Let’s be honest, some days you’re just exhausted. Whether it’s a sleepless night, a tough morning, or a season of burnout, homeschooling when you’re tired can feel overwhelming. But learning doesn’t have to stop just because you’re low on energy. In fact, there are plenty of simple, meaningful ways to keep your kids engaged without draining your last drop of energy.
Here are 9 low-prep, guilt-free ways to homeschool on the hard days:
Play a Favorite Game
Board games, card games, and even simple matching games can sneak in so many learning opportunities, like counting, turn-taking, and problem-solving.
Some of my favorite educational board games are:
- The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel: Teaches color matching, fine motor skills, and turn-taking.
- Hoot Owl Hoot!: Teaches cooperation, color matching, and strategic thinking.
- Monkey Around: Teaches gross motor movement, following directions, and bonding.
- Pete the Cat - I Love My Buttons Game: Teaches counting, basic math, and turn-taking.
- Alphabet Island: Teaches letter recognition, matching upper and lowercase, and quick thinking.
- Alphabet Go Fish: Teaches upper and lowercase letters and letter sounds.
- Pop for Letters Game: Teaches Letter recognition, quick thinking, and vocabulary.
- Hi Ho Cherry-O: Teaches counting, simple addition/subtraction, and turn-taking
Draw and Color
Let your kids express themselves through art. Give them crayons, markers, or watercolor paints and let them get creative. You can even tie it into your theme of the week (flowers, animals, the weather, etc.).
Read a Book Together
Snuggling up with a good book is always time well spent. Let your child choose the story and enjoy the calm together.
Watch an Educational Show
Shows like Blippi, PBS Kids, or Super Simple Songs can teach everything from science and math to social-emotional skills and give you a moment to breathe.
Do a Puzzle
Puzzles are great for problem-solving and fine motor skills. Sit nearby with a cup of coffee while they work through it.
Cook a Meal Together
Turn lunch or snack time into a learning opportunity. Talk about measurements, following steps, and healthy foods.
Go on a Nature Walk
Fresh air can do wonders for everyone. Point out birds, bugs, flowers, and talk about what you see, an instant science lesson!
Play with Legos
Lego time is packed with benefits: creativity, engineering, storytelling, and even math (counting blocks or symmetry).
Do a Simple Activity from Your Curriculum
If you use my Pre-K the Fun Way curriculum, pull out an easy printable or revisit a favorite activity. You don’t have to plan a full lesson, just choose something fun and familiar.
Simple Days Still Count
Not every day will be Pinterest-perfect, and that’s okay. The connection, the calm, and the consistency matter more than the chaos.
Sometimes, rest is the lesson. Don’t underestimate the power of quiet time, naps, or simply taking a slower day to reset.
You are showing up, even when it’s hard. That matters more than any worksheet ever could.
Need More Ideas Like These?
Grab my Pre-K the Fun Way curriculum, available in printed and digital formats. It’s designed for busy, tired, real-life moms who want to make learning fun without the pressure.
You’ve got this! And when you don’t, I’ve got you.
Xx Jeni
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