Hey there, fellow homeschooling parents! If you’re juggling the roles of mom/dad, teacher, and household manager, you know that some days can feel like a three-ring circus. But fear not! Incorporating a few daily habits can streamline your life and make your homeschool journey smoother and more enjoyable. Here are five game-changing practices that have not only saved my sanity but also enriched our homeschool experience. Let’s get your homeschool life feeling more like a well-oiled machine and less like a juggling act!
5 Daily Habits For You to Start Today!
1. have a morning routine
Kick-off your day with a routine that energizes and focuses both you and your kids. It doesn’t have to be rigid or overly ambitious—just a simple sequence of activities that signals the start of “school” time. Think about including a mix of physical activity (to get those jitters out), a nutritious breakfast (brain food is a thing!), and a brief planning session to review what’s on the agenda for the day. This ritual helps everyone transition from home mode to learning mode smoothly.
Keep in mind that this might not be a morning thing for your family. If you’re not morning people and your kids work better in the afternoons, don’t try to force morning lessons. Make this an afternoon routine that signals the same thing. It’s also okay to switch it up throughout the seasons if you require something different. Just make sure everyone is on the same page.
In my house, the kids wake up and play independently, sometimes even get their own breakfast before I get up. The morning time is there’s to do (mostly) whatever they want. I get up, have breakfast and coffee, and lay out independent work for them to get started on. They know that when mom is done with breakfast, we will start lessons. The independent work get’s them into school mode before we sit down for instructional time.
2. Clean up & organize your school space
Start your day with a clean and organized school space. Wipe down surfaces, sweep the floor and put away toys or unnecessary supplies before you get started. Clear out distractions. This might be something you do at the end of the day in preparation for the next day. But even so, double check your school space and make sure everything is in place before you get started.
Because we live in such a small space, we don’t have a designated school space. We do most of our work at our kitchen table and on the living room floor. These are high track areas in our house and they are constantly cluttered. My kids start their morning by playing in these spaces, which means there is always a ton to clean up before we get started. The kids put their toys away while I wipe everything down and sweep the floor. I try to do a quick clean up because I know we will be all over during our lessons.
3. Set aside time for planning & prep
Dedicate time each day for planning and preparation. This could be early in the morning, during a quiet afternoon, or after the kids have gone to bed. Use this time to review lesson plans, prepare materials for the next day, and organize your homeschool space. A little bit of prep goes a long way in preventing those frantic, last-minute scrambles that can throw off the whole day. Plus, it gives you a clear roadmap of where you’re headed, which is always reassuring.
It’s also a good idea to make sure your supplies work (markers, pens, paints, etc.), pencils are sharpened and electronics are charged. These are seemingly obvious, but nothing derails a lesson faster than dried up markers or needing a pencil sharpener. And if you’re kids are anything like mine, once the concentration is broken, it’s hard to get them back.
4. practice self-care
Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Carve out time each day for activities that replenish your energy and bring you joy. Whether it’s reading, exercising, meditating, or enjoying a cup of coffee in peace, these moments of self-care can significantly impact your mood and patience levels. Remember, a happy, healthy homeschool mom is the cornerstone of a thriving homeschool environment.
If you’re wondering how you could possibly fit in time for yourself, consider a daily quiet time for your kids. Schedule 30 minutes to an hour each day for you kids to have independent time either in their room or a designated area of the house. Trust me, you will all benefit from this. Sometimes it’s really hard to be together every waking moment of the day.
5. reflect & connect
End your day with a reflection session. Spend a few minutes discussing with your kids what they learned, what they enjoyed, and what they found challenging. This not only reinforces their learning but also strengthens your bond. Additionally, use this time to connect with your own thoughts and feelings about the day. What worked well? What could be improved? Reflection is a powerful tool for continuous improvement and deepening your homeschooling practice.
Integrating these five habits into your daily routine can significantly enhance your homeschool experience. They foster a structured yet flexible learning environment, encourage personal growth, and strengthen family bonds. Remember, homeschooling is a journey, not a race. By taking steps to simplify your life and teaching practices, you’re setting the stage for a more joyful and effective homeschooling adventure.
P.S. I’d love to hear about the daily habits that make your homeschool life easier! Share your tips and tricks in the comments below or connect with me on social media. Let’s support and inspire each other on this incredible journey.
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