It’s that time of year when you know that spring is just around the corner, but the weather is still cold, the days are still short, and the February blues are settling in for homeschool parents. The winter months can be tough for homeschooling families, especially for those that get snow, but don’t despair! You can do plenty of things to make this season a little easier. Keep reading to learn more!
Each season brings a different rhythm to our homeschools, and instead of feeling stuck during the cold winter months, try adding some excitement to your homeschool days with these simple ideas:
Read aloud.
Yes, even with teenagers! Whether it’s picture books or chapter books, taking time to read with your kids can be a really fun way to connect. Make it even more special by snuggling up together under the covers, and reading with your flashlight! And if you don’t feel like reading, then break out the audiobooks and rest your voice.
Play board games.
Not only are board games a ton of fun, but they’re also great for teaching strategy and problem-solving. Some fantastic options for both younger kids and older kids include Labyrinth, Story Cubes, Race Across the USA, and Outfoxed! And if you’re not feeling competitive, then break out the puzzles while you listen to a podcast or audiobook.
Schedule social events.
Whether you’re attending a homeschool playdate or going on an outing at the museum with other homeschoolers, make plans early so that you’re prepared to venture out. Plus knowing that you have an event on your schedule gives you and your family something to look forward to.
Plan fun activities to do outside.
Even though winter is cold, there are lots of things that you can still do outside. As the Scandinavians say, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” So grab your warm clothes and set up a scavenger hunt with your kids or take them on a nature walk. You could also have a sledding party or a snowman competition if that’s better suited for your climate.
Enjoy brain breaks.
By this time of year, most kids are sick of academics and could use a little break. Plan some fun activities like scooter races or obstacle courses in your backyard! You could also have a dance party and have them pick up the living room while they’re at it!
Set aside time for a family project.
Whether it’s painting a mural together, building a birdhouse, or cooking up a meal from a specific country, you and your kids can spend fun quality time working on something unique!
Enjoy a movie together!
Consider watching movies based on books you and your family have read together. There are a lot of great resources out there that you can utilize to make the movies more meaningful. I love using Learn in Color’s movie guides for our homeschool movie days.
Learn to enjoy the slowness of the season.
As I mentioned before, each season brings us a new homeschool rhythm. Instead of fighting the cold, dark days, embrace them by enjoying how the slower pace of life allows your family to bond deeper. Hang up twinkling lights around your living room, bring out the cozy blankets and scented candles, and enjoy the warm fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa and a bowl of freshly popped popcorn while you and your family read, play games, watch movies, and have meaningful conversations. Soon enough, spring will arrive and a new season of your homeschool will begin.
Final Thoughts
By planning ahead and making the most of your homeschooling day, you’ll be able to beat those February blues in no time!
And to be honest, if you just want permission to take an extended break from homeschooling, then I give it to you! That’s the beauty of homeschooling, you can take breaks whenever you want, plus you’ll be surprised how learning will still happen when you’re not focused on academic work.
Do you have any other tips to add? Share them in the comments below!
Xuan Klevecka is a Southern California-based homeschool mom, wife, and sometimes purveyor of vintage goods. She’s an Enneagram 5w4, a lover of good food, and a former middle school history teacher. You’ll either find her looking at road maps and daydreaming about her family’s next epic adventure or perusing recipes and cooking up a feast for the brood.
