But cozy doesn’t have to mean casual. As we move toward spring, we’re also preparing for milestone months ahead: testing season and the final stretch of the school year. These slow days can help us build strong momentum by reinforcing skills, solidifying understanding, and giving space for deeper learning. Let’s embrace the balance of gentle routines and academic purpose.
So whether you’re logging learning from the couch, the kitchen table, or an enrichment class, you’re moving forward. Cozy days count.
Seasonal Learning Themes for February
February offers rich opportunities for thematic learning. Here are a few seasonal topics to explore while meeting educational goals:
- Black History Month: Study changemakers, inventors, musicians, and leaders across disciplines.
- Presidents’ Day: Dive into civics, write opinion pieces, and explore U.S. history.
- Valentine’s Day: Practice writing through cards, poetry, or letter writing. Try heart-themed math activities.
- Nature in Winter: Observe hibernation, migration, and track weather in your science journal.
- Kindness & Service Projects: Write thank-you notes, collect donations, or learn about community helpers.
Cozy, Standards-Aligned Learning Ideas
Here are some warm, high-impact ways to meet educational goals on rainy, snowy or blustery days:
- Read-Alouds with Literary Response: Ask students to summarize, draw scenes, or write reflections.
- Math Games & Practice: Reinforce fluency with flashcards, puzzles, or digital practice platforms.
- Timed Writing Prompts: Build stamina and writing skills with low-pressure journaling.
- Science from the Kitchen: Track temperature, test solids and liquids, or observe reactions while baking.
- Review for Testing Season: Use short daily sessions to review key ELA and math standards.
Gentle, consistent effort pays off. A cozy day can still be a rigorous day, just wrapped in blankets.
Book List Ideas for February
Snuggle up with these books that pair perfectly with a cup of cocoa and a comfy couch.
Picture Books
- The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
- Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
- Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
- Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli
- I Am Rosa Parks by Brad Meltzer
Chapter Books / Read-Alouds
- Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
- The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
- George Washington’s Socks by Elvira Woodruff
- The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
- The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
Self-Care for Parents during the February Season
Homeschooling requires stamina, and this is the time of year when both parents and students can experience winter weariness. A few ways to refill your own cup:
- Warm Rituals: Light a candle during lessons, or start the day with music or poetry.
- Prep in Pockets: Use rainy days to review curriculum pacing or prep for testing weeks.
- Pause for Play: Say yes to a midday walk or fort-building break.
- Phone a Friend: Lean on your community. Ask questions, share wins, or simply connect.
- Celebrate the Small: A lesson completed, a concept grasped, or a game enjoyed; it all matters.
Coming Soon: Expert Insights on Emotions & Learning
Later this month, our Kindly, Cottonwood | In-House Expert Edition will explore the connection between emotions and learning, featuring insight from our school counselor, school psychologist, and SELF coordinator. We’ll share ways to support emotional regulation, reduce academic stress, and foster a love of learning through connection and care.