6 Ways to Launch Your Homeschool Week with Success

Are you a Monday morning person? Does the thought of a new week seem intimidating?

I admit that the prospect of preparing for another school week used to get me down. Even with the plans and schedules I had in place, I always felt like I was running around like a crazy person.

Then I realized that by making a few, simple changes, I no longer had to dread a new week. Instead, I found myself looking forward with anticipation.

1. Before You Begin Your Homeschool Week

Let's be clear. Just because something seems to work for everyone else, doesn't mean it will work for your family.

So before your week begins, take a few minutes to evaluate where you're headed. Start simply. Are there things that aren't working for your homeschool? Perhaps routines or curriculum you need to let go? Are there learning activities or books you want to add in?

Also, think about how you want your homeschool to feel. What thoughts and emotions do you want to evoke when you think about it?

And don't forget that a homeschool week in the fall will look completely different than a homeschool week in the spring. Keep seasons in mind.

2. What's Working in Your Homeschool

What's going well in your homeschool?

Notice when your children are excited and inspired. When does your home seem most peaceful and calm? What is fun and helps to build positive relationships within your family?

That.

Take that and do more of it. Just take it one day at a time.

3. Make Sure You Have the Essentials

Are you stocked up with homeschool essentials like paper, pencils, chocolate, and coffee?

And I'm not kidding about the coffee or the chocolate. Those items have been serious lifesavers.

Also, how is it that every Monday morning no one can find a pencil? Do we have pencil gnomes that come in the middle of the night and take them all? Perhaps a magical wardrobe to Narnia?

I imagine all the pencils are probably with those missing socks from the dryer.

I like to gather all the items we need for the week in a container and keep them where I can reach for them easily Monday morning. In this way, we are ready for every activity on our schedule.

4. Decide What Must Be Done

What are the non-negotiable things on your to-do list? These could include schoolwork, meals, and chores. You decide what must be done. Your essentials don't have to look like anyone else's.

For our family, that looks like chores, math, reading, writing, and spelling. Those things are required and that works for us.Your must-dos could be completely different, and that's okay.

5. Consider Your Homeschool Why

Your reasons for homeschooling will not look like anyone else's. Remember why you are doing this awesome, hard, wonderful thing.

Read up on what others are doing. Search out different ideas. Take all those concepts and borrow what sounds like a good fit for your kids.

But always remember your whyIt comes in handy when setting the tone for your week.

6. Plan for a Bad Day

Crummy days happen, folks. Moms get migraines. Kids feel unwell. Sometimes attitudes are at an all-time high and everyone is cranky.

Do you have a Bad Day Backup Plan in place?

For my bad days, I like to change our routine by pulling out some special activities. Here are a few examples:

• online art courses
• documentaries
• book/movie combos
• audiobooks
• games
• subscription boxes
• time outside in nature

Not all of these works every time. I like to mix and match based on how my kiddos and I are feeling. Find what works for your family and keep it in your back pocket, so to speak, for those tough days.

Remember the Big Picture

A little planning up front can pay huge dividends in the long run. Every week is different, but it will all work out. The important thing is to find what fits your family's needs, and you can launch a successful homeschooling week.

About the Author

I'm Erin, an introverted homeschooling mom to two intense extroverted kids. We are child led with a heavy emphasis on read alouds, games, art, nature hikes, and hands-on everything! My kids just learn better when they can use their hands. You can find me at Nourishing My Scholar.

We traded the hustle and bustle of city life for the quiet that only farm life can provide. This creates a wonderful environment for our children, complete with chickens, goats, ducks, and cows. I'm a huge fan of Harry Potter and Gilmore Girls. When we're not homeschooling, you'll find me curled up with a cup of coffee and a good book or possibly enjoying a random dance party in the front yard to the newest Disney soundtrack.