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Plan For & School Year Around

A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

July 2, 2018 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

These summer unit study ideas will keep kids of all ages having fun learning with topics they will be eager to study. Summer is a perfect time to get in some relaxed themed learning with unit studies

Summer Unit Study Ideas

You can make them hands-on with outdoor activities or beat the heat with a trip to an air-conditioned library to pick out the books you’ll need. Start with this ultimate list of A to Z Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas and let your imaginations run wild!

Summer Unit Study Ideas

A

Ants

Apples. You can grab my Apples Unit Study and Lapbook.

Archaeology. You can grab my free What is History and What is Archaeology minibook here.

Art

B

Bears

Beaches. Add my Free Super Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook to your study.

Berries. This strawberry unit study and lapbook is a fun start.

Barbeque

Bees. Fascinating and Fun Honey Bees Unit Study and Lapbook for Kids can be used to study bees.

Butterflies

Bats. Why Bats Are Not Birds Fun Homeschool Unit Study and Lapbook is a fun study in summer too.

Birds. You can grab my free American Robin Unit Study and Lapbook here.

C

Cats

Cows

Creek life

Camping (National Parks or outdoor survival)

Character

Clouds

D

Summer Themed Unit Study Topics

Dogs

Dragonflies

E

Elephants

Eggs

Exercises

Earthworms

F

Frogs. You can grab my free Loads of Toads and Frogs Unit Study and Lapbook here.

Fish

Fossils

Fireworks

Fishing

Fireflies

Fire (how to build, science behind it).  Look at Lewis and Clark: Hands-on History. Make a Char Cloth.

Firefighters/dispatchers

You’ll also want to check out the free curriculum and programs that Homeschool Buyers Co-op has just for summer. It’s a great way to see if you like a curriculum and they have so many free and fun things to try.

Your kids will LOVE this curriculum which is free for summer! Click here to see what is free this year!

G

Garden studies. You can grab my free Feasting and Foraging Unit Study and Lapbook here.

Grass

Grasshoppers

H

Hurricanes

Horses

Hogs

Hiking

Hygiene

Hydration/heat

Herb garden

I

Insects. You can grab my free Amber Unit Study and Lapbook here.

Ice cream

J

Jewelry making

Juice, jelly, and jam making

K

Kites

Knots

L

At the lake

Lighthouses

M

Mountains. Look at How Does the Power of Ice Shape Mountains here.

Mice

Moon

Mammals

N

Nocturnal creatures

Night study (astronomy). Start your study with Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages.

O

Ocean studies. You can grab my free Ocean Unit Study and Lapbook here.

Outdoor movie theater

Ocean animals

Otters

P

Pizza

Peninsulas

Popcorn

Picasso. Grab free Art Study Curriculum and Notebooking pages here.

Precipitation

Police

Pond life. Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook is a way to include all ages.

Picnics

Punctuation

Q

Qatar

Queens in history. Grab my free Famous Pharaohs and Queens lapbook here.

R

Rivers

Reptiles

Rainforest. Grab my free Amazon Rain Forest Unit Study and Lapbooks here.

S

Sea shells. Check out my post How to Dissolve a Seashell – Beach Hands-on Fun Activity

Shores

Sailboats

S’mores

Stars

Sun/sunscreen

Spiders

Our Journey Westward

And we always love nature walks anytime of the year and love this series of nature books!

T

Turtles vs tortoises. Grab my free From Egg to Sea Turtle Unit Study and Lapbook here.

Tortillas

Trees

U

Underwater creatures

Underneath the ground

Underwear (history)

Summer Unit Study Ideas

V

Vision

W

Water sports

Water crafts

Waves

Watermelon

Whales

X

X-rays

Y

Yaks

Z

Zebras

Zoology

Zoos

Zip lining

You’ll love these other ideas:

  • How to Use Summertime to Put a Foot in Homeschooling
  • 30 Summer Activities for Middle School Kids
  • Free Ocean Unit Study and Lapbook
  • Easy and Fun Nature Study: Beautiful Birds

I hope this list of 100 ideas will get you thinking about hands-on A to Z summer unit study fun!

