October is upon us, and while we’re still waiting for cooler weather, it’s a great time to embrace the seasonal changes in our homeschool. With fall-themed learning ideas, upcoming events, and a little self-care for us parents, there’s a lot to look forward to — whether or not the weather has caught up to the calendar!
October Learning Ideas & Resources
- Fall Read-Alouds & Book Lists: Even if it’s still warm outside, we can bring the cozy fall feeling indoors with seasonal books. For younger kids, check out this Fall Book List filled with wonderful read-alouds like The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything and Pumpkin Jack. For older students, explore classic literature such as The Legend of Sleepy Hollow or introduce them to The Witch of Blackbird Pond. These are perfect for sparking discussions about fall themes and historical settings.
- Cultural & Historical Studies: October is also a great time to dive into the cultural history behind celebrations like Día de los Muertos, Halloween, or Oktoberfest. Teach your children how these holidays developed, what they symbolize, and how they’re celebrated around the world. You can explore resources like BrainPOP for Día de los Muertos or use this Oktoberfest Activity Blog for a hands-on history lesson.
- Nature Studies & Seasonal Fun: Even if it’s too warm for typical fall foliage, you can still study how nature prepares for cooler weather elsewhere. Try a seed study, and look at animal migration patterns. Utilize the FREE resources in your Clever portal to explore the changing seasons virtually and other fall-related topics.
- National Days of October: National Days of October: October is filled with quirky national days you can weave into your homeschool. You might get creative on National Fossil Day on October 12th with a hands-on archaeology project or celebrate National Pumpkin Day on October 26th with a special activity. If your family loves books, you could also participate in National Day on Writing on October 20th, where students can work on storytelling or writing prompts based on the season (List Of National Days)(Days Of The Year).
- Explore endless resources and activities on our October Pinterest Board.
Self-Care Tips for the Homeschool Parent
As the school year picks up pace, it’s easy to put ourselves on the back burner, but remember—you need care and nurturing too! Here are a few self-care tips to keep you going:
- Take Breaks: Build in small moments of rest throughout your day. Even just 10 minutes of quiet, stretching, or sipping tea can help reset your energy. Don’t feel guilty about needing these moments; they’ll make a big difference.
- Pace Your Homeschooling: If you’re taking advantage of all the fun community events and activities, remember you can adjust your schedule to fit. Some weeks, we might do more hands-on, experiential learning through field trips and outdoor time, while other weeks we focus on core subjects. It’s all about finding a balance that works for your family.
- Celebrate the Small Wins: Take a moment at the end of each week to reflect on what went well. Whether it was a great conversation with your child, a lesson that clicked, or even just getting through a tough day, these wins matter.
Cottonwood Community Events
October is full of opportunities to get involved and connect with other families. Mondays at the CCC, Storytime AND the Book Fair in the Lending Library, and our Weekly Park Days are fantastic ways to bring community into your homeschool routine. These events offer a mix of learning and play, perfect for keeping kids engaged while you build relationships with other parents.
Reminder: Registration for November events opens next Thursday, October 10th at 12:30 PM! With field trips like painting, fall shows, nature-themed events, and more, there’s so much fun planned for the month ahead. Make sure to register ALL attendees to secure your spot, and always remember to add yourself to the waitlist if an event fills up.
Did you know we registered over 800 attendees combined for our various pumpkin patch trips? You asked, and our Community Coordinators and Family Liaisons delivered. We strive to get as many Cottonwood students as possible to these events, so don’t hesitate to get your name on that waitlist!
Whether you’re embracing the spirit of October with themed activities or simply taking it one day at a time, know that you’re doing important and meaningful work. Homeschooling is a journey, and you’re making it uniquely yours every day.
Kindly,
Kara Parkins, Parent Support Supervisor