Virtual learning is over, which means school is finally out! As a teacher, I look forward to typical tasks and feelings about the end of the school year. I can always expect the last days before summer to be filled with excitement and a lot of chaos. We know the last few months, especially for those families with kids, was anything but typical. While many places around the country are gradually returning to semi-normal, this summer is still going to be affected by the pandemic. That’s why Bowe Digital wanted to give you a couple of fun ideas your family can rely on this summer.
Dance, Sing or Chill to the Music
Music is a very powerful tool. We all have our favorites, but now is the perfect time to branch out and find something new. Take your kids back to your favorite music when you were growing up, or check out these songs to beat the isolation blues.
Get silly … inside or out. Grab your pots, pans and wooden spoons and play along. During this time, using your voices can add to the experience. Singing, talking or whispering in regular or silly voices can add to the fun. After the dance party, find some meditative music and a great spot under a tree in the grass or on a blanket. Have everyone close their eyes, take some deep breaths and talk about what they hear in the surrounding environment.
Star Light, Star Bright
“Go out and play” is mostly said during the daylight hours, but consider going outside at night for some stargazing and a before-bed snack. Choose a cloudless night with a crescent moon.Take your lawn chairs or even a blanket and some pillows.
Give yourself some time for your eyes to adjust; then, spend time looking into the sky and talking about what you see. Look for constellations, bright stars and meteors. (It might be helpful to print a sky map before heading out.) Have each family member choose a star, and give it a name...the funnier, the better. Maybe each family member could wish on their star. Before heading into bed, spend some quiet time gazing into space. It truly can be one of nature’s most beautiful sights. We all deserve some relaxation right now.
You can still make your 2020 summer a good one for your family...one you will remember for years to come. It just takes some creativity and some grace! After all, like Troy Bolton and his friends would say, “We’re (still) all in this together.”
Post written by Robin Asher.
Robin has been an elementary teacher for 16 years. She is a mother of two who has been happily married to her husband, Jerry, for 25 years. When she's not being an awesome content contributor for the Bowe Digital, she loves reading, singing and spending time outside in the yard.
