We all know that December can be an interesting and fun time in our homeschools. In addition to all the fun crafts, yummy treats, and Christmas parties, it can also be a time to learn about the reason for the holiday and for a focus on giving.
However, if you plan to continue homeschooling on a regular schedule, on your normal curriculum through the holidays, you may find December to be a challenge. Holiday homeschooling definitely comes with its challenges!
If you are looking for some hints to keep homeschooling going during the holidays without all the headaches, consider these adjustments for your holiday homeschooling.
#1 – Be realistic
If you are continuing with your normal curriculum and daily homeschooling schedule, is it realistic to keep up with it? Are you spending some of the day making gifts, doing crafts, preparing for parties and going to holiday functions? If you are, then is your normal schedule something you can realistically stick with during the holidays. Set realistic expectations for school accomplishments when you are adding late evening and extra activities.
#2 – Be flexible
If you are adding things to your schedule, be flexible with your expectations. You might want to consider doing a 3 or 4 day week or schooling on a normal off day like Saturday. Adding a little school on another day so you can cut down on work load a different day may help you work through your to-do list without cutting down too much on your typical work load.
#3 – Try something different
If you typically have everyone working on their own materials, you might want to consider a unit study or group study that everyone can do together during the holidays. This can be a great way to get some learning in while still spending time together and focusing on the season. You could consider a holiday lapbook with study guide and add or subtract expectations for younger and older. This would keep you all working together and learning with a holiday theme.
#4 – Consider project you can do together
There are many ways to learn. And it doesn’t always mean working in your math book or reading a science text. A great way to keep holiday homeschooling going is to plan your year with intent to break from your normal curriculum and do some projects together as a family during the holidays. Maybe you make something for the homeless, cook meals for your church shut ins or make and send holidays cards to those military members serving overseas. Working on projects together and maybe reading some books together can make learning giving focused and help you spend time together learning while taking a break from your normal curriculum.
Holiday homeschooling can be fun! You can stick with your regular curriculum or pick something different to try. Either way, you can keep the learning going during the holiday season while still embracing the reason for the season and focusing on family and giving through this beautiful time of year.
How do you holiday homeschool? What works best for you?
The Bloggers of IAHE have shared their top tips for how to homeschool during the holidays.
Shalynne of Wonderfully Chaotic
Tawnee of Adventures in Homeschooling
Jeniffer of Thou Shall Not Whine
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