Taking a break is a phrase spoken often in homeschooling circles around the holidays from Thanksgiving through New Years. Many times, moms resist and insist the break from school work only be a week or two weeks max.
I have always embraced December off (many times January as well because of my kids' birthdays both being in January.) Since they were small, I have seen the benefit in the break. Not only for them to enjoy traditions of the season---baking, creating gifts, wrapping gifts, sharing time with family and friends, playing in the snow, Christmas movies, setting up decorations, finding and decorating the tree---but also for myself. Stopping any idea of boxes to check for "school work" allowed me to embrace the season. I could slow down and be content with what we accomplished instead of feeling behind or lacking.
Well, this holiday break my husband took over! He decided with Christmas and New Year's Day falling on a Wednesday, he would be home for 2 weeks (usually he travels when not working from home). This time would allow him to catch up on projects he felt were neglected with our busy spring, summer, and fall seasons.
Next, thing I knew we were auditioning paint colors, cleaning out each room, and buying 20 gallons of paint.
So this break looked different. Holiday traditions still happened, but we just added two weeks of painting to the inside of our entire house. Yes, ceilings too!
For all those, moms out there that worry about loosing gains or falling behind, I just want to explain how much authentic learning took place when both kids jumped in to help their dad paint. A giant scaffolding rented and put together, measurements calculated, pricing calculated, paint bought, techniques experienced, instructions adhered to, and best of all connection with dad. These experiences are what forms the foundation and solidifies abstract learning. It also provides amazing memories that text books can never give you.
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