Back to school for homeschool is right around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll be organizing your homeschooling year. Whether you’re a new homeschool parent or an old pro homeschooler, these helpful tips will help you make sure that your home becomes an encouraging environment for learning and thriving for the whole the school year, starting right from the first day of school!
BEST BACK TO SCHOOL FOR HOMESCHOOL TIPS
Use these back to school homeschool ideas and tips to make your school year a success!
Back to School for Homeschool Tip #1: Take time to understand the materials that are best suited for your each of your child’s needs.
All children learn differently which means they need different things to succeed in school. Some kids love hands-on activities while others prefer more traditional approaches like reading textbooks.
Don’t just stick with what worked well last year because there’s no guarantee that it will work again this time around!
(And, at the same time, don’t just switch homeschool curriculum because something else looks shiny and more fun!)
GRAB OUR FREE CURRICULUM CHECKLIST
Back to School for Homeschool Tip #2: Learn how to use back to school sales to stock up on school supplies for all year.
You probably already shop back-to-school sales and grab those deals on school supplies. But, did you know as homeschoolers we have the ability to wait until we get the absolute best deals?
LEARN WHAT TO BUY DURING BACK TO SCHOOL SALES (AND SECRET TIPS ON HOW TO SAVE EVEN MORE)
ALSO CHECK OUT: Ultimate Back To School Sales Homeschool Tips and Hacks
Back to School for Homeschool Tip #3: Make use of technology for homeschooling.
Today’s homeschool parents can make use of all the free resources that the internet has to offer such as Khan Academy, TED Talks, various online libraries, virtual field trips and so much more.
(Two of our favorite online resources: Night Zookeeper and Great Courses Plus.)
The best part is you can stream or download them right to your computer from your home, the library, or anywhere you’re traveling!
LOOKING FOR THE BEST HOMESCHOOL COMPUTER? CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE SO YOU DON’T WASTE MONEY
Back to School for Homeschool Tip #4: Set up a designated work space or homeschool classroom that works best for your family.
As homeschoolers, your kids are going to learn all over the house (and even outside). However, even if you don’t have a designated homeschool classroom, you should created a designated area for supplies and books — even if it’s just an area that’s cleared off in the living room or dining room or a rolling portable cart.
Having a centralized location for homeschool supplies will really save time (and your sanity).
You may also find these helpful:
How To Set Up A Homeschool Room On a Budget
10 Examples of How to Put a Homeschool Room Study Area in a Bedroom [WITH PICTURES]
35 AMAZING Homeschool Room Ideas for Small Spaces
Back to School for Homeschool Tip #5: Work on a homeschool schedule with your kids.
Establish a routine that works best for your family.
Some homeschool families work best with a relaxed homeschool schedule.
Some kids (or homeschool parents) thrive on schedules and knowing what to expect. So, write out a schedule for them that details when school will be, when meals are, as well as chores and any other commitments they have. Be sure to include small breaks in between heavy studying blocks where they can get some exercise, do their chores or just relax.
The important thing is to work on a homeschool schedule with your kids and give them say in their education!
GRAB OUR FREE HOMESCHOOL SCHEDULE TEMPLATE
Back to School for Homeschool Tip #6: Help your homeschoolers set goals.
Again, it’s important to give your kids a say in what they learn. (As homeschoolers, we have that luxury!)
Start with a simple question: What would you like to learn this year?
Writing down goals can help your child stay on task and make sure they’re sticking with the plan.
Have them set goals for what they want to accomplish as well as smaller, more specific tasks that will help them reach those big milestones.
ALSO CHECK OUT: Happy First Day of Homeschool Activities and Ideas
Back to School for Homeschool Tip #7: Encourage independence.
As your homeschooler ages, they should be becoming more autonomous in their studies. This will be a big help to them as they go to college or take a job.
It’s okay if you need to occasionally step in if your child struggles with something, but let them handle it as much as they can. This will help build their confidence and allow them to be more self-sufficient in the future.
Have your child keep a notebook that they can write assignments down in, or if your child is older, have them use a scheduling program or the even the calendar on their phone.
TIP: Using a homeschool planner is one of the most successful ways my daughter became more independent.
Back to School for Homeschool Tip #8: Don’t try to do too much.
One of the biggest mistakes homeschoolers make (especially if you are a new homeschooling parent) is to try to do allllllllll the things. Your excitement for a new journey or homeschooling in general can sometimes translate to overbooking and planning too much on for your homeschooling schedule.
You should not be homeschooling 8 hours a day, 5 days a week!
ALSO READ THIS: Surprising Homeschool Hour Requirements: How Many Hours Should Homeschooling Take?
Back to School for Homeschool Tip #9: Refresh yourself on local homeschool laws and what is required by your state.
Each year, refresh yourself on local or state homeschool laws and regulations. How are you going to keep track of what needs to be submitted to the state?
Keep track of assignments and attendance. There’s nothing worse than getting caught up in the moment and forgetting something or missing an assignment altogether because it got buried under other papers, especially if you have to submit examples and paperwork to your state at the end of the year.
NEW TO HOMESCHOOLING? START HERE
Back to School for Homeschool Tip #10: Enjoy the ride, but be honest about homeschooling!
Homeschooling is a fabulous journey, but just like everything it has its ups and downs. When you’re having a down day (think: being sick, traveling, total meltdowns, etc.), take time off or do something else that helps kids learn in a fun way.
You don’t have to stick to your schedule or plans every second of every day. Don’t get overwhelmed by all of the work that needs to be done. Your child is growing up, and you can keep them on task without being too overbearing just for the sake of staying on task.
Repeat after me: you’re helping your kids develop a love of learning that will carry them through the rest of their lives, not just ticking off a checklist of TO DO items.
What are your best back to school for homeschool tips that get you through the beginning of the school year?
STARTING HOME SCHOOL? CHECK OUT OUR HOW TO HOMESCHOOL GUIDE
