5 Simple Tips To Help You Energize Winter Homeschooling
Winter homeschooling can be challenging – especially if you live in a cold-weathered climate like we do.
The fact that most of us enjoyed some time off for Christmas is completely irrelevant as January lingers on and the weather (and lack of daylight) really starts to wear on us all.
Call it what you want – cabin fever for homeschoolers is a real thing. And it can make even the strongest of us simply want to crawl back into bed as another cold weather day forces us to stay cooped up.
The Majority of The Year
For us, the majority of the school year brings temperatures and weather we can work with.
Living in the North East, we are accustomed to a broad range of weather and have gear for most of it. Sunny, hot and humid, cloudy, rainy, snowy, and even bitter cold are all options depending on the season… but after a while of bitter cold, the kids and I are all ready for a break.
Even though we have various homeschool activities throughout the week like sports… well, doesn’t leave us feeling any less cooped up.
The fact is, the kids enjoy being outside. This is one of the reasons we leave our days a little less planned and opt more for homeschool systems and routines that work for us.
I love leaving room for them to go outside, build forts, ride bikes, and do all the outside things their little hearts desire. Play, explore, and simply get out some of the energy they seem to have an endless supply of.
Yet this time of the year, when the cold just won’t quit and it takes nearly a half-hour to get everyone outside, it just gets exhausting.
Combine that with the fact we are in the middle (and least exciting time) of the school year, and we are all a little short. Ready for the days to get longer, and warm. Anxious for the end of the year to creep up. And quite frankly, we truly are sick of being cooped up.
Yet the reality is that the weather is simply not going to always cooperate with our desire to do something other than stay within the walls of our home.
Some days, staying inside is a necessity.
Other days, we can run across town or take a quick trip to at least get a change of pace (and scenery).
Regardless of the route we take, the key to surviving winter homeschooling is simply to mix it up!
5 Great Ways To Mix It Up
Whenever our homeschool becomes a little too “blah,” I know it’s time to mix things up by scheduling something different!
Create An Indoor Obstacle Course
Sure this might mean creating a gigantic mess, but the kids are going to love it!
Watch what happens as you transform the kitchen floor into a rock path they must hop on one foot through (or leap-frog).
When the table morphs into a tunnel they need to Army-crawl under.
When furniture becomes forts, caves, caverns, or even mountains.
Get the kids in on the creation of the obstacles and layout and simply let their imaginations run wild.
Be safe, of course, but spend the day working on critical thinking and imagination, problem-solving, science and technology, teamwork, and even physical education as you turn home into the ultimate indoor course.
Race through for fun or time the runs to see if they can beat their personal best (or their siblings). Take lots of pictures. Laugh and have fun.
Get Out Of The House
Yeah, I’m talking about field trips.
Possibly not quite as exciting as an indoor obstacle course, but an afternoon inside somewhere other than home can be just what you all need.
Grab a couple of hours at the library and read there or see what else they have to offer (our local library has some pretty cool options).
Jet off to a museum or indoor learning center and let the kids learn in new and hands-on ways.
Or take a tour of buildings of interest.
Anything that gets you guys out of the house, walking around, and being stimulated in new ways.
Create A Home Theater!
Simple enough, and possibly a cheap option, movies are a good way to get out of the books and do something different.
Pop some popcorn, or run to the store for some candy and snacks. Gather everyone in the living room, dim the lights, and create the full experience (without the full cost!).
You could even go all-out and create tickets for your matinee or go big and opt for the double feature!
Either way, an afternoon of family time can do wonders for you all!
Find Indoor Recreation Opportunities
Does your local town hall let people come in for walking?
Do they have an open gym time where you can bring the kids in for some running, tag, basketball, or even skating?
What about the local YMCA or similar programs?
Odds are there is somewhere you can take the kids for a couple of hours.
And if all else fails, you could even hit up your local McDonald’s and check out the PlayPlace.
It may not be your first choice, but it just may be what your family needs to survive winter homeschooling! 😉
Board Games
This is my personal favorite!
Nothing changes the pace of your day like an afternoon filled with board games or card games!
Dig out classics like Yahtzee, Uno, Battleship, and even Monopoly. Get adventurous with some harder games such as Cribbage, Risk, or Scrabble. Have fun with Kerplunk or Twister.
Card and board games are a great way to work on critical thinking skills, logic, math, Language Arts, strategy and so much more all while having a fantastic time!
Thankfully, Winter Homeschooling Will Come To An End
As we all know, winter will eventually come to an end. Before we know the kids will be back to running outside, riding bikes, and keeping themselves busy. The cold,
Oh, I almost forgot!
Reading.
I know… as homeschoolers we do a lot of reading, but, it can be a great way to spend a lazy day with your kids and have some fun.
Whether you opt for an afternoon filled with read-alouds from favorite titles, try something new, or have everyone curl up in their own little nooks for some quiet time, reading is always a fabulous way to spend the day.
If you want to create the perfect atmosphere for your read-alouds, read my post of magical read-aloud hacks and grab my FREE Read Aloud Activity Packet!
Need More Winter Homeschooling Help?
Be sure to check out these great articles!
- 7 Fun Ways To Homeschool In The Snow
- How To Easily Navigate The Mid-Year Curriculum Swap
- Realistic Help for When You Don’t Love Homeschooling
Kelly Warner is a seasoned homeschooling mom from Maine, where she lives with her husband and their four children—two of whom are proud homeschool graduates. With years of experience navigating the ups and downs of home education, Kelly is passionate about helping families simplify their journey and find encouragement amidst the chaos of daily life. She shares practical tips, inspiration, and real-life homeschooling wisdom on her website, Hope In The Chaos, and across social media.
