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Summertime! It is honestly my favorite time of year. I LOVE summer. There are hot days, fun outdoor activities to do, and just so much fun with kids. Even though we homeschool year-round, we do find time for fun. This is where this summer journal for kids comes in.
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So Many Ways to Use the Summer Journal for Kids
When I decided to come up with a journal for the summer, I had many ways in mind on how it could be used. So, let’s take a look at some suggestions.
1-Field Trips
Many homeschool families incorporate learning over the summer through lots of field trips. There are days exploring tide pools, nature hikes, museums, and historic forts. All are ways we sneak in learning. After all, kids need to see that the world is full of learning opportunities.
For example, my kids and I plan on working on Maine State Studies (a homeschool requirement) this summer. What better way to document all our trips than with a fun summer journal?!
Depending on the ages of your kids, they can:
- Draw a picture of where they went and dictate something they learned.
- Write things they learned on their field trip.
- Tell what they thought of their trip. Little ones can give it a happy or sad face rating, while older kids can write why or why not they recommend the place.
It doesn’t have to be super elaborate. But it:
- Gets kids thinking about their trip.
- Reflecting on what they learned.
- Document memories.
2- Reading
Another great way to use this summer journal is for recording summer reading.
{You might also like: Summer Reading Book Trackers}
It is so important to keep our kids reading over the summer. Our kids have worked hard learning to read, we need to make sure they continually practice. Plus, it is a great idea to make reading a habit.
You can get kids to keep track of their reading in their journal.
Younger kids can:
- Draw a picture of the book.
- Keep a log of the books they read.
- Write a few sentences about what they read.
- Keep a record of how they’d rate the books.
Older kids can:
- Write a summary of what they read for the day.
- Record book titles and pages read each day.
- Write a review of a book when it is complete.
- Keep a list of all the books they read.
- Rate each book they read.
All of the suggestions above are just that…suggestions. It is just a few ways to hold kids accountable for reading and keep a great log of all they read.
The great thing is you can keep it simple or more in-depth to meet your needs. For us, my kids will record how much they read each day and a 2-3 sentence summary.
3- A Summer Nature Journal
I’d have to say this is one of my favorite ideas. But, I love checking out the different trees, flowers, and critters while out in nature.
Kids can keep their own nature journals from their wanderings. They can:
- Draw new or interesting plants or animals.
- Dedicate a page to something they saw while out in nature and record further research.
- Record where they went on a nature hike. They can rate it and explain why someone may or may not want to go there.
- Keep a log of the things seen at one location and revisit it during the other seasons to compare how things change.
Doesn’t that all sound fun?!
4- Summer Camp Journal
Do your kids go to summer camp? Well, they could take their summer journal with them. Kids can:
- List new friends they make and write down their contact information so they can keep in touch.
- Write about the fun things they did for the day. Then they can share it with Mom and Dad so they don’t forget.
- Write down their thoughts while away.
Again, it is another great way to keep track of memories.
5-Summer Journal of Fun
Overall, the summer journal can be a great way to keep track of all their fun summer memories! Kids can write down the things they want to do over the summer, the fun things they did during the day, and the adventures they want to take next year.
Need ideas for summer adventures?! Check out A Summer To Remember: For Teens and Tweens at Homeschool Fanatic. Jennifer shares so many fun ideas.
So, whatever you choose to use your summer journal for, just know that you can adapt it to meet your family’s needs!
The Summer Journal for Kids
Now that you have some ideas on what you can use the journal for, let me share the journal. I have two covers to choose from. Print them on regular paper or cardstock.
I also have included lined and unlined paper for each journal.
You can print off the sheets you want and do double sided to make little booklets.
Then again, you can use your own paper if you want.
I hope you and your kids have fun with these Summer Journals. Feel free to make as many copies as you and share it with others (Terms of Use are included with your download).
So print off your journals and start recording some fun summer memories with your kids. These are a perfect way to capture the summer memories they can look back on for years to come.
Need some fun learning materials for the summer? Check out My Teaching Library. They have a lot of great educational materials.
Happy Homeschooling!
Summer journal! How clever (even for adults)!