Cultivate Interests this Summer

Cultivate Interests this Summer by Jeanette Whittaker of Pilgrim Institute

By Jeanette Whittaker

How will your family cultivate personal and family interests during the summer?

You want to maintain the learning you’ve worked hard to achieve during the school year. You also have an opportunity for more personalized activities to cultivate interests that might not fit in your schedule during the formal academic year.

{Download a printable version here.}

As you plan for meaningful summer activities, here are a few suggestions to consider.

  1. How can you encourage a love for God & His Word this summer?

Does your family have a routine that includes:

  • Personal study
  • Family worship
  • Scripture memorization

If necessary, refresh the routine to keep everyone engaged and interested.

See BibleBee.org for opportunities to memorize Scripture.

Find more inspiration for you and your family here:

Make God, His Word, and his government (internal) the foundation for all of life.

  1. Learning new skills

(at home, with friends, in your community, online)

  • Swimming
  • Gardening
  • Lawn Care
  • Cooking
  • Sports
  • Art
  • Pet training
  • First aid, CPR
  • Building
  • Robotics
  • _________
  • _________
  • _________

Each one in our family has unique, God-given interests & abilities to cultivate.

  1. For younger children, the backyard may be a great place to explore
  • Bugs
  • Animals
  • Plants
  • _________
  • _________

God’s creation is amazing!

  1. The neighborhood & nearby
  • Family walks
  • Family bike rides
  • Nearby parks, splash pads, farmer’s markets
  • Are there opportunities for individual or family enterprise?
    • Lawn Care
    • Garden produce stand
    • Cleaning services
    • Car-washing
    • _________
    • _________

Our individual, unique, God-given interests & abilities give opportunities to build family, neighborhood, and community relationships.

  1. Serving Others
  • Offer your time and talent to benefit someone else
    • Do light yard cleanup for someone elderly or needing help
    • Collect items for a local food pantry
  • Volunteer to serve in your community through your church or a local organization
  • Get acquainted with local firemen, police officers, etc.

Look for the individuality and contributions of others.

  1. Explore individual interests
  • Look up topics online, at the library, etc.
  • Research professions
  • Shadow a family member or friend at work

Think about what you are learning!

  1. Learn about your hometown, state, or region
  • What industry is present? Agriculture?
  • Learn about local geography – its diversity and individuality
  • Find out about local and state government
  • Who are/were inventors and entrepreneurs?
  • History
  • Landmarks

Every neighborhood, town/city, state, and region has its own geography, history, government, and economy.

  1. Read! (individually and together)

Keep a log noting:

Meaningful Titles / Authors / Important Ideas or Information

These are shared with you as suggestions, not as checklists to accomplish.

  • Give thought to what is best for your family. Consider the individuality and interests of your family members.
  • Don’t forget to record highlights and reflections along the way. Blank books are available locally and online. Some of my favorites are from Miller Pads and Paper.
  • Be observant. Take time to write thoughts, observations, and ideas.
  • Allow each family member to reflect and record in their own personal style. You may have a budding artist, story-teller, list-maker, scientist, entrepreneur, etc.

By intentionally focusing your time in valuable ways, you can make the most of the summer season.

Our best to you and your family!

www.PilgrimInstitute.org

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