As homeschool moms, it can be challenging at times to get our kids out of summer vacation mode! Even though homeschooling is nothing like public school, there is still a routine shift that often takes place. In this blog post, I’m sharing some simple ways to prepare kids for a new homeschool year!
Now, when I say SIMPLE….I do mean simple! I’m not a parenting or homeschooling expert….I’m just a regular mom like you! But over my last few years of homeschooling, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to transition my kids from “summer mode” to “school mode”.
However, here is my caveat – a typical homeschool day for us usually consists of a few hours in the morning and then the rest of the day is theirs! I’m not someone who believes that homeschool has to take all day in order for it to be effective.
Therefore, as my children transition into our homeschool routine they don’t feel like they’re saying goodbye to their “freedom”, (so to say). Their homeschool year still consists of TONS of free time to play and explore all sorts of interests! But, it’s still a transition nonetheless and they do need a bit of help shedding their summer mindset and getting ready for the upcoming year.
So, that being said, let’s get into the simple ways I have discovered that help to prepare kids for a new homeschool year!
1. Bedtimes
Through the summer months, bedtime routines definitely loosen up around here! We don’t ignore bedtime all together, but we certainly get more relaxed with it.
One of the easy ways I have found that helps prepare my kids for the upcoming school year, is to gradually get them back to a strict bedtime routine. This is especially important if you have younger kids, but older kids benefit from this as well.
This isn’t just about going to bed at a decent time each night, although getting enough sleep IS very important. It’s also about re-establishing a routine that sets them up for the day ahead. I consider this to be the first step in getting prepared for a new homeschool year.
2. Morning Routines
Re-establishing a good morning routine is kind of like an extension of what we just talked about with bedtime. Another great way to get your kids out of summer mode is to get back into your morning routine.
If morning routines are new to you, I have a blog post written up all about how to create a morning routine that works for your family.
I know that this can sound challenging if your kids aren’t early risers. But, I’m not implying that you need to wake them at the crack of dawn! Your morning routine needs to work for YOUR family. Maybe your kids wake up at 7:30 and your morning routine consists of sitting at the kitchen table together to have breakfast and read a devotional.
A good morning routine does not have to be complicated or fancy. It just needs to be something consistent that pulls everyone together. Every family will have different ways of accomplishing this, so don’t feel pressured to do anything that feels unnatural.
3. Educational Activities
Another simple way to prepare kids for a new homeschool year is to encourage some fun educational activities for the last few weeks of summer break. These can be as basic as reading some interesting books together, or going on a few field trips with some homeschooling friends!
By including some fun things that are also educational into their last few weeks of summer, it can help them to feel excited about the start of a new school year. It reminds them how fun homeschooling can be, and it gets them thinking about all the things that are to come.
Also, extracurricular activities serve as a great tool for transitioning back into a loose schedule. If there are activities your kids are involved in that take an extended break through summer, get your kids registered and back into them as soon as they are available again. They will help to set the stage for the new homeschooling year.
4. Start talking about school
This is by far the easiest way to help prepare your kids for the school year ahead!
Periodically, and at random times, start chatting with your kids about their school work. Ask them for input on some new curriculum, and be open to their opinions. Have them help you sort through their school supplies from the previous year to see what needs to be replaced. If this is your first year of homeschooling and you don’t have a previous school year to reference, just talk about all the fun things you will do together as a homeschooling family!
If you have older children, show them some of the lesson plans you’ve been looking at, or have them help you clean the homeschool room if you have one. (We don’t, we use the kitchen table!)
My point here is to just make the new homeschool year a frequent topic of discussion in your home. It doesn’t matter what the grade levels of your kids are, just start chatting with them about the coming year on a regular basis. This will begin to steer their thinking towards school and next year’s curriculum.
>>You may also enjoy: How To Choose The Best Homeschool Curriculum
5. Plan your homeschool year
The last way I have found to help prepare kids for a new homeschool year is to spend some time planning your year….and let them be a part of it! I have a post all about how to plan your homeschool year in 5 simple steps, that you may find very helpful!
Yes, if you have a bunch of little kids there is bound to be some planning that takes place during nap time or after bed. But as much as you can, let them see you research that new language arts curriculum, or take them to the homeschool thrift store to see what little treasures can be found! Even if including them in this process means that your planning takes a bit of extra time to complete, then so be it!
Remember, you’re planning THEIR homeschool year! Of course as homeschool moms, it’s a year for us as well. But don’t lose sight of the fact that this is their childhood and their education. You might be surprised at their answers if you start asking them for their input and ideas.
Letting them in on your homeschool planning to-do list, will also create a bit of a buzz around your home. As they become aware of the things you’re planning for their next school year, they will likely start to feel a little bit excited!
The ability for kids to have a say in what their year will look like is one of the many areas in which homeschooling is different from traditional school. So let them enjoy that privilege and have fun with it! Also, check out these budgeting tips for homeschool planning that will keep you from overspending, and also help you find free curriculum and resources!
Summary
In summary, the most important thing to remember when preparing your kids for a new homeschool year is to bring back some routine and get them involved. The more involved they are, the more invested they become.
You can’t expect your kids to turn off their summer brains with the flip of a switch. They need to be eased back into the routines and rhythms of the school year. And it’s really not that hard to do! Just be patient with them and give them plenty of time to make that mental shift.
As for you Mamma, take a deep breath as you head into this next homeschool year. It’s a good idea to read some encouraging books for homeschool moms and spend some time praying about the year to come. You have been called to this task of homeschooling, and you will be equipped along the way. You’re doing such important work and your kids are so lucky to have you!
Blessings!
~Maryann
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