Homeschool Planning Then and Now
So I’ve been helping out in a few different online homeschool planning groups, and what is heartbreaking to see is just how scared new homeschoolers are. It got me thinking about my own experiences as a homeschool mom, and Yep! I was scared too, terrified even!
I thought about what has made a difference for me and allowed me to settle down and enjoy this homeschool life. As you keep reading, if you’re new to homeschooling and find yourself scared, know that you are not alone. It does get better. Hang in there! 🙂
What Homeschool Planning Once Looked Like For Me.
In the past, whenever I started homeschool planning for the next school year, I was always filled with anxiety. Homeschooling is anything but traditional, and when you are in complete control of all learning, it can be both thrilling and terrifying at the same time.
I say thrilling because now I realize I have the freedom to place all I believe is wholesome, necessary, and fulfilling before my children. And I say terrifying because inevitably, I would wear myself out with questions like:
- Am I doing enough?
- Can we fit it all in?
- Will I ruin my kids?
- Will my kids end up hating me? Yeah, I went there.
For years, I wore myself out with worry, usually beginning in January and lasting until August. (my book hoarding months) I do not do that anymore. Not that I do not ever have to beat back anxiety. Still, I have learned a few things that have simplified the process and given me the peace I need while simultaneously giving my kids the education they need. For me, it has been a win-win that has meant everything 😊
What I Thought I Needed When Homeschool Planning.
There was a time when I thought a successful school year was dependent upon whether or not I had ALL the resources I thought I needed. (More like wanted, now is probably a good time to confess I am a curriculum junkie. I can’t seem to get enough!! But anyway, 😅)
I would go to great pains and lengths to research THE BEST curriculum and THE PERFECT fit for my child. Once I decided what I thought I “simply must have,” I would spend months trying to figure out a way to make it happen. I would work, fast, pray and many times not even sleep.
I’ll never forget one particular year when I DID IT! I got it ALL! Every last thing. You name it, and I got it!
For weeks (before the new school year started), I endeavored to make a schedule that would fit it all in. While I was so excited and determined to make it work, it wasn’t long before it became apparent that it was no use. Even though I fasted, prayed, cried, and tried. To my utter disbelief and amazement, I found that with all those beautiful, expensive resources, there simply wasn’t enough time to complete them. You wouldn’t believe how stressed out I was.
Sometimes, when you
ask(beg) God for something long enough, He gives it to you. If for no reason other than to show you in love, why He was saying no in the first place.
Lesson learned.
I’ll never forget that summer. That lesson was a turning point in our homeschool. One which I am sure my children (and husband) are also grateful I finally learned.
What I Realized I Actually Needed More Than Anything When Homeschool Planning.
As I sit here pondering what I could say to help you with homeschool planning, I know in my heart that the thing that helped me the most was learning to trust.
Specifically, trust the truth that God loves my children and wants what is best for them even more than I do.
The more I trust that God loves my children and me more than I ever could, the more I am at peace.
You see, it is partly knowing myself, knowing my children, having a good curriculum, and having a great schedule. But the truth is, I could have all of that and still fail miserably.
On the other hand, I have experienced that I could have none of that and trust that God will provide for us what we need when we need it. I have been amazed to see that he does every.single.time.
He is a good God, and he loves us. He has never failed and never will.
So trust. And yes, trust the process. Trust the GOD of the process. What I love about homeschooling is that it is His design. God created families. He created parents. And then He entrusted them with children from the very beginning.
Think about it for a moment and let it sink in. That means God trusts us. And that means GOD trusts YOU!
God trusts YOU!
Trust in the LORD with all your heart: And lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3: 5-6
God gives us children and then asks us to trust him.
In essence, God trusts us… to trust Him… to show us the way.
That’s pretty cool right there!
Is the Best Year Ever Really Possible?
I approach every new school year with the desire that it be “the BEST year EVER!” I have always done that. While I know it may very well not be (the best year ever), the desire and proclamation to be so open the door to the possibility. So far, every year has gotten better and better!
Is this because of the desire and declaration alone? No, not exactly. I want to highlight the realization that we are ever growing, ever learning, which allows us to get better and better every year. And by that standard, yes, it can be the best year ever, year after year.
You can always get better if you don’t ever ARRIVE (or think you have). Pretty neat, right?
Yes, But Practically Speaking, What Do We Need When Homeschool Planning?
Okay, If you were sitting on my porch with me and said, “Tammy, walk me through your process, please.” I would say.
- Subscribe to my newsletter, which will allow us to communicate easily 😊
- If you haven’t already, read my Beginner’s Guide to Homeschooling.
- If you get stuck while reading the guide, reply to my latest newsletter with any questions you have.
Beyond that…
When Homeschool Planning Evaluate the Previous Year.
