The beginning of a new homeschool year is an exciting time for families. If you’re a homeschooling parent, here are six things to put on your summer to-do list to ensure you start the year off feeling prepared, energized, and optimistic.
Clean Out
First things first. To make way for a bright, new, shiny year, cast away the clutter from the year you just completed. Take the time to go through your children’s finished work, your curriculum, your resources, your supplies, your tools—any and all homeschool-related items that you keep at home.As you go, carefully store away sentimental items, bravely dispose of or donate things that are no longer needed, and deep clean the spaces in your home in which you tend to focus your homeschooling activities.
This process will allow you to assess what you already have that can be used in the coming year, relieve you of clutter, and begin the year with a clean, blank slate. It’s the fresh start the whole family needs.
Rest and Rejuvenate
Amid all of the wonderful opportunities for fun and adventure this summer, don’t neglect to allow yourself time to rest. Homeschooling requires significant effort, and homeschooling parents need to allow themselves time to recharge from time to time.Rest isn’t laziness or neglect, but an investment in the year ahead. Whatever allows you to slow down and recharge—do it.
Study
Successful homeschooling parents know that studying is not just for the kids. Seek out inspiration and new insights by studying the experts, within homeschooling and outside.For example, one homeschooling book I refer to at the beginning of each year is “Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Unshakable Peace,” by Sarah Mackenzie—a short but beautiful and inspiring read. One non-homeschooling but very applicable book I dive into again and again is “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones,” by James Clear.
Find guidance and inspiration from homeschoolers you know, those producing content online and off, and from other sources that can help you manage this undertaking with wisdom and creativity. Summer is a great time to become the student instead of the teacher.
Map Out the Calendar
Take a look at the calendar year ahead. Use summertime to envision holiday celebrations, vacations, field trips, and seasonal activities you don’t want to miss. Take note of obligations and important dates that loom on the horizon. Begin to identify the times you might be schooling and those you won’t.Before the year gets going, map out your calendar—keeping in mind, of course, that you’re homeschoolers, so it can always be flexible.
Gather
As summer presses on, you’ll gain clarity on your plans for the coming year. As you do, begin to gather the tools and resources you plan to use.Make a fun outing of a back-to-school shopping day with the kids so that they can pick out some fun new folders, pens, and supplies that excite them. Gradually get yourself prepared for the year ahead.
Enjoy Summer With Your Family
Homeschooling parents can sometimes get really excited about planning for the year ahead. That’s great, but be sure not to miss out on enjoying the present season in the name of planning and preparation.Enjoy summer with your family. Recognize that true homeschooling never really stops. See the learning and growing that happens in more relaxed seasons such as summertime. Share moments and make memories with your family.
The homeschool year ahead will be better off because you’ve continued to foster deep connections with your loved ones. Happy summer! Happy homeschooling!
