July Themes and Resources For Your Homescool

July here in the South is extra hot, but I know a number of more northern states enjoy wonderful, warm weather. Whatever the weather, we have nature study, liturgical living, food, books, and learning ideas will inspire you for a month of family learning fun.

Nature Study In July

The zoo and living things take center stage as animals are most active through the summer months. Can you find scat or animal dropping while on your nature walks?

American Zoo Day (1) – Visit the zoo or watch “Become a Zookeeper: Get My Job.” Would you like to be a zoo keeper?
Wildflowers – Try some Flower Pressing
Spiders and insects – Watch Amazing spider baffles scientists with huge web
Fresh vegetables and garden harvests – Check out what’s in season in your region or zone.
Snakes and lizards – Check out our favorite snake and lizard channel on YouTube. We have watched almost all of these — some more than once!
Buck moon
Blueberries – Choose some fun blueberry related activities.
Sharks – Check out these seven different artists making art about sharks. Which ones do you prefer? Why?

Faith Themes In The Month of July

So many saints days to celebrate this month including a saint from the Americas.

Ordinary Time continues
Thomas (3) – Read John [20:24]-29.
Benedict (11) – Here is a brief synopsis of St. Benedict’s rule for mom to peruse. Share these topic highlights with the kids and talk about which ones would be good for us to follow in our family life. What might it look like?
Kateri Tekakwitha (14) – Find out more about this Native American saint.
Mary Magdalene (22) – Here are a few ideas for celebrating.
Joachim and Anne (26) – Read more about the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and some recipes for celebrating here.
Ignatius of Loyola (31) – Some ideas for introducing the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises to your kids.

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Food And Family Themes In July

July is for grilling and ice cream! Enjoy your picnic favorites and cool treats this month.

Ice Cream – Host an ice cream sundae party. You provide the ice cream and let all your friends bring their favorite toppings. Or if you have one local to you visit an old-fashioned soda fountain for a cool treat.
Hot Dogs – Fancy up this experience with a charcuterie board.
Anything grilled is good!
Fruit pizza – I make this yummy treat every July.
Graham Cracker Day (5) – Make s’mores!
Macaroni Day (7) – Grab the blue box and call it a celebration. 😉
Freezer Pops – These are best enjoyed while playing in the hose or sprinkler outside.

Books Perfect For July Learning

Gorilla Loves Vanilla by Chae Strathie (Check your library)
Teddy Bears’ Picnic by Steven Anderson (Check your library)
National Geographic Kids Mission: Shark Rescue by Ruth Musgrave
Grandad Mandela by Ambassador Zindzi Mandela
Night Flight: Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic by Robert Burleigh
You Can’t Play Here! by Angus Corby
The Tarantula in My Purse: and 172 Other Wild Pets by Jean Craighead George
Mrs. Katz and Tush by Patricia Polacco
The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White
The Declaration of Independence in Translation by Amie Jane Leavitt
The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence by Judith St. George
Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by JK Rowling

PinNational Geographic Kids Mission: Shark Rescue: All About Sharks and How to Save Them (NG Kids Mission: Animal Rescue)PinGrandad Mandela PinNight Flight: Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic PinYou Can’t Play Here! (Picture Kelpies)PinThe Tarantula in My Purse and 172 Other Wild Pets: True-Life Stories to Read Aloud PinMrs. Katz and Tush (Dell Picture Yearling)PinThe Trumpet of the Swan 50th Anniversary PinThe Declaration of Independence in Translation: What It Really Means (Kids’ Translations)PinThe Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence by St. George, Judith (2014) Paperback PinThe Tale of Peter Rabbit PinHarry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Harry Potters) by Rowling, J.K. (1999) Paperback

July Field Trips For Your Homeschool Study

Enjoy a couple of outdoor activities, and then when it’s too hot to be outside, duck into a cool museum or check out events at your local library.

Go on an old fashioned picnic for National Picnic month. Take your teddy bear (see below).
Visit a dairy farm.
Do you have a local airplane or flight museum? This would be a good month to visit.
Check out your local chess club.

Crafts And Activities For July Learning

From teddy bears to bagpipes there are so many fun things to explore this month!

International Joke Day (1) – Have a joke telling contest after dinner. Have contests to see who can tell the best and worst jokes.
National Disco Day (2) – Have a dance-off to songs by the Bee Gees or Donna Summer. Look up the hustle on YouTube.
Jean Craighead George (2) – Read a few stories from The Tarantula in My Purse: and 172 Other Wild Pets.
Independence Day (4) – Host a cookout or attend your town’s fireworks display. Have a dramatic recitation or reading of the Declaration of Independence. Watch this video.
Teddy Bear Picnic Day (10) – Take all the teddy bears in your house on a picnic. An indoor one works great too.
Patricia Polacco (11) – Read Mrs. Katz and Tush.
E.B. White (11) – Watch Charlotte’s Web (my favorite is the older cartoon version if you can find it).
Nelson Mandela International Day (18) – Read more about this famous civil rights leader from South Africa.
National Chess Day (20) – Have a family tournament. Don’t know the game? Find out more here.
Anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing (20) – Relive the historic event (or experience it for the first time!)
Day of the Cowboy (23) – Cowboys have their own brand of music. Listen to this playlist of Cowboy Songs. What topics do they seem to be about?
Amelia Earhart Day (24) – Celebrate with an airplane craft.
Bagpipe Appreciation Day (27) – Listen to this unique instrument. Find out more about the history and how they work here.
Beatrix Potter (28) – Read Peter Rabbit or another favorite Beatrix Potter tale.
Harry Potter’s Birthday (also JK Rowling’s Birthday) (31) – Watch your favorite HP movie and eat birthday cake!

More Monthly Themes

Want more monthly themes for your homeschool? Check out these other posts!

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Pam

Pam is the author of The Your Morning Basket Guide and Plan Your Year: Homeschool Planning for Purpose and Peace. She also is the host of three popular podcasts -- The Homeschool Snapshots Podcast, Your Morning Basket, and The Homeschool Solutions Show. She lives in the Deep South with her husband and three kids, where she is the go-to lady for great curriculum recommendations or a just a pep talk on a rough day.