With the arrival of June, many homeschoolers are ready to take a break of some kind. We used to homeschool year-round, but as my kids got older, we’ve fallen into a rhythm of taking a longer break. They want to go to camps and work summer jobs. Their coursework is primarily tied to our co-op, which has concluded for the year. It makes sense to take a break. However, even when they were young, the beginning of summer was a great time to reset for the coming season.
Sort Your Stuff
Open your homeschool box (boxes, cart, cabinet, closet, or room – whatever you’ve), and have your kids help gather homeschool-related items from the rest of the house. Designate separate areas for items that require grading and recording, one for commonly used items to store away, one for long-term storage, and a box for items to be sold or passed on. Also, set aside a trash can. Start sorting. Don’t overthink it. If you are overwhelmed, set a timer and work until it goes off. Then take a break. Enlist the help of your children in putting away, storing, carrying, and discarding items.
Grades and Portfolios
Take your pile of work that needs to be graded or recorded, and sort it by kid and subject. In the great state of Oklahoma, we all keep records in our way and loosely. I always kept a few of the best pieces of my kids’ work from each subject, but not all of it. High school work, in particular, requires grading and accurate record-keeping. You’ll find your way of keeping records. We have more ideas here.
Transcript for High School
If you have a high school student, you’ll want to keep tests or other evidence of course completion, such as papers and a book list. You’ll catch up on your grading and enter their grades into their transcripts. It won’t take as long as you think, and it will be a weight off your shoulders. Additionally, when you suddenly need to send a copy of the transcript to the car insurance company for a discount, it will be readily available.
Inventory School Supplies
Take a few minutes now and survey what you have left of last August’s school supply stash. Will you need to buy pencils but not crayons when the sales start at the end of the summer? Do you need markers or art supplies? Have your kids advanced in math to the point where they need graph paper and a compass for algebra or geometry? Will you need a different calculator? Now is the time to take note of what you need, create a list, and plan your purchases so that you can budget for them effectively.
Make a List of Things You’ll Need in the Fall
Additionally, on the budgeting front, consider the items you’ll need to purchase for next year and plan accordingly.
Make your list of books to buy, programs to subscribe to, classes to take, and activities in which your students will participate. You can watch for companies that offer summer sales and make your purchases at that time, rather than paying full price.
Now that you’ve completed these four tasks, you can set aside your school brain for a few weeks (or months) while you thoroughly enjoy summer with your family, learning as you go.
