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Planning During July Makes Life Easier in September

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 full-time 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. And this summer I have been busy reviewing lots of terrific products as a part of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, which has been a switch-up for us!

As a long-term homeschooler ~ as in 15 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 better year if they know everything is ready to go before the school year starts. 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 the above are solid 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 selfishly motivated. The way I see it, my job as a homeschooling mother is a tough job, a full-time job, a job that requires much from me on a daily basis. So anything I can do to make my job easier come the 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, as the homeschool mom, 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!)

Watch for more about planning in July to make September better in my next few posts. And watch for plenty of product reviews over the next few weeks - I have some neat stuff coming your way!

Lord bless you this July as you seek to glorify Him in your family's homeschool!

Day 198 done :)

Jan L. Burt

author of The Homeschooling Mothers Bible Study 

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