{"id":22065,"date":"2024-08-11T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-11T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/?p=22065"},"modified":"2024-09-20T10:24:25","modified_gmt":"2024-09-20T15:24:25","slug":"get-school-year-smooth-start","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/get-school-year-smooth-start\/","title":{"rendered":"New School Year? 6 Steps for a Smooth Start"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The new school year is right around the corner – if you haven’t started already. That first week or so back to school can be difficult after a more relaxed schedule and too much screen time<\/a>. (Tell me that it’s not just my house!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’ve been homeschooling since 2002. Over the years, I’ve picked up some tips for a smooth transition back to school. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting a new school year has its challenges, but it can be an exciting time for new goals and vision as well!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 6 Steps for a Great School Year Launch<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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1. Don’t try to start everything at once.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I learned this lesson early on in our homeschooling journey and it has served me well. We never jump in with a full class load in the first few weeks of school. Some years we start with a heavier course load than other years, but never everything all at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s easier on everyone to allow time to adjust to the school routine<\/strong> <\/a>and get used to any new curriculum we’re using.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It doesn’t matter if you ease in with fun stuff, like electives<\/strong><\/a>, or work on finding your rhythm with your core classes. Just start with a few subjects, throw in some great books<\/a><\/strong>, and add the rest a little at a time over the next few weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Don’t start your school year with a full week or full days.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In my area, schools usually start mid-week. That allows kids to get back into a routine, but then get a break before they’re expected to jump, full-swing, into the school year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That may be a smart move for your family. Although we usually prefer starting on a Monday with a lighter course load, we have started mid-week before and it’s worked well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Start the new school year with something fun.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Celebrate the first day of school with something special – a special breakfast<\/a>, outing, or field trip<\/a><\/strong>. The first year we homeschooled, we kicked off the year with a field trip, which I used as a springboard for our first unit study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on your kids’ ages, new crayons, special pencils, and fun notebooks may be all you need to make the first day of school special. I still get excited about those things myself. (As a side note, you may find it helpful to color-code school supplies<\/a> <\/strong>like I’ve done in the past.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you need more ideas for your first day, check out my article at Real Life at Home, 10 Ways to Celebrate the First Day of School<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Get your kids’ input.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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This will require a little pre-planning, but get your kids’ input for the new school year on things like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n