Should You Take the Summer Off or Continue Learning Through the Summer?
Every homeschool parent faces this question eventually: Should we take a full summer break or keep learning year-round? I’ve been on both sides of the fence, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But I do want to share a little of our experience in case it helps you figure out what’s best for your family.
One year, I decided we’d take the summer completely off. Like, total freedom. No lessons, just lots of free play and relaxing. Sounds dreamy, right?
Well… by the time fall rolled around, my kids had forgotten so much. Even routines like sitting for a short lesson took a while to rebuild. I had no idea how much learning we’d have to relearn in September.
That year taught me a valuable lesson:
Even if you take a break, it helps to be intentional about sprinkling in some learning throughout the summer.
This summer, we’re trying something new, a simple structure with lots of flexibility. We’re doing:
- One day of reading
- One day of math
- One day of history
- One day of science
- One day of art or something fun
- And reading throughout the week
Not sure what to do for summer learning?
Here are a few other options:
Themed learning weeks – Do a unit study on bugs, outer space, dinosaurs, or anything your kids are into.
Nature school – Get outside and turn hikes, gardening, or beach days into mini science lessons.
Library challenges – Join your local summer reading program (they usually come with prizes!).
Gameschooling – Use board games and card games to reinforce math, logic, and language.
Creative projects – Let your kids write their own books, build something from a STEM kit, or create an art gallery.
Field trip Fridays – Museums, farms, local parks, or even your own backyard scavenger hunts.
Audiobooks and educational shows – Perfect for quiet time or long car rides.
Morning baskets – Rotate a few fun workbooks, coloring pages, or read-alouds at breakfast a few times a week.
Remember, summer learning doesn’t have to look like a full school day. It can be light, hands-on, and FUN. The key is being intentional, just enough structure to keep things fresh, without burning anyone out.
So should you take the summer off? Maybe. But don’t be afraid to add in a little learning here and there. You might be surprised how much your kids remember (and even enjoy) with just a little bit of consistency.
Xx Jeni
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