This blog hop is organized by iHomeschool Network, a collaboration of outstanding homeschool bloggers who connect with each other and with family-friendly companies in mutual beneficial projects.

Hugs and love ya,

Summer is a perfect time to get in some relaxed themed learning with unit studies. Kids of all ages can have fun learning with topics they will be eager to study. Click here to look at this A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas!
Summer is a perfect time to get in some relaxed themed learning with unit studies. Kids of all ages can have fun learning with topics they will be eager to study. Click here to look at this A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Be an Exceptional Homeschool Teacher, Choose Curriculum, Hands-On Activities, Homeschool When Nobody Wants To, Middle School Homeschool, Plan For & School Year Around, Teach Unit Studies, Teach/Which Subjects to Teach/Cover EVERYTHING Tagged With: 100, 100 Lists, A to Z Lists, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, summerideas, summerschool, unit studies

Big Ol’ List of All-In-One Homeschool Curriculum (a.k.a Boxed)

June 14, 2018 | 4 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

There are many reasons to use an all-in-one homeschool curriculum and the best reason is that all the planning is done for you. Whether you’re new, feel like you don’t have time to lesson plan, or just need a teaching break, you’ll want to know these boxed curriculum providers or all-in-one homeschool curriculum providers.

What Is an All-In-One Homeschool Curriculum

First things first. There is a lot of confusion that swirls around the definition of what is an all-in-one curriculum. It is the same as a boxed curriculum. That may not tell you anything either because you may think that means it comes in a box. It may or may not.

Look at my easy definition below so you sound like a seasoned veteran when you curriculum shop.

The Definition of an All-In-One or Boxed Homeschool Curriculum

An all-in-one homeschool curriculum or boxed curriculum means that all of your core subjects like the 3 Rs and content subjects like science and history are included in the program.

It means just what it says in that all of your basic subjects are covered. In addition, most all-in-one providers have teacher’s manuals or teacher notes along with suggested schedules on how to cover the material.

Like a boxed cake mix, the curriculum comes with everything you need to begin homeschooling for a school year. Normally, you need very little extra supplies to start.

The curriculum may consist of part physical books, part online, part dvd, or all physical book or all on line.

Big Ol' List of All-In-One Homeschool Curriculum (a.k.a Boxed)

A lot of the options with this approach can be considered public school at home or workbook approach.

However, all-in-one curriculum providers have really changed since I’ve started and some take another homeschool approach like Charlotte Mason or even a unit study type of approach.

Because accredited has nothing to do with the rigor of the curriculum, you’ll want to be sure to read Accreditation Removing the Shroud of Mystery.

Advantages of All-In-One or Boxed Curriculum

Additionally, it’s important to understand the advantages of an all-in-one to see if it’s a good fit.

  • It’s all laid out which means the lesson planning is done. Some new homeschoolers are not comfortable with their freedom to homeschool and feel better having a pattern to follow.
  • Contrary to popular belief, they can save you money in the long run because you learn what you like or don’t like about teaching. You don’t spend years switching curriculum because you took the time to learn how to teach.
  • Not having to worry about lesson planning frees up your time to hone in on the weaknesses of your children that may need to be addressed this year.
  • Most companies provide you with a schedule on how to fit it all in for the day. It can be a great guide for time management and you can avoid the stress of over planning.
  • If you live in a state that has stricter homeschooling laws, an all-in-one curriculum can help you to comply with the laws of you state.

There are some disadvantages to any curriculum, but I’ll save those for another time because I want you to see the plethora of choices. I’ll add a few notes as I go along too.

And if I have a savings for one or two below, I’ll let you know too.

Choosing Curriculum When You’re New

Workbook Approach You Know in Public School

And remember these are curriculum providers NOT schools!

*Unless noted all of these are a traditional or workbook approach.
* Also, don’t be uniformed because curriculum is not accredited, only schools. Be sure you read my post about accreditation above if you need to understand the difference.

A Beka.

  • Christian
  • PK to 12
  • Accredited or Independent Study
  • Print-based and computer-based

A.C.E. (Accelerated Christian Education).

