February Holidays and Homeschool Ideas

 Looking for ways to add some fun to your homeschool?  Here are just a few of the holidays and fun days you can celebrate this month:

2. Groundhog Day

*Take a family survey: Will Phil see his shadow?  Graph the results.
*Make these cute cupcakes for snack.
*Watch the news to see if Phil see's his shadow.
*Read a groundhog book and make a stick puppet.

4. National Thank a Mail Carrier Day

*Make homemade cards for your mail carrier.

*Set out a Treat and Drink stand for mail carriers in your neighborhood.

5. Nutella Day
*"Bake" our favorite: nutella cheesecake.

6. Doodle Day
*Show competency with a drawing.
*Create some fingerprint art with doodles.

6-22. Winter Olympics

*Do a 15-Min Olympics Music lesson.

*Make Olympics paper dolls.

*Graph the medal count.

8. Boy Scout Day
*Take a nature walk and identify native plants.
*Plan a community service project.
*Start a camping pinterest board.

12. Abraham Lincoln's Birthday
*Make an Abraham Lincoln mask.
*Create a log cabin snack.

14. Valentine's Day
*Make a special breakfast.
*Sew felt cookies.
*Invite friends to decorate Valentines.

16. Almond Day
*Make Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Almond Clusters.
*Learn about sprouting nuts and seeds.

17. Random Acts of Kindness Day
*Take the 26 Intentional Acts of Kindness Challenge.

*Pick a Random Act of Kindness from this list.

17. Lunar New Year

*Sweep the house to clear out bad luck.

*Make paper lanterns and dragon puppets.

*Make dumplings.

20. Love your Pet Day
*Research a new family pet.
*Shop for a new treat on a budget.
*Write a paragraph about an interesting fact about your pet.
*Read to your pet.

22. George Washington's Birthday
*Complete a George Washington crossword puzzle.
*Read a Who Was George Washington? book.

26. Tell a Fairytale Day
*Make over a fairy tale with an alternative ending.
*Compare/contrast two versions of a favorite fairy tale.
*Write a letter to your favorite fairy tale character.

27. Strawberry Day
*Freeze some healthy Strawberry Frozen Yogurt.

27. National Polar Bear Day

*Learn to draw a polar bear.

*Research polar bears with this lapbook.

What would you add to the list?

Weekend Links ll January 23, 2026

 

Life Cycles of a Penguin Printables

Polar Animals Lapbook

Free Printable Grammar Bingo

Winter Observations Printable

Groundhog Day STEAM Challenges

Teaching the Winter Olympics in Your Homeschool

Wow!  Do we love the Olympics or what?  Years of grueling training, superhuman sacrifice, long hours and hot tears... culminating into one perfect moment.  Iron will again iron will .... doesn't get more exciting than that! 

If your family is anything like mine, you're probably counting down the days to the 2026 Winter Olympics which are coming so fast.  It's the perfect storm... doldrums of winter homeschooling colliding with the excitement of the Olympics.... who could possibly concentrate on Algebra?

These days, high school transcripts require us to maintain a certain rhythm.  But when the kids were little, we would theme all our lessons around the Olympics.  Sure we squeezed in a math worksheet or two, but really we just celebrated the countries for the world for two weeks.  It was incredible!

So I'm rounding up some of our favorite resources that we've used over the years.  A few of these will probably make it into our morning time with my older kids as well.  That's my favorite place to include those ideas that are life giving, but don't necessarily check a box. 

Great Read Alouds:

*What are the Winter Olympics

*Who was Shaun White

*G is for Gold Medal

*Tacky and the Winter Games

*Snowman Paul at the Winter Olympics

Geography:

*Learn about the host country.

*Or any country of interest. Fill in a facts sheet.

*Research the geography of your favorite country.

*Try a new recipe from the host country.

Science:

*Study the science and engineering of the Winter Olympics.

*Explore the science of Olympic medals.

*Or learn more about their design.

*Learn about the science behind making Olympic snow and ice.

*Or why curling ice is different from regular ice.

*Research the science behind your favorite event.

Math Ideas:

*Graph the medal count.

*Calculate how far your favorite athlete traveled to the Winter Olympics.

Writing:

*Write using one of these 15 Writing Prompts.

*Or use one of these prompts.

*Try your hand at persuasive writing.

*Complete an Olympics Activity Book.

*Or an Olympics Word Search.

*Expand your vocabulary with these Olympic words.

*Laugh along with some Winter Games Mad Libs.

Music Resources:

*Do a 15 min Olympic music lesson.

*Learn What is a Fanfare.

*Find out Who Really Composed the Olympic Theme.

Crafts:

*Make Olympic paper dolls.

*Craft flags from another country.

