Mike Smith:
This week, we’ve been discussing ways to link summer vacation with your children’s education. We've talked about adding a bit of history, science, and art to your family trip. How about math?

The Newborns, a homeschooling family in Pennsylvania, plan numbered vacations. On March 3, 2003 (or 03/03/03) they visited Washington, D.C., to study the three branches of government. On April 4, 2004, they went to Four Corners, where Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona intersect.

Here are some other ideas to inspire your vacation plans.

If you have young children who are just learning to read, try an alphabet vacation. Each day, plan your activities around a few letters of the alphabet.

Or you might wish to solidify your children’s language study by visiting Little Italy, followed by a trip to an Italian opera.

As you plan your vacation, consider having your children keep journals to record their travels. Invest in some inexpensive cameras. Have your children read several books related to your destination ahead of time. And if you want your children to collect science samples, gather historical memorabilia, or interview certain people as you travel, be sure to allow time for these activities.

Let your imagination fly—and you’ll have a summer to remember. And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.