As spring approaches and one school year begins to wrap up (at least for those of us who don’t school year-round) the homeschool parent’s gaze begins to drift ahead to next year and what that might look like. Whether you’re just about to dive into homeschooling for the first time or you have some experience under your belt, now’s the time to put your planning hat on.
Some people find the planning process overwhelming; others love it. It’s worth taking the time now to think things through a bit so you can ensure you get materials in time, sign up for any activities or classes before they fill up, and then relax and enjoy summer confident that you’re prepared.
One of the greatest benefits of homeschooling is that every family can cater their strategy to meet the needs of their unique family and each unique individual student. So the planning process will look different for everyone. There are some ideas that can be helpful for any homeschool family to consider as they set out to plan a new year.
Review Your Why
As any experienced homeschooling parent can tell you, no two years are alike in homeschooling. Children grow and develop so quickly. Their interests evolve, their needs change, their preferences vary, and their level of self-reliance grows. Before you set out plans for a new year, review the fundamental reasons that set you off on this path in the first place. Remind yourself of your convictions and your greater purpose in this work. Add in any new revelations or reasons that have developed over time. Ground yourself in your fundamental why and move forward with purpose.Assess This Year
As this school year winds down, you can likely identify some things that were great and some things that could have been better. Jot down in two columns those habits, routines, curriculum, activities, strategies, and events that worked for you and your kids and those that didn’t. If you’re just heading into your first year of homeschooling, consider the past year similarly—recognize those things that allow your child to thrive and those that sap his or her spirit.Envision the Ideal
After some reflection, ask yourself some inspiring questions: What would an absolutely outstanding homeschool experience look and feel like for you and your family? What is the most ideal, magnificent, fun, and inspiring vision you can conjure for your homeschool? How would you feel to be able to give your family that experience? How would each member of your family feel living that dream? Shoot for the moon and picture even things that you may not immediately believe to be possible.Gather Feedback
Ask your spouse and your children those same inspiring questions or others to get a clear understanding of their impressions, experiences, and dreams of homeschool.Set Your Parameters
With a clarified vision, begin to break down your plan into practical steps. Take a look at your year-at-a-glance calendar, the subjects you’ll need to cover for each student, the activities you know your children want to participate in, any travel plans and obligations you have, and anything else that you already know you need or want to incorporate into your school year.Research and Gather
As your aims begin to take shape, research any resources and curriculum you might use, gradually narrowing down your choices and finally gathering what you need.Habits, Routines, and Rhythms
Planning is often a process of starting with a big picture and breaking it down into the tiniest parts. Lastly, consider the flow and rhythm of your days. What works best for your family? How could things be more efficient, more joyful, and more simple? Sketch out some ideas for improving your daily habits and those of your children. It’s in the day-to-day that life happens, and a simple tweak to rhythms and habits can have a significant impact on your overall homeschooling experience.Stay Flexible
Plans are funny things. You need them lest you journey through life adrift and aimless, but of course, we lack the wisdom to perfectly plan everything. As Yogi Berra famously said, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up someplace else.” The key to homeschool planning is to do enough that you feel well prepared and confident to execute a wonderful new year, but remain flexible enough to happily adjust your plans should they need adjusting as you go along.
