6 Tips for Homeschooling in Winter
Homeschooling during the winter season presents a unique set of challenges—and opportunities. Shorter days, colder temperatures, and the post-holiday slump can leave both parents and students feeling sluggish. But with the right mindset and a few creative strategies, your homeschool can thrive even during the darkest months. Here are six practical tips to help you get through the winter season with energy, joy, and purpose.
1. Transition Slowly After the Holidays
Rather than diving straight back into your full homeschool routine after the holiday break, consider easing back in. The excitement and disruption of the holiday season can throw everyone off, so a gradual restart may prevent burnout and frustration.
Start with engaging, low-pressure learning activities. Try educational games, great books, or winter-themed field trips. Online tools like NOAA or National Weather Service resources can help turn a winter storm into a real-time science lesson. Or explore a unit study on the winter solstice that covers science, history, and hands-on activities all in one.
[Try these winter field trip ideas →]
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Change Things Up
Mid-year is a great time to reevaluate what’s working—and what’s not. If a curriculum isn’t serving your child’s current needs, it’s okay to put it aside or pivot entirely. Children grow and change quickly, and the materials that worked in the fall might need adjusting in the winter.
For students who thrive on change, even minor adjustments to your schedule or approach can re-energize their enthusiasm. Just be mindful of consistency if you have children with special needs who rely on predictable routines.
3. Read, Read, and Read Some More
Winter is the perfect season for cuddling up with a good book. Reading aloud as a family builds comprehension skills, vocabulary, and emotional connection. Use this time to explore classic literature, living books, or even math and science texts that explain concepts in narrative form.
Don’t forget Bible study and devotionals. Winter is an excellent time to deepen your family's spiritual life through shared Scripture reading, journaling, or prayer time.
4. Explore Hobbies, Crafts, and Passions
Whether it’s art, music, baking, or building model rockets, winter is a great time to let your child explore what they love. Set aside time for creative expression or even host a family craft night. You could even invite friends or family to join in for a fun social gathering.
Talent shows, art exhibits, or themed afternoons (like coloring and cocoa) help children express themselves, learn new skills, and build confidence—all while reinforcing that learning happens in many ways.
5. Get the Wiggles Out Indoors
Cabin fever is real, especially for younger kids. If going outside isn’t an option, bring the movement indoors. Create an obstacle course with household items or build blanket forts for imaginative play. These activities foster physical education, creativity, and problem-solving—all while giving kids the movement they crave.
It may require sacrificing a tidy house for a while, but the payoff in energy release and joy is worth it.
6. Dive Into Science
Winter is full of natural science opportunities. Study ice and snow, experiment with freezing and melting, or observe how different materials react to the cold. A simple Google search will yield hundreds of easy winter science experiments you can do with materials you already have.
Older students can explore weather systems or study recent storms as part of a broader science curriculum. You can even turn the research process into a mini project on digital literacy and critical thinking.
In Closing
The winter months don’t have to be a time of homeschool burnout. With a little creativity and flexibility, you can make them some of your most memorable and productive months of the year.
Remember: a single hard day—or week—doesn’t define your entire homeschool journey. Give yourself grace, lean into what works for your family, and know that brighter days are ahead—literally and figuratively.
