After a very busy school year wrap up for my family, I wanted to post about something I’ve learned is very important for homeschoolers: taking breaks.
I know there are homeschooling families that are able to take guilt free breaks, but most of the homeschooling moms I know are overachievers. They are constantly fighting the worry and guilt that they are not getting enough education time in with the children. Even though their homeschool far exceeds the depth and learning their children would be getting anywhere else, they still try to make every free moment a learning experience.
But we all need those breaks to refresh and revitalize us. I operate my homeschool pretty closely around the public and private school systems with a scheduled fall break, Christmas break, Easter break and an extended summer vacation. I live in the desert so a lot of my fellow homeschoolers use the hot summers for homeschooling and take extended breaks in early winters to enjoy the holidays and the nicer weather. When you take your breaks is up to you and your family.
I do highly recommend scheduling breaks. One year, I took quite a few breaks when we were involved in a lot of activities and we ended up way behind on our books. Even a loose schedule gives you an idea when your school year or current curriculum will stop and start. Scheduled breaks also feel a lot better because they’ve been planned.
Also, resist the temptation to fill in other school work during a scheduled break. Don’t schedule heavy reading but encourage fun reading. Do go on a family outing but resist the temptation of requiring research reports on where you went or what you saw. Play board and card games. Just enjoy being together. As you all know, these are all still learning experiences but there is a lightness and freedom when you remove academic requirements.
So to all you homeschoolers out there (and everyone for that matter): Have a nice break!
