Ready to start the new homeschool year? Consider these 7 questions that can help you evaluate your last year and plan the upcoming one.
The buzz about choosing new curriculum for the next school year is already around me, tempting me into the world of All Things New and Shiny. Meanwhile, I'm just trying to make sure we finish the math books by June!
Although the thought of new books makes me giddy, finishing a school year and planning for the next one can feel overwhelming. Everything sounds exciting. How do you wade through the myriad of options to make a good curriculum decision?
Before you enter a buying frenzy, I encourage you to take a few moments to reflect on this past school year. Looking back to look ahead is always helpful as you set new goals.
Make sure you plan for the school year you actually want to have. Here are 7 key questions to help with planning your homeschool year:
1. Are You and Your Children Enjoying the Learning Process?
If you find yourself, or your kids, dreading school time, it might be time for a change. Homeschooling should be engaging, not exhausting.
Not enjoying your current curriculum? Consider switching. Sonlight is designed to make you and your children fall in love with learning. We choose books that engage the whole family and make kids want to keep learning. When literature-rich curriculum captures their imagination, children naturally want to go back for more, and that's when real learning happens.
2. Are You Making Progress in Your Homeschool Year?
When planning your homeschool year, you need to know your child's progress so you can approach the year ahead in the best way. You can monitor growth through several important markers:
- Observe your children's work from the beginning of the year compared to now.
- Have conversations with your children about what they are learning.
- Use placement tests and assessments to measure reading and math progress.
- Take a standardized test (though those tests are often not he best markers of what a child has learned).
- Celebrate other milestones like completing a challenging book independently or showing increased confidence in a subject.
3. What Have You Learned About Your Children's Learning Styles?
How do they seem to take in information and remember it? What motivates them?
Understanding how each child learns best is crucial when planning your homeschool year. Some children are visual learners, while others are auditory or kinesthetic learners. Identifying these preferences helps you choose curriculum and teaching methods that work with your child's natural strengths.
4. Where Did Your Children Excel This Year?
While planning your homeschool year, ask yourself: How can you build on these areas and maximize them?
Recognizing and celebrating your children's strengths helps you plan strategically for the year ahead. Did your daughter devour every history book? Consider adding more biographical reading. Did your son show aptitude in science experiments? Look for ways to expand hands-on learning. Building on strengths creates confident, motivated learners.
Consider creating a memory book to document and celebrate these achievements throughout the year. This can act as a great keepsake and a progress/strengths tracker.
5. What Are Your Children's Growth Areas?
Where did they struggle? What resources can you bring in to alleviate and help?
Every child has areas where learning feels harder. The key is being proactive in providing the right support as you plan your homeschool curriculum. Understanding why a child struggles helps you select targeted resources, adjust your teaching methods, or bring in outside help. Addressing growth areas early prevents small challenges from becoming major obstacles.
6. How Much Independence Are Your Students Ready For?
What level of independence are your students ready for as they study? Who needs the most attention? Which subjects require more one-on-one help? Do you need to make some adjustments to your schedule to make the days flow more smoothly?
As children grow, their needs change—and they can typically handle more independent work as they mature. A third-grader who needed constant supervision may be ready for some self-directed learning by fifth grade. Assessing each child's readiness for independence helps you allocate your time wisely when planning your homeschool schedule, especially if you're teaching multiple grade levels.
Consider which subjects naturally lend themselves to independent work and which require more direct instruction. Rearranging your schedule to match these needs can transform chaotic days into smooth, productive ones.
For older students, learn how to create a homeschool high school plan that gradually increases independence.
7. What Are Your Top 3-5 Goals for Homeschool Planning?
If you could pick 3-5 areas to focus on this year, what would those be? They may address academics, character, experiences, or other forms of growth.
Think about each child and consider what they need most next year, socially, spiritually, academically, etc. How can you plan your year to prioritize those specific goals? When you clarify your top priorities, you can plan your homeschool year to specifically support those goals rather than trying to do everything at once.
Once you've taken some time to reflect, grab your spouse and spend some time thanking God for what He has done in your family over the last year, and make goals for your new year. When my husband and I discuss this each year, it usually involves ice cream late at night, so we look forward to these Very Official Meetings.
Pray for your family and the opportunity you have to invest in your children. Then start looking for the curriculum that fits your learning/teaching style, values, and goals.
