September Homeschooling

For many of us, September homeschooling signals the start of a new school year.

It often involves brand new curriculum and school supplies. Excitement, enthusiasm, and optimism. Big plans and lots of potential. Yep, September homeschooling can feel bursting with possibilities!

But at the same time, we might also find ourselves feeling overwhelmed and anxious.

September homeschooling can feel like diving headfirst into the unknown.

Did we choose the best curriculum and school supplies?

Will our positive feelings quickly dissolve into frustration and overwhelm?

Are our plans too grand and doomed to fail?

We can really do a number on ourselves!

If you find yourself wondering if you have what it takes to homeschool or if you still have lots of questions or legal concerns, rest assured that you are not alone!

If you want more information on different ways to homeschool or if you’re wondering how to connect with other homeschoolers, user-friendly resources are available for you!

But in and amongst all of this back-to-a-new-school-year busyness, let’s focus on this TRANSITION to September and treat ourselves with plenty of compassion.

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 simple and enjoyable activities you and your kiddos can engage in to help transition into your September homeschooling!

1. Celebrate the autumnal equinox

The arrival of fall often ushers in a harvest season full of bounty and celebration. Shorter and cooler weather offers relief from hot summer days.

This is a wonderful time of year to learn a little about the autumnal equinox. I recommend checking out the picture book We Gather Together: Celebrating the Harvest Season, by Wendy Pfeffer. It’s full of lovely illustrations and information on how the autumnal equinox is celebrated by different cultures and religions all around the world.

Remember to pay attention to your natural surroundings and notice any significant and subtle changes in your environment as you celebrate the autumnal equinox.

2. meditation

In the northern hemisphere, September is a transition month between summer and fall. Sometimes transitions can be tough, even if they’re positive. It’s common to feel unsettled and unbalanced. Stress can often creep into our lives

Guess what helps to feel more settled, balanced, and less stressed?

Yep, meditation!

I have been practicing meditation for over a decade and have experienced first hand how beneficial a regular meditation practice can be. For detailed tips on beginning your own practice, be sure to check out my post, How do I Start Meditating? It’s got lots of tips for both grown-ups AND kids!

Headspace is my absolute favorite meditation app and the one I most often use in my meditation practice. The app was created by Andy Puddicombe, who has a VERY interesting backstory which he lived before creating this meditation app!

While Headspace is a paid app, there are also other FREE meditation apps available.

I definitely don’t suggest forcing your children to meditate, but exposing them to it could ignite their curiosity and inspire them to give it a try.

3. write yourself a letter

This is an excellent time of year to write yourself a letter.

In this letter, include all of the reasons you made the decision to homeschool, as well as all of the things you genuinely value and appreciate about homeschooling.

While this may initially seem silly and unnecessary, this simple action has the power to lift you up when you’ve hit rock bottom. It has the ability to mentor and encourage you when you feel like giving up.

It really does help! I promise!

Here are some ideas for questions you may want to reflect upon in your letter:

How many years have you been homeschooling?
When you think about homeschooling this year, what excites you the most?
What is your “why” for homeschooling?
Identify ONE simple activity you do that brings you joy.
What are THREE acts of daily self-care you currently engage in? (Examples: Drinking your morning coffee or tea, walking your dog, reading a book for pleasure, listening to music.)
When you are feeling down, what is ONE thing you do that usually makes you feel a little bit better?
Who is the person, or people you turn to for support?

When you’re done with your letter, fold it up and tuck it inside an envelope. Label the envelope, “Read when I’m feeling discouraged about homeschooling” and then tuck the letter away in a safe place.

When you find yourself discouraged or exhausted, ill-equipped or resentful, questioning why you ever thought it would be a good idea to homeschool in the first place, I want you to pull out your letter.

I’ll bet that this letter you wrote is packed with hope, enthusiasm, and some practical solutions.

Sometimes the best person to remind us of our deep wisdom and reserve of resources is ourselves.

And guess what?

Your children may want to write themselves a letter too!

So please consider writing yourself a letter and have your kids join you if they’re interested.

4. Make a fall wreath

Colorful leaves, pumpkins, apples, and fall wreaths are all symbols of fall.

Why not make a fall wreath to celebrate the season?

There are so many types of materials you can use and countless ways to create your own wreath. Gather up your supplies and let your imagination soar!

If you need some inspiration and unique ideas, how about checking out one of the following ideas?

Consider making a fall wreath to celebrate the arrival of the season.

5. Learn about the history of corn

In addition to fall wreaths, it’s typical to see various colors and varieties of corn during this time of year.

Why not take a little time to learn about the history of corn?

The super short summary is that corn, (also known as maize) was cultivated and developed by humans. Corn wouldn’t exist naturally in the wild without humans.

Scientists and Historians believe that people living in Central or South America developed corn about 7,000 years ago. It started from a kind of wild grass and evolved over time to resemble corn as we know it today.

So interesting!

Eventually, corn spread north into North America as well as farther into South America. Until Europeans came in contact with the indigenous people living in North and South America, they didn’t know of corn’s existence. But it ended up becoming a major part of their diet.

You might want to check out some related books from the library, watch a documentary, or do some research online.

The summary I provided is obviously a very rough and brief description, but check out this video for a quick visual on the history of corn.

In summary, here are five ways to celebrate September:

Celebrate the Autumnal Equinox
Meditate
Write yourself a letter
Make a fall wreath
Learn about the history of corn

And make sure you check out the following blog posts to help you with homeschooling throughout the entire year:

I’m sure you’ll find seasonal encouragement and inspiration in each of these posts!

Are there specific ways you and your family transition into September homeschooling? If so, please let me know in the comments below!