Sprinkles. Those colorful little specks of sugar that turn an ordinary ice cream cone, cake, or cookie into something magical. They’re small, simple, and fun—but boy, do they pack a punch of extra sweetness! I’ve found that sprinkles are more than just a treat for your taste buds; they’re the secret ingredient that can make homeschooling both more enjoyable and effective.

You might be wondering—what do sprinkles have to do with homeschooling? Let me explain.

Educational Sprinkles: Infusing Learning Throughout the Day

As a homeschooling family, one of the greatest freedoms we have is the ability to integrate learning into our lifestyle. Yes, curriculum is important. Yes, formal lessons like math and language arts are a crucial part of our day. But in our homeschool, these formal lessons only make up about 20% of what our kids are learning. The other 80%? That’s in the sprinkles.

You may have heard of the concept of "strewing." It’s all about sprinkling little bits of learning throughout the day in fun, unexpected ways. It could be reading a new book, playing an educational game, taking a spontaneous field trip, or even watching a movie that ties into what we’re learning. These "sprinkles" don’t always follow the lesson plan—but they are an essential part of the big picture.

When we start thinking of learning as something that can happen at any moment, in any form, it makes homeschooling feel less like a series of lessons and more like a joyful, immersive experience. The possibilities are endless!

Relational Sprinkles: Building Connections and Adding Joy

But sprinkles aren’t just about sneaking in learning—they’re also about creating connection and infusing fun into the day. These relational sprinkles don’t necessarily teach academic content, but they do teach something just as important: the joy of learning together.

Maybe you give your child a roll of Smarties before their test, saying, “You’re a Smartie, I know you’ve got this!” Sure, that candy won’t help them remember the periodic table—but that moment, that connection, adds a layer of warmth and encouragement. Sometimes, it’s the little things, like a shared joke or an unexpected treat, that make all the difference in how your child feels about learning.

These relational sprinkles turn everyday moments into something special. They remind our kids that homeschool isn’t just about lessons; it’s about love, support, and enjoying the journey together.

Are You Ready to Add Some Sweetness to Your Homeschool?

So, are you ready to grab those sprinkle jars and start making your homeschool journey just a little bit sweeter? Follow our blog for lots of fun sprinkle ideas. You can also shop resources in our store.

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