I think it’s that time of year for a lot of homeschoolers — the end of the school year is in sight (even if, for some of us, it’s still two months or more away) and we’re starting to get antsy to start planning for next school year.
Around the country, curriculum fairs and homeschool conventions have popped up and our visions turn toward next school year. What will we study? What books will we need? What do I want to change? What really worked for us this year? Will we add in new subjects or courses of study?
It’s overwhelming and exciting, all at the same time, isn’t it?
Here is my plan for getting ready for next school year:
1. Reflect on the current school year. I will look back to figure out what worked and what didn’t. If something worked, I’ll think about why it worked. If something didn’t work, I’ll also try to figure out what that was.
2. Look through our book shelves, cabinets, and closets. I think it’s safe to say that I’m not the only homeschooler who has bought something and forgot that I did. Or, perhaps I remember that I bought it, but we just never got to it in a certain school year. Once I gather up all of those hidden things, I’ll decide what I will use next year and what just might not be the right fit for us after all.
3. Attend a homeschool convention. I will admit that while I should probably go see some speakers, I will likely spend the vast majority of my time in the vendor hall. I love the opportunity that it gives me to really see the materials that I have only read about online. (Before going to a convention, be sure to check out Tips From My Very First Homeschool Convention and Surviving Curriculum Fairs.)
4. Gather up all of the materials and plan. This will be the most lengthy of my steps. I will look through each book or program and decide how much I want to get done next school year. If it is a workbook that I want us to get done with in one school year that has 90 lessons, I will write myself a note that we will need to do one lesson every other day, for example.
Now, the beauty of homeschooling is that everyone has their own methods and unique flair. So, what other things do you do to prepare for next school year? You can leave comments here or post on your blog and leave us a link.
Angie can be found writing about faith, family, and household management topics at Many Little Blessings. She is also starting to get a little too giddy waiting to go to her first homeschool convention of 2010 soon.
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Great post. I have been thinking about next year as well. Our homeschool convention is the 2nd week of April!
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..Links I Like: 6th Edition =-.
I can’t believe our first year of homeschool will be done in May. Just today I was looking over my son’s completed work notebook and it brought so much joy knowing myself and my husband were 100% involved in all of it! We have all learned so much together and we are anxious to plan our next year too! I have been writing and organizing ideas and taking notes all year of curriculums I am interested in and what we may want to venture into. Thank you for a great site!
I am browsing catalogs and waiting for our convention in July :) I hope to make 36 weekly plans for next year… we’ll see!
.-= Angela @ Homegrown Mom´s last blog ..10 Signs That You May Need a Break =-.
Next year will be my first year homeschooling (K and 2nd). We just made the decision and it seems like it’s a good time of year to do so…
Loved the post. I like to be organized, so it’s nice to have step by step directions on how to get going. Right now I’m reading information on what my kids should be learning over the next year, and comparing that with what they already know. I’ve decided what philosophy I’m going to try out and I’m looking at different subjects that I think will work for our first few units.
We’re going to be moving this summer (from GA to WA) so I don’t want to buy too much before the move, but I’m eager and excited!
Being a planner-addict, I LOVE getting ready for next year! Thanks for all the tips and a look at what you do. It makes me want to get planning.