April 30, 2025
It’s that time of the school year again! As we enter the home stretch, many parents have a sinking feeling. Instead of crossing the finish line triumphant, hands high in the air, they are weary and limping, hoping to crawl across the line and pull the kids with. If you’re running on empty, not sure how much farther you can go, you are not alone! You just need a fresh wind to come along and put a spring in your step! Here are a few practical tips to help you end on a high note.
- Get outside… OFTEN! As the earth is waking up, it calls to us! We smell it in the air, hear the birds singing, see the vibrant colors emerging from the soil, and feel the warm breeze blowing. Kids can hardly stand missing out by being indoors! Breathe new life into your lessons by infusing as much nature as you can into your days. Do math on the trampoline (clipboards are helpful!) or language arts on a picnic blanket. Write out math problems with chalk on the driveway or deliver a cone of flowers to a neighbor after lunch. The sun’s full-spectrum light is healing for the body, mind, and spirit, and not to mention that wonderful Vitamin D! If the kids are too distracted doing lessons outside, break up the day with chunks of time outside. How about breakfast on the deck, a picnic lunch in the yard, or an afternoon bike ride? You can also bring nature indoors! My kids loved these butterfly gardens, watching excitedly day after day as caterpillars changed right before their eyes.
- Practice gratitude and take time to laugh! With a list left to accomplish, it’s easy to become a drill sergeant, barking orders and creating a stressful environment for everyone. Ask God to help you take a step back and think over all that’s been accomplished this year. Even setbacks are part of the learning process—and your children have grown physically, spiritually, and mentally! Laughter is also such good medicine, keeping everyone positive and connected. Do Mad Libs (my favorite!) over lunch or purchase a simple joke book and let the kids entertain after dinner. Teach your remaining lessons with joy and your impact will be much greater.
- Start a summer adventure notebook! Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel keeps you going! Get a notebook and brainstorm ideas as a family, letting each child express their hopes and dreams for the summer. You might have a page for each child or for each adventure and add to it often. Ideas can be as simple as ice cream sundaes on the deck, a lemonade stand, catching fireflies, or a night camping in the yard. As kids finish up their assignments, let them earn chances to unwrap simple surprises they can look forward to using over the summer, such as these bouncy water balls, which are a blast for the pool or lake. Whatever you do, start dreaming now about the memories you’ll make!
- Pick a date and celebrate! Having an end date in sight is motivating, causing everyone to kick it up a notch and work harder. Plan a party, ice cream outing, or park day with another family. Even year-round homeschoolers need a break and will likely transition into looser summer days. Share favorite memories from the year: a favorite book they read? Favorite memory at co-op? Favorite topic in science?
As one chapter closes and another begins, be encouraged to finish well! May you transition into a sweet summer filled with curiosity and wonder, creativity, and exploration! ~ Nancie
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