Comments on: Summer = time gained https://simplehomeschool.net/summer-break/ Never let your schooling interrupt your education. Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:03:37 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 By: Cookie https://simplehomeschool.net/summer-break/#comment-322311 http://simplehomeschl.wpengine.com/?p=38800#comment-322311 Once again I totally needed to hear your wise words Sarah! I’ve worked as a trainer or manager in the past, but always had the option to “clock out” at the end of the day. This past year was our first to homeschool, and though we loved it and actually survived “yay!”….looking back I recall so many moments where my son needed is loving Mama more than his Teacher. Taking the summer to “clock out” from Teacher mode is exactly what I need to switch the lens through which I see my son back to my amazing little fella rather than my smart but unfocused student. With a break and perspective shift, we can enjoy the learning opportunities that naturally occur and dive in together without the stress of “finishing this so we can move on to that”. So yes, thank you for this post! 🙂

]]> By: Johanna https://simplehomeschool.net/summer-break/#comment-321764 http://simplehomeschl.wpengine.com/?p=38800#comment-321764 I gained the same thing from that podcast! 😉 We live in Scotland where the summer break is shorter anyway (about six weeks) so following their schedule is still nearly “year round.’ I plan to do mostly year round, but I appreciated the reminder to take full breaks where I’m not trying to cram any learning and just let things simmer.

]]> By: Cara https://simplehomeschool.net/summer-break/#comment-321652 http://simplehomeschl.wpengine.com/?p=38800#comment-321652 Great reminder and encouragement! Thanks!

]]> By: Ann-Marie https://simplehomeschool.net/summer-break/#comment-321448 http://simplehomeschl.wpengine.com/?p=38800#comment-321448 Thanks for the gentle nudge to draw back, Sarah! We are coming off of our school year now and getting ready to do a few light things school wise for the summer, but, I {and the boys too} yearn for easy, carefree days just to sit, listen and gleam all that is beautiful and lovely this summer!

]]> By: Nichole https://simplehomeschool.net/summer-break/#comment-321436 http://simplehomeschl.wpengine.com/?p=38800#comment-321436 GREAT article! Not a schooling mama yet, but am taking all this information in. I learn SO MUCH from you Sarah I wish I could shout it from the roof tops. I think I can drive my friends a little crazy sometimes.
I loved what you said when you got off track from reading: “When I’ve lost my reading groove, I find the best way out is just one easy book at a time. ”
And I am excited for ANOTHER podcast to add my LONG list. The Life listened one looks like a really cool one!!
Just today I wasn’t feeling good and I had to lie on the couch and got some amazing pictures while my daughter played and also got down and played with her and it was such a blessing not feeling well because it was the best connection I have felt with her in a long time!

]]> By: Sarah Mackenzie https://simplehomeschool.net/summer-break/#comment-321430 http://simplehomeschl.wpengine.com/?p=38800#comment-321430 In reply to Alina.

Yes! One of my very favorite books!

]]> By: Sarah Mackenzie https://simplehomeschool.net/summer-break/#comment-321429 http://simplehomeschl.wpengine.com/?p=38800#comment-321429 In reply to Erica Sanchez.

Thank you so much for this, Erica! Pam is actually *on* my podcast for the next episode (it will publish June 9). 🙂

If you need some other good summer listening, I’ve collected a bunch of my favorites here: http://amongstlovelythings.com/2013/10/listen-up-collection-of-my-favorite/

]]> By: Alina https://simplehomeschool.net/summer-break/#comment-321408 http://simplehomeschl.wpengine.com/?p=38800#comment-321408 Dear Sarah, thank you so much for this. Have you read Anthony Esolen “10 ways to destroy the imagination of your children” ? Highly recommended if you ever get tempted to think that you are loosing time by taking it off 🙂

]]> By: Erica Sanchez https://simplehomeschool.net/summer-break/#comment-321343 http://simplehomeschl.wpengine.com/?p=38800#comment-321343 Hi Sarah,
My favorite way to refresh is also to take walks listening to great podcasts – yours and Pam’s! I was wondering what I would listen to this summer while you both take a break, so thank you for the list to some new-to-me ones. Because of some crazy life stuff – 9 kids, 3 boys in 3 years, adopting a gal with special needs – our reading aloud was almost non-existent. Your excellent, excellent podcasts were just the inspiration I needed. I walk around my neighborhood smiling, laughing, wanting share the goodness and wisdom I am hearing with everyone, not just my large local homeschool group. 🙂
This is a long comment that should have been sent via email, but I wanted to encourage moms to take the time to listen over the summer. The level of professionalism in each makes me feel like I’ve attended a mini-conference. Most importantly, they have inspired me to read! Our reading aloud is almost back to the levels before the crazy boys came and it has been nothing but delightful and bonding!
So, thank you Sarah! And, Pam too!
God bless,
Erica

]]> By: Nichole https://simplehomeschool.net/summer-break/#comment-321321 http://simplehomeschl.wpengine.com/?p=38800#comment-321321 Wow! So timely. Thanks.

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