5 Ways to Prepare for a New Homeschool Year

Whether you’re new to homeschooling or a well-seasoned pro, it can be difficult to know exactly what to do to prepare for your next homeschool year. This summer, use five simple steps to make planning an engaging homeschool year more manageable.

Pray.
Before you start planning, speak with God about the year you just finished, as well as the one that lies ahead. Reflect upon your experiences and seek His guidance as you make plans for the future.

Review your year.
Think back on your homeschool year and identify which strategies, activities, and lessons resonated well with your homeschooler. Use your strengths to determine which ideas to discard. Consider keeping a log filled with notes of this nature during your next homeschool year to make this process easier in years to come.

Learn what inspires your homeschooler.
Take a week and pay special attention as your child goes about his summertime fun. What gets him excited? What activities best hold his interest? At what time of day is he most attentive? Paying attention to these details during summer downtime helps you discern how your child learns best and what type of program is worth your investment.

Double-check laws in your state.
Whether you’re new to homeschooling or revamping your strategy, take a peek at homeschool laws in your state to make sure you’re up to date. Organizations like HSLDA provide an outline of homeschool laws by state for homeschoolers and special needs students.

Choose your curriculum.
Now that you know which teaching strategies work well, how your student learns best, and what laws to follow, do your homework to find a curriculum that fits your homeschool family. AOP curriculum is available in several formats that cater to a variety of learners. As you browse sites and shop around, sign up for email alerts to stay informed about curriculum sales.

What is your top homeschool planning tip?