Are you a fan of November!?! or is November homeschooling proving to be quite the challenge?
Because while I happen to love the month of November, I realize that not everyone does. Homeschoolers everywhere know that November homeschooling can be ROUGH.
Really rough.
Like, debating whether it’s worth it and maybe it time to quit ROUGH!
If you’re in the U.S., this month is likely full of turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving can offer a celebratory time with loved ones or on the flip side, might be filled with stress and overwhelm.
In fact, it’s well known among homeschoolers everywhere that November is a common time of burnout. The first couple of months of a new school year are over. The freshness has worn off and the reality that there are still MANY months left in the school year has set it in.
It’s common to feel like giving up.
So if you’re feeling like you want to quit, do your best to practice some basic self-care so that you can avoid homeschooling burnout. It is perfectly fine to take a break when you need to!
November is also a great month to reflect on what you’re grateful for and what fills you with a sense of APPRECIATION.
Quick Note: For my friends in the southern hemisphere, I realize this is your spring. So feel free to bookmark this post and return to it during cooler autumn days.
Here are a handful of activities your family can engage in to focus on appreciation during your November homeschooling!
1. start a gratitude journal
While I know the whole gratitude thing can feel really cliche, there truly is so much power in reflecting on what we are grateful for.
If you don’t already have a gratitude journal, here’s what you’re going to do:
Get a journal or notebook and a pen. Then simply write down ONE THING each day that you are grateful for.
That’s it!
If you want to write more than one thing, that’s great. Go for it! But don’t put any pressure on yourself to come up with more than one. And if you miss a day, (or several!) don’t be hard on yourself. Just reflect back on things that fill you with gratitude and fill in any missing dates.
Begin the practice of using a gratitude journal.
2. Practice kindness
While we’re immersed in the holiday season it’s easy to book our calendars, over-schedule ourselves, and succumb to exhaustion.
And when we’re stressed and exhausted, it’s common to watch our patience, generosity, and kindness dissolve as irritation and annoyance creep in.
To counter this, do your best to slow down.
Practice kindness whenever you can.
These can be simple acts that don’t require any extra time or commitment from you.
Holding the door open for a stranger.
Engaging in conversation with your checker at the grocery store.
Being warm and friendly to the person on the phone.
And don’t forget to extend this same kindness to yourself!
To the best of your ability, slow down and practice simple acts of kindness.
3. Make Candles
How about making some candles with your kids?
This might sound complicated at first, but I’ve linked to two tutorials below that are outlined in simple steps.
There is something so gratifying about making something from scratch, and candles are certainly no exception.
You can make dipped or poured candles; whatever your little hearts desire!
Consider making candles to enjoy during the rest of the fall season and heading into winter.
4. Family reading time
One simple activity that has the potential to foster family bonding is reading together.
Whether you choose a book and read aloud or listen to an audio-book together, this is a lovely way to spend a November morning, afternoon, or evening. Alternatively, you could also have each family member select their own book to read independently while you’re all in the same room together.
Simply gather together, get cozy, and settle in to read for awhile.
5. Make apple cider
Have you ever made apple cider?
I really like this recipe because it’s simple and straightforward. No fancy gadgets or gizmos needed!
Why not head to the kitchen, make some cider together, then cozy up for a movie or audio-book with your cider and some snacks?
Enjoy making and then sipping on hot apple cider together.
In summary, here are five ways to celebrate November:
- Start a gratitude journal
- Practice kindness
- Make candles
- Family reading time
- Make apple cider
And make sure you check out the following blog posts to help you with homeschooling throughout the entire year:
- January Homeschooling
- February Homeschooling
- March Homeschooling
- April Homeschooling
- May Homeschooling
- June Homeschooling
- July Homeschooling
- August Homeschooling
- September Homeschooling
- November Homeschooling
- December Homeschooling
I’m sure you’ll find seasonal encouragement and inspiration in each of these posts!
Let me know if there are other ways that you and your family focus on appreciation during the month of November. I’d love to know!
Leave a Reply