Creating a Gentle On-Ramp Back Into Homeschooling Planning

I needed a break from my teaching job this summer. I needed a rest from constantly holding so much information and responsibility. I could feel myself getting close to burnout again and so I took the summer off. I decided to just be Mom to my kiddos. Not teacher, planner, homeschooler, and doer of all the educational things. Just mom. The kind that plays games, sets up the kiddie pool, makes pasta salads, buys popsicles, and surprises them with popcorn and movie afternoons. I think it has been just what we all needed. I have gotten to know my kids with fresh eyes and a new perspective.

See how I came to this decision: Taking a Summer Break from Homeschool

It has been a great summer, but…now I need to pick up that job of homeschooling again. We have decided to live the homeschooling lifestyle. It is a job that I have chosen and I continue to see the benefits of (regardless of the long hours and intense work).

So, how do I transition back into the role of homeschool mom as we head into Back-To-School season? How can I ease into the rhythms of planning, curriculum shopping, school days, math lessons, grading, and teaching phonics?

"On-ramps make space for gentle transitions. They provide direction for our next thing as we move forward into the next season or next event. It prevents the overwhelm from hitting us all at once. We can keep momentum without getting paralyzed in fear or doubt." 
                        - Jalynne (my writer friend and fellow homeschool mom)

I first heard about on-ramps in transitions from Kendra. Here is a podcast that I found helpful last summer: from Kendra Adachi #115 PRESENT SUMMER, PREPARED FALL

Gentle On-Ramps into Homeschooling

To get back into my role as a homeschool teacher and planner I plan to shift my focus to a few life-giving activities. I find joy, inspiration, and excitement from other homeschoolers who approach this lifestyle in a similar way. This is easy for me because I have been homeschooling for over 12 years. I have my lists of resources that I love and a stack of books I go back to each fall.

If you are not sure where to start this will help: New to Homeschooling? – Start Here

For this year, around mid-July, I will begin switching my mindset. I will go from “Summer Mode” to my on-ramp into “Back-To-School season”. I will shift from writing, household projects, and summer fun to my Homeschooling job.

My plan for the rest of July looks like this: [see my favorite links below]

Slowly add in homeschooling books and resources to my evening reading time.
Spend time with other homeschoolers talking about homeschooling. This is social and strategic networking for my job. It is more than hanging out a the pool with a friend.
Begin browsing catalogs and Homeschool curriculum sites. (but not spending money yet)
Have relaxed conversations with the kids about what they are interested in for next year. Gather their input and listen to their ideas.
Listen to homeschool podcasts while folding laundry or doing the dinner dishes.
Attend the AZ Homeschool Convention (July 14th – 16th)
Take notes and journal about what I want our year to look like.

Then in late July I will purchase the curriculum and do all of the detailed planning.

(you can see this for more info on my process: Homeschool Planning)

My Resources for Homeschool Inspiration:

I love to listen to a podcast or read a book from these educational role models.

These women inspire me to push forward and remind me why I choose this lifestyle.

Maybe something here will be inspirational to you as well. I recommend that you find your people and soak in the wisdom of others. We are not meant to homeschool alone!

Books that I love:

Keeping a Nature Journal
The Read-Aloud Family and Teaching from Rest by Sarah Mackenzie
Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola
Better Together by Pam Barnhill
Well Educated Mind by Susan Wise Bauer
For the Children’s Sake by Susan Macaulay
The Brave Learner by Julie Bogart
Awakening Wonder by Sally Clarkson
How Many Times Do I Have To Tell You? by Rachel Carmen
Creative Correction by Lisa Whelchel

Podcasts that inspire me:

Conventions & Events I have attended and enjoyed:

Also see this article for ideas: Practical Tips for Attending a Homeschool Convention

AFHE – Highly recommended for those who are in the Arizona area
Great Homeschool Conventions – There are a variety of locations and meetings for these. (I attended the one in California a few years ago and we made it into a weekend retreat at the beach. Yay!)
Wild + Free – This is more of an encouraging retreat and a meeting of moms. Absolutely worth it if you can get tickets.
Local Events & Curriculum sales – Here is my favorite: HSF Used Book Sale
Online events – I have attended a variety of online only events and have learned so much!
Schole Sisters – This is an online community with a virtual retreat in the summer.

Each year has been different. No matter when we start we work hard and get the work done. Sometimes we go back to school in late July because of the heat and our vacation plans. Other times I have waited until after Labor Day. I enjoy the flexibility of creating our homeschool year to match our plans as a family.

I have found giving myself a break and then creating gentle on-ramps back into school is helpful for me. No matter when I decide to take time off or do my homeschool planning, this rhythm has been good for me.

What will your transition into the Back-To-School Season look like for you?

What do you read or listen to for homeschool inspiration?

This on-ramp is a gift to me and my household. It is a kindness to my future self. Our society treats transitions like a dunk in a tank of ice water. Fast, cold, abrupt, and shocking to our systems. Then we wonder why we can’t keep up. We cannot be cheerful about a difficult task that we are not ready for.

Know that I am praying for you in this busy season. 💙

📋Happy Planning!- April

P.S. – Here is a post that will help you with moving your kids and your home into Back to School mode.

3 Ways We Say Goodbye to Summer Break – 3 practical tips and free printables

Photos by Taylor Heery and others on Unsplash