Summer doesn’t have to be a break from learning—it can be a time of formation, wonder, and memory-making. Here are five simple (and classically inspired) ways to enjoy summer together and help your child enter the school year with joyful readiness:
- Read Aloud Together
Choose one good book to read as a family. It could be The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, A Wrinkle in Time, or a classic fairy tale collection. The goal isn’t to finish quickly—it’s to enjoy beautiful language and spend time together. - Practice Memorization
Pick a short poem or passage from a classic speech and memorize it as a family. Recite it during meals or car rides. It strengthens the memory and gives your child words worth remembering. - Visit a Museum or Historic Site
Look for opportunities to step into history or explore art. Ask questions like: “What do you notice?” or “What story does this painting tell?” - Create a Tech-Free Hour
Set aside a daily hour for reading, drawing, exploring outside, or simply being quiet. This builds habits of attention and wonder—both central to classical learning. - Cultivate a Virtue
Choose one virtue to focus on this summer (like patience, gratitude, or attentiveness). Talk about what it means, praise your child when they show it, and model it yourself.