Homeschooling Through the Winter

Don't let this picturesque scene fool you!

Ahhhh yes...Canadian winters...you either love 'em or hate 'em. They can be very, very...sigh...very long. Let's face it, here on the prairies we are blessed with Chinooks, but just when you think you're out of the cold grasp of winter, it grabs hold of you and reels you back in for what seems like eternity. By February, cabin fever can set in, and your school year seems to be dragging on, or unraveling right before your eyes!  Here are a few suggestions or tips, to make it through the winter when you're homeschooling.

Stay Connected: As frigid as the weather may seem, bundle up the kids and head out for a play date and coffee with friends or even family. Chances are, they're beginning to feel the wrath of winter too, and need a welcomed break. If you can't get out, invite people over. It's a great excuse to do some hands on learning with baking for your kids! Its also a great time to talk to others and bounce ideas off one another about schooling. 

Coffee for the moms as we listened to guitar club

Shake Up Your Curriculum: Embrace winter. Do a winter unit study, or a project that is child led. Incorporate videos or movies into your Science and Social work. Play math games. Curl up on the couch for a read aloud. Winter is also a great time to teach your children life skills such as cooking, baking or even laundry! Have them cook a Friday meal for the family. Don't get stuck in a rut with schedule or curriculum. You're not tied down to "what others do". Do what fits you family, and have fun!

Baking

Back yard astronomy with dad

Knitting while waiting

Art appreciation

Stay Physically Active: If the sun is out and it's not -40, head outside for some much needed Vitamin D. Go for nature walks, build a snowman or a snow fort. If you can, go skating or sledding. We are lucky here, because we can hit the slopes and go skiing; both downhill or cross country.  If it's too cold outside, have a dance party. Put on some music and shake those wiggles out. Your local library is also a great source for kids' exercise videos. You just never know, they might end up liking a certain sport or activity. 

Nakiska 2009

Sign Up For Events: Here in the Calgary area, most local museums, zoos, libraries and recreational centers have activities geared towards homeschoolers. Tap into a homeschooling co-op.  The options can be endless; from Tai Kwan Do, to cooking classes...story writing classes to book clubs...art classes to language classes...golf lessons to volleyball and badminton classes. See what sparks your child's interest and go for it! Not only do they get to learn something new, but they can establish friendships with other homeschoolers. I've also managed to forge some great friendships with other moms as we wait for our kids at their events. 

Vollyball

Sandy Cross Conservation Area

Basketball

Pottery classes

Dance lesson

Take care of yourself:  When mamma's not happy, no one is happy. Look after yourself in body, mind and spirit. Its hard, especially when you put everyone else's needs before yours. It's hard when you're being pulled a dozen different ways...I can completely relate. Nevertheless, try and steal some time away for yourself, even if it's just an hour.  A little revitalization goes a long way. Can you go for a quick walk or run? How about popping a yoga video into the DVD player and doing a quick yoga session before everyone else gets up in the morning? Join a book club. Get up an hour early for some journaling or devotions. Learn a new skill such as knitting, crocheting or sewing. Again, the options can be endless. Do something that will spark YOUR interest. Its a great way to show your kids that learning is a life long process. 

Stay as positive as you can! There is a light at the end of the wintry tunnel. As much as there are cold snowy days where you nor anyone else wants to get out of bed and do any school of any kind, the positive memories of homeschooling through whatever season, outweigh the negative ones. 

I hope that some of these ideas will help you make it through wintery days. Drop me a comment! I'd love to hear about your winter suggestions and adventures!