Okay homeschool moms, it’s almost go time! But before you slap a fresh lesson plan on the table and call it a new school year, take a breath. Let’s make sure we’re starting this year off right: prepared, prayed-up, and with a little bit of fun thrown in.
Here are 12 things to do before the big day:
1. Set the Date (and give your child fair warning!)
Don’t just wake up one random Tuesday and declare it the first day of school. Set a date on purpose. Circle it on the calendar, countdown to it, maybe even let your kid help choose it. Starting fresh feels better when no one is caught off guard and still in summer brain mode.
2. Take a Field Trip to The Homeschool Store in Houston
Even if you already have everything (sure, sure), there’s just something magical about browsing shelves of curriculum and manipulatives. It's like Target for homeschoolers - you’ll leave with things you didn’t know you needed and zero regrets. The Homeschool Store is located at 12315 Ann Ln in Houston (near Highway 249 & FM 1960).
3. Sneak in Some Last-Minute Playdates
Public school friends are about to disappear into the land of bells and lunch lines. Grab a few more summer memories with a last hurrah at the park, splash pad, or Chick-fil-A. It’s good for the kids… and the moms.
4. Plan for New Clothes, Haircuts, & Fresh Accessories
Just because they’re schooling at home doesn’t mean they can’t rock a new look! Book those haircut appointments, let them pick out a first-day outfit, and grab a fun backpack or pair of earrings "just because." I’m planning to put my girls in fresh braids (because confidence starts with the crown, okay)?
5. Grocery Shop Like It’s August
Restock snacks, plan some easy lunch ideas, and maybe grab a few “just for school” treats. New granola bars = homeschool magic. Bonus points if you prep a week’s worth of lunchbox-style meals even though no boxes are leaving the house.
6. Talk to Your Child About Their Interests
What do they want to learn this year? Let their passions guide you! My horse-loving daughter will be doing equine lessons on Outschool plus continuing her weekly riding in Conroe. My teen hair enthusiast will have a weekly “Hair Seminar” to practice styles and learn new techniques. Homeschooling = flexibility + joy!
7. Plan for Movement (PE counts, even at home)
Kids need to MOVE, and if we don’t plan for it, it doesn’t always happen. Whether it’s a trampoline park pass, a homeschool PE class, family walks, dance parties, or living room yoga, make sure physical activity has a spot in your schedule.
8. Plan a “Not-Back-to-School” Party
You can call it a First Day of School celebration or an End of Summer bash. Either way, make it festive! Donuts and pajamas for breakfast? A picnic at the park with your homeschool crew? Yes and yes. Start the year with smiles, not just schedules.
9. Lock in Your Curriculum & Commitments
Double-check your curriculum choices (or make peace with last-minute decisions), finalize any co-ops, lessons, or outside classes. Don’t overcommit (especially not in August). Ease in. You’re not running a charter school (unless you are, in which case… wow). I also like to use the beginning of the school year to loosely schedule field trips and family beach breaks.
10. Organize the Schoolroom
Fresh year, fresh space! Tidy your school shelves, purge what you’re not using, and stock up on new supplies. Add a plant, or just set the vibe. A cozy, inviting learning space with something new to look at can make all the difference (and it's a good excuse for a Target run).
11. Create a Mom Space
You don’t need a classroom with borders and bulletin boards, but you do need a spot for your stuff. Your planner, your sticky notes, your secret snack stash... Claim a corner, shelf, or basket where your homeschool brain can live.
12. Pray Over the Year
This is the most important one. Pray with your kids, over your kids, and for your own strength and peace. Ask God for wisdom, joy, and the ability to stay calm when someone bursts into tears over math. (Even if it’s you.)
Bonus Tip: Take a First Day of School photo! Even if your kids are barefoot in pajamas holding a dry-erase board and an apple. You'll laugh about it later.
You’ve got this, Mama. Here’s to a beautiful year of learning, growth, and grace - for them and for you.
