Sun-smart homeschooling!

by Beverley Paine

Build a 'sun smart' lifestyle in your homeschool learning plan by incorporating some simple tips and strategies and activities, either at home or when out and about with home educating friends.

It goes without saying that when the sun is out, cover up, apply sunscreen to exposed skin before you go outside, wear those sunnies, protect your lips and toes and during the middle part of the day, and stay in the shade as much as you can.

Dehydration isn't something we think about enough, particularly in summer. Iced drinks are a favourite with everyone, especially younger children who love to play with the ice and who are most vulnerable to heat stroke. Red, hot, dry skin, a swollen tongue, dizziness and confusion or nausea are the symptoms of heat stroke - don't ignore them, even in the early stages. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Wear a hat that shades the face and neck and light-weight and light-coloured clothing that reduces skin exposure to the sun if you have to be outside. If someone you know does look like they are flaking out because of the heat, move them into the shade, ask them to sit or lie down and offer cold compresses or a cool shower to help lower their temperature.

It goes without saying we should all take it easy on hot days. Organise outside exercise and play sessions for your children in the early hours of the morning or evening, when the sting has gone out of the sun's rays. Playing with water in the shade is a great way to cool kids off and keep them happy. You don't need a swimming or paddling pool - a few bowls and buckets, cheap paintbrushes, some containers, funnels and other implements from the kitchen together with some of their toys should keep them occupied for a while.

For the adults, keeping cool takes on a different dimension during the festivities of Christmas and New Year, especially as the weather warms up, late nights begin to take their toll and the excitement of the holiday season leaves our children a tad frazzled. Aim to get at least eight hours of sleep most nights, scheduling in some early nights for the whole family. Don't take on any extra social or work related commitments: say "no" calmly, politely and firmly. It's okay not to go out every day! Stock up so you don't feel the need to rush down to the shops, which will inevitably mean buying extra ice cream and other treats you wouldn't normally purchase. Laughter is a great stress reliever. Hire some funny movies and hang out with people who make you feel happy. Play games with your family that make you all laugh. And even though it is hot and you don't feel like it, make sure you do something physical and active every day.

Having a plan to put all this in place and make sure it happens can easily fit into your home education program. Activities to remind us to stay healthy throughout the hot summer, such as making sun-safe posters (language), playing Junior Master Chef and creating delicious summer recipes (health), investigating the effectiveness of different types of sunscreen (science), swimming or surf life saving lessons (physical education). Make education fun and stay 'sun-safe' this summer!