TEA TIME IN YOUR HOMESCHOOL
One morning I was browsing the internet for curriculum ideas and stumbled upon this idea called Poetry Tea Time. I was immediately intrigued and began to read on and figure out how I could make this work for my not-so-little children. I began this little tradition by pulling a good book out, setting some sweet breakfast treats on a pretty plate, and having a pot of tea ready before we began any work. It was a gentle way to start the day and the light meal encouraged them to participate. My children were hooked.
The beauty of tea time in homeschooling is simply to wake the brain up with scents, tastebuds, and classical or creative material. It can be about centring one’s mind or reflecting on previous events. It can be a full Afternoon Tea if the morning doesn’t fit into your schedule. Tea Time can be whenever you want and with as little or as much as you feel like doing.
Poetry Tea Time, with actual poetry, can be an amazing way to share and discuss the different types of poetry, tones in writing, and meaning and even become a bit theatrical in nature. For young ones, consider adding related art to give them a visual of the topic.
Here are some ways to put together a Tea Time:
1. Pick your tea. There are a variety of flavors and types of tea. Consider a seasonal flavor and non-caffeinated tea for small children.
2. Choose your food. Traditionally, the food would pair with the flavor of the tea. Typical treats are scones served with clotted cream and jam or curd. Add fruit to complement the main food.
3. Choose your focus. Decide if you’re reciting Poetry, reading a novel, listening to an audiobook, or music. (Personally, I love the Piano Guys radio station on Pandora.) You can select various playlists from YouTube as well. You may even want to set out art prints to encourage visual studying.
4. Add an optional activity. If using this time to listen, I recommend having some sort of hands-on activity that doesn’t require reading. Even middle and high school children love to color or draw, so this is a wonderful option.
5. Set a time. Use your child’s personality and habits to help plan. Some have wiggles and giggles, so it’s best to keep Tea Time limited to their attention span.
6. Set your table. Here is where your creativity comes to play. Make this a simple layout or a beautiful tablescape. The possibilities are endless. You also know what your child will be attracted to and can create an inviting spread that they can’t say no to.
A cup of tea is an excuse to share great thoughts with great minds." - Christian Re
Other fun additives to Tea Time are games, puzzles, practicing manners, inviting friends, and dressing up if you so wish! The best part of Tea Time is that it is fun and enjoyable. It can add meaningful moments and value to your average day.
Tea Time Resources
Our Tea Time guides were created to help homeschool families start tea time with the basics. We include seasonal menus and recipes to make life easy! Consider visiting our Tea Time Guide Collection. I’d love to invite you to receive regular updates, freebies, and homeschool tips for moms and teachers alike.
Kira
ABOUT KIRA from WILLOW AND OWL
I'm Kira, a mom of three amazing kids, homeschooler, jack of all trades creator, book lover, and licensed esthetician/instructor. I began our homeschooling journey many years after having kids and used my prior experience in the teaching arena to further our studies. I'm fueled by my desire to share everything I can with those I care about.
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