  • Christian
  • K to 12
  • Accredited
  • Colorful printed packs enhanced with CDs, DVD and computer software

Also look at my video What Is An All In One Homeschool Curriculum a k a Boxed Curriculum

Acellus.

  • Faith-free i.e. Secular
  • K to 12
  • Computer based online
  • Note: Homeschoolers have a love hate relationship with them. Some lessons are short and to the point, others seem overly easy or unnecessarily complicated. There are glitches at time and scheduling seems to be a problem. Overall, homeschoolers like the flexibility of homeschooling when they want to just login and go.

Alpha Omega LifePac.
Alpha Omega Switched-on Schoolhouse.
Alpha Omega Horizons.
Alpha Omega Weaver.

(Note: You save 10% by buying it from the Homeschool Buyer’s Co-op). Four different programs with different approaches and purposes from the same publisher.

  • Christian
  • K to 12
  • Accredited
  • Note: Weaver is a unit study approach and not a workbook-based approach.
  • Print-based, computer-based, and online homeschooling curriculum.

Bob Jones Press.

  • Christian
  • K3 to 12
  • Accredited
  • Print-based and video-based

Easy Peasy All In One.

  • Christian
  • PK to 12
  • Note: This is completely FREE and I will suggest it at times for new or struggling homeschoolers to start with this to see what will work and not work for you as the investment is only your time and whatever you choose to print.
  • Note: Easy Peasy All in One is a Charlotte Mason approach with a gentle workbook based approach.
  • Computer-based online.

Designed by Lee Giles beginning 2011 as she put assignments down for her children and saved them for the younger ones. It has grown in popularity over the years.

BookShark.

  • Faith-free i.e. Secular
  • K to 12
  • Print-based and some items computer- based
  • Note: BookShark is a literature-based approach.

Calvert Education.

  • Faith-free i.e. Secular
  • PK to 12
  • Accredited
  • Print-based or digital-only format with e-textbooks.

Christian Light Education.

  • Christian
  • K to 12
  • Print-based

Christian Liberty Press.

  • Christian
  • PK to 12
  • Accredited
  • Print-based

MasterBooks.

  • Christian
  • PK to 12
  • Print-based (committed to putting ink on paper) or pdf downloads for about 90% of the products
  • mix and match bundles

Moving Beyond the Page

  • Faith-free i.e. Secular
  • PK to 12
  • Print-based or computer-interface and you print lessons.
  • Note: Moving Beyond the Page is a literature-based unit study approach with a twist of classical, Montessori and unschooling approaches.
  • mix and match bundles

My Father’s World.

  • Christian

  • PK to 12
  • Print-based
  • Note: My Father’s World is a Charlotte Mason approach with a unit study twist.
All About Spelling

Oak Meadow.

  • Faith-free i.e. Secular
  • PK to 12
  • Print-based
  • Accredited
  • Note: Oak Meadows incorporates nature-based learning and a Waldorf influenced approach.

Rod and Staff.

  • Christian
  • 1 to 10. (Their belief affects grade level meaning they feel most concepts should be learned by tenth grade.)
  • Print-based

Sonlight.

  • Christian
  • PK to 12
  • Print-based
  • Note: Sonlight is literature-based with a Charlotte Mason approach.
  • mix and match bundles

The Good and the Beautiful.

  • Non-denominational Christian
  • PK to 12
  • Print-based
  • Note: Follows a Charlotte Mason approach.

Time4Learning.

  • Faith-free i.e. Secular
  • PK to 12
  • Computer-based online

Timberdoodle.

  • Faith-free i.e. Secular AND Christian options
  • PK to 12
  • print-based
  • mix and match bundles

Veritas Press.

  • Christian
  • K to 12
  • Print-based and online courses
  • Note: Veritas Press is literature-based with a Classic approach.

WinterPromise.

  • Christian
  • K to 12
  • Print-based and pdf. option
  • Note: WinterPromise is literature-based with a Charlotte Mason and unit study approach.

Homeschool Providers Worthy of Mention –
{Almost All-In-One}

Big Ol' List of All-In-One Homeschool Curriculum (a.k.a Boxed)

Add a subject or two to make them complete.

