Science during the holidays, to change or not to change - that is the question.

Every year during the holiday season, educators around the globe ask themselves:

What do we do for school around the holidays?

And since Blaine and I are not in charge of the plans, we thought that it would be best to have Paige, our author and homeschooling expert, come back and share her answer to this age-old question.

Without further ado . . .

The Two Options For Science During The Holidays

Thanks, Blaine and Tracey!

As homeschoolers, we have two options for science during the holidays.

1. We can stick to our original plans.
2. We can change things up a bit.

I want to explore both options and share a few tips to help you determine which one is best for your situation.

Option #1 - Stick with your original plan.

During the holidays, life can get a bit crazy with parties to go to and visitors to entertain. Sometimes it’s best to keep parts of your routine going as it will keep your kids grounded during the vortex of holiday chaos.

With this option, you will protect your two to three hours of homeschooling time each weekday. Your plans will carry out as usual and you can let any guests that may be staying with you sit in on your homeschooling day.

This option is best if:

• You are happy with your plans.
• Your kids are older.
• You have a schedule to stick to.

If you choose this option, here are a few tips to help you stick to your plans:

1. Eliminate all the distractions you can during your school time.
2. Write out your plans before the week begins.
3. Add in some holiday cushion time to your plans.

Option #2 - Switch your plan to holiday science fun.

We all need a break and the holidays are a perfect time to take one. But taking two months off with no science smack dab in the middle of the year is not necessarily the best idea.

So instead of calling it quits on science for the holidays, you can plan a whole lot of holiday science fun!

This option is best if:

• You need a change.
• Your kids are younger.
• You school year-round.

If you choose this option, here are a few tips to help you switch your plans:

1. Plan out a “grab bag” of holiday science activities in advance.
2. Set aside some time each week to have some holiday science fun.
3. Ask some friends to join you for your holiday fun time!

Here are two posts to help you create that “grab bag” of holiday-themed science fun:

• 18 Thanksgiving Science Activities
• 25 Christmas Science Ideas