I can hardly believe it's almost time to start another homeschool year, but here we are! I’ve been doing some of my favorite (and not-so-favorite) prep work to help us ease back into the school rhythm with a little more peace and a little less chaos.
Preparing for the new school year takes me about an hour of each day in the two weeks or so before school begins. I'm always glad I did it. It not only helps me feel on top of the home and school before starting new routines that may require problem-solving and adjustment, it also helps shift my mindset back into school mode (which I often need at the end of a summer of adventure!).
How I Prepare for a New School Year
Here are a few ways I prepare my home, head, and heart for the year ahead.
Deep clean the house
I know it won’t stay spotless, but there’s something about starting fresh after the summer fun (aka the outdoors coming in) that helps my mind and heart feel clearer, too.
I also use this time to take note of any autumn clothing each child will need. I wait to shop until the Labor Day sales, but I like having my list at the ready (and not having to do that once we are in the swing of school).
Prepare make-ahead breakfasts
Mornings are crucial in our homeschool because of what gets done before the kids are even awake. This is when I pray with my husband, have my personal prayer, exercise, get ready for the day, and prepare breakfast. If I can make that last point as streamlined as possible, I don't feel as rushed!
So in the final days of summer, I double biscuit batches and quiches so we have two weeks of breakfasts ready to go. It just helps those first mornings feel smoother while we’re getting back in the groove.
Clean off the school shelves
Out with the old, in with the new! I pull last year’s books, giving everything a good dusting, and arranging this year’s books by child so we can hit the ground running (especially helpful for those who can work independently).
Review our schedule with my husband
We sit down and talk through our outside activities, transportation, and commitments. It helps us get on the same page before the full swing of fall hits.
I also deeply value my husband's perspective on my blind spots and his relentless pursuit of my wellbeing as we start a new year.
Revisit our homeschool goals
Even after all the curriculum and books have arrived, I want to remember what the main thing is this coming year. It refocuses me once again on what we are actually pursuing through home education.
I love pulling out our Prayerfully Plan Your School Year pages and praying through what this year might hold. If you haven’t grabbed the free download yet, you can do that here!
Create our Morning Menus
These little menus help my kids know exactly what to expect during Morning Time and foster a sense of responsibility and ownership. Each one is tailored to their age and ability—and they can decorate them with a few stickers, of course!
Gather toddler treasures
I like to set aside a small bin of special toys that only come out during Morning Time. It’s like toddler Christmas every day, and it gives me a better shot at keeping the big kids focused.
What should I add to this year's basket? I'd love your recommendations!
Curate my Mother’s Morning Basket
I refresh my Mother's Morning Basket with my Bible, a few new books, some old favorites, and a beautiful way to anchor myself before the day begins.
Stock up on supplies
Pencils mysteriously disappear in our house (anyone else?), so I make sure we’ve got a good stash, along with fresh paper and art supplies ready for all the creativity.
I also make sure my children have all the required supplies and set-up for our co-op.
Set up the kids’ planners
We sit down together and walk through each of their Catholic Student Liturgical Planners. My big kids approach planing differently, so it's good to help set them up for success accordingly. It’s one of our favorite traditions and really helps them take ownership of their days.
Are you prepping for a new school year too? I’d love to hear what you do to get ready!
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