit different now. These are a few of the things we did to make our summer session feel different from the spring session.
Summer Uniform – JustaBXgirl has always wanted to wear a uniform. Since we’ve been homeschooling she has used one on and off. I’ve given her the freedom to create this uniform on her own. She chose a Hogwarts dress that we bought at Target a few years ago. Here’s a similar one I found on Amazon. She decided to change it up for summer school and go with a Descendants dress and a short set. She selects which one based on her mood when she wakes up. I’m interested in seeing what she comes up with for the fall. Her uniform helps her and everyone else physically see “school time” vs “her time.”
3C4G Celestial All-in-1 Sketching Set – My little artist finished her previous sketchbook right as she completed third grade. She takes a virtual art class weekly so it is very important for her to always have one. This one is right up her alley because she loves galaxy-themed items. With 200 pages, it should keep her busy for a while.
3C4G Butterfly Lap Desk – The beauty of homeschool is that it can be done anywhere. Sometimes JustaBXgirl likes sitting at her desk but other times she wants to curl up on the couch, lounge in bed, sit on the floor, or pretty much anywhere else she lands. This lap desk has been used so much since we received it. It gives her the freedom to set up an on-the-go office wherever she is. It also is beautiful.
Pencils – I’ve realized that one can never have enough pencils. I do my best to supply JustaBXgirl with fun ones. She loves Paris so our current supply is this Eiffel Tower wrapped set. You can also find it on Oriental Trading which happens to be a good place to look for school supplies!
OwlCrate Jr. – Our summer session has been filled with lots of reading time. OwlCrate Jr. was a perfect addition. It is a book subscription box designed for kids ages 8-12. There is also OwlCrate designed for ages 14+. Here’s what to expect in the OwlCrate Jr. box: A brand new hardcover middle-grade novel, featuring a signed bookplate and an exclusive letter from the author. A second book, activity, or game. Fun and unique items based on the theme of the month. And a mini-magazine and collectible character trading card for every book. Our box was all about magic and JustaBXgirl loved it. She made her own Youtube video unboxing it so that you can see the fun.
All of these things can be used regardless of your school choice. Summer should be a time for fun and expression but we shouldn’t let learning get locked out of the fun. Even if you’re fully in vacation mode a surprise delivery like OwlCrate Jr. can be just what you need to get your little into some summer reading.
