There are only so many hours in a day.
Between math lessons, language arts, science, history, house chores, laundry, and life… I realized I didn’t want to add more to our homeschool.
I wanted to go deeper without making it heavier.
So instead of trying to fit art, nature study, STEM, and hands-on history into every single week, we rotate.
Each month, we dedicate one full week to each enrichment subject. One focus. One hour a day. That’s it.
It keeps things fresh. It keeps me sane. And it gives our kids something hands-on to look forward to.
This week just happens to be Art Week — and we’re studying mosaics.
How Our Monthly Rotation Works
Our core subjects stay consistent year-round:
- Language Arts
- Math
- Science
- History
But enrichment rotates weekly within the month:
Week 1 – Art
Week 2 – Hands-On History
Week 3 – Nature Study
Week 4 – STEM
Each enrichment week:
- We spend about 1 hour a day on the focus subject
- We build one main project across the week
- We tie it into real history, culture, or science when possible
It’s simple. Sustainable. Repeatable.
And most importantly — it doesn’t overwhelm our schedule.
Art Week Focus: Mosaic Art
This week, we’re studying mosaics.
Mosaics date back thousands of years and were especially popular in Ancient Rome and the Byzantine Empire. Small pieces of stone, glass, or ceramic were arranged to form patterns and images. Many of these mosaics still exist today.
Here’s a little visual inspiration:
Studying art this way allows us to:
- Connect art to history
- Talk about culture and craftsmanship
- Practice patience and precision
- Create something tangible
Supplies We’re Using
Here’s what we’re using for our mosaic project:
- Mosaic tile kit
- Cardboard base or small canvas
- Tile adhesive
- Grout
- Sponges (dollar store sponges work well)
- Gloves (dollar store find)
- Art journals for reflection (optional)
How We’re Doing It (Step-by-Step)
Day 1: Learn about mosaic history and sketch designs
Day 2: Finalize sketches and plan tile placement
Day 3: Glue tiles down
Day 4: Allow tiles to fully dry
Day 5: Apply grout and clean surface
Each child reflects in their art journal:
- What did you learn?
- What was challenging?
- What would you do differently next time?
This reflection piece is important to me. It helps art feel intentional instead of just crafty.
Why This System Works for Us
I don’t want homeschool to feel chaotic.
And I don’t want to constantly be scrambling for “extras.”
Rotating enrichment:
- Keeps us from burnout
- Makes planning easier
- Creates anticipation
- Allows depth without overload
Instead of touching art lightly every week, we immerse ourselves for a week.
Then we shift.
And the rhythm continues.
If you’re feeling stretched trying to “do it all,” consider rotating.
You don’t have to add more.
You just have to organize it differently.
Next week, we’ll move into Hands-On History.
And we’ll rinse and repeat.
If you would like any book recommendations, I have some linked here in my Amazon storefront, but you can find a lot of these in your local library as well.
Happy Homeschooling!
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