These curriculum providers below are also popular because of their flexibility and excellent literature quality.

They require maybe one or two subjects to make them complete. I’m putting them here so you can have them as an option.

Beautiful Feet Literature.

  • Christian
  • K to 12
  • Print-based and downloadable pdf.
  • Note: Beautiful Feet is literature-based with a unit study focus on history.
  • Need to purchase: Math program and depending on your child you may need to purchase a composition, grammar, and spelling program.

Build Your Library.

  • Faith-free i.e. Secular
  • PK to 10. TBA 11, 12
  • Downloadable teachers guide, you buy your own literature
  • Note: Literature-based with a Charlotte Mason and eclectic approach.
  • Need to purchase: Math program and depending on your child’s need you may need to purchase separate spelling and grammar programs.

Torch Light. (new but worth mentioning)

  • Faith-free i.e. Secular
  • K and 1 only available now
  • Downloadable teachers guide, you buy your own literature
  • Note: Literature-based with a Charlotte Mason and eclectic approach.
  • Need to purchase: Math program and depending on your child’s need you may need to purchase separate spelling and grammar programs.

You’ll also love these other tips:

  • What Homeschool Subjects to Teach and When to Teach Them? Part 1 of 3
  • 8 Components of a Boxed Curriculum 
  • How to Use a Boxed Curriculum without Giving Up Your Homeschool Approach 
  • The Big List of Unit Study Hands-on (and Hands-off) Curriculum

Hugs and love ya,

Big Ol' List of All-In-One Homeschool Curriculum (a.k.a Boxed). There are many reasons to use an all-in-one homeschool curriculum and the best reason is that all the planning is done for you. CLICK here to grab this list!
Big Ol' List of All-In-One Homeschool Curriculum (a.k.a Boxed). There are many reasons to use an all-in-one homeschool curriculum and the best reason is that all the planning is done for you. CLICK here to grab this list!

4 CommentsFiled Under: Choose Curriculum, Kick Off Your Homeschool Year, Plan For & School Year Around, Teach Homeschool History, Teach Homeschool Language Arts, Teach Homeschool Math, Teach Homeschool Science, Teach/Which Subjects to Teach/Cover EVERYTHING Tagged With: boxedcurriculum, curriculum, homeschool curriculum, new homeschooler homeschool curriculum

How to Use Summertime to Put a Foot in Homeschooling

June 2, 2018 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Summertime homeschooling is the time to add spice to your routine. Because summertime conjures up lazy days at the pool or a trip to the beach, also take advantage of a more relaxed schedule.

Besides, summertime is not only a great time to begin homeschooling, but a way to have a relaxed start to the new year. Kids won’t even realize they’re still learning with these fun summertime schooling ideas below.

Whether you want a break from a more rigid schedule, feel like last year’s curriculum left you feeling less than inspired, or want to use summertime to put a foot in homeschooling, you’ll love these eight tips.

How to Use Summertime to Put a Foot in Homeschooling

8 Ways to Use Summer Time to Kick Start the Homeschool Year

Mix and match these tips or use one to put the spark for learning in your new homeschool year.

ONE/ Target one element of language arts like writing.

Although many new homeschoolers think they have to wait until the fall to begin their year, it’s so much better if you get a feel for teaching by focusing on one subject.

It may be a subject your child is struggling with or a subject which interests him.

When I have summertime with my high school teens, being absorbed on one subject like their writing keeps it from being overwhelming when they have a heavier load at the beginning of the year.

I love the courses by Writing Rockstar.

For example, one year we focused on strengthening writing skills through a course set to my teen’s pace.

Slowing down and lingering on a subject like composition encouraged my son’s love for writing; it allowed him time to pursue his passion of writing without the pace of a hectic schedule.

TWO/ Add a new self-paced class like these fun online Literary Adventures classes.

Also, whether you’re looking for a poetry class, an online fun self-paced course for a high school teen or your younger kids, you’ll love the variety of wonderful literature at Literary Adventures.

THREE/ Dive deep into a subject which gets overlooked like ART or MUSIC

Art is a subject that can easily get overlooked during the year. Have you seen this fun Art History Kids.

