When we last left you in 2023, we were preparing you to take some much-needed time off from homeschooling during the holiday break. Now that we’re into the new year, it’s time to return to the grind–the second half of the homeschool year! But that’s easier said than done sometimes. Breaks don’t last forever; often, realizing there is still half the year to go can feel overwhelming and not fun.
Whether you’ve already jumped into the year’s second half or are getting ready, these reminders will help you get back into the groove for the second half of the homeschool year!
1. Take It Slow
Make it an easy day for you and your student when you resume. Working a movie or project into the day is perfectly fine–as long as it’s educational! Or teach a light lesson on the first day. Students and teachers need some time to ease back into the school mindset, and a day full of calculus or chemistry probably isn’t the best way to go about it.
You could also start with a short week. Pick homeschooling back up on a Wednesday or Thursday. Regardless of what day you decide to resume your homeschooling year, you want to ease back into your routine.
2. Do Something Fun
You’re (hopefully) coming off an extended period of fun and relaxation. But who says you can’t keep the fun going in homeschooling? Rather than return to lessons, take an entertaining–and educational–field trip!
Instead of a science lesson, visit your local zoo or aquarium and teach your students about the animals there. Rather than lecture about prehistoric life, visit a natural history museum. Why look at fine art pictures in a book when you can spend the day at an art museum? The possibilities are endless. Most attractions like these are relatively quiet during the weekdays. You can even look into virtual field trips if the winter weather keeps you from venturing.
3. Take Breaks
Ensure you plan for plenty of breaks in the first few days until your student returns to their homeschool routine. Going from 0 to 60 on the first day or two can be exhausting, and you want to avoid adding undue stress.
If you usually take a break every 90 minutes, schedule a respite for every hour instead…at least for the first week or so. Encourage exercise and physical activity during these extra breaks so you and your child can work out excess energy and refocus on the tasks when they sit back down for more learning.
4. Plan School Days with Your Student
Everyone needs planning skills, right? Why not teach those skills to your students by letting them help you plan the second half of the school year? Think about all the benefits:
Your child learns critical life skills by helping you create a calendar or schedule of upcoming school days.
It takes some of the planning burden off your shoulders.
Your child knows their input is valued, which empowers them and makes them even more invested in their education.
Knowing what’s on the horizon gets your students excited to learn.
While planning doesn’t necessarily feel like school, it serves an essential purpose and is a valuable life skill. Starting the second half of the homeschool year with a few planning sessions is a great way to ease into the work and collaborate with your students.
5. Be Patient
If you find motivation to return to school after an extended break low, don’t panic–it’s normal. It’s important to refrain from forcing yourselves into an accelerated or strict schedule immediately, nor should you expect your student to be completely focused and ready to learn.
Diving headfirst into biology lessons may take some time to get your student’s warm reception. So, go easy on yourself! You may not cover everything in your plan immediately, and that’s okay. Show patience if your child’s attention span and focus are not where they usually are. The passion, motivation, and focus will return as you ease into your routine. Until then, cut yourselves a bit of slack.
Using these tips, the second half of the school year can be as smooth or better than the first. Remember that one of the many advantages of homeschooling is that you get to set a schedule that works for you. Ease back into school at your own pace, and you and your student will finish the school year on a high note!
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