Learning Through the Summer

The following is an interview of David Stelzer by the Old School House.

TOS: How do you ensure your children are learning through the summer?

David: Children are always learning, and I think we can give them an opportunity to learn and grow in different ways during the summer. In our family, summer is a time we focus on learning through doing, without a focus on book work. We have eleven children, and with all of them, we have split the school year into traditional schooling and what we call “summer learning.” The focus in the summer is more practical, hands-on skills, or entrepreneurial endeavors.

TOS: Can you explain what kinds of activities that entails in your family?

David: During summer time, the younger children (up to about age 10) learn to be part of whatever activities the family is doing. They might be working alongside mom or dad or an older sibling. That includes projects around the house, chores, animals to care for, and gardening tasks. In our case, there’s a family business, but even if that’s not your situation, there are plenty of options for children to be industrious.

As they get older, they pursue goals of their own. From about fourth grade and up, we encourage them in any type of enterprise that interests them, and we help and support their goals. For example, a couple of my boys, around age 10, planted an acre of squash one year and sold the produce at a farmers’ market—most markets let kids sell for free. This eventually led to a professional agricultural career.

Around age 13–15, there is an expectation that they do productive work. They might work for others in the community or look to family businesses nearby. Homeschool kids are in demand because they are generally respectful and responsible. Some of our children began their own small businesses. Possibilities include childcare, berry picking, home improvement projects, mowing yards, landscaping and other yard maintenance, and house cleaning. These jobs then often become a primary focus throughout the year for older children. Most of their time becomes on-the-job training, and we fit more traditional coursework in around the job. So, in the younger years, classroom school is dominant, but as they get older, the summer job is dominant.

TOS: How do you supervise or oversee their “summer school” as a homeschool parent, to make sure they are benefitting, particularly if they are working elsewhere?

David: An essential part of the work experience is to debrief with your child every day. Don’t underestimate the value of this component. You want to ask them how well they did their work. How quickly did they complete their tasks? How many pounds did they pick? How much money did they earn? Did they set a personal record? These questions encourage them toward excellence, and create pride in their work and an excitement around it. Brag on them a little, and let them know you see their diligence. Use your time together in the evenings to support them—help them estimate time needed, how to make bids, and generally use math and English in practical ways that help them. Make sure their time is productive. During the school year, turn what might otherwise be busy work into real work that gives them satisfaction for getting it done.

TOS: Are there activities that are discouraged in the summer?

David: Summer allows them more time to be kids—building forts, climbing trees, etc. However, we do not allow them to sit around the house watching videos or TV. In our family, those are not productive daytime learning opportunities, though we may allow some of that in the evening when everything else is done. If they are found choosing those activities, we give them unpleasant tasks and they quickly learn not to sneak off and watch TV while the rest of the family is working!

TOS: Do you think all kids, even college-bound kids, benefit?

David: Most of our older children learned how to do valuable skills, more trade school-type skills, through the summer months, which has benefitted them in so many ways. I believe it’s a good way to go for most children. In the short term, it gives them a way to be productive and to gain self-esteem because their capabilities increase and they understand they have skills that benefit the larger community. They build a positive work ethic. They begin to have dreams and realize their dreams are attainable—which is a really important part of their development. It’s also an opportunity for kids to explore business prospects
and career options too.

TOS: You have nine older children. How did this work out for some of your older children?

David: Azure’s orchard was born as a part of “summer learning” for two of our sons, Zech and Zeph. As teens ages 13 and 15, they came up with a plan to begin an orchard. One summer they built the fence. The following year they prepared the land—I think they cleared fifty dump truck loads worth of rock, brush, and stumps. They filled a gully, and they worked with their grandpa to have some dozer work done. They wanted my help with financing, of course, which I was glad to do. It took five years of work before profit would come, which they had figured out beforehand in their planning. With learning about irrigation systems, pipe sizes, water velocity, filtration, and planning how many rows could be planted and how many plants per acre, there was a lot that went into the project. They learned about soil testing and soil fertility, and countless other details. Making phone calls and ordering product, strategizing and structuring time, and project management … there wasn’t a lack of education!

TOS: Did you worry about your kids going or not going to college?

David: So far, eight out of nine of my adult children chose to pursue entrepreneurial options over college. One chose college, and excelled there, but has recently come to work at Azure. He is currently managing our mill and overseeing a building renovation. Once our children were around 17–19 years old, they made a decision on their own life path. I think many families have an expectation that all need to head to higher education, but I don’t think it’s necessarily the most financially profitable or healthiest for all children. With our summer school and winter school approach, we let our children experience both sides. I think as homeschoolers, it is good to create that intentionality. I have nothing against going to college, but it certainly isn’t necessary for all goals. There are plenty of rewarding careers in the trades with high earning potential for those who have an excellent work ethic and a desire to always improve themselves and their skills. Summer school is a great opportunity to improve real-world skills and experiences, and to help prepare your children for the future, no matter what it looks like.