homeschool winter ideas in january

January Homeschool – Time to Change It Up

January can be one of the hardest months to get through schooling. By now the hoopla of the holidays are over and we are staring January square in the face. The Christmas tree is finally down, and it’s time to settle back into our homeschooling schedule. The grunts and groans are not only coming from the kids, we feel it too.

One of sport’s greatest strategies is to play each player to his strengths. If Harry can hit well, don’t put him as catcher. If Tom can run, put him in the outfield. Let the New Year work for you by switching things up:

  • Add something new to your homeschool.
  • Do something different.
  •  Switch up the schedule.
  • Play to the strengths of being inside more.
  • Start (or join) a co-op or a book club.
  • Make tents and as a reward, let them do their school work underneath it.
  • Have a Hot Chocolate Dreaming Party next to the fireplace.
  • Plan a slumber party in the living room on a Friday night and talk about family bucket list living This term has expanded in recent years to include goals for certain time frames, such as before I grow up, etc. Kids love to feel that their contributions count and what better way to bond together as a family than to help each other fulfill dreams.
  • Maryalice Leister at MyKidsAdventures.com encourages families to write down their list so they will have options ready at a moment’s notice. Put their dreams in a jar, write them on a poster, or attach clothespins onto a bucket.

It’s true our kids would much rather be outside building a snowman than studying books. Why not play to its strengths? Study snow, measure snow, taste snow, make snow cones, snow forts, snowmen, chart weather patterns, study Alaska, Iceland, Sweden.

One of my favorite January boosts is to have a Snowman Party! We decorate the house by hanging homemade snowflakes and paper chains. We make fun snowflake stars and bake snowman treats. We invite friends over to share in the fun! Before you know it January will take on new meaning and everyone can settle happily into the New Year.

FREE full download of Snowman Party Directions

New Millennium Girl Books Author-homeschool writing books

 

Jan May is author of New Millennium Girl Books: Christian mid-grade novels for girls and interactive creative writing books that hook even the reluctant writers! She is also a fifteen year homeschool veteran and creative writing teacher. Jan enjoys igniting creativity in children and believes that given the right tools and encouragement, any child can write and love it! Check out her blog.

 

This article was originally published on our Homeschool Launch Blog.

 

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