Back to Homeschool: Tips to Get Through the Winter Blues

Getting outside the house for various activities is a great way to put some enthusiasm back into winter homeschooling. (LSOphoto/Getty Images)

As the last Christmas cookie is eaten and the ornaments are stored away until next year, homeschoolers are gearing up to get back to business. It isn’t uncommon for homeschooling families to experience a dip in motivation and focus during the post-holiday winter months. In fact, many deem this experience the winter blues.

There’s a lot of momentum that drives the beginning of a homeschool year and pulls it through the holiday season. There’s the fresh new curriculum in August or September, plenty of beautiful weather for field trips through the fall, and then the holidays begin to kick in just when a homeschooler might sense a twinge of monotony coming forth.

The winter months tend to not have the same driving force behind them. They’re quieter, darker, and more conducive to hibernation, perhaps, than getting excited about science or language arts. Monotony may be the rule rather than the exception, and it can take a bit more effort to muster the motivation needed to get through each day’s work.

Motivate Mom (or Dad)

You’ve heard the saying, “If Mom ain’t happy ...” Well, “If Mom (or Dad, if he’s the main homeschooler in your family) ain’t motivated, ain’t nobody motivated.” Before launching into the second semester of your homeschool year, take time to reflect on and acknowledge what you’ve accomplished and what you aim to achieve. Review your fundamental reasons for homeschooling in the first place. Research fun ideas for winter enrichment. Get yourself excited again, akin to that August/September feeling, to grab the reins with both hands and homeschool like nobody’s ever homeschooled before.

Nurture Routines and Good Habits

Sleep schedules, meal schedules, and daily routines and rhythms may take a little longer to get back on track after the holiday season. Have patience and focus on progress, not perfection, as you guide your family back to a solid daily routine.

Get Outside

The famous Scandinavian saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing,” is a mantra to embrace during the winter months in your homeschool. Regardless of what climate you live in, get the gang outside often. Ensure that everyone has the attire they’ll need to stay warm in any element, and plot some outside activities on your calendar. Sunshine and fresh air can do wonders for blowing those winter blues away.

Sprinkle in Surprise

The first half of the year can feel like one celebration after another. There’s the first day of school, then fall fun, then Halloween, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas—it’s amazing that anyone gets any work done. The second half of the year is longer and more subdued.

Sprinkle in the fun and surprises. If it snows, declare a snow day! Class is canceled. Take advantage of every holiday that appears. You might even look up the silly “holidays” that the internet declares, such as National Bagel Day on Jan. 15 or Feed the Birds Day on Feb. 3.

You can also mix things up by having a day where you stay in your pajamas, a day where you ditch the curriculum and simply read all day (perhaps after a trip to the bookstore or library), or days when school is done outside or in some unique location. Variety is the spice of life, and the winter months could use some variety.

Set Realistic Goals

Assess where each child is within each subject that they’re working through, and clarify or redefine what completion looks like and what it'll take to get there. Review the goals that you have for each student and what their interests are. Ensure that you’re meeting their needs to the best of your ability this semester, and make any adjustments you deem necessary.

Take Breaks

Don’t forget to review your calendar and ensure that you’ve penciled in some breaks as you make your way to the end of the homeschool year. If travel is part of the plan, tie up those details. Maintain a balance of work and play, diligence and rest, and enjoy the second half of your homeschool year.