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With Summer just now in full swing so it probably seems strange to be talking about summer homeschool prep. However, at the end of each school year, I sit down and think about what when well and what did not go well. One of my biggest challenges for the school year was planning. I felt I didn't have a great planning system in place, and this year, I want that to change. Instead of planning week by week, I am determined to take some time this summer and plan our entire school year. Just typing that makes me want to break out in a nervous sweat but I KNOW once I complete the year-long planning I will be so happy I did. Our daughter was part of a homeschool co-op last year where she went to school two days a week and then was home three days. The program was great but we felt it wasn't the perfect fit for us any longer and decided to go a different route.
I also want to be intentional about making learning more fun this year. Often I feel I rush to the next subject or task without taking the time to make it fun. Obviously, there are times for independent work only but one of my biggest goals is to raise life-long learners who LOVE learning. This year I hope to add more fun learning activities to accompany the lessons. The last issue I want to work to resolve is the issue of having multiple curriculums. For the upcoming year, I think I will at least stick with the same company for math and language arts. Science and history can easily be added in (even while using a different curriculum) but I think for the main subjects I will stick to one company. I think it is easier that way or at least for me it is!
So what went right? Firstly, I think we created a great morning school routine that worked well for us. I do want to create a little more structure in our afternoon routine so that is a work in progress for the new school year as well. Starting school in the morning works best for our family and then we complete the second half of the school day in the afternoon. Secondly, going outside first thing in the morning makes for a much smoother school day. We go on a walk, play outside, etc and it gives everyone a great boost of energy before we sit down for school. Lastly, daily devotions, free time to craft & play, and lots of homeschool field trips made for a great year!
I am looking forward to a great year! I will share more as we approach school time and if you have any questions feel free to reach out to me. I am NOT a pro but I will offer any advice and encouragement I can! In the meantime, I am rearranging the playroom/homeschool space and just hung up a large whiteboard that I can't wait to use. The area will be where I stand to teach them and I can't wait to get it completed this summer. See the progress below!
Before you go, I did find a really beautiful planner specifically designed for teachers. It is by The Happy Planner company and it is so lovely and large enough to write lesson plans and so much more. You can watch my detailed video on TikTok here or Instagram here. I found my planner at Michael's and it is 30% off right now. If you click the picture below it will take you to the link to purchase if you're in the market! I also added a few homeschool finds from Amazon and Michael's below full of budget-friendly finds for your homeschool year.
Happy planning!
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