Holidays – Page 3 – Homeschool With Joy

Hi, there! Yes, I’m alive… It’s been an extremely busy couple of months, whack-a-mole-ing lots of health stuff and other big to-dos. Sorry for being missing in action a bit there. Oh, well – I’m here now! And, now Thanksgiving is almost upon us!

Thanksgiving week can be a busy time as we prepare to visit family, especially when you’re packing for Grandma’s house!

But don’t worry, I’ve got a list of creative and fun activities to keep your kids happily occupied.

They’re all 100% engaging and enjoyable ways to celebrate the season and make meaningful memories without spending a lot of money on supplies or needing lots of prep.

Hint: These aren’t just busy work kinds of things like word searches… I remember dreading those and crosswords as a kid. Holy booooring, Batman!

Thanksgiving: Celebrating the History & Traditions with Dave Stotts | Drive Thru History Special

This special episode from Drive Thru History dives into the history and traditions of Thanksgiving. Dave Stotts brings history to life in a way that’s entertaining and educational.

Cue the dad joes!! His engaging storytelling will capture your kids’ attention and provide a deeper understanding of why we celebrate this holiday. It’s perfect for keeping your kids engaged and learning while you handle travel preparations. It’s also entertaining for littles as well as older kids. Can’t beat that!

Thanksgiving Mats for Pattern Blocks

I know you probably have pattern blocks around the house somewhere. When you decide to homeschool, your Official Pattern Blocks arrive on your doorstep almost instantly. Well, just kidding… but it feels like everyone has these!

These Thanksgiving printable mats from This Reading Mama are fantastic for hands-on, creative play. Kids can use pattern blocks to create festive shapes and designs, combining art with a bit of geometry. It’s a wonderful way to keep their minds active and their hands busy with a fun, educational activity.

Fall Playdough Mats

These printable fall playdough mats, also from This Reading Mama, are a great way for kids to use their imaginations and fine motor skills. The fall-themed mats add a seasonal twist that will keep them entertained while you pack. I recommend laminating them or putting them in a page protector, taping the end.

They have the following pages to print for free:
● apple basket- add apples to the basket
● apple tree- add apples to the tree
● scarecrow- add a hat, scarf, straw, a face, etc.
● fall tree- add colorful leaves to the tree or ground
● raking leaves- add the prongs or handle to the rake
● pumpkin- add a face or vines to the pumpkin
● turkey- add colorful tail feathers
● Mayflower- add sails to the ship or water below

Printable Fall Leaf Crafts

This fall leaf craft from The Secret Life of Homeschoolers is perfect for busy homeschoolers, requiring only a few common supplies and a printer. Kids will collect fall leaves, hole-punch them, and glue the pieces onto printable worksheets to create beautiful fall pictures.

With three different worksheets to choose from, children can color their pages first, then use the hole-punched leaves to decorate. This craft not only encourages outdoor activity and fine motor skills but also provides opportunities for additional learning, such as leaf identification and creative storytelling. It’s a fun, engaging, and educational way to enjoy the fall season.

Easy Watercolor Resist Fall Leaves Art Project

This art project from Deep Space Sparkle is perfect for kids of all ages! Older kids can be more detailed while younger kids can focus on making the art more basic. Using watercolor paints and a simple resist technique, they can create beautiful fall leaf artwork.

It’s a great way to let their artistic side shine – while you take care of packing or stirring the cranberry sauce on the stove! Wait, you don’t do that? That’s my favorite thing, oh my goodness… It makes me feel like a Gummi Bear making Gummiberry Juice.

Free Printable Thanksgiving Poetry Book

I’m a HUGE fan of the Homeschool Compass! Poetry can be a soothing and introspective activity and as an English major, I don’t see poetry itself as an option. Our homeschool has always had lots of poetry in the air!

This beautiful, lush watercolor free printable includes beautiful poems perfect for the season, allowing your children to explore language and expression. Reading and discussing these poems can also provide a calming break in the midst of holiday hustle and bustle. We usually use these after dinner, covering one a night.

Read Aloud Revival November Book List

This carefully curated list of Thanksgiving-themed picture books is perfect for cozy reading, putting temptingly in a basket by the couch. Reserving these books from your local library can provide hours of engaging and educational content for your kids. I always love the picks from Read Aloud Revival! Many of them have become family favorites year after year.

These activities are more than just time-fillers… they are invitations for your children to dive into the spirit of Thanksgiving with creativity and joy.

As you get everything ready for your family gathering, these engaging tasks will not only keep your kids happily occupied, but also deepen their appreciation for the holiday’s rich traditions and values.

Let the fun begin!

Scatter Joy,

Need some ideas on starting your own warm, cozy Morning Music Playlist to scatter joy on busy homeschool mornings?

