Hello Friends, As August winds down and we find our rhythm in homeschooling, it’s exciting to think about the fresh opportunities September brings. While summer lingers a bit longer, the subtle shifts of the season offer a perfect backdrop for incorporating seasonal learning into our routines. September is brimming with chances to explore new themes that can enrich our homeschool days. Between field trips, park days, and school events, there’s so much to experience with Cottonwood, but let’s also take a moment to dive into the unique learning opportunities this month has to offer and weave them into your homeschool routine—no matter the age of your students. Even our older students, from 7th to 12th grade, can find depth and enjoyment in seasonal studies. Themes like apples, leaves, and seasonal cuisine can be explored through more advanced lenses, such as the science behind seasonal changes, the history and cultural significance of harvest traditions, or even culinary arts with a focus on seasonal ingredients. After 10 years of homeschooling, I’ve found that my kids, even as they’ve grown older, still enjoy revisiting these themes each year, adding new layers of understanding and creativity as they go. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Explore the Science of Seasonal Changes: Even if fall colors aren’t as pronounced in California, you can still study how plants and animals prepare for the changing season. This can be a great way to incorporate science and nature studies.
- Check out the lessons in Generation Genius or video and activities within BrainPop. Both of these apps are found on your student’s Clever dashboard.
- Celebrate Labor Day: Use this holiday as a springboard for discussions on the value of work, the history behind the day, and how it connects to your own community. You can tie this into social studies or history lessons.
- Check out our Labor Day Lessons Pinterest Board.
- September-Themed Reading Lists: Curate a collection of books that reflect the themes of the month — whether it’s stories about harvest, community, or nature, these can be integrated into your reading time.
- Check out these September reading lists from Raising Lifelong Learners and Read-Aloud Revival.
- Check out additional ideas on our September Themes Pinterest Board.
Let’s make this September not just a time of settling in, but a season full of discovery and inspiration. Whether through a creative project, an outdoor adventure, or a deep dive into a new topic, there’s so much to explore and enjoy together. Kindly, Kara Parkins