Just typing the title of this blog makes me feel a little shivery. What will they think? Will they think I am neglecting my child’s education? Will my children forget what fractions are after a month of math lessons? (Of Course Not, Baking is all fractions!)
Three podcasts (not completely, but close enough) have been released about homeschooling during the holiday season. One podcast seemed to be advocating for Christmas schooling. The lessons were tailored in a unit study with a Christmas theme (goodness knows we homeschoolers enjoy a good unit). One episode advocated a shorter break. It was like working hard knowing you will have a 2 week break. In a third episode, it was recommended to take a break and enjoy it. The third episode felt 100% (plus zero intentionally) right to me.
Each approach could be appropriate for a particular season in life. My choice may simply be a reflection of my current crisis, “Life is rushing by and my children are growing up so quickly.” Whatever the reasons, I decided to embrace all the magic of this year. I’m doing it without any guilt. How many do we have? Why not give it your all? Why do we start homeschooling in July?
Some thoughts I had when I was unsure if I could really do this.
From events to responsibilities, the holiday season can be a busy time. It is silly to think that I can keep the same structure at school and add all these extras without exhausting myself.
In life, there is much more to learn than academics. Family, reflection, and rest are all important. These things are just as important as academics, so a few extra weeks to concentrate on them seems reasonable.
It doesn’t matter if we’re not “doing” school, the kids will still be learning and engaged. We will spend our days doing Mystery Science, math dice games, reading together, playing board games, sewing, ice-skating, baking, helping me to plan a Christmas meal, planning charitable giving and digging through the Kiwi kits. Nope, no more.