The Promise of Spring

We will maintain a garden large enough to feed our family. We will be cheerful in all that we do, including Algebra. The reality is that we do sometimes fall behind, end up with tomato worms, and no one really likes math. Yet, we press on.

Why? Because spring is coming. It’s sometimes hard to imagine the warm breezes of spring when it’s still the dead of winter, but I can say with assurance that spring is definitely coming!

Here are three ways you can incorporate the anticipation of spring into your winter homeschool.

“If you build it, they will come.” No, I’m not talking about Kevin Costner in Field of Dreams, although we’d probably play ball on that field anytime. I’m referring to creating outdoor spaces that will be inviting for your family and friends once warmer weather arrives.

The plan is simple. Find a little area in your yard and let the kids create a backyard campground. The size of your yard doesn’t matter. If your children can squeeze in a tent and some friends, you’ve got a campground. Let them make a list of the camping supplies they will need.

They can also research constellations and weather patterns that can be expected during spring and summer months. Determine which friends will be invited to celebrate “opening day” and be sure to mark it on the calendar so you have a date to look forward to.

If your children aren’t fans of sleeping outside, there are many fun, family activities, like horseshoes and cookouts, that can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own backyard.

Sowing seeds. As I mentioned before, I always have wonderful plans for a huge, backyard garden. In my dreams, we walk outside and gather a bountiful harvest daily. In my dreams, our local grocery store becomes obsolete.

The key words are “in my dreams”, but we do enjoy springtime gardening. Beginning in late February, we typically begin to plan what crops will fill our garden. The kids each make suggestions and as they’ve gotten older, we’ve learned what works well in our area and what doesn’t.

Often, starting seeds indoors before transplanting them into the garden is recommended. We keep our seed trays in common areas of the house so we have a constant reminder that the cold will soon be leaving and flowers will blossom once again.

The little seedlings are not only a reminder of the newness of spring, but also how tiny beginnings become well established reminders of God’s promise to care for our every need. For more ideas or instruction on planning a garden of any size, consider a field trip to a local nursery or farmers market. Fellow gardeners are usually more than happy to talk shop!

Schedule a couple of open afternoons. Everyone wishes for a free afternoon. The freedom to complete unfinished assignments, unread chapters in a book, or time to straighten an unorganized desk can be a welcomed gift to a student feeling the weight of a long semester.

Consider adding a couple of catch up days to your spring calendar, but be certain that your time off is spent in a beneficial way. The blessing of extra time will not only lighten the workload but will lighten spirits as well!

The gift of extra time, a few sprouting seeds and a shopping list with the ingredients for Smores are all tiny reminders that winter will soon be gone and in its place comes the promise of spring.