Homeschooling In the Summer

This has been my first year to homeschool my kids. Late last fall, we adopted three children--one of whom is "officially" school aged, and the other two are old enough to want to join in on the schooling fun. It's been a rough road, and I feel like I'm starting to make a little headway with them, and they are finally enjoying doing school activities.

Because we are finally "on a roll" around here, I've chosen to keep doing lessons in some form or another this summer. I want them to keep on developing a love for learning.

Since we've been moving this past month, we have taken off from any formal lessons since May. But starting in July, we are going to have a fun month of learning and exploring! I was planning on just doing Bible lessons and activities and catechism, as well as working through appropriate social skills with the kids. I thought that would be perfect for those long afternoons when the kids are bouncing off the walls because it's too hot to play outside and little sister has to take a nap.

I also discovered a great (FREE!) music and art appreciation lesson plan that focuses on the music of Mendelssohn and the art of Monet. It involves hands on art activities, listening to music, and doing things out in nature (perfect for those beautiful mornings before it gets too hot!) So we will start that next month, too.

Since I'm a newbie on the homeschool scene, I'd love to know what other homeschooling moms do with their kids during the summer. Do you do school year round, do you take off for the summer, or do you pick some special subjects, etc? What works for you? I'd love to get some advice and ideas!