With a new year comes some changes. Some new, some were put into motion at the beginning of the year. Some were big, some were small, but all were necessary. One of the biggest ones and the biggest tip I could give any homeschool mom is learning how to say NO. I spent year after year never saying no. We were involved and went to every event, every lunch invite, every extracurricular, every family meet up, everything. What this did was cause a lot of damage that was widespread. My kids weren't getting enough quality school time in like they should. There was no routine and class times were sporadic. If that would work for you or your family that's wonderful but for us, it doesn't. Friendships suffered as several were offended I wasn't spending enough time with them. I was burning more than both ends of the candle and was left depleted, exhausted, and depressed. I finally put my foot down and started saying no, and holding family time, school time, and rest for myself first. Did everyone understand? No. Matter of fact a few "friends" had some issues and....well...that let me know all I needed to know about the state of our friendship. Those who understood and never waivered were the true blue group I currently have in my corner. They are invaluable, and I love them dearly.
Our choices for curriculum changed this year as well. For several years I have struggled in some areas and this year it seems like the issues of the past will stay in the past. One was struggling to find a Language Arts program that incorporated all that I wanted while staying engaging for my children. Additionally, my children are Science fans but most choices were either too dry or didn't strike that happy balance I hoped for between secular and Christian. All of these issues were laid to rest when we stumbled upon The Good and The Beautiful last year. My children love the curriculum and it has all I have hoped for and searched for the past several years of homeschooling. Another turn of events was asking my children what did they think of different curriculum. Turns out, my oldest daughter struggles with learning math on the computer all of the time. So while we love Teaching Textbooks for my oldest, she needs to strike some balance and we switched up her math.
Organizing our learning area (AKA our dining room) also has been a huge help. It is one of the things that started during the last school year and has extended and made my heart happy. As much as I hate to admit it, it stemmed from a disagreement. My husband (whose job is to make plants work more efficiently) suggested labeling everything. At first, I balked and told him to not waltz into my area and tell me what to do. It was pride at best, not to mention plain stubbornness. However, in an attempt to follow his idea I did what he suggested and it worked! So we now have a well-labeled room--and I have to admit I thought I would hate it but we all love it.
And the last thing that my school days will return to having, is house points. The children asked for this and I have to admit it was a great motivator in the past and I think will work well again this year. Looking at their house flags on the wall makes us all smile. Being able to enjoy today, our last day of summer, without stressing over school has been amazing. It comes with a lot of prep well in advance and careful planning. At the same time, finding that happy balance of not planning too much has been a godsend as well. We are keeping it simple, with lots of free time to explore and read. This is the first year in several years where I am actually excited to start school and the kids don't dread it.
So while I sit and smile at my school area, I hope you are finding joy in whatever you are up to in your part of the world. If it happens to be educating, I wish you a successful and blessed year ahead.
