Inspired by the world,
Implemented at home.
Learn a little something extra this week.
Our Weekly Timeline
Here's a rundown of how I manage to fit all this into our already busy lives in the hopes that something similar might work for you.
Just a note... The term "Weekly Theme" is relative. When I started this project it was during the pandemic and everyone was home. A lot. With our empty schedule we breezed through each theme in a week. Now that we're back to being busy, I've slowed the pace to two weeks per theme.
The week before
PICK YOUR THEME
Once I've picked a theme I usually spend no more than 15-20 minutes on our library's website putting things on hold and seeing what's available. I also start mentioning the theme to drum up interest.
A few days before
GATHER BOOKS & SUPPLIES
Pick up holds at the library and grab any other books you want. Don't worry if it seems like a lot; it's okay if they don't all get read. This is also when you should gather visuals to put on the wall, print coloring sheets or prep crafts.
The first day
START OFF STRONG (ISH)
You don't need to spend a lot of time on your theme the first day, but it helps if you can at least give a solid introduction. Read a few minutes of nonfiction, watch a YouTube video, consult a map, etc. It also helps to dive right into your fiction book to get everyone into it.
The other days
DO WHAT YOU CAN, WHEN YOU CAN
The rest of the days vary but I try to organically find at least a few minutes each day to fit in some learning. If the kids aren't that into it right then, I try and limit the lesson to under 3 or 4 minutes. I'd rather start and stop over and over with happy kids than have the whole thing become a chore.​
Here are some ways I fit things in:​
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We always read our fiction book in the evening, which everyone loves. I'll like to start off each session with a few minutes of our nonfiction book.
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I let my kids each pick a picture book for me to read during snack time.
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Sometimes we start screen time five minutes early with an on-theme YouTube video.
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I make sure to schedule and carve out time for on-theme activities, excursions or crafts. If it doesn't happen though, I don't beat myself up about it.
End of the week
FINISH WITH FUN
The end of the week is the most fun! We go to an on-theme restaurant or order takeout and watch our on-theme movie. We also save our You Choose book for our last day. Pat yourself on the back for a job well-done and don't stress if you didn't get to everything you hoped to. Learning a little is better than nothing!