Back to Back Issues Page
Homeschool Holidays & Our Gift to You! - Successful Homeschooling, Issue #16
November 04, 2009

The holiday season is already upon us, and now is a great time to slow down, learn from the world around us, and give to those we love.

In this Issue:

  1. Homeschooling through the Holidays
  2. Our 2nd Anniversary Gift to You
  3. What's New?

Homeschooling through the Holidays

Holidays
For at least half of November and most of December, we normally set the books aside and learn as we cook, entertain guests, purchase gifts, send cards and attend family events. With so much out there to learn, we don't have any time left for "school".

Taking time off to celebrate the holidays isn't only a great way to learn, it is also gives both parents and children a time of rest and renewal for the coming year. If you're thinking about moving to a more relaxed approach to learning this season, here are some tips for homeschooling through the holidays:

  1. Focus on the arts. - The holiday season is a great time to attend plays, listen to holiday music, read traditional stories and attend community events. Last year we went to a performance of The Nutcracker and saw the play, Madeline's Christmas. This year, we'll see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

    You can find inexpensive events at your local children's theater, symphony, ballet, library or community center. In addition, create your own art by making gifts and decorations, and by writing your own songs, stories and plays.

  2. Study history and geography. - Thanksgiving isn't only a day to give thanks for what we now have, it's a time to give thanks for those who made our nation what it is today. Discuss the history of Thanksgiving Day and our country's beginnings. As Christmas approaches, study geography by learning about Christmas traditions and celebrations around the world.

    Experiment with different homeschooling techniques by completing the     Thanksgiving Project Pack or Symbols of Christmas Project Pack from Hands of a Child. Another great holiday resource is Christmas Around the World. This book contains vivid illustrations and descriptions of the Christmas traditions of 12 different countries.

  3. Create your own customs and traditions. - Although we'll have to skip some of our favorite holiday traditions as we prepare to welcome a new baby, we'll still add a keepsake ornament to our ornament tree, make treats and decorations, and read the Christmas story on Christmas morning.

    You can find more ideas for creating your own customs and traditions in this free e-book, Our Favorite Homeschool Ideas for the Holidays from Homeschool Freebie of the Day, and this free Holiday Guide from The Old Schoolhouse magazine.
To follow my family's holiday adventures, check out my homeschool blog!

Our 2nd Anniversary Gift to You

November 9th marks Successful Homeschooling's 2nd anniversary! It has been amazing to watch our website grow from having two visitors per day - myself and my husband - to almost 800 daily visitors.

I want to thank all of you who have allowed me to share and grow with you, and I want to especially thank those of you who have taken the time to tell others about our website.

For the past few months, I've been hard at work on our newest e-book, 7 Secrets to Finding the Best Homeschool Curriculum.

This book lays out simple steps for choosing the best home school curriculum, and includes interviews with prominent homeschool experts like Sarita Holzmann of Sonlight, Mary Hood of The Relaxed Home School and Catherine Levison of A Charlotte Mason Education.

The book also contains a bonus section that includes information about homeschooling gifted and special needs students, teaching preschool and kindergarten, and homeschooling high school.

As a thank you to all my visitors and newsletter subscribers, you can download this 46 page e-book here, for FREE!

Please take the time to share this resource with others by posting the following link on your blog, website, favorite forum or yahoo group:

www.successful-homeschooling.com/best-homeschool-curriculum.html

Again, thank you!

What's New?

We are slowing down a bit as we prepare to welcome a new baby, but we still have plans to continue providing you with ideas and inspiration for your homeschool journey.

The following links will provide you with quick and easy updates about new projects and information:

As always, feel free to pass this newsletter on to friends and contact me with your questions or comments.

Thank you for subscribing to Successful Homeschooling!

Enjoy the journey,

Carletta
Back to Back Issues Page