Until we started taking online art classes art was a struggle for us. I’m not an artsy person, but we love art.

During the long relaxed days of summer, it gives us a time to indulge our love art.

Then,, music study is a much overlooked study, although it shouldn’t be. You’ll love these courses.

These are high school courses, but Music in our Homeschool has something for just about every age.

20th Century Music Appreciation for High School
Music Appreciation: Middle Ages Thru Classical Era for High School

FOUR/ Teach your kids to cook with Kids Cook Real Food.

Kids love the feeling of doing authentic jobs, and kids these days really need creative work to do with their hands. Your Kids will love their courses.

FIVE/ Add fun subscription boxes.

And subscription boxes nowadays rock our world with fun learning. They keep our homeschool day fun and lively. Try one or two!

SIX/ Watch educational movies.

Educational movies make a great start to school. It’s easy after pulling your kids from school to jump straight into book learning.

You may think that is what homeschooling is about. Beginning your year with educational movies puts the whole family in a relaxed mood.

Pop some corn and grab one of these movies from the list below to begin your learning journey.

  • 7 Educational Movies for Kids About Westward Expansion 
  • Homeschool History Teaching Ancient Civilizations Using Netflix.

Grab my Free and Useful Editable Movie Report For Homeschool to learn with movies.

SEVEN/ Don’t forget refreshment and education for the educator.

The worst thing you can do in the beginning of your school year is to focus solely on the needs or your kids.

Taking time to educate yourself about homeschooling or just grabbing some refreshment will give you the boost you need for the new year.

I love the fact that Fortuigence has a free course for parents about writing. It it a subject lot of us struggle to teach.

EIGHT/ Homeschool unit studies nurture a love for learning. Do one or two.

When children have control of their learning, school can go a lot more smooth. Unit studies have a way of nurturing a love of learning because you can pick topics that pique your children’s interests.

I have volumes of free unit studies here on my site. Here are some of my 26 Free Nature Unit Studies for Multiple Ages.

Living books for multiple ages is also a great tip when your budget is limited. These nature living books I use below are from – NaturExplorers.

Our Journey Westward

Pick one or two and recharge your kids’ love for learning.

How to Use Summertime to Put a Foot in Homeschooling

You’ll also love these other ideas to use summertime as way to put your foot in homeschooling:

  • 7 Advantages to Starting Your Homeschool Year in the Summer 
  • 30 Summer Activities for Middle School Kids 
  • Wildflowers Unit Study & Lapbook
  • Kinder Gardening to Celebrate Nature and Science
  • How to Dissolve a Seashell – Beach Hands-on Fun Activity
  • 10 Fun Amazon Prime Movies for the Youngest Homeschoolers
  • A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • Homeschool History Teaching Ancient Civilizations Using Netflix

Hugs and love ya,

Summer time conjures up lazy days at the pool, a trip to the beach, and more relaxed schedules along with a family vacation or two. Summer time homeschooling is not only a great time to begin, but a way to have a relaxed start to the new year.
Summer time conjures up lazy days at the pool, a trip to the beach, and more relaxed schedules along with a family vacation or two. Summer time homeschooling is not only a great time to begin, but a way to have a relaxed start to the new year.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Be an Exceptional Homeschool Teacher, Begin Homeschooling, Homeschool Multiple Ages of Children, Homeschool Simply, Homeschool Teens _ From Teen to Graduation, Kick Off Your Homeschool Year, Middle School Homeschool, Plan For & School Year Around Tagged With: bootcamp, homeschool, nature study, new homeschooler, newbeehomeschooler, newhomeschoolyear, relaxedhomeschooling, summerideas, summerschool

Homeschool Quarter Planning Form – Free UNIQUE 7 Step Planner

August 10, 2016 | 9 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Homeschool Quarter Planning Form - Build Your UNIQUE 7 Step Planner @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

4 Homeschool Quarter Planning Forms

You know I’ve said before, it takes me sometimes several months thinking about a homeschool form for the 7 Step Homeschool Planner before I actually release it to you. The reason why is because my forms are created out of need as I go throughout my many years of homeschooling.

