As our schedules became busier I noticed some our favorite subjects like literature, art, and nature study getting swept under the rug. Without these rich subjects our homeschool day felt off balance. Then, I learned about Morning Time Baskets and it absolutely transformed our homeschool. Now we begin each day dwelling on truth, goodness, and beauty. It sets the tone for our day and ensures these rich subjects receive the attention they need. Learn what is in our family’s morning time basket and how to create one in your homeschool.
What is a Homeschool Morning Time Basket?
Morning Time is a specific time in our homeschool day when the whole family comes together to learn certain subjects. All ages enjoy classic literature & poetry, exploring great musical works and art masterpieces, practicing memory work, and more.
Morning Time plans can be based on seasons or themes that align with other subjects you are studying in your homeschool. Our family likes to select resources that support our history studies and Classical Conversations memory work.
Here’s a look at what is included in our morning basket:
- Bible
- Memory Work
- Read-Alouds
- Geography & Map Work
- Public Speaking Skills
- Artist & Picture Study
- Poetry Reading
- Nature Study/Journal
- Music Appreciation
- Art
Most of these subjects are not done everyday. That is where our loop schedule comes in. Basically, we choose a few subjects to complete daily, and the rest is done on a loop. We usually do one or two extra subjects per day.
Our Morning Basket Schedule
Our daily work consists of Bible, memory work from Classical Conversations Foundations, and a family read-aloud. {Most often, we do our read-aloud cuddled up on the couch before bed.} The other subjects are part of our loop schedule.
Here’s our loop schedule:
- Geography & Map Work
- Public Speaking
- Poetry
- Music Appreciation
- Art
- Artist & Picture Study
- Nature Study
I have an idea of what days each subject should be done, but the beauty of the loop schedule is that it doesn’t have to be done that day. We just do the next thing.
Our morning time can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Once we finish our morning time, the kids move into their independent studies.
Our Favorite Morning Time Activities
A good portion of our morning time is spent reading great literature and we enjoy keeping little hands busy with coloring, clay, or puzzles while listening.
But, everyone’s favorite part of morning time is art and we adore Nana’s chalk art tutorials from You ARE an Artist. You can check out samples of her tutorials here on YouTube. Our family also really enjoys the Watercolor with Me series and Write and Draw through History books.
If you’re interested in taking a peek into our Morning Time basket, these are the resources you will find!
Our 2020-2021 Morning Basket Resources
Bible: The Child’s Story Bible by Catherine Vos
Memory Work: Classical Conversations Foundations Cycle 3
Read Alouds:
- New World Echoes
- September: Walk the World’s Rim
- October: The Sign of the Beaver
- November: The Witch of Blackbird Pond
- December: The Secret of the Sealed Room
- January: Johnny Tremain
- February: Toliver’s Secret
- March: Carry On, Mr. Bowditch
- April: Justin Morgan Had a Horse
Poetry: Pam Barnhill’s Early Modern History Terms One & Two
Early American Poets & Oliver Wendell Holmes
Music: Our own Classics for Kids music listening schedule
Picture Study: Pam Barnhill’s Early Modern History Terms One & Two
Online Metropolitan Museum of Art & Come Look With Me: Art in Early America
Art Activities: Pam Barnhill’s Early Modern History Terms One & Two
Free Early Modern History-Themed Art Tutorials & Chalk Pastels American History Video Art Lessons
Geography: Where in the World: Cycle 3 – The United States
Nature Study: The Nature Connection
Resources for Planning a Homeschool Morning Time Basket
- Pam Barnhill Morning Time Plans
- The Homeschool Garden Morning Time Plans
- Using a Morning Basket without Adding to Your Day from Raising the Extraordinary
- Check out my Pinterest board for more Morning Time resources