Beyond Curriculum: Preparing a Beautiful Homeschool Year

A good homeschooling curriculum is important but there is more to it than books. (Art_Photo/Shutterstock)

Most homeschooling parents spend a great deal of their summer months choosing and preparing curricula for the coming year. While academics are, of course, important—there is more to homeschooling than just the books.

The principles of turn-of-the-century British educator Charlotte Mason are often cited as inspiration for homeschooling families. One of her best-known ideas is, as she puts it, “Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.” Her broad definition of education calls for parents to consider academics, yes, but goes beyond just reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic to also consider the learning environment, regular routines, and overall character of one’s life.

So while researching curricula and gathering supplies, don’t forget to consider the other aspects of the homeschool lifestyle you aim to create for your children. Here are some ideas to take into consideration in your planning efforts this summer.

Home

While homeschooling delightfully happens anywhere and everywhere, your home environment is the heart and hub of your homeschool. Consider the overall ambiance of your home. The sights, smells, tastes, sounds, and overall state of your home influence and color your children’s education.

Preparing your space may include cleaning, decluttering and tidying, decorating, softening, displaying dearest memories, and consideration for how prominent screens are, how accessible tools are, what materials are available, what artwork is displayed, and what aesthetic values are emphasized.

One concept that may be useful to consider is architect professor David Dewane’s idea of the “Eudaimonia Machine,” in which a space is designed to engage increasingly in-depth work or contemplation. His linear series of rooms, as described by author Cal Newport in his book “Deep Work,” begins with a gallery for the purpose of inspiration, then a salon designed for collaboration, then the library for investigation, an office space for superficial work, and finally the chamber meant for deep work. Simply considering these various levels of work and engagement can help a homeschooling parent set up the space in which all that magic will happen.

Art

It can be easy to get caught up in the standard academic subjects and allow things like art to fall to the wayside. So much can be learned through studying, engaging with, and creating art. Its importance in your homeschool can have a great impact.

Study beauty and excellence in the arts, display great works of art, make museum visits a regular activity, keep copious amounts of artistic tools and supplies on hand and within reach, and marvel at the stunning creations humanity has been bestowed with through the ages.

Music

Score your homeschool with inspiring music the whole year through. Creating seasonal or themed playlists over the summer can get you ready to set the tone of your homeschool all year long. Engage your children’s interests in particular instruments or dance. Make a study of the great composers. Let the joy of music breathe life into your homeschool days.

Projects

Take on a few large projects throughout the year that call for collaboration and creativity. They could be house projects, related to a child’s deep interests, related to your lessons, or maybe something just for fun. Working together on a long-term effort can be rewarding on many levels.

Adventures

Of course, homeschooling doesn’t take place just at home. Plot out some adventures, big and small, and prepare your family’s ability to become portable. A sense of appreciation for adventure enhances the homeschool experience like nothing else.

Habits

Think about the habits you’d like to foster that will improve the flow and overall experience of your homeschool and family life while training your children to be disciplined.  As kids get older, they can take on more responsibilities and become more adept at maintaining good habits. Habit training is the kind of training that will benefit children for life.

Mood

Another thing that impacts the state of the homeschool is the mood—in particular, Mom’s mood. What every homeschool needs is a content and peaceful parent (usually the mother) setting the tone for the work at hand. Take care of yourself, plan time and space to recuperate each day, and nourish your body and spirit in the best way you know how so that you can take on this responsibility to the best of your ability.

Additionally, children can be taught to consider the impact their state has on the household and how to take control of their own emotions. The cultivation of peace, goodness, and contentment can truly benefit the homeschool endeavor.

Values

Finally, as you plan, ensure that your homeschool is grounded in the most fundamental values your family upholds. Whether those values are religious in nature or not, you want to teach your children to have good character, the difference between right and wrong, and the most basic tenants of life you wish to bequeath. Nothing is more important than this. Don’t forget to take what’s fundamental into account as you plan your next homeschool year.