Super Summer Challenge ~ 2014

There are so many fun intentional parenting ideas & activities out there (dumb Pinterest!) that I can rarely ever make happen. But somehow the Super Summer Challenge has turned into one tradition that we keep going. Tate is for the most part pretty excited about it. Probably about halfway through we have to get a little extra motivation, but he keeps at it each year. And the big prize at the end always makes it worth it. As I say each year, kids (and parents!) are growing up with so much instant gratification. It takes real effort to find ways for them to to work toward goals. And my reasons behind a lot of the challenges are to keep refining current skills over the summer and to get some practice at new skills to hopefully turn into habits. :)

A few of the accomplishments from SSC 2014:

math flashcards

write in summer journal

memorize both cell #s

"Slide Through Summer" packet

art class

read "BFG" 

Sumdog

write & illustrate a story

handwriting worksheet

Music Camp

complete shower 100%

dribble while walking

three events at swim meets

10 push ups

brush teeth in AM with no reminder

Sports Camp & Summer Spectacular

What's in the Bible videos

Scripture Safaris

make your own lunch

lemonade stand

write & mail a letter

Keller Parks & Rec Challenge

Eyebomb

no complaining at dinner

Flag Football @ Sports Camp

Summer book together - BFG (great suggestion from Cousin Corry)

 The story Tate wrote about and illustrated was a true story about our friend Jon diving in Africa with sharks. He "interviewed" him and watched the cool (and crazy!) video. Then he went back and worked on his story.

Art Class

Swam his heart out with the Barracudas swim team, improving his time every single week

"Sliding Through Summer" packets from the awesome 1st grade teachers 

 Dribbling while walking

 Ran his annual lemonade stand this time raising almost $75 for a local children's home

 Eyebombing was fun!

 Jump rope 20 times without stopping

He technically made his own lunch. We will be repeating this one again for more practice. :)

 

City of Keller I Spy in July Scavenger Hunt

He did it!

And of course the rewards are probably his favorite part. :) I try to have a combination of simple, different things that don't really cost $ to do along with some special experiences. 

ice cream for dinner = 25 points

 brother sleepover = 50 points

Indiana Jones exhibit @ the museum = 100 points

Lego prize/The White House = 150 points

The BIG prize was Medieval Times = 200 points

So proud of this guy for working hard all summer to meet these goals. It's both fun and hard work, but it always pays off!

Link HERE for previous years.