just for the month
I know some of you think it's crazy and my kids will suffer and fall behind. But truthfully there are sooooo many super lifelong skills and schooling involved in preparing and enjoying the holidays...
- helping to write our family Christmas letter (which didn't get completed this year... so sad!)
- baking cookies (reading recipes, measuring ingredients, following directions)
- learning & singing Christmas carols (reading, singing and ministry opportunities)
- Visiting older neighbors
- making gifts for others
- planning gift purchases for others (staying in a budget, hunting for good prices)
- Advent reading and activities (spiritual growth, development and reading)
- and the list goes on...
but....
I have felt very RUSHED.....
We're rushed to get school completed each day so I can complete another "fun" holiday task. We've really rushed through and even neglected our Advent calendar, so we can prepare lunch or get everyone a nap before our evening activities.
Each evening I"m rushed through our meal, sometimes an activity and then to get all the kids in bed so I can shop (online) for a few more gifts or wrap a gift or two, decorate or work on our Christmas card..... all things I LOVE to do!
So instead of finishing off our week with school book work,
we are going to finish reading some more Christmas celebration books.
Wrap some presents for extended family TOGETHER! Trying to keep them from Nate!! I don't think the laundry basket idea is working... LOL!!
And do some Christmas activities that I've been wanting to do with the kids...
Like this project about the symbols of Christmas, how they originated and what they tell about Christ or remind us to do at Christmas.
We'll see what happens next year.... but with some extra planning and some creativity, I think a couple of weeks off (of formal school books) would be an awesome way to prepare and celebrate the whole Christmas season!!
I'm linking up to.... (if it happens this week!!)
8 comments:
i think what you're doing is awesome :) - we are taking a 10 day break from our schooling too... its needed! But Caleb has helped with things like you mentioned in this post and has actually really enjoyed it... where I think had we pushed all the schooling deadlines he would of been less willing and excited abt decorating Christmas presents for shut ins, making visits, and so on...
Oh and the laundry basket :) - funny!! The presents are actually one thing Owen has not shown interest in... the bottom of our tree however... well... you will see how messy it is when you come over - its far from put together LOL
This is exactly what we've been doing and it's wonderful!
Actually, Abby just learned how to write lower case letters last night when putting names on the tags. We've done Handwriting Without Tears, but she wanted nothing to do with it.
Last night, she wanted to write the names. I wrote the names and she copied them onto the tags. Her handwriting was awesome!
We've really enjoyed reading Christmas books and doing Christmas activities!
Merry Christmas!
My mom used to plan the month of December off when we were homeschooled. Though looking back the time off wasn't without continued learning. She snuck in little history lessons, hands on crafts and baking activities which hid math and economics. Just like you are doing the month was themed around Christmas and was a great time of learning as a family.
Glad you guys are enjoying the season of celebrating our Savior!
Merry Christmas!
I am with you on feeling rushed and I always feel bad taking breaks from schooling. Your Idea is wonderful.
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Have a great day!
These are cute photos. I think taking time off from school would not be too bad. With the list of everything you can do together, I think that is great.
I just can say, too, that I am thinking you are doing right! Enjoy this special as long as your children are small and it is totally okay to not do homescholling at this time...well, and as you mentioned yourself they are still learning something...
A very merry christmas to you and your family!
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Merry Christmas
April
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