Better Together

1. Morning Time: A transformative homeschool practice

"Morning Time is the daily collection of little grains of sand that add up to a lifetime of learning. It is the daily sowing of the seeds of learning for the long haul."

A powerful educational tool. Morning Time is a dedicated period in the homeschool day for families to come together and focus on subjects that are often neglected in traditional curricula. It typically includes prayer, scripture reading, poetry, music, art appreciation, and other enriching activities.

Relationship-building practice. Beyond academic benefits, Morning Time fosters strong family relationships and a shared love of learning. It creates a daily rhythm that anchors the homeschool experience and provides a sense of continuity and purpose.

Flexible and adaptable. Morning Time can be tailored to fit the unique needs and interests of each family:

• Can range from 15 minutes to over an hour
• Can be done at any time of day, not necessarily in the morning
• Can include a wide variety of subjects and activities
• Can be adapted for families of all sizes and children of all ages

2. The 3 Rs of Morning Time: Ritual, Reading, and Recitation

"The heart of Morning Time is what you choose to read aloud to your children."

Ritual. Establishes a predictable routine that signals the start of learning time:

• Lighting a candle
• Singing a hymn or reciting a prayer
• Greeting each other with a special phrase

Reading. Exposes children to great literature, ideas, and beautiful language:

• Read-alouds from classic and contemporary literature
• Poetry
• Scripture or other religious texts
• Non-fiction on history, science, or other subjects of interest

Recitation. Helps children internalize important information and beautiful language:

• Memorizing poetry, scripture, or famous speeches
• Practicing math facts or grammar rules
• Learning hymns or folk songs

These three elements work together to create a rich learning environment that engages multiple senses and learning styles.

3. Cultivating truth, goodness, and beauty through Morning Time

"Our education in beauty begins in learning to love what is beautiful."

Exposure to excellence. Morning Time provides a structured opportunity to introduce children to the best of human culture and thought:

• Great works of art and music
• Timeless literature and poetry
• Important historical and scientific concepts

Moral formation. Through carefully chosen materials, Morning Time helps shape children's character and worldview:

• Stories that illustrate virtues and moral lessons
• Discussions of ethical dilemmas and philosophical questions
• Exposure to diverse perspectives and cultures

Aesthetic appreciation. Regular exposure to beauty in various forms cultivates children's taste and discernment:

• Learning to observe and describe works of art
• Listening attentively to complex music
• Savoring the rhythms and imagery of poetry

By consistently presenting truth, goodness, and beauty, Morning Time helps children develop a lifelong appreciation for the finer things in life and a robust moral framework.

4. Flexibility and adaptability in Morning Time scheduling

"Morning Time, though, can be more than a simple prayer practice. Morning Time has the power to have a shaping and lasting effect on our entire worldview."

Tailored to family needs. Morning Time can be adapted to fit various schedules and lifestyles:

• Early morning for families who are early risers
• Mid-morning or afternoon for those who prefer a slower start
• Split into multiple sessions throughout the day

Seasonal adjustments. The length and content of Morning Time can change with the seasons of family life:

• Shorter sessions during busy times or with young children
• More in-depth study during relaxed periods or with older children
• Adapted content to match current interests or educational needs

Creative scheduling techniques:

• Block scheduling: rotating subjects on different days or weeks
• Loop scheduling: working through a list of subjects at your own pace
• Graduated participation: older children joining for part of the time and then moving on to independent work

By remaining flexible, families can maintain the practice of Morning Time even as their needs and circumstances change over the years.

5. Engaging children of all ages in Morning Time

"Our relationships with our boys have really deepened as we've started to have meaningful discussions about different subjects. I like to think we all enjoy each other more now than we did two years ago."

Multi-age learning. Morning Time allows families to learn together, regardless of age differences:

• Younger children absorb information even when material seems "above their heads"
• Older children benefit from reviewing foundational concepts
• Siblings learn from each other through discussion and shared experiences

Differentiated participation. Adapt expectations and activities based on age and ability:

• Younger children may draw or play quietly while listening
• Older children can lead discussions or present memorized material
• Teens can engage in deeper analysis and debate

Hands-on activities. Incorporate movement and tactile learning to keep all ages engaged:

• Art projects related to the current topic
• Acting out stories or historical events
• Using manipulatives for math concepts

By creating a learning environment that welcomes all ages, Morning Time strengthens family bonds and creates a shared culture of learning.

6. Overcoming challenges and resistance to Morning Time

"The key here, though, is that we have to take our children to Jesus in order for them to receive His blessing. If we never take them, they don't benefit. So persevere—get up every morning and just begin."

Start small. Begin with short, simple sessions and gradually build up:

• Start with just 5-10 minutes of a favorite activity
• Add new elements slowly as the habit becomes established
• Celebrate small successes to build momentum

Address common obstacles:

• Toddler disruptions: Use special toys or activities reserved for Morning Time
• Teen resistance: Include them in planning and leadership
• Parental burnout: Rotate leadership with spouse or older children

Maintain consistency. Regular practice is key to overcoming initial resistance:

• Set a consistent time and place for Morning Time
• Use a special signal (like a song or bell) to gather everyone
• Stick with it even on difficult days, adapting as needed

Remember that building a new habit takes time and patience. The long-term benefits of Morning Time are worth persevering through initial challenges.

7. Building a rich Morning Time curriculum

"Morning Time subjects are much like that buffet. There are a wide variety of subjects that you can place in your morning basket—all of them very good."

Core components. Include elements that align with your family's values and educational goals:

• Faith and character development
• Literature and poetry
• History and geography
• Science and nature study
• Art and music appreciation

Supplementary subjects. Add variety with additional topics:

• Foreign language exposure
• Logic and critical thinking
• Current events discussions
• Life skills and practical knowledge

Resource selection. Choose high-quality materials that engage and inspire:

• Living books that bring subjects to life
• Primary sources and classic texts
• Hands-on materials and manipulatives
• Audio and visual resources for variety

Balance structure and spontaneity in your Morning Time curriculum. Have a plan, but be willing to follow unexpected paths of interest and discovery.

8. The long-term benefits of Morning Time for families

"I see a love of music and the organ in my two older children, particularly, and I attribute that to highlighting hymns at an early age. But even if I didn't see fruit now, I would still see the value in being together, reading God's word, and singing His praises together."

Academic advantages. Morning Time lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning:

• Broad exposure to many subjects creates well-rounded students
• Regular practice in attention and narration improves learning skills
• Memorization of key facts and beautiful language enriches communication

Character formation. Consistent exposure to truth, goodness, and beauty shapes children's values:

• Development of moral reasoning through stories and discussions
• Cultivation of virtue through habit and example
• Appreciation for excellence and beauty in all areas of life

Family culture. Morning Time creates shared experiences and memories:

• Common language and references from shared reading
• Family traditions built around Morning Time rituals
• Stronger sibling relationships through shared learning

The impact of Morning Time often extends far beyond the homeschool years, influencing children's choices, interests, and values throughout their lives.

Last updated: August 2, 2024