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Holidays, homeschooling, parenting

Homeschooling Through Summer: A Joyful Approach to Year-Round Learning ☀️

June 10, 2024December 17, 2025 Jessica Lovett

As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, let’s chat about a delightful secret to a stress-free homeschool year: embracing summer learning!

Now, I know what you might be thinking – “School in summer? No way!”

But trust me, this is not your average, boring summer school. This is homeschooling with a twist of sunshine, a sprinkle of fun, and a whole lot of joy.

Right now, one of my kids is learning how to write a formal essay about why nature is important (using the Good and the Beautiful curriculum) and the other is listening to a lecture on Hamlet (for free via Hillsdale College online). Note that I did not *ask* them to do those things.

My son was interested in Hamlet because of Usborne books and the complete Shakespeare looking ruefully at him from our bookshelves, as well as cultural references. My daughter is an artist and wants to be able to write better. She is quoting poetry in her essay that she found on her own.

Learning on your own takes practice! It is sometimes difficult to even understand what you want to pursue, but showing your kids this art is a worthy aspiration and one that will lead them to much joy and fulfillment – not to mention less idle internet-surfing/time-wasters when they are adults and out on their own.

The Magic of Summer Homeschooling

Why ditch the traditional school calendar and continue learning through the summer? Let me share a few reasons that might just change your perspective:

🦥Savor the Slowdown: Summer is a time for relaxed rhythms, spontaneous adventures, and rainbow-colored popsicles. I strive to weave this laid-back spirit into our homeschooling routines, fostering deeper connections and embracing the joy of learning.
🤗Sibling Harmony: Let’s face it, even the closest siblings can get a bit prickly when cooped up indoors… and in Texas, it is too hot to go outside by our bookworm standards! By shifting to a lighter summer schedule, we can open up more opportunities for independent play, library or around-town adventures, and creative pursuits. This not only reduces conflict but also allows each child to explore their interests at their own pace.
⛓️‍💥Learn Without Limits: Traditional school years can feel like a race to the finish line, with pressure to cram in a year’s worth of material before the last bell rings. But homeschooling through the summer gives us the freedom to explore subjects at a leisurely pace, dive deeper into passions, and create a truly personalized learning experience.
🍂A Gentle Transition to Fall: Instead of abruptly jumping into a rigorous fall schedule, easing back into a routine over the summer can make the transition feel more natural and less overwhelming for everyone. When we tried to end in May and start again in August, it was always a struggle – even for me. This alleviates that burden.
🧳Adventure Awaits: With a flexible summer homeschool schedule, spontaneous trips and family adventures become a breeze. No more worrying about missing school or falling behind!

Sprinkle Joy into Your Summer Homeschool

Here are a few tips to make your summer homeschooling experience truly joyful:

🕵️‍♂️Let Curiosity Lead the Way: What is your child interested in? What are their academic weakness that might need extra help? Work on making those two things mix. If your child is artistic but struggles with math, try Art Makes Me Smart! Does your child struggle with language arts? Find a curriculum that delves into things they like – be it pirates, fantasy books, or comics. Whatever sparks your child’s interest will help spark learning, too. Let them choose their own adventure and watch their enthusiasm for learning blossom.
💞Connection is Key: Use this time to strengthen your bond with your children. Read aloud, play games, go for nature walks, and simply enjoy each other’s company. Let your kids see you reading and learning for pleasure and for knowledge and they will copy you.
⌛Keep it Short and Sweet: Short lessons or activities are perfect for summer. Aim for 1-2 hours of focused learning each day, leaving plenty of time for play, relaxation, classic movies, and family fun.
📖Less is More: Don’t feel pressured to cover a vast curriculum. Choose a few subjects that your children are passionate about and dive deep. Allow them to explore their interests at their own pace. Maturity plays a key with this, as well. Pushing something that your child isn’t ready for is much more difficult than just waiting until their brain is physically ready and it immediately jives with them.

“It is normal for a fifth-grade aged student to be writing at a third-grade level, reading at a fifth-grade level, and doing math at a seventh-grade level. A child who succeeds at two subjects and cries over the third may still be showing immaturity – and the answer may be to drop back to a lower level in only the third subject.” ~Susan Wise Bauer in Rethinking School: How to Take Charge of Your Child’s Education (a book I highly recommend to all parents!)

Remember, don’t view learning as a Thing to Do and then move on, but as a continuous Way of Life.

By embracing a slower pace and a more relaxed approach during the summer months, you can create a joyful learning environment that fosters connection, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Embrace the freedom you have in creating your own joyful home environment, and let your homeschooling adventures unfold! 🌞

Scatter Joy,

Need some ideas on starting your own warm, cozy Morning Music Playlist to scatter joy on busy homeschool mornings?

Subscribe to download your music playlist ideas printable!

Your password to the resource library will come in instantly after your email is confirmed.

