Our Homeschooling Changes for This School Year

Homeschooling has become one of my favorite unexpected adventures.

Here are 3 things we want to implement this school year to foster learning and relationships in our home.

We are down to the final weeks of summer before diving back into school.. and honestly, I am so excited! My kiddos and I thrived last year once we got into the rhythm. This year, I feel much more prepared and have spent much of the summer thinking about how I wanted to do things differently this school year.

Our Homeschooling Background

Last year, we started our homeschooling journey. Like most families, if you had told us before having kids that we would homeschool to any degree, I would have said you were crazy. But again, like many other families, that changed once my kids got closer to school age.

We wanted more autonomy over our schedules, what we were learning, and ultimately— having more time with our kids.

BUT, I also had reservations. There are really awesome things about traditional school that I wanted my kids to experience. I also work as a nurse and have a business, and the reality is I love those roles and do not feel the Lord is asking me to step away from them in this season.

So, that led us to apply to a private hybrid homeschool program in our area. My daughter goes 2 days a week in person, and we do curriculum 2 days a week at home. Unlike other homeschooling setups, this school picks all the curriculum and outlines which lessons we do each week. I absolutely love it. For our family, it really is the best of both worlds.

So before diving into how we are changing up our homeschooling days, it’s really important to note that the way we homeschool is different than families that 100% homeschool independently from a program. And that is okay! I think the awesome opportunity for homeschooling- to any degree- is the freedom and the options is allows each unique family and child.

Our Homeschooling Changes for This Next Year

Last year, my daughter was in pre-K. My husband and I were pretty set on not having a rigorous school schedule and making sure that independent play, creative opportunities, and following her lead were the foundation. We want education to be something fun and exciting, especially at such a young age.

That said, she craved more. She wanted to learn to read at 4, so we gently implemented more phonics. She started asking more questions that proved to us she was ready for more depth to certain topics.

So this year, we are leaning in a bit more while still trying to prioritize play and informal learning opportunities. Here are 3 things we are implementing this homeschool year for our family.

1. More Routine

   Last year, we had about one (ish) dedicated hour of homeschool on our home days. But again, this year we are looking for a little more structure and routine. We hope that implementing this structure from a young age will help in years to come.

   We have a Skylight calendar in the kitchen, and it is kind of becoming our “command center”. Each child has their “to-do list” for the day, so they can independently know what is expected of them.

   At the time of writing this, my youngest is 3. His “daily responsibilities” are to feed the dog, put his shoes away, and honor his family. As my kids get older, we have just slowly added more.

2. Monthly Unit Studies

   I am really excited about unit studies this year! From our last school year, we have developed great relationships with some of the other families. Each month we are going to have a theme. In September, we are doing apples. October, pumpkins/ fall season, November is gratitude and serving, etc.

   For each unit study, I plan on doing a themed craft, some themed books from the library, and on-theme cooking. Not necessarily all of them each week, but just sprinkled through the month!

   Some of my favorite resources for finding high-quality unit studies are:

   • TreeHouse SchoolHouse

   • HoneyBee Homeschool

   3. Friday Fun Days

   One of my big desires for homeschooling is time with my kids. Time to make memories, have quality time, and build bonds that last into their teenage and adult years. I really believe that the time to foster those relationships is right now while they are young.

   Each Friday (or I should say most), we are planning an outing. Not all of them are anything crazy elaborate or expensive. Actually, I am trying really hard to take advantage of free community events and activities.

   Some of the “Fun Days” we are planning include:

   • library activity days

   • going to the park with friends

   • going to the community pool

   • visiting orchards (ideally paired up with our monthly unit study)

   • children’s museum

   • the zoo

   I have found since becoming a parent that if I don’t put things on my calendar, they just don’t happen. So, I’m trying to intentionally schedule these in because they are a priority for my husband and me.

What are some things you are doing differently this school year? Or better yet, what are things you have implemented that your family has loved? I am suuuch a newbie in this homeschooling space so I love all the insight and wisdom from moms who have decades of experience

Kaelyn

latest on the blog…