In the Restoration Home Community (opens again in January) one of the first questions we ask is, “What do you want your children to remember about life in your home?”
And as I've spent some time this fall studying the brain science of happiness, I'm seeing more evidence of the importance of joy in learning.
When you and your children are thinking happy thoughts, it lowers cortisol, interrupts toxic thinking, and helps learning stick.
According to education neuroscientist Judy Willis, brain research tells us that when the fun stops, learning often stops too.
And when you fill your home with happy moments, it protects your children in the future as well.
An article in Psychology Today says,
“The health benefits of revisiting positive memories extend far beyond temporary jolts of happiness. Studies have shown that intentionally recalling happy experiences can help to disrupt negative thought patterns, alleviate anxiety, and even lower cortisol levels. This practice has been particularly effective in young people who are at risk of depression due to stress, as it promotes a more positive self-image. Adrian Askelund, who led one study, suggests that recalling happy events from the past can enhance mental health even in the face of significant stressors. As a result, positive memories can be a powerful antidote to stress by promoting buoyance and resilience.” Psychology Today
This is why choosing curriculum like ours is so important.
In the early years we incorporate developmentally appropriate and playful learning experiences to create joyful connections with math, science, and language arts, and as your children grow we offer heartwarming stories, nature walks, projects, and recipes to create a thorough but fun filled education.
Homeschooling doesn't have to put you and your children in fight or flight mode, instead, incorporate connection based learning from the Peaceful Press and nurture happy memories that will carry your family into a bright future.
Some of the ways we hit the reset button and create more joy in learning:
Celebrate a holiday- In the Precious People we include prompts for celebrating fall Jewish feasts such as Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot, as well as hosting a Greek feast. In the Kind Kingdom we include suggestions for a Medieval Feast or a Narnia teatime. Simple celebrations like these can bring a spark back into your learning and create joyful memories.
Take a field trip- Visiting a nature preserve, history museum, apple orchard, pumpkin patch, or candy factory with friends is sure to bring a spark back into your learning. We took yearly trips to the apple orchard, took each child at least once to the Jelly Belly Factory, and spent at least one day each week exploring nature. These pauses on academics helped our children think about what they were learning and make connections with the world around them.
Play games- Games like the Grammar Game, Fine Art Memo, Monopoly Junior, Madlibs, and others can help bring a little fun and joy into your day while still incorporating learning.
Bake together- Baking is a great science and math activity and can be a fun little reset on a tedious week. Our cookbook has many fun recipes that go with our literature based resources.
Incorporate large motor activities- Each of our early years resources includes large motor activities which helps with brain coordination while also lightening the mood. Pause the academics each day for a few minutes to do some large motor activities and it will give you and your children a reset.
Shalom your body- These exercises can help calm your vagus nerve and give you a reset in your day. If your homeschool day is off the rails, start here.
Check out the Peaceful Press Autumn Guide and Tree Guide if you want learning tools and inspiration to lean in and enjoy fall. They are full of activities for your 3-6 year old. Both guides will create opportunities for lasting connection, skill development, learning and memories.
Check out the Peaceful Press Nature Book Flood, for all aged students. It includes similar content to our seasons bundle with a more user friendly flow, new science and nature study activities, and Youtube linked read aloud suggestions for a simple and fun nature study guide.
If your homeschool rhythm isn't nurturing happy memories, try a free sample of the Peaceful Press resources and discover why families love our resources.