I’ll admit I was never the biggest fan of school itself, but I loved the aesthetic aspects of back-to-school season. You know: picking out the perfect notebooks, pens, and planners. I have, however, always been a fan of learning, especially when it came to the topics I was most interested in. I won’t say how long it’s been since I’ve been out of school, but sometimes I really do miss it (if only for the fresh-start feeling and the joy of learning).
Over the years, I’ve tried to fill that gap with an ever-growing TBR list and shelves of books, but lately, I’ve been craving a more structured way to exercise my brain. So when I started seeing “personal curriculum” TikToks taking over my For You page, I was instantly intrigued. The concept originated from creator Elizabeth Jean (@xparmesanprincessx on TikTok), who creates a monthly curriculum for herself, and I just have to say the idea is brilliant.
I’ve already jumped on the personal curriculum bandwagon myself and can confirm: it lives up to the hype. If you’ve been craving a cozy, creative reset this fall, this trend might be exactly what you’re looking for.
What is a personal curriculum?
Creating a personal curriculum involves selecting topics you’ve always wanted to explore and developing a lesson plan tailored to your interests. It can be as simple as curating a stack of books you want to read, signing up for online courses, or even assigning yourself “homework” and fun projects to make the experience feel more interactive. Think of it as the grown-up version of playing school. Only this time, you get to pick the subjects, set the schedule, and make the rules. It’s equal parts cozy and creative, with just enough structure to keep you motivated. And with plenty of flexibility, you get to make it completely your own.
How to create your own personal curriculum
Choose your subjects
Start by listing out 3-5 topics you want to learn more about. The key is to pick things that genuinely excite you. Bonus points if you give them cute names—like “Story Lab” for literature or “Cozy Kitchen” for baking.
Gather your resources
Decide how you want to explore each subject. Reading books, listening to podcasts, and taking online courses are all great ways to dive into something new. You can find tons of free courses and tutorials on sites like Coursera, Alison, and YouTube.
Set seasonal goals
Working toward a specific goal will help keep you on track. When setting your goals for the season, ask yourself:
- What do I realistically want to accomplish this season?
- How much time can I dedicate each week without feeling overwhelmed?
- Which project or subject excites me the most right now?
- What would make this feel rewarding, not like a chore?
- How can I celebrate small wins along the way?
These questions can help your curriculum feel intentional, manageable, and motivating without taking the fun out of it.
Create “assignments” for yourself
Make your learning hands-on by giving yourself fun, low-pressure homework. For example, read at least two chapters, write a short poem, or bake a new recipe. These little projects make the experience interactive and rewarding.
Work learning into your schedule
Block off a little time each week to focus on your curriculum. You might swap an evening of TV or endless scrolling for “class time,” paired with a warm blanket and a candle to make it feel like a cozy ritual. Or head to a coffee shop on Sundays to work on your “assignments” for the week.
What to add to your fall curriculum
Your personal curriculum is for you, and it should be fun. You might already have a few subjects or activities in mind, but here are some ideas that are perfect to explore this fall season.
Subject: Literature & Learning
Objective: explore new ideas, dive into different perspectives, and enjoy reading for fun
Assignments:
- Read a new book or revisit a classic
- Explore essays, poetry, or short stories
- Write reflections, reviews, or your own short story
- Start a reading journal to track your thoughts
Subject: Cooking & Baking
Objective: develop cooking skills and experiment in the kitchen
Assignments:
- Practice basic cooking methods, like sautéing, roasting, and boiling
- Cook or bake your way through a cookbook
- Experiment with new recipe variations
- Host a small tasting for friends or family
Subject: Creative Arts
Objective: express yourself through hands-on creative projects
Assignments:
- Paint, sketch, or try watercolors
- Knit, crochet, or make simple DIY crafts
- Experiment with photography or calligraphy
- Create a seasonal DIY project for your home
Subject: Wellness & Mindfulness
Objective: take care of your mind and body while building daily habits
Assignments:
- Journal reflections or create a gratitude list
- Practice restorative yoga or stretches
- Try guided meditations or breathing exercises
- Set mini wellness challenges for yourself
Subject: Nature & Outdoors
Objective: connect with the natural world and observe seasonal changes
Assignments:
- Take leaf-identification walks or try birdwatching
- Keep a nature journal with sketches or photos
- Document outdoor adventures through photography
- Collect natural items for inspiration or crafts
Leanna Julius, Contributing Writer
Leanna is a long-time reader turned contributing writer for The Everygirl. She specializes in wellness and lifestyle content and strives to help others be their happiest and healthiest by sharing sustainable and simple life-approved tips and tricks.
