Summer Checklist – Start Off Your School Year Right

It’s almost time to start a new school year for those of us who begin at the end of summer. Our new school year begins in July, and I thought I’d share a few things that we do to prepare for the upcoming academic year. The list below is in no particular order and can be started at any time. I chose to do these in the last month of our school year, so I could enjoy an actual break during the summer.

• Organize homeschool curriculum: Use the time that you have off to read through teacher’s manuals to ensure that the program will work for your home. You might even want to prepare a few assignments for the upcoming school year in advance. Having a flexible outline of your first month’s lessons will keep things orderly and it can easily be adjusted as needed.
• Create a calendar: Include your family activities, co-op days, sports practices and games, church activities, etc. This can be something that you create in a planner and it is also helpful to have a version available for all the family to see.
• Declutter: Go through everything at least once a year and give away or sell things that you are not going to use.
• Plan field trips: You might not be able to narrow the specific dates down, but it is helpful to create a list of places that you would like to visit during the school year. Keep this in a folder, planner, or binder that you can refer to often whenever you are scheduling a field trip. Don’t forget that virtual field trips are available and are offered by many popular museums, aquariums, and other places around the world.
• Sign up for Rewards Programs: Check websites and mark your calendar for application deadlines for programs so your children don’t miss out on these opportunities. I always set a reminder in my phone calendar, as most of these deadlines pop up as or shortly after the summer ends.

I decided to check with our oldest son to see what tips he had to begin a successful school year. These are what he wanted to share with his peers.

• Create a reading list: I thought this was a great idea because reading is important for everyone in the family. Having a list also gives you a heads up on reserving books at the library.
• Give away things from your room that you no longer use: This definitely pairs well with decluttering and is a great opportunity to pass things down to younger siblings, family members, or neighborhood children. We donated several school items to our church homeschool co-op.
• Talk with your parents about your school education: This is a grand idea because these conversations gauge how your child is enjoying the curriculum, if any changes should be made, and gives insight in tailoring the lessons to their interests.

I truly hope that these tips from our household are helpful to your homeschool experience. Let’s raise our pencils and say, “Cheers to another successful year!” Happy homeschooling!

Ta’Neisha Kemp – I’m a proud wife that spontaneously serenades her husband in public. I’m a cool mom that has dance battles with her children. I’m the keep it real friend that doesn’t tell your business. I’m also the lady that cries actual tears while watching romantic comedies and reading books. If you’re a homeschool teacher that enjoys a quick “I totally understand” moment in between subjects and chores, then we just became best friends. I’m a proud believer, living a balanced life where taking care of my family is my ministry! Blog: Marriage, Motherhood, and Makeup http://married2kdk.wordpress.com