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When Your Usual Homeschool Routine Isn’t Working

When Your Ususal Homeschool Routine Isn't Working

Have you ever had a day when your usual homeschool routine isn’t working? Have you ever felt like an entire homeschool day has escaped you and nothing has been done? Perhaps it was due to a long day of sibling rivalry or clashing personalities between teacher and student. Or maybe it was simply because no one could concentrate long enough to do any work. It may have been due to illness or even straight up laziness. Whatever the reason, I am quite sure that 100% of the people reading this post know exactly what I am talking about.

I want to challenge you to make the most of these days when the homeschool day seems to escape you. What do I mean? I mean accept it now that these days are coming. They are inevitable. Surprise your children (and possibly yourself) by having a “plan” already thought out about alternative ways of learning that day. I am not suggesting to excuse poor behavior or any of the like. However, I am suggesting that rather than linger in a state of frustration or anger, have a plan to help propel you into something greater – learning.

Here are a some plans that we have used to overcome days when our usual homeschool routine just isn’t working:

1. Scrap that day’s lesson plan all together and do a unit study. I always have some unit studies on deck just in case we have a day when mayhem breaks out in our homeschool. This has been a great success with our children who range from K to 7th grade. As a matter of fact, we just did an Amanda Bennett unit study last week and the children and I had a blast! It turned a blah day into one of laughter and love.

2. Make it a day of pure character training. Often times these days for us are the perfect opportunity to beef up our character training studies. While we have daily character training in place, there are times when that is simply not enough. We really enjoy using We Choose Virtues, The Dig for Kids, and What’s in the Bible for reinforcing our homeschool’s character building curriculum.

3. Go on a nature walk. If your children love the outdoors as much as mine do, this will be a wonderful departure from the norm. As you know, nature provides endless educational opportunities as well as endless exercise and relaxation as well. We often choose to bring a journal for the children and a picnic lunch for everyone. This is a favorite of our family.

4. Read, read, read. Another favorite of our family. We enjoy reading more than eating and sleeping around here! Make it a special day dedicated to reading aloud together – and yes, this is great for the older students too. Take turns choosing and reading books (for those who are reading). And enjoy some snacks and cuddling time! Need some inspiration in this area?

Maybe the above suggestions are not your thing, but the point is, plan something that works for your family. Don’t allow those occasional days where everything seems to be going wrong to stop your family from learning and loving one another. By having a plan in place, these days can turn into opportunities rather than drudgery. As we all know, we are not able to relive a missed moment, and I am committed to making sure that we make the most of every opportunity whether good or bad – and doing our best to make it great!

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4 Comments

  1. Great tips. Sometimes I forget it is okay to switch things up and then there is always the guilt that I put on myself for not accomplishing what I should have

  2. So needed to read this as I am laid up for another week recovering from hysterectomy. Thank you for your great suggestions!!! I will send them on a nature walk.

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