It was asked on our homeschool list recently what we do on days taken off from school, how is the flow, what holds it together?
I think this has so much to do with rhythm. If you are a member of TFW, go back to the article about rhythm being tied to YOU, for everyone else, I have a copy of that article here in our sampler for TFW:
Rhythm does come down to you. So know that what ever you do, the children and even your husband will follow.
On days off, I still hold a rhythm. The only day that looks really different in my house is Sunday… and perhaps big holidays like Christmas when the people here try to beat me in getting up. Everyday – at least the ones I intend to enjoy – keep a rhythm. It may be more relaxed, but even days off from school have me up early and preparing for the day. On our day off from school, we still rise and keep regular meal times, we study scriptures together, we sing, we keep a flow. If it is a day off, then after those morning rituals are complete, we will carry on with our celebration. Sunday has a different flow marked by us preparing Saturday. There is a sweet song that we sing with the words:
”Saturday is a special day. It’s the day we get ready for Sunday: We clean the house, and we shop at the store, so we don’t have to work until Monday. We brush our clothes and we shine our shoes, and we call it our get-the-work-done day. Then we trim our nails, and we shampoo our hair, so we can be ready for Sunday.” (Children’s Songbook, music and words by Rita Robinson)
When I take charge of the rhythm, then it flows. When I don’t then it stops. I don’t always have an instinctual feel for the rhythm but I know I have to hold that space or it will feel wrong for everyone.
I hope this is helpful. In Waldorf we often talk about transitions, this is one of those times. Look at your week/month/year and decide how you want it to flow – then take charge of it, you can do it!