There’s something special about the quiet promise of a new day—the way the sunlight spills across the kitchen table, the aroma of fresh coffee, and the gentle hum of a family gathering together. (cue the birds singing and maybe some Vivaldi in the background)

Ha! Who am I kidding? Yes, there were sometimes mornings like this in my house, but on other days the scene was less peaceful and happy. That gentle hum sometimes seemed like a slowly growing roar!

I hope, however, I can help you build a Morning Time that will become more than a routine; it will be the anchor that steadies your day, a daily invitation to connect, learn, and start the day with intention.

If you’ve followed along at Homegrown Learners, you know that Morning Time was always at the heart of our homeschool rhythm. It is something my children remember.

It’s a tradition that welcomes all ages, fosters peace, and sets the tone for joyful learning. Whether you’re brand new to homeschooling or looking to refresh your mornings, here’s how you can create a calm and inviting Morning Time in your home.

Why Morning Time Matters

Morning Time is a gentle beginning—a chance to gather everyone, from toddlers to teens, and share something beautiful. It’s not about checking boxes or rushing through a list. Instead, it’s about building relationships, nurturing wonder, and creating memories that last.

When we anchor our day with Morning Time, we remind ourselves (and our children) that learning is a shared adventure. It’s a daily touchstone that brings consistency, comfort, and a sense of belonging to our homeschool.

All Ages Welcome

One of the joys of Morning Time is its inclusivity. Babies can snuggle on laps, preschoolers can color or play quietly, and older kids can lead readings or share their thoughts. Everyone has a place at the table. The magic happens when children of different ages learn alongside each other, each contributing and growing in their way.

Don’t worry if your Morning Time looks a little messy or noisy—real life is welcome here! The goal is togetherness, not perfection.

How to Create a Calm and Inviting Morning Time

1. Set the Scene

• Choose a Cozy Spot: Whether it’s the dining table, the living room floor, or a blanket in the backyard, pick a space where everyone feels comfortable. We had a kitchen table with a window seat that was the perfect spot.

• Add Simple Touches: Light a candle, display fresh flowers, or set out a special basket of books and stationery. Little rituals signal that this time is set apart.

2. Keep It Simple

• Start Small: This is SO important! You don’t need an elaborate plan. Begin with a read-aloud, a poem, or a listening calendar selection. Add new elements as you find your family’s rhythm. Sometimes our Morning Time was a devotion and a read aloud. During certain seasons, that was enough.

• Mix and Match: Rotate activities—read a Bible verse, memorize a poem, listen to a piece of music, or enjoy nature study. Variety keeps things fresh and engaging. Perhaps you'd like to develop a straightforward Morning Time routine for each day of the week. Or, do the same thing every day and something different on Fridays?!?! (My kids loved doing thumbprint drawings on Fridays!) It’s up to you - keep it consistent because children LOVE predictability and routine.

3. Invite Participation

• Let Older Kids Lead: Give older children a chance to read aloud or choose a piece of music. This builds confidence and helps everyone feel invested.

• Include Hands-On Options: Coloring pages, playdough, LEGO, or quiet fidget toys can help little ones stay engaged while listening.

4. Embrace Flexibility

• Go With the Flow: Some mornings will be smooth, others may be interrupted by spilled juice or a fussy toddler. That’s okay! The beauty of Morning Time is in showing up, not in perfection.(And… sometimes our Morning Time happened at lunch!)

• Adjust as Needed: If something isn’t working, switch it up. Your Morning Time should serve your family, not the other way around.

Morning Time as Your Homeschool Anchor

Morning Time isn’t just a lovely start—it’s the anchor for a successful homeschool day. It centers your family, provides shared experiences, and infuses your home with a sense of peace and purpose. Over time, these moments become a treasured foundation for your children’s education and your family’s story.

So, brew that cup of tea, gather your crew, and let Morning Time be the gentle beginning that sets the tone for your homeschool day. You’ll be amazed at the calm, connection, and joy it brings.

What does Morning Time look like in your home? Share your favorite rituals or resources in the comments below!

And if you’re looking for more inspiration, explore the Morning Time archives at Homegrown Learners for book lists, music ideas, and encouragement for every season.

Happy homeschooling!

Do you have a School Year's Resolution?

You know - just like one of those fancy New Year's Resolutions, but this one applies to your homeschool - the ONE THING you want to accomplish this year with your children?

I think we all might do better if we focused on JUST ONE THING this school year.

At the back to school time of year especially, there are a million ideas, curricula, and methods floating around the homeschool world. If we don't Stay in Our Own Lanes it can be frustrating and make us feel "less than" at the drop of a hat, know what I mean?

We can be confused with all of the choices and "supposed to" learn subjects out there.

Let me give you some advice I once heard -- STOP. BREATHE.

PRAY.

Focus on ONE THING this year.

What's Your School Year's Resolution: How One Small Goal Can Change your Homeschool

That's right. One thing.

Let me give you an example.

Morning Time

Many years ago I felt that I wasn't connecting with my children intentionally each day. I felt like we were simply checking off boxes, completing assignments, and going through the motions. I didn't feel the sense of connection I had once felt with them through homeschooling - and I knew they didn't feel it with me (or each other), either.

That year I resolved we would focus on just ONE THING. That one thing would always get done first and get done well. I would always plan for it and we would never "skip it".

That one thing was Morning Time.

For one year we focused on having beautiful Morning Times together - devotions, art appreciation, music appreciation, read alouds, memory work, and current events took up the first hour of our day.

It was a CONSTANT.

At the end of that year we had truly accomplished something. We were connecting with each other and we had incorporated so much truth, beauty and goodness into our homeschool days.

Sure, we focused on other things that year, but Morning Time was our ONE THING.

Fast forward to the next year.

Math

I decided our one thing would be MATH.

That year (after our Morning Time, which we could not abandon since everyone loved it the year before), math was a priority. We played math games, challenged each other with math problems, and made completing a full Saxon lesson each day a priorit.

By the end of that year, I noticed that we all enjoyed math more and those pesky math facts came more automatically (especially to a 7th grader I had at the time that really needed work on them.)

Just Choose That ONE Thing.

May I encourage you this year to make a School Year's Resolution?

Choose just one thing for your focus.

That doesn't mean you push other things to the side, it just means you will master ONE THING this year. (Next year you can master something different.)

After several years just think of all of the "one things" you will have accomplished.

Now that we're in our senior year with our oldest (sniff!), those one things sure do add up!