Our family starts back-to-homeschooling in August each year but we still make time for some of the fun activities that add a little interest to our learning. Read on for nature study, liturgical living, food, books, and learning ideas will inspire you for a month of family learning fun.
Nature Study In August
August brings rain and thunderstorms almost every day where we live. Did you know that Alabama gets more rainfall per year than the states in the Pacific Northwest? We just get it all in downpours instead of constant drizzles.
- World Lizard Day (13) – Investigate herpetology with these resources.
- Ponds – Visit a local pond and grab a water sample if you have a microscope. If not, this video will show you some cool things.
- Spiders – While learning about spiders is always fun, this watercolor resist is a cool way to celebrate our eight-legged friends.
- Mushrooms – Go on a mushroom hunt.
- Rain and thunderstorms – Make your own rain gauge.
- Wildflowers – Do some flower pressing.
- Dandelions – Interesting look at the dandelion life-cycle in time lapse.
Faith Themes In The Month of August
While our family’s August celebrations are pretty simple, there are a ton of other great August ideas here.
- Ordinary Time continues
- Feast of the Assumption (15) – Here are some great ideas including information about blessing the fruits and herbs (traditional for this day).
- St. Monica (27)
- St. Augustine (28)
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Food And Family Themes In August
The lingering bounty of summer fruits and vegetables is not to be missed this month. The fresh veggies will give way to pumpkin spice soon, so get them while you can!
- Peaches – Make a yummy peach cobbler.
- Farmer’s Market bounty – Visit your local market for fresh peas, tomatoes, and summer corn.
- National Sandwich Month – Set out a sub sandwich board and have “gourmet” subs.
- National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day (4) – Make some cookies.
- National S’mores Day (10) – Might be a perfect night for movies and a bonfire in the backyard so s’mores can be enjoyed by all.
- Cuban sandwiches – These are some of our favorites but only on authentic Cuban bread. If you can find it near you it’s a real treat.
- Banana splits – Make your own in the kitchen.
- Football food! – For us this is soft pretzels, nachos, chicken wings, and spinach dip. We have this often through the fall even if there isn’t a game on!
Books Perfect For July Learning
Some of our favorites are on the list this month especially Mike Mulligan which takes us back to our Five in a Row days.
- Campfire Stories: Tales from America’s National Parks by Dave Kyu
- Foolproof Frozen Treats with a Side of Science by M. M. Eboch
- Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for Kids by Rob Elliott
- Snakes, Salamanders, & Lizards by Diane Burns
- Paddle to the Sea by Holling C. Holling
- The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane by Russell Freedman
- How to Grow a Friend by Sara Gillingham
- Storm by Sam Usher
- Cloud Dance by Thomas Locker
- Chester Nez and the Unbreakable Code: A Navajo Code Talker’s Story by Joseph Bruchac
- The Book of Dragons by E. Nesbit
- Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
- Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton (see our Mike Mulligan cake above!)
- Katya’s Book of Mushrooms by Katya Arnold
Campfire Stories: Tales from America’s National ParksFoolproof Frozen Treats with a Side of Science: 4D An Augmented Recipe Science Experience (Sweet Eats with a Side of Science 4D)Laugh-Out-Loud Jokes for KidsSnakes, Salamanders & Lizards (Take Along Guides)Paddle-To-The-Sea (Sandpiper Books)The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the AirplaneHow to Grow a FriendStormCloud DanceChester Nez and the Unbreakable Code: A Navajo Code Talker’s StoryThe Book of Dragons (Mint Editions―The Children’s Library)Miss RumphiusMike Mulligan And His Steam Shovel (Sandpiper Books)Katya’s Book of Mushrooms
August Field Trips For Your Homeschool Study
For many this month brings heat that makes outdoor trips unbearable. Scope out the movie theater for kids’ specials, the bowling alley, or a fun museum instead.
- Go bowling with your family or homeschool group.
- Visit a local aviation museum if you have one close by.
Crafts And Activities For August Learning
Every dog needs a day. If your dog doesn’t have an official birthday then you are in luck on August 1!
- DOGust 1st: Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs (1) – Hold a birthday party for your favorite pooch. This cake might be fun.
- Holling C. Holling’s Birthday (3) – Read Paddle to the Sea
- National Campfire Day (3) – See my note about S’mores above and build a fire in your fire pit outside. Maybe the kids can sleep outside in a tent!
- Barbara Cooney’s Birthday (6) – Read Miss Rumphius.
- National Friendship Day (7) – Spend some time with friends. Olivia loves to have friends over and make them a special brunch.
- National Bowling Day (13) – Go bowl a game or two! This is such a fun thing to do with friends — even if no one can really bowl!
- Navajo Code Talkers Day (14) – Watch this short documentary on these WW2 heroes.
- Edith Nesbit’s Birthday (15) – Read a story from The Book of Dragons
- National Tell a Joke Day (16) – Have a joke telling contest!
- National Aviation Week (19) – Do you have a local Civil Air Patrol chapter? If your kids are 12 and up I highly recommend checking it out!
- Just Because Day (27) – Do something fun Just Because You Can. It’s one of the best benefits of homeschooling!
- Virginia Lee Burton’s Birthday (30) – Read Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel
More Monthly Themes
Want more monthly themes for your homeschool? Check out these other posts!
- September Themes
- October Themes
- November Themes
- December Themes
- January Themes
- February Themes
- March Themes
- April Themes
- May Themes
- June Themes
- July Themes
Enter your email to download our printable themes checklist and monthly calendar.
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