Schooling during the holidays - FIVE Things to Do

Homeschooling isn't just about getting core subject complete.  HOMEschooling allows for true creativity in deciding what you teach and how you teach it. This is different from schooling at home where the state tells you what to do with your time. True homeschooling is about life learning, mastering a skill, not just teaching to pass a subject.  So what does all of this  mean? It means, slow down for the holidays but remember, if your child is learning for life, they will enjoy the holidays as well as your teachable moments.

Here are some simple ways to incorporate learning in to your everyday life throughout the holiday season:

1. Get in the Kitchen.
Forget about cooking without the children - no matter what age.  Pull them IN to the kitchen with you.  You do not have to rush to get through a "lesson" if you include them.  Bake meals; or quick breakfasts or desserts.  Consider this:

• Music - listen to different holiday music. Discuss artists from different genres and how many have remade the same songs yet their sounds, tempos are different.  Discuss instruments. Which artist has the best rendition of the song? Which artist does each of you prefer?  Discuss other holiday music from around the world. 
• Geography - What foods are made in different countries around the world? What foods or traditions relate to different holiday celebrations such as Kwanzaa, Boxing Day or Hanukkah?  Have you tried French pastries, or only American pastries?  Grab a few recipes from off of Pinterest or All Recipes.  Discuss how geographical locations change how the holidays are celebrated where you live.  Is there snow for snowball fights and everyone is bundled up in warm clothing having hot cocoa?  Or do you live in a tropical environment where palm trees are decorated and people are swimming in the ocean on Christmas Day?
• Math - Measuring is a key component to baking and learning.  Double up those recipes, or divide them up.  Make extra for family  members or neighbors who may be alone.  
• Religion - What traditions do some families celebrate based upon their religion?  Do you have friends or family that do NOT celebrate the holiday season the way you do - such as Jehovah Witnesses?  Does this change how you spend time with them during the holiday season?
• Writing - Encourage your children to write out recipe cards to share with friends or loved ones in a recipe book.  Write a letter to a neighbor or loved one when you package up and share the goods you created.  Don't text a message!  Write a letter!  This sends a personal message and encourages your child to  be empathetic and creative - not just for the holiday season, but all throughout the year. 

2. Read a Novel/Tell a Tale
Remember being read, The Night Before Christmas, when you were a child?  Surely you do.  Whether by an educator during the last few days of school, or by a family member.  Read something together.  Even if you create a new tradition where you tell a tale, or a memory with your children about your own childhood holiday memories.  You can include your own parents.  What better way for a child to learn about primary and secondary sources for events!  Let your student record those memories in a journal, or a small writing piece.

3. Watch a Movie
Cuddle up in a soft, cozy blanket on the sofa and watch a good flick.  Holiday Movies are gooey and goofy sometimes.  We get it.  You don't need to watch the Hallmark Channel with your child, yet there are some that can teach them empathy - if you want to brush up on their people skills - or if you feel you have all lost your way due to technology.  Even if your children aren't in to the typical, "Do good things and give to other people," sort of idea.... there are movies for them! Think about these:

Rise of the Guardians
Nightmare Before Christmas
The Grinch

We do know the classics.  Maybe you can discuss lessons learned, and character development, in movies like:
Scrooge
The Grinch
It's a Wonderful Life

4. Go Caroling
That's right. I said it!  I know we all do not have the luxury of living in small towns where people are very neighborly.  What is stopping us from being that way? Where did we go wrong?  Parents can go with their children and other friends.  Yes, we are in the middle of a pandemic but - go with your own small, trusted group.  More than ever now, we need this simple joy.  Theater shows are closed.  Concerts have been canceled and people are distant from each other.  If you have a good voice, or a shower voice, you can bring happiness to some that may be in a desolate state. 

5. Prepare a Happy Sack
Exactly as it sounds!  Make someone happy that is less fortunate than you are.  This could be the homeless, a family who has had a hard time during this recent health pandemic or simply a family whose parent is away in the military.  A Happy Sack can be anything you want to include in a box or bag that you have purchased, or made - if you have a skill or hobby.  Something from the heart to bring a smile on someone's face.  Learning empathy at any age is a valuable skill.


Bottom line?  Learning happens by doing.  Children really do learn what they see.  Set a good example by having fun with your children.  Do things a bit different.  Forget about alarm clocks. Let the bed time routine relax a bit, except for Christmas Eve : ), and hug your child a bit more.  Smiling and not being stressed at this time of year is key to comfort.  While you are at it..... DING, DONG, DITCH could be a good thing with the cookies you baked!!  Take your children to do kind things and be a little mischievous while you are at it.  They will love it and enjoy learning about life. : )