6 Ways to Reinvent Your Homeschool (Without Spending a Dime)

When you get that stuck-in-a-rut feeling — and we all do sometimes — these simple-to-pull-off changes can make your homeschool feel bright and shiny again.

1. Don't wait for opportunities to come to you.

If you’re always test driving groups and classes without finding the perfect match, maybe this is the time to start your own group. If you wish a specific kind of curriculum existed but can never find it, consider making your own. It’s true that your efforts may not result in exactly what you want, but taking a more proactive approach to building your homeschool life will automatically boost your energy and enthusiasm.

2. Turn your schedule upside down.

One of the great things about being a homeschooler is that your days don’t have to follow the standard routine. If you’ve been following a rough 10-to-3 school day, shake things up by totally changing your schedule: Do science experiments on the weekend, take nature walks after dinner, or start the day doing a little math practice bed. Changing your routine can change your whole day.

3. Start a year-long project.

It might be a timeline or an illustrated taxonomy, a comparative mythology exploration or a local history quest. Whatever it is, your project should be big enough to keep you busy for several months but focused enough that you can wind down to a satisfying stopping point when you’re ready. Having a big project you share will naturally add a new structure to your days and shake up your routine in a gentle but definite way.

4. Move your furniture around.

It’s amazing what a difference it can make. Create a reading nook, or relocate the computer to the family room. Turn your hallway into a library, or add a little table in the kitchen. Switch your dining room and living room, or turn a closet into a cozy crafting desk. Changing your home’s internal set-up, even in fairly minor ways, can inspire you to try all kinds of new things.

5. Map your neighborhood.

This is one of those endeavors that can pay off richly if you make the most of it. Start by mapping your street— depending on your interests, you may identify trees and plants, or focus on streets and houses. Go slow — add one or two things each day, gradually expanding the circumference of your map. You’ll make surprising discoveries about an area you might think you know well, get more familiar with geography and compass directions, and have a cool record of the place you call home.

6. Start planning a big trip.

Planning a trip delivers almost the same benefits as actually going, and mapping your route through Germany or planning day trips in Costa Rica can make everyone excited to explore new topics and places throughout the year.

This was originally published in the summer 2018 issue of HSL. Subscribe here.

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