photo by The Last Manx Elf
Here are a couple things that have nothing to do with the actual “schooling” we do, but that make the day go so much smoother.
1. A never-ending supply of coffee and tea.
2. Making sure the children get to bed on time the night before. Especially Sunday nights.
3. A couple ready-to-go meals and snacks in the pantry and freezer.
4. A sink full of hot soapy water, just waiting for hands, cups, etc.
5. Cell and email reminders, so I do not have to remember to look at the clock or calendar.
6. A good book I can pick up and put down a zillion times throughout the day.
7. Pandora radio.
8. Small trash bags and baby wipes in the car.
9. Suckers in my purse for when the children need to be quiet or patient. Or both.
10. A couple extra lamps to add more light to a room on an overcast day.
What non-school items make a big difference in your homeschool?
Melissa homeschools her two little girls and blogs about it at HopeSprouts.
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I tried to leave a comment before so sorry if this is a duplicate… :) I love your list! I love the sink full of soapy water idea. thanks!
Jenilee´s last [type] ..Wednesdays Walk – A March Snowstorm
I love your list. Ready-to-go meals is a great idea. When your little ones grow into teenagers, watch out! Phew! Can mine eat, and they are always hungry.
I’d also like to add prayer to your list, or at least a few moments to ask God to prepare your mind and heart with a dose of patience and wisdom.
God bless!
Kathleen’s Catholic´s last [type] ..Lessons in Writing Letters- Contacting Authors David McPhail and Elvira Woodruff
Coffee, a good read aloud to enjoy together, surprise treats without them asking (a sliced apple can do wonders!), words of encouragement, more coffee, their favorite hot drink, and I could probably think of more.
Your list is one of the reasons we homeschool. It’s just better this way.
Love your ideas!
I think my biggest thing, (which I didn’t do today!), is getting up and around early enough to be have my quiet time, get dressed and ready, with the upstairs clean before I even come downstairs in the morning. That just gets me off on the right foot, and starts the ball rolling. Makes a big difference in my day…
writingthewaves.com
Great list! I do several of these also and they really do help my life run more smoothly.
The biggest one for me is the alarms throughout the day. I even set my alarm on my cell when I start the dryer, so I’ll actually remember to take the load out and fold it before it gets all wrinkly. I set alarms for EVERYTHING – it’s so helpful!
Laura @ Homemaking Joyfully´s last [type] ..Traveling with a newly potty trained toddler
Remembering that this is a blessing. That helps me get thru those not so great days.
Playtime before and after.
Sandwiches at the picnic table.
A magnifying glass for a easy science lesson anywhere.
Tea and lots of it.
Have a blessed day!
Amy Morgan´s last [type] ..Wednesday Morning
A quick, refreshing afternoon walk. (Or early evening.)
Love this post and the comments… we are blessed but this made me happy for our kids, too. They are so blessed to have such sweet moms! :)
Angela @ Homegrown Mom´s last [type] ..Homeschool Field Trips Homeschooling Girls Day 8
I loved this post ! Great ideas, and I do the extra lights too on
Gloomy days… We have many in Germany during the winter. :)
I am WAY too obsessed with organizing. So I find having my color coded chore chart handy each morning helps a lot. We get all of our duties around the house done before we begin school. Just checking those mental to -do lists off each morning helps me stay on task.
A couple educational shows ready to show on the DVR when I’m caught completely at the wrong moment by an important call or visitor! No one is jumping all over me and it’s better than Spongebob.
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