10 years of Summer Journals...

an evolution of summer journals. Our first, the little Swedish notebooks with my personal decorative touches...the last, a one inch binder decorated by Bryn and full of things I want her to read, ponder, and revel in all summer long

Mason's entry from July 2001: 'today my mom is in PERIS. Jessuka came too.' The picture is of John teaching Mason how to ride his two wheeler...life was different then, and I'm so glad I have a taste of it from my little boy's perspective

setting and monitoring personal goals has always been a part of our summer journals. We choose goals that develop our mind, our body and our spirit, and we take stock in our progress throughout the short sunny season.

spiritual thoughts are also a part of our summer curriculum. For the younger ones, I'm trying to help them learn how to seek habits that will help them draw closer to God. For the older ones, talks and quotes that can help them recognize the Holy Ghost, feel His witness of Christ's love and reality, and help them desire to seek a life that is in line with Christ's teachings

thoughts on personal health are also a part of our summer journals. 'Food Rules' are a favorite of mine, and we will pattern our summer eating and cooking based upon these great and important rules for healthy living.

Reading lists and shelves of new books are all part of my plan
I choose more classic novels
"Little Women" for Madi
"Tom Sawyer" for Porter
"Red Scarf Girl" for Bryn
"A Tale of Two Cities" for Mason

Greek mythology for all
and many many others...

as well as work books to keep algebra fresh, alphabets remembered and reading and writing increased.

This week I am determined to put our summer journals together.

This is a tradition that is now a decade old.

Our journals have gone from a small way to document life in Sweden (summer 2001 was spent in and around Stockholm with visits to Portugal and Bavaria) to an entire 'summer system' which is designed to keep our kids learning, help me inspire them to learn and think and grow, and keep them ready for the coming school year.

The older kids have left the actual daily ritual of writing to answer the daily questions and prompts. For them these journals are more like inspiration books, with reading lists, calendars of the summer's events and inspirational talks and quotes to read and memorize. They will have fewer paragraphs to write and more lists. The little ones on the other hand will continue to daily practice complete sentences and using descriptive words etc.

the journals evolve over time.

I'm excited to share some of what we do with you, maybe it will inspire you to do exactly what is right for your family during the summer...