5 R’s to Ease Back into Roadschool After the Holidays

Hello 2014! As much as I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the holiday season and the past few weeks of total intentional family time, I am excited to move forward with a new day, a new month, and a new year. We’ve been away from our roadschool routine for a few weeks and here’s how I am going to get my crew back into the swing of things in our rig.

Read. There is no better pastime, in my Road Mom opinion, than reading. Reading is good for your brain and applies to all ages. It is a simple yet universal assignment to delegate to everyone in our gang. Let the 8-yr old read aloud to the 5-yr old (yep, “two birds with one stone.”) Let the 12-yr old use his new Kindle to curl up with a good book in his favorite spot outside. And finally, encourage my 10-yr old reluctant reader to cruise the internet helping me with a little roadschool research; thereby, creating productive time for me while he reads and doesn’t even know it.)

Relax. I refuse to get uptight about the schedule. I did it in my first year of homeschooling on the road and made life miserable for me and the four shorter people in our rig. Even though I’ll admit that I feel a little behind on where I wanted to be in our learning adventure at this time of the year, I will not start the new year by cramming a crazy agenda down their little throats. (Breathe in, breathe out.)

Rest. The power source that keeps the mind alert and calm is sleep. It recharges our internal batteries. Every restful night of sleep and every nap leads to being optimally alert. This is the state when we are most receptive to the world around us. It produces the best attention span to learn the most. (Read more about Children and Sleep.)

Reward. Let’s face it, there’s no better leverage in human behavior than rewards.  Whether your sticking to your daily diet to get to the seventh day for dessert or a kid reading for computer time, keeping your eye on the prize works every time. So, in the midst of getting back to your routine, take a break. Go to the park. Stop and go get ice cream cones. Ring the recess bell and paint fingernails or bounce basketballs. Whatever your crew’s pleasure, take an unexpected detour and enjoy their smiles.

Rejoice. This part is easy. Sing songs. Recall meaningful memories from recent and past experiences. Pray together and find joy in whatever day God has made.

Psalm 118:24

This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.