This one, the homeschool quarter planning form, I actually have been thinking about for a year. And I am so OVER THE TOP excited to share it with you today!

Let me tell you first how I set it up, how I will be using it this year and why I needed it last year too.

How to Use the Homeschool Quarter Planning Form - Build Your UNIQUE 7 Step Planner @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Look at how I created this newest from.

  • It’s divided into 4 quarters or 4 pages with three month calendars on each page.
  • It has a box at the top right to pen in whether you follow an academic or a physical year calendar.
  • So that the calendars can be used over and over, pen in the day of week so your calendar is current year ready. Note: (Not that you would do this, but remember the first of the month doesn’t always begin on Monday or Sunday. I know you know that, but you’d be surprised how giddy you can get when filling in a new form.)
  • Because you can choose when to begin your homeschool year, you determine which months are your first quarter, your second quarter and etc. Just put an X, highlight the quarter or place a check at the top right section. I love the flexibility of determining which months are which quarters.
  • On the calendar highlight or circle the dates you want to reach certain objectives, goals or projects and
  • then use the lined box to the right of the calendar to write down your thoughts, plans or objectives.
  • At the bottom of the page or the end of the quarter is a place for evaluation.

Though I have two other objectives form which are kept on Step 3. Choose Goals/Objectives I ran into small problems that set me back when planning with broad strokes.

Because this is my third high schooler, I know that our year needs to not only be varied, but focused.

Dividing the quarter planning forms up, I can focus on one or more skills or subjects for a specified period of time.

The other months I don’t have to plan so detailed. I LOVE these new forms because you can use them in a variety of ways.

  • One or more can be used when you need to plan for a short term or three months.
  • If you have a high school teen, you may need to plan all of the quarters more precisely.
  • If you have an older child, but the rest of your children are younger, this allows you to plan for your oldest child in a more detailed way.
  • If you want to plan with fine details for all of your children, no matter their age, each form allows you a place to write down your plan.
  • The best part is that you can print off as many as you need. You can print one for each child, one quarter for all your children or print all of them for your children.

I have just started putting together my planner and will be not binding it for a while yet because I am still undecided about some things I want in it, but this is not one of them. I am already using these quarter planning forms.

I hope you love these new forms and read on to see how to get them.

I LUV my followers and make it special for them here when I can.

These printable quarterly forms are subscriber only freebies!

This means you get access to the exclusive area for subscribers and can download this printable there when you follow my blog through email.

I would love for you to follow me and give me the opportunity to help you along in your homeschool journey.

Important: IF you are already an email reader meaning you are receiving my newsletters, please read this below instead of emailing me right away.

Though I love your emails, it can take a while for me to answer you.

Please find the link to the current follower only freebies at the BOTTOM of the most current newsletter to get this freebie. Click that link in the newsletter and you will be directed the follow only section for you.

Begin to build your planner using my free forms. I take you step by step through each option to create a planner JUST for you this year!

Easy Steps – “Tons of Options & Pretty Color”

Step 1. Choose a Pretty Front/Back Cover

Step. 2. Choose Calendars/Appointment Keepers

Step 3. Choose Goals/Objectives

Step 4. Choose Lesson Planning Pages Right For You!

Step 5a. Choose Unique forms JUST for You! Not a kazillion other people

Step 5b. Choose MORE Unique Forms JUST for You!

Step 5c. Choose MORE MORE Unique Forms Just for You!

Step 6. Personalize It

Step 7. Bind it! Love it!

Hugs and love ya,

Signature T

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for more AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

9 CommentsFiled Under: 2. My FREE Organizing Printables {Any topic}, Curriculum Planner, Homeschool Planner, Plan For & School Year Around, Student Planners, Subscriber Freebies Tagged With: curriculum planner, homeschool curriculum planner, homeschoolmultiplechildren planning forms, homeschoolplanner, homeschoolplanning, lesson planner, lessonplanning, quarterly planning

Why Nobody Cares if You Homeschool Year-Round (or shouldn’t)

May 18, 2016 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Why Nobody Cares if You Homeschool Year-Round @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus
Why Nobody Cares if You Homeschool Year-Round @ Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool Plus

While I sit here writing this article, my husband has made a change into a new career that we’ve planned for and are excited about. Starting out, it means working 7 days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Grueling schedule to say the least for him, and I’m right there cooking/packing every meal for him because his workplace doesn’t have a restaurant. And a lot of times, he can’t leave the building for lunch or his lunch is shortened back from one hour.

