Holiday Homeschooling: Balancing Education and Celebration - Insights from a Certified Personal Trainer and Veteran Homeschooling Mom
By Leah Balmer, CPT, CHWC, Travel Wellness Coach, Homeschooling Mom, and Veteran
Image by Wix
As the holiday season approaches, homeschooling moms like me face unique challenges and opportunities. Homeschooling allows us to create a customized learning environment for our children, but it can be a bit more complex during the festive season. Drawing from my experience as a homeschooling mom, certified personal trainer, and Army veteran, I'd like to share some insights on striking a harmonious balance between education and celebration during the holidays.
Embrace the Season's Magic in Learning Homeschooling provides the flexibility to incorporate holiday-themed lessons that make learning fun and engaging. Drawing on my background as a certified personal trainer, I've found that physical activities like winter hikes or nature explorations can be educational and enjoyable. Embracing the season's magic can ignite a passion for learning in your children.
Create a Flexible Holiday Homeschooling Schedule Flexibility is a cornerstone of homeschooling, and this rings especially true during the holidays. Craft a schedule that accommodates both educational activities and cherished family traditions. Assign dedicated time slots for homeschooling lessons while allowing room for decorating, baking, and holiday outings.
Explore Multisensory Learning The holidays are a sensory-rich time of year, and you can leverage this to enhance your homeschooling experience. Engage your children in multisensory learning activities, such as tactile crafts, festive music lessons, or storytelling by the cozy fireplace. These activities not only promote education but also create lasting memories.
Incorporate Life Skills into Holiday Preparations Homeschooling isn't limited to textbooks. The holiday season offers countless opportunities to teach valuable life skills. Drawing on my experiences as a certified wellness coach and travel wellness coach, I encourage you to involve your children in holiday preparations like menu planning, budgeting, and grocery shopping. These practical lessons contribute to their development and understanding of real-world responsibilities.
Foster a Spirit of Giving and Gratitude Teaching the values of giving back, and gratitude is a hallmark of homeschooling. During the holidays, involve your children in acts of kindness and charitable endeavors. Please encourage them to create handmade gifts or participate in donation drives, instilling the importance of empathy and generosity.
Document Your Homeschooling Journey As a homeschooling mom and Army veteran, I understand the significance of documenting your experiences. Use this time to write your homeschooling adventures through photos, journals, or a holiday-themed scrapbook. Reflecting on your homeschooling journey during the holiday season can be a heartwarming tradition for your family.
Emphasize Quality over Quantity Remember that the quality of learning experiences matters more than the quantity of lessons completed. It's okay to scale back on formal curriculum during the holidays and focus on depth rather than breadth. Dive deep into topics that captivate your child's interest.
Take Breaks for Rest and Connection Homeschooling during the holidays can be joyful, but it can also be intense. Remember to take breaks for rest and connection. Pause for cozy moments of hot cocoa and storytelling, and prioritize self-care to ensure you're at your best as a homeschooling parent.
Celebrate Milestones and Achievements The holiday season is an excellent time to celebrate your children's milestones and achievements in their homeschooling journey. Acknowledge their progress and growth, reinforcing their confidence and motivation to learn.
In conclusion, holiday homeschooling is an excellent opportunity to infuse the season's magic into your children's education. As a homeschooling mom, certified personal trainer, and Army veteran, I encourage you to embrace the unique blend of education and celebration this time of year offers. With a flexible schedule, creative lessons, and a focus on values, you can create a holiday homeschooling experience that fosters academic growth and cherished family memories.
Happy holidays and happy homeschooling!