*Paint one of these Winter Games Art pieces.

*Or make Origami Olympic Rings.

Tasty Treats:

*Make Olympic ring waffles.

*Decorate Olympic M&M cookies.

Movies to Watch:

*Cold War & Hockey-- Miracle on Ice

*Miracle (2004)

*Cool Runnings (1993)

25 Things Every Person Should Do For Themselves At Least Once A Year

 *This post was originally published on 1/23/17.  Enjoy!

1. Count Your Blessings--Taking time to count your blessings will remind you of all you have to be thankful for.  A bright outlook to start the day is priceless

2. Reflect on Your Friendships--Reflect on what you've want the most out of your friendships.  Then devise a plan to give that very thing in your friendships in the new year.

3. Purge--Purge your home.  Get rid of anything that you haven't used in a year.  The classic excuse is that you don't want to have to re-purchase something you purged.  But in truth, your already paying to store those items you aren't using.

4. Prioritize--Know your priorities.  List all the commitments in your life, prioritize and let go of the things that just don't line up with your vision.

5. Visit a new city-- Seeing new places and visiting new cities gives you a better sense of the world as a whole.  Whether a few hours away or a plane ride around the world, discover new places, people, and new adventures.

6. Learn to cook something new-- New year, new foods.  Learn to cook that favorite dish you always go out for, discover a new favorite dessert, or makeover your menu with a healthy twist.

7. Do something adventurous-- What speaks adventure to your soul?  Skydiving?  Road trip?  The Great Outdoors?  Seek out some adventure in your day to day life.

8.  Visit your hometown--Return to your roots.  Wander the streets you knew as a child and rediscover old treasures.  Remember the good times and gratefully return to the wonderful town you currently live in.

9. Do something extravagantly kind for someone else-- A friend, a neighbor, a co-worker, ... we all crave a little kindness in our lives.  But take this one beyond the random act of kindness, make a sacrifice, and give extravagantly for someone else.

10. Get in touch with an old friend-- Old friends are gold, as the saying goes.  They know us inside and out, and love us just the same.  Take the time to invest in those old friendships and remember what made you friends in the first place.

11. Go on a spending fast-- Challenge yourself to not spend unnecessarily for a month.  Pay your bills, of course, but put a freeze on all non-essentials.  This will give you space to consider your purchases and where you're spending your money.

12. Go to a live performance-- Whether a concert, play, or school production, experience culture beyond a screen.  Get caught up in the music and atmosphere that only a live production can provide.

13. Clean your closet-- Get rid of anything you haven't worn in a year. If you haven't worn it in the past year, you're simply storing it.  Is there anything worn, ripped or simply not your style?  Get rid of that as well.

14. Memorize some new Scripture-- Challenge yourself to a piece of Scripture each month.  Memorize the books of the Bible for easy reference.  Commit to key passages that represent the gospel.  Or find larger chunks of scripture that challenge your brain.

15. Forgive yourself for something you've been holding on to-- We all hold on to past mistakes.  Some of us hold on to them too long.  And the longer we hold on, the harder it is to let go.  But it's time to let go.  And if you can't, find someone to help you put it in perspective.

16. Adopt a new healthy habit-- January is traditionally the time to start eating healthier.  But any time of year is a great time to develop a healthy habit.  Start working out, eating healthier, doing yoga, cutting down on sugar... each small healthy step leads to a healthier lifestyle.

17. Find a place to serve in the church-- We all have gifts to share with others.  Find a place to use those gifts, whether it's serving meals, teaching kids, or playing on the worship team.  Don't attend church?  There are many organizations in the community what for you to share your gift.

18. Re-read a book that encouraged you in the past-- It's no secret that we love to read in this family and there's so many good books out there.  Sometimes we find a book that absolutely changes the way we view life.  Why not pick up that book again and see if there's more growth there for you?

19. Make a new friend-- Life is not meant to be lived alone.  Make a new friend in your current season of life.  Maybe another parent in Little League or another young married couple from church. 

20. Read the biography of an early church leader-- Speaking of encouragement, reading about early leaders can challenge and deepen the way we look at ministry and relationships, encouraging us in how the Lord is moving today.

21. Do something that scares you-- Are you afraid of heights?  Friendships?  Cooking?  Find one thing that scares you and overcome it.  Nothing will make you feel more empowered or confident.  And it will deepen the way you look at life and others.

22. Buy a new pair of shoes-- I'm not talking about the fancy boots (although if you have the money, certainly treat yourself).  Rather purchase a new pair of tennis shoes for workouts, walking or vacations.  A new pair of tennis shoes will provide better support for your knees and back in the coming year.

