With the end of the homeschool year in sight for many, there are days when motivation is running L-O-W and the desire to be done is on the opposite end of that spectrum. It may seem an oxymoron, but really, there are five things you can add to the end of your homeschool year that may help you finish the year strong!
5 Things to Add to the End of Your Homeschool Year
I know, I know. Who has time to add anything in? Right now, it seems like we are barely holding on. Distractions are running rampant (spring fever anyone?). Kids are gazing out the windows, wondering when all this book-stuff will be over with. Let’s face it. Years ago, when spring rolled around the corner, we were doing the same exact thing as students.
Years later and even as the teacher I’m looking out the same window ready for the final countdown.
Here are 5 things you can add to the end of your homeschool year to finish it off well. Maybe there are a some that you haven’t tried yet!
A Different Location
Our schoolroom is quite honestly the last place we have been spending time lately. I know – that wonderful space we put so much thought and effort into. But it really isn’t going to waste! It’s easy to forget the world offers some wonderful places to stretch out and learn. A front porch swing is perfect for reading together. A blanket on the lawn in the warm sun is a great place to work on math. Swinging in a hammock means grammar time will go by a little more quickly.
Wherever it is – outside or in- the world is at our fingertips. Maybe there is a fun playground nearby (hey, those public school kids are still in school and not hogging all the equipment) where you can sit on a bench and work on some math, take a 10 minute play break, and then get back to another subject.
Fun Days
Make Fridays ‘fun days’ or start scheduling in some field trips. Often those are the first things we eliminate from our homeschool time because we get so caught up in the academic work that needs to be accomplished. But don’t forget, learning can happen anywhere. There are so many amazing educational field trips and just because they don’t fit in with a particular historical period you are studying or a unit you are learning about, doesn’t mean that trip won’t teach you and your kids a thing or two.
Schedule an end of the year field day or plan some joint fun days at the park with another family – get out and enjoy your time together as a family! While you’re at it, be sure to plan in a celebration day too! Make banana splits for dinner or have a Wii night – let the kids choose how they want to celebrate the upcoming end of the year. Having fun stuff in place makes the time fly faster and keeps everyone motivated to finish up!
Flexibility
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to check off every.single.box in your lesson plans. Oh, a good plan is always lovely, but when that plan gets in the way of stimulating learning, it’s time to add in a little flexibility.
Take a look at what curriculum still needs to be focused on, sit down with each of your kids, and see if there is a way to be flexible with what remains. Alternatively, ask your kids if there is anything other subject they are interested in focusing on the remaining time of school and don’t be afraid to switch it up and focus on a new learning area!
Incentives
It’s important to teach our kids that we finish what we start. Set a goal – and a reward – to the completion of your school year. It can be as simple as a trip to your favorite smoothie shop (especially when drinks are half-price in the morning) or an afternoon of bowling. As adults we work hard when there are incentives on the line and our children are no different! It’s not bribery, it’s encouraging them on. We don’t need to offer them all year long, but sometimes an added bonus is nice and makes us work even harder!
Encouragement
Who doesn’t love a little encouragement? While hearing something verbally is wonderful, sometimes having a written note to remind a child of a job well done can be an added reason to press in and keep going!
Pull out that old set of notecards or print off some fun ones here. Stick them in your children’s books, bags, or under their plates, but remind them of the great job they are doing, how much you love them, and how proud you are of them. We all need to hear that!
How do you keep your children focused
and finish the school year strong?
Tell us in a comment below!
Another few posts you may enjoy….Why Your Homeschool Needs a Rest Time….
…and 10 Things to Eliminate from Your Homeschool.
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