God loves fun too: Summer can be a time of adventure and learning
The children will soon be out of school for summer break. It’s been a long year and far different from past years. Families, schools and our entire nation faced many obstacles. We have survived, and that is something to celebrate. We praise God for His faithfulness.
It is time to forget the past and begin fresh, I always remind myself that “ Today is the first day of the rest of my life.” Let us give it our best shot; we can make it fun, exciting and special.
I was praying and seeking the Lord’s guidance and He gave me these thoughts I want to share with you.
Summer learning can be fun
Here are the ideas that have raced through my mind, things that would make this summer a special family time of celebration.
God loves children and families; he made us in his image to love each other and work together.
Children never stop learning, which means summer can be a challenging time for parents and children. If we prepare for it and make a plan, it can be exciting for all.
Part of the joy of an event is the anticipation of it; looking forward to the fun we will have and the things we can learn. How about making a monthly calendar — colorful and filled with fun things to do? Not only fun but learning experiences, including chores, work projects and a reward for good behavior.
First, we give every child and adult a couple of chores to do each day with a behavior chart to make sure the family follows through with their responsibilities. It is fun to check off when a chore is completed.
Keeping it interesting
Make sure you plan a devotional time together making God part of our day, either in the morning after breakfast, after dinner or before bedtime. It is important that mom and dad are part of the plan. You could read a continued story each day ending each devotional with prayer.
As you make up the calendar, plan a field trip every two or three weeks, such as a trip to the zoo, park or a museum.
Make sure you check local churches for a Vacation Bible School to attend. Most last five days. The children will enjoy songs, Bible stories, games, snacks and a fun craft. They will love making new friends and learning good character values.
How about a game night once a week or a fun movie for everyone to watch together?
Plan a day a week as a kitchen day to make cookies or a special desert. Maybe plan a picnic and a fun afternoon at the park. Plan a project to help others. You can go through your toys or clothes and donate toys you do not play with anymore or clothes that do not fit or you don't wear to an organization who need those things.
The children will learn how important it is to consider the needs of others and try to help them when we can. God loves a cheerful giver and it tells all through the Bible to help those in need.
You could plan a day at the beach in your back yard with a cheap wading pool or sprinkler from Walmart. Buy balloons fill them with water and have a water fight. Put chairs in the yard with a couple of umbrellas to get out of the sun and relax.
Oh yes, you would need a snack table with strawberry lemonade and cookies you made in the kitchen. I bet you could even build a pretty cool fort.
Play fun ball games. Children love crafts. The dollar store is a wonderful place to find supplies for crafts and it is not expensive.
Time for making memories
These are all wonderful teachable moments; opportunities to develop good character, compassion and good work ethics.
Even if you provide child care, this would make a great plan for the children in your care. It would be an exciting summer; a time to learn, laugh, love, and share. I am sure they would enjoy those special days. Everyday could be an adventure.
Let us get busy and make this summer special. Thanking God for watching over our children and keeping all of us through these two years of fear and anxiety. Give Him praise for all His love and faithfulness.
Children truly are a gift from God and it is a blessing filled with joy to love and help them grow both physically, more knowledgeable, and spiritually growing into mature men and women of integrity, compassion, love and a grateful heart.
Contact Information
Morgan County Schools of Weekday Religious Education P.O. Box 1285 Martinsville, Indiana 46151
This article originally appeared on The Reporter Times: God loves fun too: Summer can be a time of adventure and learning
