The cold weather seems to want to stay and so does the season of sickness. My son was sent home from school with an awesome bug that kept him home for a week. Then of course I got to experience the awesomeness. While my son was able to return to school my daughter was home to deal with a sick mama.

Did you know that public school teachers have up to 10 days of sick leave each school year. They get to go home and rest while recuperating from a sickness knowing their students have a qualified substitute teaching them. However, a Homeschooling parent generally does not have a substitute to take over when they become ill. So what is the homeschooling mama to do?

One of the best things I love about Homeschooling is the flexibility. Public schools must complete 180 days in a year. Homeschooling is 365 days. Therefore, if a few days are relaxed learning days everything is still fine. A homeschool day can easily change with unexpected circumstances such as when the teacher (usually mom) becomes sick and with preparation, the day can go on with minimal interruption.

Prepare For Sick Days

I have a Sick Box which has been a lifesaver more than I wish to count. The Sick Box includes the basic cold, fever, and allergy medicines. I also include Kleenex, hand sanitizer, lip balm, Vicks Rub, eye dryness solution and Lysol Wipes. The Sick Box keeps everything I may need in one place for a quicker recovery.

For the classroom, I create a “Substitute Binder”(I laugh at how ironic this is because I am teacher and substitute) at the beginning of the school year that I add to as I find or create new projects. The folder includes a section for each child with the following pages:

• A list of age appropriate quiet activities 
• A list of education sites for each subject and login information
• A list of coloring pages sites
• A list of video sites and login information

Quiet Activities

Quiet activities are my favorite gems. I create Busy Boxes for my kids to explore, as a “break” from learning however, what they do not realize is they are still learning through play. The Busy Boxes hold multiple small items that cover the days’ worth of learning. I like using plastic shoeboxes with lids so the kids can investigate the contents, which peaks their interest before opening the box.
What better way for kids to relax and learn than while coloring. I personally enjoy winding down from a hard day by curling up on the couch with a blanket and coloring pages. Themed coloring pages are easily found by searching for “free coloring pages” or searching for a specific theme like “winter coloring pages” "counting coloring pages". In addition, many homeschooling digital savvy moms offer free printables on their webpages.The bonus of a coloring pages is it can follow the curriculum, be used as an award, something quiet to do or as a family activity.

Educational Videos
When nothing else is keeping the attention of restless children, turn on the television for some unrealized learning. This tool is a life saver when the teacher is not feeling her full peppy self. Netflix is our go to streaming place. We have a profile setup just for the kids that has many educational videos readily available.

Our Top 10 Videos include:

• Sid The Science Kid- promotes exploration, discovery and science through comedy and music.
• Little Einsteins- interactively teaches about art and music to toddlers.
• Wild Kratts- involves two brothers who imagine real “what if’s” about wildlife then take the kids on animated adventures.
• Veggie Tales- humorously teaches children about moral values.
• Super Why- solves problems through the power of reading.
• Magic School Bus- travels through the human body teaching about its functions.
• Octonauts- is a group of helpful animals that teach about undersea life and working together.
• Leap Frog Series- teaches about friendships, community and life lessons.
• Jack Hanna’s Into the wild- is a child friendly teaching of wild animals.
• Busy Beavers on Youtube- teaches toddlers the basics while entertaining them with music.

I know this post is packed with links and ideas that may seem overwhelming to use when sick. However if they are put into place as part of your curriculum then there is no worries, A sick day can be as uneventful as any other homeschooling day. You may not be able to have a substitute but having these gems on hand will allow the sick you to relax someto begin the healing process.

What ways do you prepare for homeschool sick days. Let me know in the comments.