Episode 184: 5 Ways to Survive the End of Year Slog
For the Busy Mommas…
We're getting closer to the end, and most of us are feeling pressure to double down on finishing curriculum and worksheets...checking all the boxes that tell the world (and sometimes our husbands or nosey do-gooders) that we're doing a good job teaching our kids.
But we're here to remind you that you’re already doing enough.
Even if you've skipped days or haven't finished that math book (who has?! No one in school does!), or you "FEEL" like your kid is behind...you're doing a good job.
Your child is right where they are meant to be.
Homeschooling is a long game and they HAVE learned a lot already.
So instead of filling your bucket stressing over the final things that need to be finished this year...we want to encourage you to let go and give one of these activities a try instead.
We're willing to bet what you really want is to end the year with good memories.
These are our 5 best totally low-energy ideas for making memories without overwhelming you at the end of the year.
Poetry Tea (02:45)
Is this possibly the most underrated idea in the homeschool world?
We think it is!
Poetry Tea came to us from Julie Bogart, and she typically did it on Tuesdays (but you can do it any day you like!)
Here are some of the great benefits…
It spans all ages (toddlers to teens will like this one)
It can be as simple or complicated as you want (from Dr. Suess to Langston Hughes)
Any drink, any snack, and any book (poetry not required)
Britt’s favorite book for Poetry Tea Time is Sing a Song of Seasons: A Nature Poem for Each Day of the Year (Affiliate Link).
A Movie Afternoon (05:55)
Movies (even fun, seemingly non-educational ones) are a great way to take a pause and release a little pressure at the end of the year (or really, anytime)!
Make sure to…
Pop the popcorn
Cover the windows
Get the yummy snacks
Snuggle in (or snuggle the kids in)
Watch something educational or completely silly
Kid Taught Lessons (08:05)
The options for this one are nearly endless…
You can invite your kids to teach something they're passionate about (but be ready to learn about Minecraft, drawing flowers, or even vinyls!)
OR
You can let your bigs help teach a younger one...these lessons at the end will be repeated in the new year. That's how ALLLL the curriculums are built, so letting your big kids help teach a lesson (especially with a curriculum like TG&tB) has so many layers of benefit: they're learning to be gracious teachers, AND learners, sibling time, freeing you up, when you teach you learn twice, teaching is a learned and practiced skill...etc.
Popsicles Outside & Audiobooks (11:15)
We've always been big fans of audio books for SO many reasons, but I recently heard Sarah McKenzie (of Read-Aloud Revival) on a podcast with Matt Fradd and she talked about when we read with our eyes, or speak, we actually skip connector words...it's why we can read in our minds faster than we can out loud...but it's only through listening to stories read aloud that we are getting every single word, all those grammatically correct sophisticated language patterns get stored in our brains...and it's the only time that they do. Listen to that podcast here! So this is SUCH a valuable tool for our homeschooling...it almost feels like cheating, but it's even better!
And popsicles? make everything a little better in the heat.
Here's a real mom tip too...put everyone in bathing suits first, have enough for two popsicles each, and make sure the hose is ready to wash everyone off after.
Hit the Park with Friends & A Picnic (15:05)
Nothing will break up a week, or give a pick-me-up like seeing good friends, getting sunshine, and burning off a little energy like hitting the park and eating food while you're there.
For older kids, we like to bring games or a ball to kick about. Sometimes, they bring skates, pogo sticks, jump ropes, or hula hoops (yes, they're still a thing).
And who doesn't like not eating at your home and not having to worry about crumbs?!
Finally, before you go, leave us a review and subscribe! We promise to keep working incredibly hard to bring you podcasts that make you feel seen, heard, and encouraged if you do.
And hey, send this to a fellow homeschool mom and plan one of these totally low-key memory-making ideas together!
Sweet mommas, never forget…
YOU are doing beautiful work!
Links From This Episode
Matt Fradd & Sarah Mackenzie Podcast (jump to 45:00 for the bit about reading aloud)
Sing a Song of Seasons: A Nature Poem for Each Day of the Year (Affiliate Link)
Disclosure of Material Connection: This page includes “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
