As we enter the final quarter of the year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what we’ve achieved so far and start planning for the exciting months ahead. The last three months of the year can be packed with both learning and celebrations, and it’s important to make the most of it while preparing for the year to come. Let’s take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come in 2024, set new goals for the rest of the year, and start laying the groundwork for an amazing 2025.
Reflecting on Our Homeschooling Journey
Although we haven’t officially started homeschooling yet, we’ve been actively preparing. I’ve already reached out to the top three schools on my list for Theodore, ensuring they will support us in his unique learning journey. We’re hoping to start homeschooling early in the 2025 school year, and it’s important for me to choose a school that aligns with our needs.
What I’m learning during this preparation phase is that finding the right environment matters just as much as the curriculum itself. The school we choose must be able to support his development, especially as he works through his speech goals. If you’re in a similar position—getting ready to start homeschooling or formal schooling—take this time to evaluate what’s most important for your child’s growth and how to ensure they’re supported in every step of the way.
Setting End-of-Year Learning Goals
As we look ahead to the remainder of 2024, our focus is on making these last months fun, memorable, and productive. For October, it’s especially exciting because the “ber months” (as we say in the Philippines) have officially begun! From Halloween to Christmas, this is a time filled with hands-on learning and new experiences for Theodore. We plan to celebrate the holidays while integrating learning into the festivities.
We also hope to travel during this time, which will give Theodore first-hand experiences that go beyond books and structured lessons. Travel can open up so many opportunities for learning through exploration and interaction.
Preparing for Holiday-Themed Learning Activities
The holiday season is a magical time for young children, and it’s a perfect opportunity to incorporate fun and educational activities into their routine. Here are a few ideas for holiday-themed learning activities:
- Halloween Crafts: Encourage creativity with spooky crafts like making paper pumpkins, creating a DIY costume, or designing Halloween cards. You can also teach numbers by counting candy or sorting treats by color.
- Thanksgiving Gratitude Projects: Teach the value of gratitude by making a family “thankful tree” or gratitude journal, where everyone can write what they’re thankful for each day leading up to Thanksgiving.
- Christmas-Themed Learning: Create a Christmas advent calendar with daily learning activities, such as counting down the days until Christmas with math activities, learning about global holiday traditions, or baking and following a recipe together to teach measurement and following instructions.
The holiday season is a great time to introduce your child to new concepts in a fun and festive way!
Tips for Staying Motivated Through the Last Quarter
Motivation can start to dwindle as we head toward the end of the year, but I’ve found a few tools that help me stay on track. One of the most important tools is my calendar planner, which you can download from my Resources Page, along with a daily checklist I created. These have been key in helping us stick to our learning schedule, even as our days get busier with holiday activities, playdates, and family gatherings.
That said, I’m also adjusting as needed. Some days will be more focused on learning, while others might be all about making memories with loved ones. What keeps me motivated is seeing Theodore’s progress, especially in his speech. As his thoughts turn into words, I can see how much he’s growing and learning.
As we embrace the last quarter of the year, I encourage you to reflect on your own journey—whether it’s homeschooling, learning at home, or simply spending quality time with your little one. What are your goals for the next few months? How do you plan to celebrate the holidays while continuing to nurture your child’s growth?
Feel free to share your reflections in the comments or join me on social media to connect with other parents on a similar journey. If you’d like to stay organized and motivated, be sure to download my calendar planner and daily checklist from the Resources Page. Let’s make the most of this exciting time together!
