Back To School Hints

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Summer lends itself to later bedtimes and flexible schedules.  Two weeks before school begins, get your kids back into a bedtime routine.  Start by gradually putting them to bed 15 minutes earlier each night until you are back to your normal school year bedtime. And DON”T forget to schedule in a “read to me” time each night!

One of the “perks” of homeschooling is schedule flexibility, but this can  be a problem.  Children need and respond better to a set schedule.  If expecations are clearly defined as to when their lessons will start and end each day, there is no need for debate or discussion.  Develop a schedule and stick to it, especially during this first month of back to school lessons.

In working with home school parents, it often seems the kitchen table becomes the home school setting.  This is great, but be sure to set a “school mood” within that area.  

It is a good idea to store books and supplies in a storage bin that you can put up and take down in an organized manner as needed. The bin should be stocked with the same list of supplies you would need for the classroom....paper, pencils, crayons, glue sticks, scissors, subject folders, etc.

You are now your child’s educator.  Respect this wonderful opportunity and give it the

attention it deserves.  This means you need to review and prepare your lessons BEFORE you present them to your child, just as any classroom teacher would do.

Make sure you have all the supplies you  need ready to go for your child each day.

As the saying goes, “it takes a village.”  Reach out to other homeschool families in your area for ideas and support.  Plan “field trips” and play dates where you can share activities, ideas, and information.  And keep posted on when I will be offering “skype” sessions to help you out!