Becoming Wild and Free

Lately I've been listening to audiobooks to help me revamp our school routine. Right now we're taking things slow, since it's summer time and we're finally getting our sunshine. My favorite two listens so far have been The Call of the Wild and Free by Ainsley Arment, and The Read Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie. 

Those two books have helped remind me of how important it is for children to get out in nature, and for them to be read to. Kids learn best through play, and interestingly, reading to children is just as beneficial (if not more beneficial) than having them read on their own. It helps them develop a love of stories, which naturally leads to a love of reading down the road.

So, instead of feeling guilting for setting the curriculum aside and getting out in nature, I'm going to embrace it. We've adopted a simpler summer routine so we can get outside as much as possible. I've even summoned the courage to attempt reading aloud with all three boys again. Usually I read to Mason separately before he goes to bed because his natural state is LOUD.

We've been hitting up the local parks and beaches almost every day, and Ryan suggested we try reading Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls. It was one of his favorites as a kid, and so far the boys and I really like it! The boys grab some blankets and snacks and snuggle up on the front porch while I read to them. 

I've been trying to get myself out in nature more too. I'm an introvert, so homeschooling these wild boys of mine really drains me. I need to find ways to recharge, or I burn out quickly. Lately I've been enjoying taking some solo hikes at the trails near our house. I like to put on a good audiobook and walk for as long as I can stand it. It usually ends up being about an hour and a half. It's great exercise, and helps me sleep better at night too!

This little mushroom looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale! I love finding little treasures like this on my walks through the woods.