Back to my point, what does this have to do with homeschooling year-round? Everything, for me.

That is just the point, my schedule has nothing to do with your family’s schedule and the schedules of other families have nothing to do with mine.

I too have shared many times over about the the advantages of homeschooling year-round, but it’s more important to know how to tell if you can instead of telling you why you should.

Look at Homeschooling Year Round Chaos or Calm, What is Year Around Homeschooling Part 1 and Part 2 if you want some more tips.

Homeschooling too is about not being sorry or feeling guilty for things you can’t control.

3 Quick Tips to Adapt to Homeschooling Year-Round

Instead of sharing pros and cons of homeschooling year-round because they won’t help one bit if you can’t, I want to share how to tell if you should even consider it.

Family schedule matters.

There is just no getting around it, your child’s learning ability can’t be the only weighing factor as to whether or not you homeschool year-round.

For example, my husband’s schedule is pretty predictable right now.

Homeschooling year-round gives me to time to plod along when I am getting up every morning at 4:30 to 5:00 a.m.

I wake my kids right up alongside us because I need my whole household to be on the same schedule.

By the way, this is a tried and trued tip, which has worked for me as we have experienced many different schedules. It is just too hard, not to mention stressful when half of your family gets up when they want to or some other hour and the other half doesn’t.

Guess what? The do-whatever-you -want-to- schedule for the kids comes back to bite you when you need your household quiet for the Mr. or even for a younger child.

This summer, instead of starting school at 9:00 or 9:30 a.m. like we use to, we start school closer to 8:00 a.m. or even before because we have been up for a while, finished chores and are ready for our day.

I remember back to our very first co-op I attended where the leader canceled school for the summer. I was puzzled because my kids were little and I was ready to keep on going.

Finding out later that day that her husband was the head coach at the local public school, I learned right away how a family schedule affects year round-homeschooling.

Who wants to have such a rigid day of homeschooling when dad is off for the summer? Not me.

Seasons matter.

I would like to say that seasons don’t matter here in Texas, but when you have 3  days of winter (okay, we had a bit more this year) and a lot of summer heat, days are long and hot.

Having the top of my kids’ heads baked just never appealed to me. Our time outdoors during the summer months is limited to a few hours in the morning and a few hours in the evening.

Guess what? That is a lot of in between time, which needs to be filled with meaningful activities.

For a majority of our homeschool years we have homeschooled during the summer than not because it filled our days with meaning and it also meant we could skip school on days when the weather changed to glorious.

When it is spring or fall, we don’t feel guilty spending a lot of time outdoors because we’re normally well ahead in our curriculum.

High School matters.

The few times we have followed a traditional public school schedule is when my oldest two sons graduated.

Whether your child is interested in going to college right away, starting a career or doing some Bible based work, you need to be sure he starts off right by finishing school close to the time he suppose to graduate.

There is nothing that stresses a responsible homeschooled teen more than having the feeling of being behind because he has a life after homeschooling.

Whether you read the pros and cons of homeschooling year-round, it shouldn’t matter to you because many years, homeschooling year-round has little to do with whether you want to or not and a lot to do with your family’s present groove.

Mercifully, homeschooling fits your circumstances and circumstances can change quickly.

By the way, I love this new schedule as we have all settled into it and knowing my husband’s deployment will be a few short months, like 3 or 4 at a time, I find the good in it.

Did I mention how much I get done each day by being up early every day? Here and there he may have off Sundays and that is a plus too.

Hugs and love ya,

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Leave a CommentFiled Under: Homeschool During Crisis, Homeschool Simply, Homeschool When Nobody Wants To, Plan For & School Year Around Tagged With: relaxedhomeschooling, summerschool, yeararoundhomeschool

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