Here we are deep into our homeschool year. It’s spring, and the weather is warming up. The birds are calling our names as we sit in the school room and move from math to science to literature and more. We are far from being done with our school year due to an extended illness after Christmas.
So, how can Emma and I remain zealous in our homeschool instead of facing burnout and frustration?
Be Zealous in Your Homeschool
Looking Ahead at New Curriculum
Even though we’re a bit behind, I still have to start thinking about next year’s curriculum. Emma is getting excited about the options for next year. I’ve asked for her input about what she’d like to study next year. She has asked to continue using Mystery of History. She’s also asked to learn sign language as her foreign language, and she’s asked to do home ec. So, we are enjoying a bit of planning ahead as a diversion from our every day lessons.
Having Fun
Emma finished her literature curriculum for the year. So, now she gets to read what she wants (within reason). No comprehension questions. No vocabulary study. Just recapping the story with me every now and again. She is having a blast catching up on her to-read pile that’s been building this year.
She’s enjoying a bit of extra hands-on fun. As she finishes a curriculum from this year, it frees up a little extra time in our day for more hands-on activities – science experiments, drawing, history projects. Those are things that got pushed to the back burner as we tried to catch up after Em was sick.
Keep a Good Attitude
I don’t know about you, but it’s hard for me to keep a good attitude when I’m burnt out. And, right now, I’m burnt out. Emma’s burnt out. It’s spring, and we want to be outside. We’re behind schedule because she was sick. We’ve got a ton to do to get my house ready for Isaac’s graduation party at the end of May.
So, each day, Emma and I have to make a conscious effort to keep a good attitude. Every day, we remind ourselves that bad attitudes never get us anywhere. We start out most days with our Bible study. This helps us get in the right frame of mind before we tackle her daily assignments.
How do you remain zealous in your homeschool? How do you combat burnout?
This post is part of my ABC’s of Homeschooling series! To read the entire series, visit my ABCs of Homeschooling page. I’ll add to this page each day as the posts go live.