Next year’s winning curriculum starts with this year—refining what worked and rethinking what didn’t.
As summer beckons and the school year winds down, many homeschool parents are shifting their focus to the upcoming school year and putting their plans in place. This season of reflection and planning offers a golden opportunity to design a course of study that inspires, engages, doubles down on what’s working, improves what’s not, and aligns with your family’s vision. Thoughtful preparation now can pave the way for a rewarding and enriching year ahead.
When it comes to choosing curriculum and resources for a new school year, the temptation might be to begin shopping right away or researching what other homeschool parents are using. Before filling online shopping carts or scrolling through social media for inspiration, pause to reconnect with your core purpose. Take a moment to revisit what you’re aiming at and why.
The curriculum and resources you choose have a significant impact on the experience for everyone. It’s prudent to connect your choices to your overarching purpose and your big-picture reasons for homeschooling before purchasing all the shiny new objects.
Reflect and Refine
Review the year wrapping up and identify what went well and what didn’t. If you’re using a particular program or resource for a particular subject that seems to be working really well, continue along that path. Consistency in these areas can build confidence and further momentum.On the other hand, if there was an area you and your children struggled with, consider what role, if any, the resources you used played in that. Did a particular resource feel misaligned? Were there moments of frustration that could point to a need for a new approach? Perhap, in these areas, a new strategy is in order
Define Your Vision
Call to mind the fundamental reasons you chose to homeschool your children, whether that was for a better quality education, to instill solid moral values in your children, to strengthen family bonds, or to enjoy the freedom to travel and spend time in nature. Allow your why to motivate and inform you in choosing curriculum.Then, articulate your aspirations for the coming year. Clarify your goals for your family as a whole, for each child individually, and for you and your spouse. Homeschooling is a family adventure. Set the course so you’ve got a clear direction.
Take time to envision your homeschool ideal. What are your top priorities? What would a fantastic day look like? How about an amazing week? What do you want your kids and yourself to look back on your homeschool year and think and feel? Use these ideas to define what you’re trying to create.
Consider your calendar for the upcoming school year. Are there any major milestones or major events that you’ll want to devote time and attention to? Do you have any travel plans that might impact your schedule and also inform your studies?
Consider what style of resource has worked best for you in the past. Do your children thrive in in-person classes and activities? Do you prefer online or digital learning for any particular subject? Do you avoid digital influences as much as possible? Do you aim to get outside as much as possible? Do you prefer to design your own curriculum and course of study? What do you need to make your home most conducive to supporting your homeschool success next year?
Determine Your Budget
Define your budget before you get to shopping. The extent of resources and materials you could gather in your homeschool is practically limitless. Once you begin searching, it can be tempting to go overboard. Cluttering your home with too much stuff and overextending yourself financially can both lead to stress in your homeschool. Before you get started, set a reasonable budget for your purchases and make your choices accordingly.Involve Your Family
Invite your children and spouse into the decision-making process. What do they wish for the next school year? Are there any skills or interests they’d like to develop? Is there a particular topic they’d like to learn more about? Are there places they’d like to go, books they’d like to read, or projects they’d like to take on? Are there future goals you can work toward? Their input fosters ownership and enthusiasm and may lead you in a direction you hadn’t thought of.Choose With Confidence
Now that you’ve reflected and thought through your strategy for next year, you can move forward with clarity and confidence as you consider what curriculum and resources to employ in your homeschool. Avoid chasing trends and, instead, focus on resources that align with your goals, fit your lifestyle, and inspire your family. You’ll make better decisions and set your family up for success in the year to come.
