One of the best parts of building a homeschooling routine is that we can completely change what a “normal” day looks like. That’s both fun and liberating… and sometimes a little terrifying. If we’re not cramming in a thousand worksheets and thirteen different subjects, then what exactly are we supposed to do?
The truth is: I can’t tell you exactly what you should do. That’s probably the hardest part of homeschooling—figuring out what works best for your family.
In our house, those needs change often. Seasons shift. Therapy goals evolve. Sometimes I get inspired to focus on a new skill. Right now, I’m encouraging my kids to practice social-emotional learning, take ownership of their schoolwork and chores, and—most importantly—enjoy learning together.
That’s easier said than done when all three of my kids have sensory differences—different ones!—plus a mix of ADHD and autism in the family. Finding strategies that help all three is no small task.
But at the moment, these five things are making our homeschool life more magical and a little easier.
1. Teatime
This is probably the most impractical, most whimsical thing I’ve ever introduced into our homeschooling routine—and I’m ridiculously proud of it.
I’ve always loved tea and teapots, and as a kid I adored tea parties (usually with Kool-Aid in a plastic, color-changing teapot). So when I heard about “poetry teatime” on a podcast, I decided to give it a try.
We don’t do it every single day, but when I skip it, at least one kid asks me to promise we’ll have tea next time. I set out a pot of tea, a plate of cookies or marshmallows, and we enjoy a cozy, gentle start to learning.
2. A Kanban Board (Plus Sticker Sheets)
When I first heard the term “kanban board,” I assumed it was some expensive piece of tech. Turns out, it’s just a simple task system.
Ours is a whiteboard divided in half: “To Do” on one side, “Done” on the other. Each child has their own color of sticky notes, and one color is for group activities like read-alouds or art.
As they move tasks across the board, they see their progress. Once they finish, they get to add a sticker to their sheet. Simple, visual, and surprisingly motivating.
3. Starting with a Read-Aloud Picture Book
This idea came from the Read-Aloud Revival podcast, and it completely shifted how I view learning.
We start our day with a picture book—sometimes from our curriculum, sometimes from the library, and sometimes just an old favorite. Even rereading a well-loved Pete the Cat brings joy (and plenty of giggles).
It’s an easy, low-pressure way to get everyone gathered and focused.
4. Board Games (Not Just “Educational” Ones)
Games have been such a gift for us—helping with social-emotional skills, executive function, fine motor development, and more.
The tricky part was that my kids hated losing. If they lost once, that game was dead forever—cue tears, accusations of cheating, and general chaos.
The turning point came when we started playing cooperative games. Now, we win or lose as a team, and it’s easier to model good sportsmanship without the sting of personal defeat.
We still play competitive games too, but introducing co-ops made a huge difference.
5. Ten-Minute Lessons
I don’t push hour-long lessons. Instead, I set a timer: ten minutes for reading, math, or handwriting. Sometimes even less.
Five minutes is better than none, and shorter lessons mean less resistance. Then we reinforce the skill naturally throughout the day—counting toys, spotting beginning sounds in words, or reading a page from a children’s atlas together.
It’s bite-sized learning that sticks.
Final Thoughts
We may add new things over time, but for now, this is enough. And honestly? Sometimes it’s the small, unexpected ideas—like brewing a pot of tea—that end up being the biggest hits.
You never know what will click in your homeschooling routine until you try.