Like in many other families, homeschooling in winter is difficult here during the endless cold days. We are smack dab in the middle of the months when most of us want to quit.

To dance through the winter blues takes some intentionality.

A few years ago, I wrote a note to myself about February in my Notes app. My intention is to read it in February of every year.

In it, I remind myself that everything is not actually terrible. That I'm not the worst, etc. and that I need to step away from the spiral and go plant my seeds in their cells.

It reminds me that the long, dark days of winter are both temporary and much more impactful than I like to admit. My note helps me remember to just hang on a little longer.

How to Thrive at Home in the Winter

Are you feeling the "blahs" of winter? Are you struggling to find inspiration in your homeschool, much less get through your list for the day?

Perhaps trudging through isn't the answer. There is a difference between persevering and being drug along.

Make a pause, breath and look around. In the dead of the winter, there is still so much beauty around us. The bare trunks of the trees and the glittering white snow open to ourselves a pathway to wonder and ponder.

Where does your life or homeschool need just a small change, a tiny flame lit? Not a major overhaul (like I'm tempted to declare this time every year), but an addition of small delights during the dark days?

Winter Homeschool Delights 

When the days are cold and gray, we can focus on the beauty inside our home. We can ask our good Lord to give us eyes to see the blessings He has bestowed upon us. And then, with His grace we can turn to the simple family joys that can lighten up our hearts.

1. Longer Read Alouds 

Try to incorporate Bible Stories as part of your Daily Feast, after lunch time or before bedtime. Let your older children take turns reading, share your takeaways, the moral lessons that lie beneath the surface of the story, let the little ones represent the story for you. You can also invite your children to a tea time daily and share the Scriptures or a good book together. Sally Clarkson’s Tea Time Discipleship is a delightful and inspiring book on this.

2. Frosty Nature Walks

I am not the best for this one, but I have noticed that being outdoors in the winter soothes my soul, helps me refocus on what really matters and attunes me to my family needs beautifully. The quiet of a wintery morning walk interrupted by the sounds of a bluejay are unbeatable. If you have not done this in a while, it will do wonders for your children and you. So bundle up and get amazed with the beautiful sights and sounds that you will encounter. Hot cocoa will be served next!

3. Large Building Block Cities

Spend time with your kids sharing a big bin of building blocks. I have noticed that this is a great way to have deep conversations with children. If you are not a builder, spend time with them sorting block by color or by shape. As Pope Francis said: “parents, waste time with your children, so that they can realize that love is always free.”

4. Fort Constructing

Sky is the limit! Children are the absolute best to build forts. Let them pick a location for their fortress and their materials and start working together. 

5. Baking Bread Together 

Try your best friend's favorite recipe or take turns as a family deciding what you are going to bake every week. Make baking a family affair. Who doesn't like the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls or sourdough bread in the oven? 

6. Exploring New Family Hobbies

Have you tried making origami like your older skilled son? Or drawing wild animals like your nature enthusiast daughter? Is your husband the best working with wood? Winter is a great time to get to know our children better (and for them get to know us better), to really sit and just watch them doing what they enjoy doing, and to share with them the joy of our favorite activities, too. Tradition making at its best.

7. Winter Animal Tracks

Real life science in your backyard that works in every season. Toddlers and preschoolers are specially delighted with this one.

8. Reading Inspiring Biographies

This season we have been reading about Monet and Thomas Alva Edison at home. We have discussed the virtues that these men have needed to do amazing things in the Arts and Science spheres. We have also learned about a Catholic scientist, Takashi Nagai, on his way to sainthood in the book Brilliant by Daniel Michael Warren. It’s a great book. 

9. Snowflake Crafts

There is always a new way to do snowflakes! We have been super inspired contemplating the winter pictures of a group of Pennsylvania photographers this season. There is something magical about snowflakes. If you need ideas for crafts here are some. We also have a snowflake nature study that may be helpful.

How to Homeschool in Winter

It is possible to find joy even in the harshest winter. Enjoying the simple things of life with our family and reminding each other of the blessings in disguise of a gray cold morning and of the wonderful gifts of the spring ahead are good ways to wait for the blooms in hope. 

What is your favorite homeschool activity to enjoy during the winter? Let’s share ideas below! 

Ready to dive deeper? 

Here are 4 ways to fill your nets... 

1. Memorize Bible verses with your children easily with our FREE guide: Stocking the Storehouses

 2. Make your dreams of family prayer a reality with The Daily Feast framework, making it possible in just a few minutes a day. This free guide shows you how.

 3. Want to steward your own prayer life? Check out this Scripture prayer journal we made just for you.

 4. Looking to level-up in your family faith formation? Join over 10,000 families that use our resources. We make open-and-go, family-style resources to make your role as primary catechist easy AND delightful. Click here to browse!