We are tempted to go spend some money on new books or switch gears in our schedule or question our particular philosophy of learning at home. Disillusionment can set in, and in that place we tend to make some knee-jerk reactions out of fear or frustration.
Maybe instead, we just need to reboot the atmosphere of our home.
This may mean a few weeks set aside to declutter. Toss old papers, dust bookshelves, sharpen pencils, throw out dried-up markers. Maybe rearranging posters or furniture or bookshelves in our learning spaces. Clean up and clear out.
This may mean starting off the morning with a focus on beauty instead of production. Music playing while chores are being done. Siblings helping siblings with work instead of everyone going off in their own directions. Offering a homemade snack during learning times and not running through the morning in "check off the list" mode. Stopping and savoring curious moments and not allowing the clock to drive us.
I love how Ann says, "Life is not an emergency"....we would do well to realize that the home education of our children is not an emergency; it is a beautiful lifestyle of learning to be enjoyed and unhurried.
Rebooting our home also means rebooting ourselves. Making sure we as mothers are getting enough sleep, good food, creative outlets, meaningful conversations, mental stimulation, laughter, exercise, and time with the Lord. We need to be over-flowers of peace and joy and love...we cannot overflow if we are not taking the time to be filled. When we aren't being filled we set a tone of unhappiness and ungratefulness in our homes.
So if you are feeling as I do right now...in a bit of a homeschooling rut...maybe we could try and start right where we are... right here, right now. Small steps to improve our educational atmosphere with beauty, simplicity, and cheerful attitudes.
image by on bradstreet
