Whether it’s your first day back or your first day ever, nothing beats a strong start to your homeschool year! It’s the secret to homeschool success. Teresa Haughton has been homeschooling for 17 years. She is the mother of 4 children. Read as she shares about starting the school year strong.

Prepare Well

Homeschool success enjoyed on the first day only happens after careful preparation.

• When school books arrive, make each child responsible for checking inventory and noting missing items. When the kids were younger, I assisted.
• Set up a filing system for each child, labeling three files per subject. One file holds quizzes and tests to be taken. The second file contains tests and quizzes to be graded. The third file houses graded work used to create the annual portfolio.
• Carefully choose a start date that fits the family schedule. Be sure to avoid other big events.
• Start on a Wednesday. This decreases back-to-school stress.
• Two weeks before your start date, have each child clean
  his school space. Take a day yourself to get things organized. Visualize the “flow of operation” by rearranging children and their stuff based on current needs and physical growth spurts. This allows time to get new furniture, if needed.
• Since we use Abeka’s DVD program, I have my kids do an equipment check.
•  Plan a Back to School Bash. It can be as simple as a pizza party or as elaborate as a weekend getaway.

Make a Transition Schedule

Consider an abbreviated schedule to help overcome the initial transition weeks.

• Incorporate the morning routine while transitioning: morning chores, personal devotions, hearty breakfast, and school start time.
• Keep things simple during the transition by deep cleaning the house in advance, making sure everyone is getting enough sleep, freezing casseroles for dinner, and providing an especially good breakfast.
• Discuss daily (usually at family supper) any issues or concerns that arise. Resolve these issues as soon as possible.
• DAY ONE
  DVD, desk equipment setup; make a list of needed school supplies. Shop for supplies and enjoy lunch while out.
• DAY TWO
  Lesson one for first half of subjects
• DAY THREE
  Lesson one for second half of subjects
• DAY FOUR
  Lesson two for first half of subjects



• DAY FIVE
  Lesson two for second half of subjects
• DAY SIX
  Lesson three all subjects
• DAY SEVEN
  Lesson four all subjects
• DAY EIGHT
  Lesson five all subjects

Set your children up for success with a strong start. Prepare well and provide a transition schedule with built in adjustment time.