Wondering what to do over winter break (or with all those “I’m bored!” claims)? This time, which generally includes both the Christmas and New Year holidays, is school winter break time and it’s a perfect time for you to let go of your normal homeschool schedule or school mindset and enjoy fun activities during winter break!
Winter break is always a special time to me.
Not only do I love this time of year, I love the time away from school to get refreshed, refocused, and have fun.
Being a teacher and mother all wrapped into one is hard.
There are days it takes everything I have to keep going.
There are times I feel like I am losing who I am while keeping up with everyone else.
And, sometimes the responsibilities of being in charge of my children’s health, happiness, and education weigh heavily on me!
However, winter is a great time to take a homeschool break so you avoid homeschool burnout.
When is winter break?
Winter break traditionally occurs at the end of December, right before Christmas, and lasts into January through the New Year. But, as a homeschool family, you can take winter break anytime!
Before we get to the list of fun things to do during winter break, let’s give you five tips on why you should break if you home school.
5 Tips on How to Do a Homeschool Winter Break
(Don’t miss our full list of winter break activities after this section. KEEP SCROLLING!)
Homeschool Winter Break Tip #1: Have fun.
I laugh because even though I am far from a seasoned home schooler, I drag education into almost every area of our lives – games, dvds, chores . . . whatever.
Give your teacher self a break and have fun instead.
Play games (educational or not) just for the fun of it and don’t feel obligated to mention and encourage anything the children might learn.
Let yourself laugh, and be carefree.
Watch holiday movies because they’re cute and funny . . . and stay up late because you’re not a teacher right now.
Homeschool Winter Break Tip #2: Be creative.
Here is your chance to stray from the scheduled food menu and try new recipes!
Dig out the cookie cutters and try an easy cookie mix.
It cuts the mess and stress of cookies from scratch and is just as fun for the children.
Or, pick out a fun craft (and avoid anything just for the educational value)!
Homeschool Winter Break Tip #3: Make time for you.
To your school, you are one of the most important ingredients.
If you want to start the new year with an inspired school then you must be inspired yourself.
Here is a chance to focus a little more on what you enjoy — whether in your mother-in-law’s farmhouse, a Vermont chalet, or in front of a fire on in a bathtub from the comfort of your own home, make time for what you love most.
If you have the chance, take some time away alone to a local coffee shop, the mall, or a even an afternoon with friends.
Rediscover the things that make you you and enjoy that beauty of that.
Homeschool Winter Break Tip #4: Spend time with God.
Too often as mothers and teachers our hearts and prayers are full of those we love.
We begin to identify ourselves by their progress and failures rather than by the love we have from our heavenly Father.
Revisit that love and let God remind you of who you are in Him apart from those around you.
He is a good Father and wants to give you a fresh vision, fill you with life, and satisfy your heart.
Homeschool Winter Break Tip #5: Refocus.
I put this one last for a reason!
Once you are revived and have had fun, take time to revisit your plans, hopes, and schedules.
What is working for you and your children?
What isn’t working?
What it is you what to accomplish in the coming months?
Rid your bookshelves (and unused curricula), without guilt, and ditch those unfinished books that aren’t functioning well.
Take time to research what might be better suited for the needs of your family (like a unit study approach).
If you are a schedule maker, go over your schedule and decide what you what to keep or change, always remembering the goal is the child, not the accomplishment.
Happy winter break.
Take time and enjoy!
Need ideas on what can kids do on winter break?
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19 CREATIVE THINGS FOR KIDS TO DO DURING WINTER BREAK
If you need some fun things to do over winter break, here’s a great list!
Things For Kids To Do During Winter Break
These winter break activities are sure to help you focus on family time AND have fun!
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Contributor Anita covers the life of a mom navigating the enormous world of homeschooling. You can follow her on Instagram or visit her blog littlemomentsgreatjoy.wordpress.com.
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