Episode 161

Time to get cozy! It’s early December as I’m recording this episode and today, we’re diving into the idea of hygge homeschooling.

Not sure what hygge means? You’re not alone!

The first time I heard the word hygge ~ pronounced “hooga” ~ was a few years back when our daughter was in Copenhagen for one fall semester in college.

She told me about this concept and I got a book on it to read while cozied up on our couch with our kitty, Emma.

Today, I invite you to listen in as we focus on creating a nurturing homeschooling environment that fosters warmth, connection, and joy in learning.

What is Hygge?

Hygge is a Danish concept that embodies a feeling of coziness, contentment, and togetherness. It’s about embracing simplicity and finding comfort in small moments, especially during the winter months.

I looked up the definition and here’s what I found:

Hygge is “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture.”

Hygge Homeschooling for the Holidays

To me, hygge is perfect paired with homeschooling.

Why not follow the Danish example and bring more hygge into our daily lives?

If your family needs a break from the busyness of daily life and to-dos, I recommend embracing hygge homeschooling this holiday season.

So often I recommend to homeschooling families that they follow a simpler lesson rhythm in the month of December, one that I call handwork + stories.

If you want to hear more about this simple framework for homeschooling in December, check out last week’s podcast episode, Radical Tips for Homeschooling in December.

Does a more relaxing winter and holiday season sound appealing to you? Could your family benefit from slowing down and reconnecting?

The Elements of Hygge Homeschool

Let’s explore three essential elements of hygge homeschooling:

creating a cozy atmosphere
fostering a creative curriculum, and
embracing flexibility and mindfulness.

Cozy Atmosphere

The first element, a cozy atmosphere, is fundamental to hygge homeschooling.

It’s all about creating a space that invites warmth and comfort. Create cozy learning spaces in your home. Soft blankets, dimmed warm lighting, and comfortable seating arrangements.

Involve your kids in setting up this space to make it inviting and snug for everyone involved. In our house, we had lots of little reading corners with bean bag chairs or floor pillows.

Here’s a delightful recipe that can infuse warmth into your hygge homeschooling: classic hot chocolate with a twist. Try making a homemade hot cocoa, adding a few drops of peppermint oil and a dollop of whipped cream. It’s a comforting treat perfect for those chilly winter days. Hygge homeschooling is all about enjoying life in a cozy way.

Creative Curriculum

Moving on to fostering a creative curriculum, the hygge approach encourages exploration and imagination. Infuse your activities with creativity, joy, and togetherness. Engage in hands-on projects using natural materials and storytelling. Incorporate literature that celebrates the season or festivals close to your heart.

A wonderful winter craft that embodies this creativity is making DIY snow globes. Gather jars, fill them with water and glycerin (to make the glitter fall more slowly), then add small winter-themed figurines or glitter to create your personalized snow globe. Snow globes also are just so fun, bringing winter indoors in a mesmerizing way. This is all about enjoying experiences with your children to foster a warm connection on your learning journey.

Flexibility and Mindfulness

Lastly, embrace flexibility and mindfulness in your hygge homeschooling experience. Try a slower pace during winter months and allow for flexibility in the schedule. Encourage mindfulness activities, take spontaneous breaks to appreciate nature, and allow room for unplanned learning moments.

A beautiful ritual could be creating a candlelit reading hour. As a family, pick a winter-themed book, gather around, light some candles or a fire in the fireplace, and take turns reading aloud. This ritual encourages mindfulness, as the soft glow of candlelight fosters a sense of calmness and presence, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in the story and the moment.

The holiday season is the perfect time to take a break from your usual lesson rhythm to focus on hygge homeschooling instead.

Create Moments to Cherish with Hygge Homeschooling

So, what do you think? Could the hygge approach serve you right now? Do you want to try it?

Remember that hygge homeschooling is about cherishing the moments of togetherness, warmth, and comfort during the winter season.

And you CAN get the academics in. Just remember they can be delivered slowly, and with more magic. This is a time to focus on connection rather than perfection.

I would love to hear how this resonates with you. You can follow us on social media and comment on our posts there ~ Instagram or Facebook.

Until next time ~ stay warm, stay cozy, and stay mindful!