I’ve been sharing the learning layers of our homeschool day. First, we place a generous helping of prayer, next we layer all those helpful homeschool habits, we stir around the 3 Rs on five levels. After lunch we sprinkle the wonderful spices of enrichment, showing how we fit in all the extra hodgepodge of learning. So now…are you ready to put your feet up and relax? I am! Afternoon quiet time is our longest running habit.
Today’s layer gives a spot of quiet for all ages. Back when my first toddler outgrew her nap I wondered what to do. See, I needed that time. Why did she outgrow her nap when I had an infant? Afternoon quiet time was the answer.
There are so many benefits that come with afternoon quiet time that I have three posts written on the subject. If you don’t know about this habit, please start here:
- Afternoon Quiet Time – help! my toddler dropped nap time. What to do?
- Afternoon Quiet Time – Part 2 {for mom!}
- Afternoon Quiet Time – Part 3 {Questions} How long should quiet time last? My children share a bedroom. How can we do separate quiet times? I have two very active children who don’t like to be alone. How do I make afternoon quiet time work?
Afternoon Quiet Time For All Ages
Here’s how this afternoon habit has changed with our needs. Also the benefits I’ve seen after these dozen years of quiet time. As children grow out of naps…
We have one child that still occasionally naps in the afternoon. And afternoon quiet time is still a blessing in our home. Of course we take advantage of afternoon activities when they arise but this habit we always fall back on. Now and then we need to work on this habit to keep it fresh. Or to remind us how it really works best.
Originally, when we started this habit in our home, it’s sole purpose was rest for the children and weary Mama with a newborn. Now, I have seen the fruits of this habit. Afternoon quiet time is a refreshing time for all. Time away to quiet our minds from a noisy (and blessed!) household. Time to work on a project alone. Time to gather our thoughts. And sometimes, quite honestly, time to get our happy spirits back.
- Older ones: They might fit in some history and science reading. At least some reading for pleasure.
- Littles: It’s time set aside for them to enjoy that stack of library books or play.
- Middles: I can say yes to working on projects individually (e.g., pull out that craft kit with the glitter she got for Christmas).
- Mama: Could put her feet up and have just a spot of quiet time. Enjoy some afternoon coffee. {insert relaxing sigh after a full school day}
But quiet time can also be a time:
- the one learning to read might sit near me and practice with the latest favorite readers or books.
- an older child can have one on one time with Mama.
- to write in a journal, write a letter, write anything!
- to take the opportunity for a nature study by the window.
- to work on a report or project.
- to practice lines for drama troupe.
Complementing the Learning Styles of Multiple Ages
One gets her stack of books and heads to her room. Another puts the ear buds in and listens to an audio book. Yet another pulls out – every – last – craft – supply and piece of paper in the house and spreads it over the floor of the room she’s chosen. Youngest girl reads aloud to herself or colors in a coloring book. Littlest boy plays with trains and might agree to sit near me to read a book. Trouble is, being that still might make him fall asleep…
Guess what? As we head into summer time and leave the morning schedule of school work, afternoon quiet time becomes our anchor. It’s the structure of the day that is always there. Even when summer refreshingly changes up our days with outside activities and other opportunities.
I hope this gives you an idea of the blessing Afternoon Quiet Time can be in your home. If you don’t have an established afternoon quiet time, start small. Fifteen minutes at a time and building up. Be patient as your children get used to this time. Audio books really help build the habit!
Topics in this series:
- A Recipe for Teaching Multiple Ages {Day 1}
- Helpful Homeschool Habits for Multiple Ages {Day 2}
- The 3 Rs for Multiple ages {Day 3}
- How to Fit in All the Extras {Day 4}
- Afternoon Quiet Time for All Ages {Day 5}
- Unit Studies for Multiple Ages {Day 6}
- Teaching Art with Multiple Ages {Day 7}
- Hands On Learning, Projects for Multiple Ages {Day 8}
- Technology for All Ages {Day 9}
- I Honestly Don’t Know How You Do It {Day 10)
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The 10 Days Series is organized by iHomeschool Network, a collaboration of outstanding homeschool bloggers who connect with each other and with family-friendly companies in mutually beneficial projects. Visit us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. And of course, click the image below to visit all the 10 Days posts from these homeschool moms of the iHomeschool Network. You’ll be blessed with tips on how to handle bad days, cultivating curiosity, teaching with Legos, and much much more!
Friday afternoon is a great time to put your feet up. Do you enjoy a little bit of afternoon quiet time?
-originally published 2012
