Homeschooling Through Winter: The Joy of Creative and Unhurried Learning
Slow Schooling in Winter
As the middle of the school year approached, I found myself burning the candle at both ends. However, I began to wonder: Was I going to achieve my goals for my son by the end of the year? Were we on pace with our curriculum and on track with our learning? Suffice it to say, I found myself putting more pressure on both my son and myself to buckle down with our studies while we were stuck inside during this cold season. And boy, was that a mistake! In the midst of our mutual frustration, I was reminded that pressure and perfection aren’t why I chose to homeschool. Hence, we quickly scratched my original plans in favor of slow schooling.
Allow me to introduce you to slow schooling! It is the perfect opportunity, quite literally, to slow down, savor the quiet moments, and embrace a style of learning that incorporates student-driven exploration and creativity.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, this approach might be the refresh you need. It’s a time to focus less on checking off every lesson and more on enjoying the journey of learning itself. In fact, if you’ve been feeling the weight of expectations or the hustle and bustle of everyday life, like I was, now is the perfect moment to embrace the beauty of slow schooling.
What is Slow Schooling
Slow schooling isn’t about halting traditional learning—it’s about creating a more mindful, intentional rhythm that values quality over quantity. For instance, it’s about giving our children space to explore, follow their curiosity, and dive deeper into what truly excites them. My son had been yearning to bake a recipe completely independently. He had been asking to buy a canvas and some paints to create his very own masterpiece. So, I embraced that.
Leaning into this approach has allowed us to feel less “trapped inside” by the cold weather and more open to embracing the special moments that remind us of the joy of learning together.
The Benefits of Slow Schooling
At its heart, slow schooling is all about rich, meaningful learning experiences. Rather than rushing through material just to check it off a list, slow schooling encourages us to slow down, reflect, and dive deeper into the topics that truly spark our children’s interest. Moreover, it’s about giving our kids the time and space they need to truly absorb and process what they’re learning, fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking along the way.
This approach isn’t about “doing less”—it’s about doing more of what really matters. As a result, it nurtures a love of learning that goes beyond worksheets, turning every moment into an opportunity for growth. Learning doesn’t need to be a race; it’s about embracing the joy in the journey, wherever it may take us.
How Slow Schooling Fits with the Season
If you live somewhere with cold winters like I do, the colder months naturally invite us to slow down and spend more time indoors. With shorter days and chilly evenings, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with books, get creative with crafts, or have those deep, meaningful conversations that are so easy to miss when life feels rushed. Whether it’s diving into nature studies or conducting simple science experiments that reflect the season’s changes, there are endless opportunities to make learning feel personal, cozy, and connected to the world around us.
Instead of feeling the pressure to squeeze in more lessons just because the year is coming to an end, take this time to embrace a more intentional pace. You don’t need to rush to meet academic goals—just let the learning unfold naturally. Read a story together, take a winter walk to marvel at the season’s changes, or try a hands-on activity that sparks your child’s imagination.
Creating a Slow Schooling Environment
How can you bring slow schooling into your homeschool this season? Start by reducing the pressure to “do it all.” Create a cozy, relaxed environment where learning can happen naturally. Instead of worksheets, focus on hands-on, creative activities that allow your children to explore what excites them. Whether it’s baking brownies like my son did or studying the stars on a chilly night, slow schooling is all about the freedom to learn without the rush.
Homeschooling is about creating meaningful, personalized experiences for your family, and slow schooling allows you to do just that. Ultimately, it’s an invitation to take a step back, appreciate the little moments, and cherish the beauty of learning at your own pace.
A Chance for Moms to Slow Down Too
One of the beautiful things about slow schooling is that it gives our children the chance to slow down while also affording us moms the opportunity to slow down, too. When we embrace this more relaxed rhythm, we get to step back and recharge our own batteries.
Slow schooling offers moms a wonderful opportunity to focus on the future, creating space for us to think ahead. For instance, you might grab a shiny new planner and a set of colorful pens to map out goals and dreams for the upcoming months. You can reorganize your homeschool space, refresh your stash of supplies (hello, new markers and fresh paper!), or even plan exciting field trips for spring.
This quieter season, therefore, allows you the breathing room to recharge, refresh, and reignite your passion for the homeschooling journey ahead!
What are your thoughts on this topic? Join me and other homeschooling parents at our Homeschool Connections Community or our Facebook group to continue the discussion!