23. Go to one really nice dinner-- That restaurant you've always wanted to try?  Now's the time.  Dress up, go hungry, invite some friends, and for one night, savor dinner.  Slow down and talk.  And by all means, order dessert.

24. Buy flowers-- Nothing dresses up a room like fresh flowers.  Bring the outdoors in with a vibrant bouquet of fresh flowers, any time of year.

25. Unplug for a day (at least)-- No iPad, no laptop, no phone... can you do it?  Unplug from your online "friendships" and plug into your real life.  What do you notice?  Who will you talk to?  How will you listen?

What would you add to this list?

What will you do for yourself in the next year?

Weekend Links ll January 16, 20026

 

Teaching MLK to Young Learners

Printables for Sticking to Your New Year's Resolutions

Weather Observation Pack

Homemade Rock Candy

Winter Picture Writing Prompts Printable

Top Five Fiction Reads of 2025

Looking back on 2025, I had the privilege of reading some really great books.  As always there was a lot of biographies and parenting books.  But the big surprise was the top 5 fiction books on my list.  Now admittedly, I'm not much of a fiction reader.  Most of my reading comes in the form of non-fiction.  However, 2025 seems to have been the year of middle grade reads.  Going through the 90 BOOKS I read last year, these were my Top Five Fictional Reads.  And surprise of all surprises, they focus on those middle grade years.  So let's take a closer look...

 The Secret of Honeycake by Kimberly Newton Fusco

Set during the Great Depression, 12 year old Hurricane is sent to live with her Aunt Claire, an outspoken woman who moves like a hurricane herself.  Hurricane must wrestle with finding her voice in order to survive in Aunt Claire's world.  There was so much to love about this book: Hurricane's struggle (and success) in speaking up for herself, Aunt Claire's own evolution, interesting historical tidbits that flow into understanding the grit and determination of the Great Depression... It's a beautiful book about history, family, and growing up.

For more on this title, see my complete review here.

One Wrong Step by Jennifer A. Nielsen

For a climber, Mt Everest is the ultimate test.  A dream that few dare to tackle and even fewer survive.  Haunted by his mother's death, Atlas Wade joins his father's hiking expedition in hopes of conquering Mt. Everest.  But when the weather turns bad, he and Maddie might be the crews only hope.  After they lose contact with the others, they must continue the climb in hopes of finding survivors.  Including Atlas' father.  Jennifer A. Nielsen is quickly becoming my favorite historical fiction writer.  She has a way of weaving history and intrigue together in an unbeatable combination.  Classified as a middle grade read, I would really deem this one more appropriate for lower high school and up.  But very engaging... keeps you on the edge of your seat... a story that will absolutely stick with you!

For more on this title, see my complete review here.

The Green Kingdom by Cornelia Funke

Caspia's life is absolutely ruined.  Why?  Because her father has taken a summer job in Brooklyn.  And Caspia has no idea how she'll survive an entire summer in the city.  Little does she know, she's about to embark on a journey through the plant kingdom right in the heart of this concrete jungle.  After she discovers a bundle of letters between sisters, each complete with a riddle, she is thrust into an adventure filled with new people and new adventures.  The riddles were fun to unravel and I learned a lot myself.  It's a quick read and would be a fun addition to a plant unit.  There were a couple of red flags in this book so I would read it with my kiddos rather than passing it off to them.  But even as an adult, I had fun with the riddle aspect and seeing how there is often adventure in the unexpected.

For more on this title, see my complete review here.

The Last Keeper by Kathryn Butler

We've finally reached the culmination of the Dreamkeeper Saga.  Think Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings combined.  IT IS JUST THAT GOOD!  Lily, Keisha, and Adam are back to fight Eymah and his nightmares before they take over the kingdom.  She discovers an ancient scroll that foretells of the Last Keeper.  Could that be her?  And when will Pax fulfill his promise of returning to the kingdom?  Filled with dragons, magic, adventure... all the elements that make for a great read.

Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery

An absolute classic... I haven't read through the series since I was in high school.  So I made it my goal to start listening to them on audiobook when I'm in the car.  So far, I'm on book five and it feels like I'm revising an old friend.  If you haven't read this series in awhile, it's time to go back.  That's the sign of a good book... timeless... relevant in multiple stages of life.  

Did you have any favorite fictional reads from 2025?

Thoughts for Homeschooling Littles at the Start of the Year

 Here we are in the doldrums of winter.  Christmas has passed, and cold winter days lie before us.  As we're getting back into routine with my high schoolers, I'm reminded how quickly time flies.  I know some of you are homeschooling busy, active little ones.  And these days of being cooped up in the house can test everyone's patience.  But let me assure you, it's worth it.  The time in read alouds, explaining "why?" (AGAIN!), and cultivating deep heart to heart connection... it's all worth it!

