Childhood in Summer
From the Alveary Team:
What should children do in the summer?
Kids need a total break, too, although they may be bored within a week or two. If it’s not draining on the mom, they can attend concerts and museums. (But if it causes mom stress, they need a babysitter.) Summer is a time of leisure, and the kids have been practicing all year how to spend their leisure time well. They can read, play outside, create handicraft projects, cook, listen to music, go on walks, practice the piano, and more, just like during Afternoon Occupations—the difference being that there will be more time to do these things.
If there were books that didn’t get finished during the school year, allow children to choose which one(s) they will finish on their own. If they’re terribly behind in math, they may have to keep going during the summer, but that can wait a few weeks to allow the kids time to decompress. We strongly encourage parents to continue to limit screen time during the summer and not to schedule too many activities. Practice masterly inactivity: trust that children in a rich environment will find meaningful ways to spend their time.
Summer is not a break from learning—it’s a deeper living into it.
Notes:
- New Course Sale: Flash sale for members this weekend only! We still have limited spots in our new course on the first 10 of Mason’s 20 principles. There is a lot of “meat” in this course to satisfy both those newer to Mason and those who are ready for a deeper dive. Take $50 off with code SUMMER50.
- Reading Lessons - Reading Lessons for Level 3 are being updated and released, starting with Term 1. However, here is a link to the 2024-25 Language Study course and here is a link to the 2024-25 Level 3 Reading Lessons for anyone who would like to continue using them. The new version of the Reading Lessons can be accessed in your Dashboard!
- Summer Reading List: Join us for some intentional reading this summer. This summer reading list is a curated list of titles from our high school book list to encourage you as an educator and lifelong learner! Enjoy!
- Contact Us: Have questions about the Alveary curriculum? Don’t forget we are always happy to answer your questions. Submit them here!
- Living Book Press Sale: Starting June 28, you'll be able to get 20% off books, and 50% off audiobooks. This includes the volumes in print and on audiobook as well as A Liberal Education for All by Dr. Carroll Smith. Shop here.
- Conference Volunteers: We’re thrilled to welcome many of you to this summer’s CMI Gathering, Guiding with Grace. We’re looking for volunteers: a photographer, pianist, and CM grads or young adults for a teen panel. If you or someone you know can help, please email kimberly@cminst.org.
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Trivia Question:Who took over the House of Education after Mason died?
Leave your guesses in The Hive, and stay tuned for the answer in next week’s Alveary Weekly!
