As the leaves turn and the days shorten, there’s a distinct shift in the air – it’s the cozy season, a time for warmth, reflection, and connection.

This season, we’re embracing the Danish concept of ‘hygge’ (pronounced ‘hoo-ga’) in our homeschooling journey. Hygge is all about creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. It’s the warmth of morning light streaming through the window, the comfort of a hot cup of cocoa, the joy of a shared story.

Today on the Brave Writer podcast, we’re delving into how hygge can transform the homeschooling experience. As the season changes, so does the rhythm of our homes and our approach to education. It’s a time to slow down, to savor, and to connect more deeply with our children through learning and play.

Show Notes

Creating a Cozy Learning Environment

The essence of hygge homeschooling lies in creating an inviting, warm environment where learning is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the content. Imagine your home filled with soft lighting from lamps and candles, comfortable corners with piles of books and crafting materials, and the aroma of a simmering soup filling the air. This environment naturally invites key ingredients for effective learning:

• curiosity,
• creativity,
• and a sense of comfort.

Engaging in Meaningful Activities

This cozy season, we encourage families to engage in activities that foster togetherness and creativity. Storytelling games, role-playing, and crafting projects like Mouse Guard adventures offer opportunities for children to stretch their imagination and bond with family members. Cooking and baking become not just about feeding the body but also about nourishing the soul and creating lasting family memories.

The Importance of Unstructured Play

Hygge homeschooling is also about recognizing the value of unstructured play. In a world that often overemphasizes productivity, allowing children the freedom to:

• explore,
• create,
• and simply be is essential.

Whether it’s through fabric arts, crafting, or imaginative play, unstructured activities are fundamental to a child’s development and well-being.

Embracing the Outdoors

Even in the colder months, the outdoors offers a wonderland of educational opportunities. Nighttime walks, stargazing, and nature exploration offer unique experiences that can’t be replicated in a traditional classroom setting. These activities not only connect children to the natural world but also ignite their curiosity and sense of adventure.

As educators and parents, our goal is to create an environment where learning is a natural, enjoyable part of everyday life. By incorporating the principles of hygge into our homeschooling approach, we create a space where education is not just about the acquisition of knowledge but about the experience of learning together, in a warm, nurturing environment.

We invite you to embrace hygge in your homeschooling journey. Light a candle, curl up with a good book, and let the learning unfold in its own beautiful, organic way.

Resources

• Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention!
• English Tea Store: englishteastore.com
• Read: The Art of Noticing by Rob Walker
• Read: Outside Lies Magic by John Stilgoe
• Some of the games mentioned:
• Hero Kids: https://www.heroforgegames.com/hero-kids/
• Amazing Tales: https://amazing-tales.net/
• Expedition (free pdf): https://expeditiongame.com/print-and-play (for all ages)
• Your Very Own Village (free pdf): https://www.onwardheroes.com/yourveryownvillage
• MouseGuard RPG: https://www.mouse-guard.net/rpg
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Connect with Julie

• Website: bravewriter.com
• Instagram: @juliebravewriter
• Twitter: @bravewriter
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram: @melissawileybooks
• Twitter: @melissawiley
• Facebook: facebook.com/authorMelissaWiley

Produced by NOVA Media