Hello, Homeschool Families,
As we dive into February, we’re finally getting the rain we’ve all been waiting for! While the weather may keep us inside on some days, February is full of unique opportunities for learning—both indoors and out. From celebrating the changing seasons to exploring Black History Month, to tapping into the excitement of Valentine’s Day, there’s a lot to embrace this month!
Making the Most of February:
Rainy days are perfect for diving into science experiments like creating rain gauges or building paper sailboats to race in puddles, but there’s more to February than just the weather. This month offers a wonderful chance to explore a variety of themes and celebrate the richness of the world around us. Here are a few ideas for making the most of February with your homeschool students:
- Celebrate Black History Month – Take the time to dive into the lives and achievements of influential figures in history. This is an excellent opportunity for literature discussions, research projects, and creative activities. Explore resources like Black History Month Activities for Kids of All Ages or 11 Engaging Black History Month Art Projects for K-8 for engaging ideas. Also, be sure to check out the Everybody Belongs page in the Nest, where you can find great book lists, resources, and meet our Ambassador family for this month too!
- Valentine’s Day Projects – Whether you’re crafting heart-shaped cards or studying the history of this holiday, Valentine’s Day is full of fun ways to incorporate learning. Try a math activity around the number of hearts you can make from a piece of paper or explore the science behind chocolate with a little kitchen chemistry!
- Winter Science – While we’re experiencing the rain, it’s the perfect time to dive deeper into the science of weather. Almost every app on your Clever dashboard will offer a plethora of resources on this topic. Why do we need rain? How does it impact the environment? Create your own weather stations or track the rainfall with homemade rain gauges. You could also explore the water cycle or even learn how to forecast weather!
- Groundhog Day and Seasonal Changes – Did the groundhog see its shadow? Groundhog Day can be a fun way to talk about seasons, weather, and animal behavior. Use this day as a jumping-off point for discussions on how different animals adapt to the changing seasons.
- Celebrating Love and Friendship in Homeschooling – Take time this month to emphasize kindness, appreciation, and friendship. One way to do this is by reading stories and books that focus on relationships. Also, consider doing a kindness challenge with your kids—creating a culture of support and care within your family. Need some book recommendations? Check out this YouTube playlist of heartwarming stories.
- Indoor Exploration and Creativity – When the weather is dreary, sometimes all we need is a little cozy creativity. Build a DIY volcano, set up a rainy-day science experiment, or spend time crafting and reading together. You can find 21 rainy-day activities here or more ideas on our Pinterest board for rainy day activities.
As the weather changes, so does our homeschooling rhythm. February invites us to slow down, reflect, and embrace new learning opportunities—whether they come from the rain, a holiday, or the simple joy of creating something together. Let’s make the most of this month and find joy in the everyday moments.
Stay cozy, stay curious, and let’s make this February one to remember!
Kindly,
Kara Parkins