One of the most difficult times of the year to home school an active learner is the winter. Why do I know this? Because I home schooled two active learners through 11 Minnesota winters. Teaching in those conditions was taxing, but it resulted in learning experiences my teenage boys fondly remember. Although Texas winters are not as harsh as those in Minnesota, there are still days where the weather is sure to keep you and your kids inside more than you would like. Here are some of my top recommendations for ways you can redirect your child’s wiggles into memorable learning adventures.

In 2014 we had a memorial service for my uncle Dan. Danny or “Dano,” as the men in his unit called him, was a quiet man of great strength. He was a man of honor and resolve, of precision and fortitude. When the armed forces needed someone to fly a “secret mission,” Dano was recruited. On many occasions, our family would not know he had been involved until he was safely home. Medals, ribbons, and certificates are usually proudly displayed for all to see, but not by Uncle Danny. He wasn’t much on the fanfare and did not thrive on praise. What drove him was the satisfaction of a job well done. While watching the grandeur of his military service, I couldn’t help but think that he would be embarrassed by all the fuss. He was a quiet giant. My point is simply this: Had the Air Force not recognized his quiet strength and strong resolve, he probably would have sought after those missions on his own.