When the Ho-Hums Set In…

Sometimes everything can get a bit repetitive in all of this homeschool bustle.  Occasionally, we find that we need to toss things up a bit.

Here are a few ways we try to put a spark back into school days:

• Complete our school work in a new room – maybe even on the floor
• Switch up the schedule a bit – I offer breaks once a few things are completed.
• Add in “adventurous exercise”.  When a child finishes, maybe I encourage them to run to the pasture and back with their little sister.  It gives the squirrely one a break, me a few minutes to re-group or help another kid, and entertains the toddler.
• Play your memory work while building legos or coloring pictures rather than focusing solely on the memory work material.
• Add in something new to liven things up – My Memory Work Lapbooks, New colored pens, review games, etc.
• Race to the finish – determine what time each student should finish their work, and if they get it done faster than their allotted time, they get to pick a meal that week, or a dessert, or get to sit in the front seat of the car, etc. – You pick the prize!
• Take an impromptu field trip – and don’t tell the kids where you are headed!
• Visit an elderly relative and ask if you can complete a task for them as a family, or just say hello. Have the ones learning to read practice reading to the relative.
• Gather the kids are in the car and tell them you are going on a secret “blessing” mission – have them nominate a family to bring a meal to.  Run to the store, pick out a frozen lasagne, french bread, packaged salad, and the kids pick a dessert.  Drop it by – no pre-planning required!

These are just a few ideas to put a spark back in your school days.

What are some things your family does to liven things up?