Every year I evaluate the previous year. What worked and what didn’t. I keep what does and toss what doesn’t. Next, I have a conversation with each child. I ask questions like:
- What did you enjoy last year?
- What did you not like?
- What are you interested in learning next year?
- What personal goals do you have?
Then I decide if any holes need to be filled.
If You Haven’t Already, Figure Out How You Like to Teach.
I learned early on that I don’t particularly like teaching math. So I stop wasting money on teacher-dependent curriculum (We have used and love Teaching Textbooks for years.) Although now that my youngest has expressed she loves it when I teach math, I am finding I do enjoy teaching math to her, but only because she enjoys it so much.
Then Determine How Your Children Prefer to Learn.
Do they enjoy learning with mom or independently without mom? For example, in my home, one child wants complete autonomy. (She’s a senior.) My son just wants a to-do list, and my youngest daughter wants me to work alongside her from start to finish. They all need a little balance, but it’s good to lean into their desires most of the time. It makes for a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Reassess How Much Time You Have.
Invariably, as the family grows and changes, how much time you have will change every year.
- What holidays will you participate in?
- When will you take breaks?
- How many days of the week will you homeschool core subjects?
- When will independent work take place?
- What time of day will you work on mom-child subjects?
Leave Room For Fun Learning.
The homeschool word for fun learning is delight-directed learning. I don’t know who first coined the term, but boy does it make a difference in our homeschool! I urge you to make room for it and set aside time when delight-directed learning typically will happen in your home.
The wonderful thing about delight-directed learning is that you don’t have to schedule it because if children are truly delighted, they will continue studying and working at it almost to the point of annoying you. I’m Serious.
Imagine your student who won’t give up the computer today may be an award-winning novelist tomorrow. My girls are forever sketchpad in hand. Church, dinner, friends, it doesn’t matter. But the skills they have to show for it. Wow! (and yes, I’m probably biased, but I can barely draw a stick man, so.)
The point is that we, as moms, must remember not to overschedule their days so they have time for delight-directed learning. If we forget, we may not leave room for it as we pile on math, history, science, reading, etc.
And For Mom
Are you leaving time for you to nurture your soul? Exercise, worship, prayer, hobbies, a simple cup of coffee! Or two! Have a little time for yourself that is non-negotiable. You’ll be so thankful you did.
Now That You Know What Time You Have, Decide on Goals.
I like to simplify and categorize goals for each child by
Academic goals
- core subjects
- math – master multiplication table or finish algebra
- reading – phonics or spelling
Character goals
- self-care
- self-discipline
- getting along with others
Choose the Curriculum that Will Get it Done
There is a saying in this house that my husband began years ago. Whenever one of us comes to a personal or family situation that threatens to overwhelm us, he’ll say, “Let’s Break it down. Make it plain. Keep it simple.” It’s such a blessing that the kids have him as a dad because if not for him, my natural inclination would be, “Let’s, Make it harder. Keep it complicated. And then Break Down.” 😂 His way is so much better.
Break it down.
~Bryant P.egram
Make it plain.
Keep it simple.
What that means for us in this situation is to choose the curriculum that will get it done in the simplest way possible. Simple doesn’t always mean easy, though sometimes it does. The unique thing about the word simple is that it is kind of like the word balance, which means that what is simple for me may be as complicated as all get out for you. Find a resource that makes it simple for you.
My go-to resources for all things homeschooling curriculum are:
I have enjoyed reading Cathy Duffy’s thoughts on curriculum throughout the years.
That said, the ladies at Rainbow Resource have been spot-on repeatedly, often recommending books and items that I would not have known about otherwise. They have a Live Chat and a number that you can call and share with them your specific goals and needs. I highly recommend starting there if you don’t know where to begin as you search for your curriculum.
Conclusion
Okay, so we covered a TON of information in this homeschool planning post. Yet, I feel like we only scratched the surface. It’s vital to remember the practical lessons and the reality that God is with you and will help you. ALWAYS.
You can do this, Mama!
Remember, God loves you and trusts you! He’s a good God, and we can trust Him too!
If you were sitting here with me, I’d be inclined to give you a hug 🤗 and tell you I’m praying for you!
What a gift you are to your children!! Blessings to you!
May this be your BEST year EVER!! ~Tammy
I will return to this topic and do a more in-depth post on weekly scheduling. I love that a homeschool lifestyle can be reasonably effortless once you get a good rhythm and routine. Not that hard learning isn’t taking place, but the fight to the learning table, so to speak, is over. And doesn’t that sound nice? Stay tuned 🙂
Tammy, you’re so spot on with the need to find something we love to teach first! I tried so hard to fit it all in and focus on what I thought we needed instead of what we actually both enjoyed. Once I let go of that, daily learning got so much smoother.
Hi Kimberli! Thanks for reading and sharing. It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who has had to learn the hard way. It really is so much easier now.
Best wishes for 2023! ~Tammy