Everyone loves and needs variety – from the foods we eat, to learning and homeschool, to our normal day-to-day routines. But when schedules seem to work well, it is easy to keep using the same approach and we may find ourselves eventually getting stuck in a rut.
Even when everyone is working well and making steady progress, homeschooling while in a rut may feel boring, dull and lifeless. When this happens, Charlotte Mason’s approach allows for variety and interest.
Here are some ideas to add some sparkle to you homeschool days. Simply mix things up a bit each term. You don’t have to completely reinvent the wheel, but try not to be locked in to the same subjects at the same times on the same days year after year.
Swap different days for composer/music study, art/picture study or nature study. I used Theme Days for our week which worked so well to help us fit all the extras into our routine.- Listen to or read aloud a new Shakespeare play or poet.
- Start a new book or audio book and perhaps include a new genre such as comedy (Roald Dahl) or a mystery story.
- Work through some exciting Science experiment books.
- Add in a new lapbook for your Core reader or main theme.
- Look for an interesting hands-on activity for your theme or Core book.
- Go on a weekly park day with friends one term.
- Start a new exercise regimen or outdoor family activity.
- Begin the day differently or end it with a splash of something fun! A fun action song works fabulously for younger kids!
- Buy new art supplies and materials and enjoy new creative fun.
- Download or stream new classical music and explore music genres. My kids absolutely loved mom and dad’s “trip down memory lane” listening to famous songs and music from our generation!
- Create a puppet show or make a quick finger puppet show. You can download our Esther play and Nativity play which gave us weeks of fun and creativity!
- Watch historical DVD or movies related to your Core study.
- View appropriate YouTube videos. Always preview and create your own playlist for your family.
- Have your homeschool in a different room for the day. Go to the library or museum instead, or have an outdoor day if the weather permits.
- Play a “back-to-front day” and have fun inventing an upside down day! The kids will absolutely love the spontaneous fun!
- Buy each child a new nature journal or art sketchbook and start with new prompts.
- Sketch Tuesday was a wonderful “break” from any tough, boring day.
So when things seem dull or lifeless or you just need a change to liven things up, add some variety and keep things fresh. Add a sparkle to your homeschool days!
What worked for you? Please share with us in the comments below.
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