School's Out for Summer

I have a pile growing on my dining room table.  It's made up of brochures for things to do with the kids this summer.  Water parks.  Historic sites.  Adventures.  I've also been throwing various summer camp brochures in there, in case I get desperate and decide that Camp Mom is ready for a break. 

But lately, I've been taking a hard look at some other things I have tossed into the pile.  It started with a pack of worksheets from my son's kindergarten teacher.  Leftover pages they didn't get to finish.  She attached a note that said, "For rainy days."  Ok.  Into the pile.  Then the fliers for summer workbooks we could order to help transition my kids from one grade to the next.  Hmmm.  Probably not, but I'll save the flier just in case.

Then, a whole folder for my now rising 1st grader with a suggested reading list, a summer journal to complete, lists of educational websites and more worksheets.  That's when I had to shake my head.  I've been reading about kindergarten lately, and the power of play in early childhood education.  Five-year olds need lots and lots of playtime.  It's an important part of how they learn.  This has never been more obvious to me than with my 3rd child.  The kid spends his life outside.  On his scooter or his bike, climbing trees, spraying the hose.  I practically have to wrestle him inside when it's pouring rain.  He did ok in kindergarten, but it was torture for him.  Sitting at a table all day, listening, following instructions, completing assignments.  It's a whole different ball game than when I was in kindergarten and our only homework was to bring in something for Show and Tell.

The kid needs to run.  And climb.  And ride.  And swim.  Other parents around me are planning "summer homework" hours into their schedules.  I smile and nod my head, but I am putting away the school supplies.  We will be jumping through the sprinkler, splashing in the pool, chasing the ice cream truck and catching fireflies.  My kids spend so much of their lives in a classroom.  They work hard.  For 10 glorious weeks, I want them to enjoy their freedom and and the fresh air.  No workbooks, no assignments.  Our only supplies this summer are piles of library books and lots of sunscreen. 

This is an original DC Metro Moms post.  You can find Sue this summer, handing out popsicles or tweeting from the pool, at My Party of 6.