Summer is officially here at the Nelson house, the kids finished up school last week and are now onto 2nd and 4th grade. WOW! I can’t believe that. Anyhow, summer inevitably means boredom at some point for my kids, which is fine, but when they get bored they tend to pick on each other more. My kids seem to need some structure in the summer and this summer screen-time chart helps with that. This year I have modified the routine a bit to better suit our family and have made my own printable summer rules for kids (link at bottom of page). We are getting ready to head to Washington in July and visit 3 of the National Parks there but for the weeks we are home, the kids really do better when they know what to expect and what is expected of them. There is, of course, some flexibility to this as I know things inevitably come up that will require a change. So here’s my new list, which will likely be modified again as needed, but this is what we’re trying this summer. (Content below updated May, 2021)
Summer Rules for Kids
NO SCREENTIME UNTIL:
- You have read for 30 minutes.
- You have written a paragraph or practiced typing for 10 minutes.
- You have done a section in IXL, Reflex Math, or other math on the iPad for 15-20 minutes.
- You have picked up your room.
- You have done 2 chores (and it has been checked & approved by mom or dad).
- You have played or done something creative for 30 minutes (and cleaned it up).
Here are some great resources for keeping up those educational skills this summer:
My kids always enjoyed the Brain Quest activity books and cards when they were younger.
I love the idea of using a journal for writing practice and, if your kids are at an age where they can write well on their own, I love this gratitude journal for kids. Isn’t it cute?!
If your kids are still learning to write, this magnetic practice board is super fun and practical.
My kids both have Kindle Paperwhites for reading (I like that the screen is easier on your eyes). It makes it super easy to get books from the library and not have to worry about remembering to return them on time (or losing them). We do still go to the library often in the summer and check out paper books as well, but the Kindle is super nice for our long road trips.
For chores, I love Motivated Moms list or app and I have the kids pick 1 big chore from the list or a couple smaller ones every day, even during the school year.
So download your list today and get ready for a great summer break!
If you want a customized list, I have one for sale in my Etsy shop. Since my kids are getting older, last summer I decided to revise our routine and add a chore chart so they can earn more screen time. It was SO helpful and worked really well for us so we plan to do that again.
What works best for your family in the summer? I am always interested in learning what others do that works well for them.
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