My plan for easing into the new schoolyear

(Our schoolroom at the beginning of last fall. It hasn't been that tidy since!)

Can I tell you how grateful I am that I spent a chunk of time in the spring choosing books and ordering curriculum for this year?

So, that aspect of my planning is finished (through about February, when I'll want to dive in and mix things up a bit). However, because we have so much left to do with the remodel, we're not quite ready just to jump in. This is my plan to make the transition a little more sane.

1. Take it slowly.

As much as I would love to finish the kitchen COMPLETELY on Friday, and be ready for a super-special, fully-routinized First Day of Homeschool on Monday, that's just not going to happen. And it's probably not necessary or realistic to expect the boys to switch gears that fast. They've been on their own a lot this summer, entertaining themselves and re-learning to get along with each other without my help. Suddenly having my full-time attention (and the expectations I can't hide) would probably put them into shock. Instead, I want to engage them in getting the house set up for living and learning again so they feel part of the process.

2. Have a Homeschool Date with each boy to talk about... their strengths, interests, things they want to do, what they want to learn this year, what they need most from me, what I want to see from them.

4. Clean up the schoolroom Room of Requirement so the boys have a place to play and work while the other living areas get put back together. Move big furniture back into the house when the floors are finished. Organize bookshelves, hang pictures, etc. Find a way to make breakfast until we have kitchen counters again.

5. Start getting to sleep earlier so we Mommy can wake up with Daddy, and we can start our day together by 8.

All summer, we've been wandering over to my parents' house at random times for breakfast each morning, each of us on our own wake-up schedule. It's been lovely to have that time to visit with my mom before she leaves for work at 9. But in a few weeks (God-willing) we'll be able to have breakfast at home again, and (I've warned the boys) mornings will be t.v.-free.

6. Create a new routine that works for each boy, and includes time for reading alone, reading together, working with me at the table, music practice, and time outside.

7. Focus on character and habits, and let academic subjects follow in importance.

8. (First in importance!) Pray over each child and for the schoolyear, asking the Lord to lead me in the direction He has for us as I work out plans for our homeschool.