Homeschooling everywhere is falling apart at this time of year, so if it has hit your home, know it's not just you.
I saw it each year as a homeschooler and see it each year as a substitute teacher. Getting the kids to do work gets harder and harder. This past week, the grade 6s I was with spontaneously held a vote so that we wouldn't do some particular work! "Can't we just have free time?" Kids at home are often wanting the same.
But both in school and at home, my experience has been that total free time can lead to chaos or problems, but guided fun learning is actually very welcome (for the most part). So, I've put together a quick document with a bunch of learning activities you can do this week. The basic daily plan is this:
- Read-aloud or audiobook each day. I've provided some suggestions, but you could use anything.
- Math activities you can do each day.
- Science activities--do one or all three over the course of the week.
- One social studies activity that you could limit to one day or take the suggestions and do a little bit each day to count for both social studies and language arts.
- Art activities for the whole week.
- Some bonus activities to do as a family. (Mind you, I think YOU, Mama, should engage in all of the other activities, too. Yes, do the colouring pages!)
No need to sign up for my emails, this is a gift for you that you can simply grab the Pre-Christmas Homeschool Plan here! Enjoy!
Until next time,
Daisy
Starting a new homeschool year doesn’t have to mean diving into every subject and routine all at once. In this post, I share why easing in gently works better for both you and your kids, plus simple ideas for building your schedule step by step. If you’ve ever felt pressure to “do it all” right away, this is the encouragement you need—and there’s even a free resource to help you get started with less stress.
Read more...
Yes, all of it counts. The play, the questions, the messy projects, the walks, the conversations, the spontaneous curiosity. It's all learning. Maybe not the kind you can file or check off in a curriculum guide… but the kind that sticks. The kind that builds confident, capable, connected kids.
So if you're feeling behind, or worried your summer doesn't look "productive enough," I hope this list reminds you that your kids are still learning, and you're still doing enough.
Give yourself permission to enjoy this season. You don’t have to press pause on joy to keep moving forward.
Summer homeschooling doesn’t have to mean worksheets. Here’s a choice board your kids can use to stay active, creative, and just the right amount of screeny. 😉
Read more...In navigating the complexities of homeschooling language arts, many parents grapple with the misconception that a "complete" language arts curriculum is essential. Language arts, comprising various interwoven skills like reading, writing, grammar and listening, isn't confined to a singular subject that needs exhaustive coverage each year. Attempting to tackle every aspect simultaneously can lead to burnout and an overwhelming schedule for both parents and children.
Interestingly, schools themselves don't delve deeply into every facet of language arts annually; instead, they employ methods like spiral learning which allow for flexibility and progression over time. Homeschoolers have the autonomy to tailor their approach, focusing on individual strengths and specific needs rather than adhering to a predetermined checklist. By moving away from rigid structures, parents can better support their children's learning through real-world application, creative writing and engaging discussions.
A more effective approach emphasizes quality over quantity by fostering environments where children read, write and engage with language organically. Encouraging discussions about books, allowing for free writing and targeting specific areas of struggle with brief lessons can be more beneficial. Remember, language arts flourishes through active use and enjoyment, so stepping away from overly structured programs can often liberate a child's potential and nurture their love for language.
