5 Tips to Beat the Winter Doldrums in Your Homeschool

January and February are upon us. For homeschool families, this can mean a big slump. But take heart. You can beat the winter doldrums! You just need to have a plan. Here are 5 tips for doing just that. 

• Get Outdoors. "The question of out-of-door exercise in winter and in wet weather is really more important; for who that could would not be abroad in the summer time? If the children are to have what is quite the best thing for them, they should be two or three hours every day in the open air all through winter, say an hour and a half in the morning and as long in the afternoon," wrote Charlotte Mason. Outdoor time in the winter is both a great mood lifter and learning opportunity. Just be sure to dress appropriately! 
• Practice Hygge. Hygge, pronounced HOO-GA, is the Danish secret to happy living. While Denmark is freezing, Danes are some of the happiest people on earth. During your school time, light candles, sip hot drinks, and cozy up under wool blankets. Learn more about hygge here. 
• Shake Up Your Routine: The new year is a great time to reevaluate your homeschool routine. What worked last year? What didn't? Maybe it is time to get a new curriculum. Is there a neat subject that you've been neglecting, but that would give your kids pleasure? Think about what your kids would like to do, and plan some lessons and unit studies around their interests. 
• Take a Field Trip: Get out your calendars and block off some dates for field trips. Are there any historic sites you've been wanting to go to but haven't had the time? Any archives you've wanted to visit? Any local offices (police department, fire department, mayor's office) you should go to? Are there any art museums within driving distance? Are there any special winter plays or concerts in your area? This may take a bit of research on your part, but a little planning ahead can go along way toward beating the doldrums. 
• Do Unit Studies: Unit studies are a great way to add life to your homeschool routine. And January and February are perfect months for unit studies. Plus, there are three big holidays that fall in these cold months: Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday (Jan. 15, 2018), Valentine's Day (Feb. 14, 2018), and Washington's Birthday (aka Presidents Day, February 19, 2018). We at Silverdale Press have unit studies on each of these holidays, as part of our series on U.S. presidents, great Americans, and holiday traditions. Learn more here.  Our unit studies come with everything you need. They are super easy for parents, who will also learn a ton. And parents themselves learning is a sure antidote to the doldrums.