Summer is a time to relax and enjoy the outdoors. It can also be a time of reflection over the past school year. This is the perfect time to think about what the next year can hold for you and your family education.
I don’t know very many people who have the perfect school year, whether educating at home or in the classroom. It seems that there are always things that can be changed. Summer affords an opportunity to look at new options and plan things you want to change. Do some homework and figure out the best fit for you.
This is a good time to go to the library and get your hands on some good resource books. Books like the Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer or Cathy Duffy’s Top Picks can be a world of information when it comes to determining curriculum that’s right for you. Visit homeschool conventions to get your hands and eyes on curriculum options or see what might be available at your local library. This is also a good time to peruse educational websites.
Spend time reviewing the ups and downs of your previous year – what went well for you and what was a flop. Make a list so you can evaluate where changes need to be made. Just as an example, many new homeschool families like to start off with an all-inclusive type of curriculum. All-inclusive is nice because subjects are all in one place, but maybe the things included aren’t at the right learning level for your student. It isn’t that your all-inclusive program was bad, but now you know there are things in it that aren’t a good fit for you. Another example might be that you used the same publisher for all of your core subjects. This is nice because you are familiar with the format and you know what to expect, but you might find this to be boring for the student. It might be time to step out a bit and look at options from other publishers that also provide quality products.
Summer is a good time to talk to other parents who are homeschooling to find out their thoughts and ideas about different curricula. Go on a fact-finding mission about any curriculum in which you might be interested. This might help you save money in the long run because you aren’t purchasing things that aren’t a good fit. Just remember to weigh the information you gather against the needs of your family – what works for another family may not be the best for you.
Spend some time doing placement tests, if you will be switching curriculum. By doing the placement tests in the summer, students won’t be rushed or inundated with trying to keep up with their daily routine. It’s a little more relaxed to do them in the summer, and it gives mom and dad time to make determinations based on the information.
Lastly, but definitely not least, talk with mentors. For example, our state homeschool organization and HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) are a treasure trove of information. Chat with them about your students and the needs you need to meet during the next academic year. You can also call Rainbow Resource Center and ask for a consultant. We offer this free service to help narrow your curriculum choices based on the information you’ve gathered during your research. Happy Homework! We look forward to hearing from you!
