Have you been thinking about homeschooling, but weren’t sure when to start? Keep reading for the hidden benefits of pulling your child out of school to start homeschooling this January.
If you just been waiting for the perfect time to start homeschooling and have the withdrawal letter already spelled out in your mind, let me show you why January is the perfect time to notify the state of your intent to homeschool.
Don’t worry, it’s really easy to start homeschooling at any time, but let me tell you why January holds a special place in my heart. (Pssst…It’s because we withdrew with our daughter to homeschool in January!) Be sure to see #7 for why we chose January to start homeschooling!
1. Cozying up by the fire
Homeschooling provides the unique advantage of creating a warm and inviting learning environment within the comforts of your home. As the winter chill settles in, one of the delightful hidden benefits of starting homeschooling in January is the opportunity to cozy up with your kids by the fire. We actually pulled our daughter out of school to homeschool in January and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
With the freedom to tailor your curriculum to your child’s needs and interests, you can seamlessly integrate the coziness of winter into your educational routine. January naturally encourages a slower pace of life, aligning with our instinct to slow down (even hibernate!) and reflect during the colder months.
Embracing this season, you can incorporate subjects like literature, history, and science by the fireside, fostering a love for learning in a relaxed and nurturing atmosphere. It’s a time to focus on comfort, relaxation, and bonding with your child, making the January homeschooling experience truly unique compared to many Americans’ lived experience.
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2. Playing outside in the snow
As a homeschooled child, my family once spent six months living in New York. One of my fondest memories is opening the door and falling into a four-foot-deep snowbank. It was an entirely new world for me! It was an absolute delight to sled down snow-covered hills and spend hours building snowmen and creating snow angels. Homeschooling helped me foster a deep appreciation for the beauty of winter and the joy of a well-rounded education.
Unlike the rigid schedules of traditional schooling, homeschooling offers the gift of time, allowing your child to fully immerse themselves in the wonderland of winter. Instead of braving the roads, rushing back and forth to school, you can embrace the beauty of the season, and fully incorporate nature into your studies.
The public education system often limits outdoor playtime, but with homeschooling, you can prioritize the joy of building snowmen, making snow angels, and discovering the magic of snowflakes firsthand. It’s a chance to treasure childhood, nurture their curiosity, and create lasting memories together in the winter wonderland just outside your doorstep.
3. Reading to your heart’s content
Another great hidden benefit of starting your homeschooling journey in January is the opportunity to read to your heart’s content. While public schools often become consumed with testing and busy work during this time of year, homeschooling provides the perfect environment for cultivating a love of reading. As a homeschooled kid, I remember spending entire days doing nothing but reading and testing out the comfiest spots around the house. What a tough life! 🤣 Am I right?
You can finally tackle that stack of novels on your nightstand, savoring the pages with a warm cup of cocoa by the fire, all while your children embark on their own literary adventures. With frequent trips to your local public library, you can encourage your kids to explore a wide range of books, allowing them to discover their unique reading preferences.
Homeschooling values the enrichment of the mind, and what better way to pass the time during the cozy winter months than by immersing oneself in the world of books? By combining the joy of reading with the warmth of a crackling fire and the satisfied exhausting brought on by a day spent playing outside, you’re fostering not only a love of learning but also cherished family memories that will last a lifetime.
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4. Feed the body, feed the soul
Homeschooling in January embraces an ancient practice that has sustained both people and animals through countless winters – the joy of indulging in comforting, nourishing meals. My mom enjoys baking with both of my kids (7 and 4) and they are both enthusiastic fans of the Great British Bake Off.
It’s the perfect season for baking as a family, turning the kitchen into a vibrant classroom where math and science come to life in the form of cookies, bread, and pastries. Together, you can explore different forms of measurements and chemical reactions while creating mouthwatering delights. As you read and follow recipes, your children practice essential reading skills, decoding instructions and ingredient lists. Additionally, they enhance their writing abilities by jotting down notes and modifications to perfect family recipes and even creating their own “secret” recipes”.
5. Avoid those nasty winter germs
Homeschooling in January offers a crucial advantage that cannot be overlooked – safeguarding your family from the seasonal onslaught of flu, strep, and other yucky viruses. Schools and daycares often become breeding grounds for these contagious illnesses during the winter months… When my husband and I were both teachers and our kids were in school, there were several years where we missed weeks at a time because we would stagger who was sick with some kind of virus.
By choosing to homeschool in the winter time, you’re prioritizing your families well-being and self-care. Shielded from overcrowded classrooms, your family can embrace a healthier, more controlled environment focused on health and relaxation.
6. Spend more time as a family
In a world where hectic schedules and overbooked children’s activities often leave little room for family bonding, homeschooling provides a precious opportunity to break free from the busyness. As an adult, perhaps because of my homeschool upbringing, I am very intentional about how many extracurricular activities we load up on.
Jam packed schedules are the cultural norm but they can be actually be a major factor for pulling families apart, with kids rushing to various activities and parents juggling work and chauffeuring duties. Homeschooling creates a haven where parents can enjoy more meaningful moments with their children, fostering stronger bonds and deeper connections.
The dinner table, once abandoned due to conflicting schedules, becomes a place of togetherness, where laughter, stories, and love fill the room. By choosing homeschooling at the start of the new year, you’re not just providing an education; you’re investing in the invaluable treasure of family time.
7. Go on a vacation while everyone else is at school
This is the secret gem that we’ve saved for last. Homeschooling in January offers an incredible advantage that allows families to take unforgettable adventures when the rest of the world is tied to their desks and a box of kleenex.
This is the season for amazing deals on cruises, flights, and accommodations, making dream vacations more affordable than ever. We started homeschooling in January because we found tickets to Europe for only $200 a person, and we took the opportunity to spend 3 months in France. We have also spent a few days in January at Disney World and it was completely deserted. I’ve also seen incredible deals on cruises once school is back in session.
When you homeschool, you have the freedom to explore the world without the constraints of school schedules. It’s a chance to learn beyond the confines of traditional classrooms, immersing your family in diverse cultures, history, and landscapes. With homeschooling, the world becomes your classroom, and the middle of the school year is the perfect time to take advantage of the incredible opportunities that await.
In Conclusion… January is a Great Time to Start Homeschooling
If you’ve been contemplating the idea of homeschooling but were unsure about when to start, let January be your month. The hidden benefits of starting your homeschooling journey in the heart of winter are numerous.
Whether it’s the cozy moments by the fire, the joy of playing in the snow, the love for reading and writing, the culinary adventures, the avoidance of winter germs, the quality time spent as a family, or the incredible vacation opportunities, January holds a special place in our hearts as the perfect time to start homeschooling.
It’s a season where learning takes on a new dimension, where cherished memories are forged, and where families thrive in the warmth of togetherness. So, if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to begin your homeschooling adventure, consider January the perfect time to embark on this fulfilling journey of education, growth, and endless possibilities.
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