The holidays are almost over, and today is the first day of winter. Schoolwork and school days seem to extend farther into the future than you can see. The days ahead seem like they are dragging on for what seems forever. That’s when you need tips for surviving the winter homeschool blues.
Sometimes it is good to take a break from routine and do some winter activities that are different from the norm: hands-on and imaginative.
Take a Walk
On a nice cold day, put the books to the side, bundle everyone up, and go outside for a walk. This activity is great for any age student. At the beginning of the walk, ask the children to find 3 items that represent winter. If they are small, allow the kids to pick up the items, such as acorns, and bring them home. If they are large, use your phone to capture them in pictures .
Once the walk is over, have the students empty their pockets and look at the pictures. Discuss their finds.
Other Winter Nature Activities:
Indoor Activities for Preschoolers
Nature Study Ideas for January
23 Ice Crafts, Activities, and DIY Decorations for Winter Fun
Oil Pastel Winter Tree Art Project
7 Indoor Activities for Toddlers
MORE Winter Activities…..
Surviving the Winters Blues with Something Yummy
You know all of those cookbooks you have on the shelf? Give each of your students a cookbook, and ask them to find one new recipe to try. As they pour over the pages, talk about different ingredients, types of foods, ways to cook, and measurement. Once they have chosen their recipes, see what items you need to buy at the grocery store.
Have each child write a list and be responsible for finding each item. Plan a special evening with the family and create each recipe. Get out the table cloth and candles. It might be the strangest, and most fun, meal you’ve ever eaten!
Snow-Inspired Recipes for Kids
60+ Recipes to Warm up Kids During the Winter
Surviving the Winter Blues With Printables
Because we school at home, we have the option to do fun activities that teach great content. Whether you have tiny tots, elementary kids, or middle schoolers, you can find fun printables that can help spruce up the dull grey days of winter.
Winter Time Math Activity Pack
Winter Learning Fun with Lapbooks
Do You Want to Build a Snowman? Sequencing
So You Want to Make a Snowglobe?
Number Word Worksheets – Hot Cocoa!
Arctic and Antarctic Unit Ideas
Snowman Activities for Preschoolers
Comparing Numbers: Ping Pong Ball Toss
In the Bleak Mid-Winter Printable Pack
Suriving the Winter Blues at the Library
A change of scenery can make all the difference. Take the schoolbooks, drive to your local library, and find a nice corner. If your library is like mine, you have computers at your disposal, as well as, all kind of wonderful books. As your students finish their schoolwork, allow them to choose books and find a fun game on the computer to play.
Do You Want to Dress a Penguin?
100 Winter Books Recommended by Moms
Warm Winter Reads (Kids and Teens)
Winter can be cold, dreary, and slow. But if you tweak your schedule just a bit, spring will seem as though it is right around the corner! We hope you enjoy our tips for surviving the winter homeschool blues!
Anne Marie has a Masters Degree in Education with a focus on Christian Education. She is the author of the blog Future.Flying.Saucers. Anne Marie has a passion for biblically equipping parents and teachers so children can fly for Jesus. On Wednesday nights you will find her teaching Biblical concepts to Awana clubs at her church. All of her Awana and Bible lessons can be found on her blog. You can connect with her on Facebook and Pinterest.
This article was originally published on our Homeschool Launch Blog.