Holidays, homeschooling, joy, parenting

Embracing Easter with Joy and Creativity

March 26, 2024December 17, 2025 Jessica Lovett

As Easter draws near, our household always enjoys different traditions like making hot cross buns and getting certain candy, blending tradition with a sprinkle of creativity. With each passing year, our celebrations evolve, weaving together cherished customs with newfound discoveries.

Easter is going to be here before you know it, but here are some fun ideas for your homeschool that don’t take much effort to make happen. Take this opportunity to make some memories with your kids!

My kids are sensitive to artificial colors and dyes, so I always make sure to get our candy through the Natural Candy Store. Their customer service is amazing and they always have a great selection of candy that you can feel good about buying, not only to support a small business but because none of the ingredients are artificial. Who says healthier isn’t necessarily fun?

I also always make a point to order UK Cadbury Eggs since they are… err… not “better for you” per say but at least don’t have those artificial dyes. And, it is just once a year, after all. Did you know that they are higher quality in the UK? The differences are surprising and honestly they just taste better.

Now, I’m no cake decorator, but I can make this! Here is how to do it. I’ve made this in the past and it is super cute in real life. It can be made with any cake recipe, obviously. Instead of cake mixes, I usually use Crazy Cakes (a.k.a. Depression Era Cake).

I also love using vegan marshmallows, like Dandies, instead of the regular kind. Besides being vegan and suiting my needs, my kids simply like them better.

In the realm of literature, our shelves are adorned with tales both old and new, each offering its own enchanting narrative. From timeless classics to whimsical fantasies, our Easter book list is as diverse as the blooms in a spring garden. Picture books brimming with bunnies and chicks share space with poetry collections that stir the soul, inviting us to pause and savor the beauty of language. And for those seeking deeper reflections, there are profound works that delve into the heart of Easter’s significance, offering solace and inspiration in equal measure.

One of our traditions is to get out holiday books for our book basket in the living room. No matter how old the kids are getting, it is still fun to see the familiar covers and feel comforted by their words.

The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes storybook by Du Bose Heyward and pictures by Marjorie Hack

This story was one of my grandmother’s favorites when she was a child and she always read it to me at Eastertime. I make it a point to have it out for my kids to enjoy, too.

“With twenty-one baby bunnies to look after, mother bunny Cottontail abandons her dream of becoming an Easter Bunny. But when Grandfather Bunny spies her perfectly behaved brood, he’s so impressed that he makes Cottontail the most important Easter Bunny of all!

Originally published in 1939, Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes celebrates the timeless values of equality, hard work, and patient ambition.” (source)

Jan Brett is an artistic wonder! We never tire or having her books around the house. Her art is so vivid and so filled with detail, you notice something new every time you read her works, no matter how many times you have!

“Jan Brett’s lovable bunny hero, Hoppi, and her remarkable Easter Rabbit will enchant readers as they pore over illustrations filled with dazzling eggs made by Flora Bunny, Aunt Sassyfrass and others. If Hoppi can make the best Easter egg, he will get to help the Easter Rabbit with his deliveries on Easter morning.” (source)

Amidst our literary adventures, we find solace in the rhythm of poetry, its lyrical verses echoing the melodies of our hearts, each word a brushstroke painting scenes of renewal and hope. Poetry becomes our companion on this journey of introspection, guiding us through the labyrinth of emotions that Easter evokes, from quiet reverence to jubilant celebration.

Homeschool Compass always amazes me with their resources and their Spring Poems For Your Homeschool ebook is no different. With soaring pastel art and just the right selection of poetry – think favorites from Edna St. Vincent Millay, Robert Louis Stevenson, Edith Nesbit, William Wordsworth, Christina Rosetti – every page would be worthy of framing.

Plus, it is totally free! You can download it for viewing on a tablet or print to your heart’s content.

And when the day’s adventures draw to a close, it is inspiring to carefully curate screen content for a show that illuminates the true meaning of Easter. Far from mere entertainment, Drive Thru History’s Easter episodes invite us to delve deeper into the essence of the holiday, exploring its roots and significance with grace and authenticity.

Dave Stotts helps remind us that Easter is not merely a date on the calendar, but a sacred journey of faith and renewal, beckoning us to embrace the beauty of the Resurrection in our own lives.

As we prepare for Easter’s arrival, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to infuse our celebrations with creativity, fun, and meaning.

Scatter Joy,

Need some ideas on starting your own warm, cozy Morning Music Playlist to scatter joy on busy homeschool mornings?

Subscribe to download your music playlist ideas printable!

Your password to the resource library will come in instantly after your email is confirmed.

Category: Holidays

Creative and Stress-Free Thanksgiving Homeschool Activities for Kids

Homeschooling Through Summer: A Joyful Approach to Year-Round Learning ☀️

Embracing Easter with Joy and Creativity