So as a reminder, as you're heading into the winter days of January and February, and the kids are bouncing off the walls, and you're dreaming of dropping the them off at the nearest preschool school, all this togetherness is building toward a beautiful relationship with your children.  To help ease the transition, keep.a few of these practical tips in mind:

*Feed them well... a hungry child is a cranky child.  And a hungry mama is a cranky Mama.  Delve deep into cozy baked oatmeal breakfasts, eggs and toast, or Greek yogurt parfaits.  Start your morning with something healthy that will keep you all going.

*Get everyone outside early in the day... whether you're pulling on rain boots or bundling up for the snow, find a way to get outside... preferably early in the day.  Take a walk, throw some snowballs, race the kids.... get some fresh air and work out those wiggles.

*Give everyone some breathing room.  Family connections is one of the reasons we homeschool.  But everyone has their limits.  Make sure to create some margin in your day were everyone can have a little alone time to work on a special project, read a book, or just hear their own thoughts.

*Make eye contact.  Nothing show care and love like setting things aside and making that personal connection.  Eye contact is becoming a lost skill.  Teach your kids that they're more important than any task, any lesson, and definitely more important than your phone.

*Give a hug.  Looking for a small gesture that takes no time at all and makes a HUGE impact?  Hug your children!  In a world that's loosing personal touch, grab your kids for a hug... once, twice, 20x/day ... and you'll see how they relax and reset.

So as we come into the New Year, remember to cherish this time that you're pouring into your little ones. Make space to slow down and breathe.  The laundry will wait.  The dishes will get done eventually.  But now is the time to build a family.

Homeschool Resolutions ll 2026

Happy January!  Welcome to 2026!  The new year always feels so fresh, new, and full of possibilities.  And as a homeschool family, January can feel like a new start to the school year.  A new chance to refresh and refocus. It's a good time to lay out some simple resolutions to fill our homeschoolswith thriving relationships and joy.

In that spirit, my 2026 Homeschool Resolutions primarily focus on my connection with my kids and building into their identities as they emerge into adulthood.  Without intending it, these resolutions primarily rest on the reason we started homeschooling in the first place: our relationship with our kids.  Feels like a great way to cap off my daughter's senior year.

Our 2026 Homeschool Resolutions:

1. Reading Scripture together--While my kids each have their own devotional and Bible study times, I would like for us to incorporate some Bible reading together.  I'm hoping this will open up some dialogue about what we're reading together and start our day on a good note.

2. Praying together each morning--I realized our prayer times together have become route.  The idea is that having this prayer time in the morning will open up an opportunity for us to share a little more freely.  And practicing public prayer will make it less intimidating to pray with a group.

3. 12 Read Alouds in the Year--We love our read alouds. And I love that reading good books together gives us a chance to adventure together... even on a limited budget.  As the kids have gotten older and the books longer, 12 books feels like a good goal for the year.

4. Go on 12 Hikes this year-- Ok, we've made hiking goals before and failed miserably..  So I'm keeping it really simple this year.  Only 12.. should be doable.  

5. Celebrate Lydia's graduation--I can't believe I'm graduating my second kid.  Unbelievable!  I have a feeling the way we celebrate this one will be very different from the way we celebrated the first.  But I want to make it just as special so it's time to start planning now.

6. One on One Dates--Yes, this is parenting.  But with homeschool, parenting and education bleed into each other.  Having strong relationships and time to listen can only allow for more openness and connection during our homeschool days.

7. Plan 6+ homeschool field trips--Having one kid graduated and two in high school, I realize more every day just how small this window of time really is.  So field trips mean so much.  Making time to enjoy learning, experience new opportunities, expand their horizons... I have 2 in the works right now, with multiple tabs open for potential learning over the next year.

8. Stay invested in our homeschool group--Our high school home group has been a lifeline this year.  Giving my kids an opportunity to make likeminded friends AND be mentored by other quality parents... WIN/WIN!  I'm definitely making time in our schedule to keep this going.

As you can see, my theme this year is CONNECTION, CONNECTION, CONNECTION!  Now more than ever, I'm well aware of how important relationship is in our homeschool.  Everything flows from that starting point.  So happy to be raising my very best friends.

Are you making homeschool resolutions this year?

Our 2026 Read Aloud List

Listening for Lions by Gloria Whalen

Extra Credit by Andrew Clements

Turtles of the Midnight Moon by Maria Jose Fitzgerald

Shooting Kabul by N.H. Sendai

Ice Drift by Theodore Taylor

See Saw Girl by Linda Sue Park

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

Magnitude by Jennifer A. Nielsen

The Hawk that Dare Not Hunt by Day by Scott O'Dell

The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day

The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

What are you reading in your homeschool?