Dear Families,
With just a few days left until winter break begins, the excitement is palpable. Whether your kids are eagerly counting down or you’ve got checklists a mile long to wrap up before the holidays, this time of year brings a unique energy into our homes. For many families, the official “school is out!” signals a change of pace, but for homeschooling families like ours, the learning never truly stops — it simply changes shape.
Winter break, for me, has always felt like an invitation. An invitation to slow down, to step out of the structure of formal schoolwork, and to let curiosity, connection, and wonder lead the way.
Before You Log Off for Break…
To make the transition to winter break smooth, here are a few quick reminders to check off before the holidays:
✅ Complete your Star360 assessments – wrap these up so you can enjoy the weeks ahead worry-free.
✅ Submit and sign LP 4 attendance – thank you for helping us keep everything on track!
✅ Turn in work samples – make sure these are submitted before unplugging.
✅ Mark your calendars for any January field trips you’ve registered for — trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
The Gift of Winter Rhythms
There’s so much learning that happens when we lean into the season. A morning spent baking cookies turns into a math lesson on fractions and measurements (and patience while waiting for them to cool). A family walk bundled up against the chill becomes a nature study in disguise. Why do the trees look bare? Where do animals hide in winter? What constellations can we spot on clear nights?
When we let the days slow down, we discover that life itself is the best teacher. Kids don’t need a lesson plan to learn how to build a pillow fort, invent a new game, or write stories about magical winter worlds. Those moments are valuable, too.
A Few Winter Break Resources 🎄
Looking for ideas to keep kids engaged without feeling overwhelmed? Here are a few simple resources to inspire playful, cozy learning during the break:
📚 Holiday Read-Alouds for All Ages
Cuddle up with a warm blanket and dive into these beautiful winter stories.
- The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper
- The Mitten by Jan Brett (Great for younger kids!)
- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
🔎 Nature Scavenger Hunt
Even in winter, there’s so much to discover outdoors! Print this free winter scavenger hunt for a fun family adventure.
🎨 Cozy Indoor Crafting
Explore nature-inspired winter crafts with this simple pinecone bird feeder tutorial or try your hand at homemade salt dough ornaments.
Letting Your Heart Lead
As parents, it’s easy to feel like we should “keep things going” during a break or fill every day with meaningful activities. But sometimes, the most meaningful days are the ones spent snuggled up on the couch reading books, learning a new card game together, or sharing a laugh over an unexpected mishap in the kitchen.
Give yourself permission to embrace the slower moments. Let learning feel light and joyful. This is where the magic of homeschooling truly shines — we get to decide what learning looks like, even on the days that feel anything but traditional.
Here’s to cozy days, simple joys, and time well spent.
Wishing you all a winter break filled with warmth, wonder, and memory-making. You’re doing an incredible job — whether it’s an “official” school day or not.
Kindly,
Kara