one hour

So, school's out for summer.

Can I get a halleluyer?

I think I heard a collective woohoo from mamas all over the country. I am counted among them. I was ready for a break. We love our school. We adore the three home days each week where we typically finish our work by lunchtime and have the afternoon to chill. And we love our two days a week at our school. The kids learn from dedicated Christian teachers who instruct them with a Biblical worldview.

Love it. Love it.

But summer?

That's the stuff, y'all. That's the stuff.

If you're like me though, you don't want your babies' brains to turn to mush during the three months where sleeping in is not only preferred, it's mandated! So what are we to do? I mean, we don't allow any TV until 3pm each day. We get plenty of exercise at the pool. And we delegate chores, to not only give them some responsibility, but also to give us a reason to owe them an allowance whereby teaching them about tithing and offering a portion to God.

But is this enough? Will this keep their brains from turning to mush? I'm not convinced.

Enter one hour.

This year, I've instituted the one hour of reading. From 9-10am on Mondays through Thursdays. The kids and I are reading. No phones. No computers. No noise.

Glory.

It's only been four days since we began our new 9am habit. And peeps, it's going pretty stinkin' well. Usually after 45 minutes or so, they're ready to move on. But I tell them to just sit and close their eyes and quiet their minds. I think that's a good thing. Don't you? They begin with their Bible or devotion book and then move on to a novel.

Kennedy is an avid reader anyway. She is always reading something H@rry Potter again. I think she's read the series in total like 6 or 7 times. As an upcoming 7th grader {eeek!}, she is required to read three novels {she had 22 to choose from} outside of school. We scooped up two of them at the local library this week. The other is on hold for whenever it comes back in. So here's the Pook's current stack of reading for one hour.

Syd is not so much of a reader. Honestly, she has typically hated it. And truth be told, she's not a great reader. I was hoping the bug would bite her like it did Kennedy in 3rd grade. So far, not yet. But she did just finish a novel within a few days of beginning the one hour. And she loved it! Score one for mama! As an upcoming 4th grader, she is required to read two novels {she had four to choose from} outside of school. Hers were found at the library as well. Here is Syd's current stack of reading.

Joel is not yet reading. Sweet boy. So during our one hour, he brings me his big boy devotion book and I read some to him. Then, per his teacher, Sydney {aka Miss R...}, he practices his handwriting. I love it. Sydney found some blank handwriting sheets online and she made copies of them...all of her own accord. Then, she took a highlighter and wrote on the lines where Joel will use his pencil to trace and therefore, improve his handwriting and fine motor skills. Holla! She is going to make a fantastic teacher some day! She even made a folder for him to keep it all in. Love her. Joel is trying so hard and I'm sure that this four hours a week of handwriting practice will go a long way when our Thai Tornado blows into kindergarten this fall.

I love, love, love to read. I just don't do a great job of making time for it. So it usually takes me weeks to finish a single book...even though I'm totally into it. I'm happy when our one hour comes around each morning. Not only do I experience true quiet for an entire hour!...but I get to sit and read and not feel guilty or like I should be doing something more important. I've been starting with my Sunday School lesson and then moving on to one of these each morning. Here is my current stack of reading. The books laying down are ones that I've recently finished {The Hunger G@mes and Killing Lincoln} or have read years ago and plan to begin again soon because I loved them so much. The two standing are the here and now. I am in the middle of "A Thous@nd Gifts". {Planning an entire post about this one soon.} And "S@fely Home" is one I've had for a year and am just now getting to.

So there you have it. My small attempt to prevent my babies' brains from turning to mush and scooping up some quiet of my own at the same time! What are you doing with your kiddos this summer? I'd love to hear about it!