I love that there is so much to do in the summer. From story times, to park days, library reading program events swimming lessons, family vacations, and day camps, there is SO much on the calendar. I have a regular calendar, but I like keeping a special one just for the summer. Each year I create an Excel spreadsheet where I can enter in everything that’s going on in the area, plus the things we are already scheduled to do, and I can easily track what’s going on and where we need to be. Yes, the summer is meant to be relaxing, but when you’ve got kids at home, it’s always busy, and a plan makes my life (and thus all of our lives) sane.
I’m telling you, it works wonders!!! There are several ways you can do it. It’s an Excel file, which means it’s editable, which gives you options. You can print it as it is, and write everything in by hand, or you can type in all of your activities in the file itself, then print. I have a friend that prints hers as a large engineering print, and puts it up on her wall. GREAT idea!
Any way you do it, I hope it makes your summer a little bit smoother!
DOWNLOAD
2014 Summer Schedule EXCEL FILE
Janice Warkentin says
love how you make the summer crazies seem like it’s all part of the game and fun!! Love your blog: )..xo
Simply Kierste says
Thank you so much, Janice!!!! xoxo
Katie says
Hey! Just found your blog via Pinterest and I love it! I also have 6 children, they are ages 2-11. Just wondering about your summer activites. Do you guys do sports? How do you balance that. I’m always interested to hear from other moms with big families. Thanks!
Katie
Simply Kierste says
Hi, Katie! I also love hearing from other moms with large families, so I’m glad you dropped by.
I have everyone in swim lessons, then everyone gets to choose one activity/camp. We don’t have ongoing sports here much in the summer, because it’s SO hot. Mostly it’s camps that are indoors for a week, and that’s easier to schedule than something for everyone every single week. We do continue with weekly piano and violin lessons, but it’s much easier than the school year to fit those in because we have all day to do them. It’s busy, but manageable! :) xoxo
marcie says
Thanks for the great ideas..I love the schedule idea..but making it so fun!! Love your blog..love all your ideas and energy!!
I like how you teach your kids cooking..chores..etc!! So important!!
Thanks for sharing!!
Simply Kierste says
Thank you so much, Marcie! I’m so glad you stopped by!!! xoxo
Kristi says
I got on you blog tonight to look for this tonight. I printed up the one you made last year, and thought that maybe you would have created one for this year, and sure enough I found it. It is very helpful having this! Thanks!
Jasey says
Hi, I included your chart from last year in my Summer Learning Academy and have updated the link for this year. Thank you for making another calendar! http://jaseyscrazydaisy.com/2013/06/how-to-keep-kids-learning-during-the-summer-with-easy-summer-academy-binders.html
Simply Kierste says
You are so welcome!! Thank you for the feature!!! xoxo
JA says
GREAT CALENDAR….very adaptable and user friendly…just what I was looking for!! Thank you!
Simply Kierste says
Yay! SO glad it will work for you!!! xoxo
silva says
I used your spread sheet all summer… loved it! I especially love seeing a few months at a time… question for you… do you have a 2014 Fall semester spread sheet? I tried to adjust the 2014 summer one, however quickly learned I have no idea what I’m doing on Excel… ooops…
Simply Kierste says
I haven’t made one, but that’s a great idea! I might just have to do that!
Kelly says
Wondering if you will have a summer 2015 calendar like this? LOVE IT!
Simply Kierste says
Yes! I should have it out in the next few weeks!! :)