Starting a new homeschool year doesn’t have to mean diving into every subject and routine all at once. In this post, I share why easing in gently works better for both you and your kids, plus simple ideas for building your schedule step by step. If you’ve ever felt pressure to “do it all” right away, this is the encouragement you need—and there’s even a free resource to help you get started with less stress.
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Okay, as soon as I read this, I immediately thought of homeschoolers.
Why?
Because so many seem trapped in this idea of their kids needing to achieve things: grade level, reading level, completion of a curriculum, etc.
What if instead of seeing homeschooling as a series of tasks to achieve, you saw it instead as a series of contributions—to their life, to your life, to your relationship?
Think about reading aloud to your child.
Is the goal to achieve a certain number of pages or books? To tick off a reading list?
Or is the real value in the contribution it makes: to your connection, their vocabulary, their imagination, their understanding of people, story and language?
A math curriculum is similar. If it becomes a rigid checklist of achievements—every lesson completed (and maybe mastered), every page filled out—it’s easy to lose sight of its contribution. What, and who, is this curriculum for?
If a concept in math is useful, meaningful or leads to deeper understanding, then it’s contributing. But if it’s just busywork or causing stress with little to no return (like facts that are simply not being mastered or large multiplication that they'll NEVER do by hand in high school and later on), then maybe that part isn’t contributing anything worthwhile—and you’re allowed to leave it behind.
That’s the beauty of homeschooling. You’re not beholden to a system that measures success by completion or comparison. You get to measure value by contribution.
So maybe today, instead of asking yourself, “What did we get done?” try asking, “What did we build? What did we enjoy? What added value to our day, or our relationship, or their growth?”
That’s a different lens.
That’s a freeing lens.
And I think Drucker was onto something.
"Odd as it seems,
you will achieve the greatest results in your homeschool
if you drop the word 'achievement'
from your vocabulary.
Replace it with 'contribution.'"
Yes, all of it counts. The play, the questions, the messy projects, the walks, the conversations, the spontaneous curiosity. It's all learning. Maybe not the kind you can file or check off in a curriculum guide… but the kind that sticks. The kind that builds confident, capable, connected kids.
So if you're feeling behind, or worried your summer doesn't look "productive enough," I hope this list reminds you that your kids are still learning, and you're still doing enough.
Give yourself permission to enjoy this season. You don’t have to press pause on joy to keep moving forward.
Summer homeschooling doesn’t have to mean worksheets. Here’s a choice board your kids can use to stay active, creative, and just the right amount of screeny. 😉
Read more...In navigating the complexities of homeschooling language arts, many parents grapple with the misconception that a "complete" language arts curriculum is essential. Language arts, comprising various interwoven skills like reading, writing, grammar and listening, isn't confined to a singular subject that needs exhaustive coverage each year. Attempting to tackle every aspect simultaneously can lead to burnout and an overwhelming schedule for both parents and children.
Interestingly, schools themselves don't delve deeply into every facet of language arts annually; instead, they employ methods like spiral learning which allow for flexibility and progression over time. Homeschoolers have the autonomy to tailor their approach, focusing on individual strengths and specific needs rather than adhering to a predetermined checklist. By moving away from rigid structures, parents can better support their children's learning through real-world application, creative writing and engaging discussions.
A more effective approach emphasizes quality over quantity by fostering environments where children read, write and engage with language organically. Encouraging discussions about books, allowing for free writing and targeting specific areas of struggle with brief lessons can be more beneficial. Remember, language arts flourishes through active use and enjoyment, so stepping away from overly structured programs can often liberate a child's potential and nurture their love for language.
