We have had absolutely frigid weather this February. At least, we say it's frigid down here in Tennessee. Single-digit lows happen fairly frequently in the winter months, but here in Nashville, we like to talk about it. We really enjoy discussing how we can feel it in our bones. If you just blessed my heart because you live in a cold northern tundra, I do understand, and I want you to know I fully accept my heart being blessed.
We are used to heat, sweat, coyotes, and tourists here in Nashville. Cold weather is a real conversation-starter. The children here are dressed in four layers of sweat pants and sometimes if a waterproof glove has gone astray, they have little baggies on their hands. Yes, I said baggies. Think any kind of plastic bag. A shopping bag, bread bag, ziplock bags, trash bags, it does not matter as long as we think it will keep water out. The water never does stay out, but you know we just keep on keeping on here.
School days in these types of conditions can be challenging. If we have snow, you can forget lessons. The winter wonderland is too much of a novelty. We must experience it. All focus is on the snow. But those cold, slushy, wet days? Our little southern selves cannot deal. We stay cooped up. The kids act like we haven't left home since November. School work gets done usually, but there is something about February. Spring is teasing us a little bit, but just in thought. Certainly not in weather patterns. I've heard this is a regular occurrence among homeschoolers. Mid-February hits and all we want is a break.
Sometimes, on certain days, it is just fine to take a break. On the other hand, because of that moody weather, sometimes a full blown break digs us into another kind of rut, and we can't be dealing with avoidable, multi-faceted ruts in FEBRUARY. I know someone out there is hearing me. Somebody gets it! So, what's the answer? I've listed a sled-full of ideas below and included a free download to brighten your day!
House Lanterns
Gather old cereal boxes, milk cartons, tissue boxes, and other containers you may find around. Cover them with scrapbooking or construction paper, cut out windows and doors, add wax paper or cellophane in the windows, and decorate with any crafting supplies you have around. Insert a battery-operated tea light so the windows glow. Set your house lanterns nearby as you do school for a cozy, handmade twinkle.
Spring Vision Board
Gather your family around a large posterboard. Using magazine clippings, create a vision board collage for the things you all want to do as a family this spring. Examples could include outings, field trips, family activities like planting a garden or taking a small vacation, trying a new recipe or restaurant, learning a new skill, or creating new traditions. See the FREEBIE below for downloadable Spring Vision Board words & graphics!
Movie Day
Cozy up on the couch with an easy going movie, a charcuterie board, and pajamas. Sometimes, this is needed.
Make Something Sunshiny
Maybe it's a good time to bake up something cheerful, like strawberry cake and serve a pitcher of lemonade!
Make a Paper Chain Countdown to Spring
Kids love the classic countdown. Hang your paper chain where you do school everyday so you can all enjoy the excitement together.
Watercolor Wednesday
Congratulations, children. Every Wednesday, we shall watercolor!
Geography Feast
Once per week, pick one new country, and work together to research a popular dish or meal eaten by those who live in the country you chose. Try and recreate the dish if you can find the recipe!
I hope these activities bring some sunshine to your winter homeschooling days. Happy homeschooling!
~Rachel