Saying Goodbye to Summer: Preparing for Fall with Productive Transitions

Saying goodbye to summer while preparing for fall can be a bittersweet transition. For us Bryans, it will be the last summer before our five year old officially becomes a kindergartner ( how dare she grow up 😝 )! Anyway, while I hold back the tears, I realize that I also need to get myself in gear for the upcoming season. Anyone else have a full scheduled fall? If you are in the same boat, here are some productive ways finish summer with a firework bang.

1. Educational Inventory. Whether you homeschool for the whole year, or maybe you vacay all three months in the summer (or somewhere in between) before you buy all the shiny new "back to school" items, take an inventory of what you already have. What should you keep? What should you pass down? Personally, my kitchen table is full of all the books and supplies that need to either be redistributed or placed back in our learning cubbies for this year. Getting rid of clutter is a breath of fresh air and you can plan with cleaner and more organized vision.

2. Gratitude Journal. Have the family reflect on their summer and create a gratitude journal. If you have littles, have them draw what they were grateful for during the summer and have an open dialogue as they go through their memories.

3. Fall Bucket List. Create a fall bucket list with activities you want to enjoy during the upcoming season. Include it into your calendar! Include things like apple picking, hiking, visiting a pumpkin patch, or attending a fall festival.

4. Seasonal Wardrobe Swap. Even though right now it might be hot and possibly humid, chances are you will at some point need your warmer clothes. Pack away your summer garb and bring out your fall wardrobe. Organize your closet and make a list of any new clothing items your family might need for the cooler weather.

5. Preserving Memories. Compile a photo album or digital collage with pictures from your summer adventures. This way, you can reminisce about the summer memories while looking forward to new ones in the fall.

6. Seasonal Recipe Book.Collect recipes featuring autumnal ingredients, such as pumpkin, apples, and cinnamon. Plan to try out these dishes as the weather cools down. Remember that cooking, baking etc. are great ways to teach your children specific concepts like math and reading.

7.Garden Harvest: If you have a garden, harvest the last of your summer crops and prepare your garden for fall planting. Consider planting fall vegetables and flowers.

8.Nature Walks. Add to the list of back to school "sketchbook" and "watercolors". Go outside with your children , or better yet, with a group of other nature loving people, and go exploring the outside during the change in seasons. This is such a magically time to do so, with the leaves changing and fruit being harvested. Plus hiking on any trail is a good way to exercise.

9.Home Decor Updates: Incorporate fall-themed decorations into your homeroom. Add a tea kettle or hot chocolate mix in the kitchen. Also on the list: cozy blankets, fall-scented candles, and warm colors to create a welcoming atmosphere to learn.

10. Fall themed unit studies. From learning about pumpkins to observing the animals that are preparing for colder weather, unit studies are wonderful ways to really dive deep into any subject.

Good-Bye Summer!

and hello sweater weather (maybe 🤔 )