If you're like me, you don't homeschool year-round. I like to end our homeschool year some time in May and start up again in late August. That, however, is our actual academic schedule. I am always thinking about homeschooling ~ combing through our curriculum bookshelves, updating transcripts, reading books to encourage me as a homeschool mom...you get the idea.
As a long-term homeschooler ~ as in 20 years! ~ I can tell you that the time spent focused on your homeschool in July pays big dividends come September. First off, mom won't feel nearly so overwhelmed when facing the advent of the new academic year. Second, your kids will have a far better school year if they know everything is ready to go before the year begins. Third, your home will run more efficiently if you are totally prepared for the school year (by totally prepared, I mean caught up on laundry, have all the library books you need, meals are planned, all supplies have been purchased, etc). And your husband will probably be glad you took the time to plan ahead!
Now, all of those are excellent reasons to invest in your homeschool during July and reap the benefits in September. But the biggest reason I plan over the summer is because it makes my job easier. Yup, it's a purely selfish reason. And I'm willing to admit right here on my blog that I am a selfishly motivated homeschooling mom.The way I see it, my job as a woman who homeschools is a tough job, a full-time job, a job that requires so much from me on a daily basis. So anything I can do to make my job easier come fall, well, I'm all about that!
Use whatever tools work best for you; buy a planner that makes your job simpler, use a different colored high lighter for each of your kids appointments and assignments, have plenty of coffee in stock for those slow mornings that follow long nights with sick little ones or fussy babies. As long as you can afford it, and your hubby is all for it, spend a little of your homeschool budget to help make sure you, the homeschool mom and sole educator of your children, are ready to face the new year. (For me, that means a good planner, coffee, time with the Lord every morning before the school day begins, and, umm, new pens....which is weird, I know, but I LOVE brand new pens!)
Lord bless you this July as you seek to glorify Him in your family's homeschool!
Day 351 done :)
Jan L. Burt
author of The Homeschooling Mothers Bible Study
As a long-term homeschooler ~ as in 20 years! ~ I can tell you that the time spent focused on your homeschool in July pays big dividends come September. First off, mom won't feel nearly so overwhelmed when facing the advent of the new academic year. Second, your kids will have a far better school year if they know everything is ready to go before the year begins. Third, your home will run more efficiently if you are totally prepared for the school year (by totally prepared, I mean caught up on laundry, have all the library books you need, meals are planned, all supplies have been purchased, etc). And your husband will probably be glad you took the time to plan ahead!
Now, all of those are excellent reasons to invest in your homeschool during July and reap the benefits in September. But the biggest reason I plan over the summer is because it makes my job easier. Yup, it's a purely selfish reason. And I'm willing to admit right here on my blog that I am a selfishly motivated homeschooling mom.The way I see it, my job as a woman who homeschools is a tough job, a full-time job, a job that requires so much from me on a daily basis. So anything I can do to make my job easier come fall, well, I'm all about that!
Use whatever tools work best for you; buy a planner that makes your job simpler, use a different colored high lighter for each of your kids appointments and assignments, have plenty of coffee in stock for those slow mornings that follow long nights with sick little ones or fussy babies. As long as you can afford it, and your hubby is all for it, spend a little of your homeschool budget to help make sure you, the homeschool mom and sole educator of your children, are ready to face the new year. (For me, that means a good planner, coffee, time with the Lord every morning before the school day begins, and, umm, new pens....which is weird, I know, but I LOVE brand new pens!)
Lord bless you this July as you seek to glorify Him in your family's homeschool!
Day 351 done :)
Jan L. Burt
author of The Homeschooling Mothers Bible Study
Comments
Post a Comment