Preparing For The Next Homechool Year (Part 1)

So, it's that time of year when most homeschoolers are preparing for the next school year. No, school is not out yet but as we are winding down for summer and school is still fresh on our minds; this is the best time to debrief our year and make notes about what has worked and what has not. 

Also at this time of year, many publishers, online book stores, various websites, homeschool co-ops and support groups are having sales. I've learned that it's best to go along with the flow when it comes to this. You will get the best deals on used books during this time of year. Since most everyone else is talking about next year, this will help you come up with more ideas to add to your day. 


It is most helpful to start making notes about what needs to change so that when you meet with other homeschoolers you will  find that they have the answers, or better yet, they have the book/s that you need and they are gently used. From my personal experience, most homeschoolers are very careful with their books. They always keep in the front of their minds that they will resell that book one day. (Except the consumables-books that require that you write in them like math books). If your friends don't have the book you need, 9 times out of 10, they know someone who does. 


My greatest resource in the past 7 yrs have been other homeschoolers. I'm a big Yahoo Groups nut. I'm a member of many. I try to find groups that have the same goals or mind set as I do. "Birds of a feather flock together", right? It's free to join these groups. 

1. Go to www.yahoo.com. 
2. Search for the curriculum or method that you are using or want to use or "Homeschooling in XYZ city" For Example: "Charlotte Mason Method", "Abeka", "Homeschooling Mobile, AL"
3. Join their group by clicking on "Join Group".

4. Start posting by introducing yourself and maybe share a homeschool experience or question. This is the quickest way to start meeting friends. Subscribe to the "Daily Digest". This can be selected at the bottom of the screen when joining. This allows you to receive all the post one time a day. This will keep your email box from being flooded with individual post.


Next post I will go into more depth about preparing for the next year. There is so much to think about. I will cover topics for new homeschoolers and topics for those thinking about homeschooling. There is so much help out there. I will try to point you in the right direction.


Please leave any comments or questions below so that I can be sure to answer them as they arise.

                                                                     ~Dee Dee~