New Year, New Goals: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Reflect, Refresh, and Restart
By Dawn Spence and Amy Vickrey
The New Year brings an opportunity to reflect on past successes and challenges while setting new goals for the months ahead. For homeschooling parents, this season is the perfect time to evaluate what’s working, what isn’t, and what needs to change in their homeschool journey. After taking a well-deserved break during the holiday season, January can serve as a refreshing restart. Here are four key areas to consider when setting new goals for your homeschool: curriculum, schedule, methodologies, and community.
Curriculum: Tailoring Learning to Your Child’s Needs
Sometimes the curriculum we carefully selected doesn’t meet our child’s needs as anticipated. This is your permission to tweak, adapt, or even change course entirely. Adjustments can lead to significant improvements in engagement and learning outcomes.
Questions to Ask:
What aspects of the curriculum are working well?
What would work better with a slight adjustment?
What isn’t working at all, and why?
Does the curriculum still fit our current goals and my child’s evolving needs?
Are there alternative approaches that could address specific challenges more effectively?
Pro Tip: Research curriculum reviews, talk to other homeschool parents, or explore trial versions before making a switch. Small tweaks, like supplementing with additional resources or adjusting the pace, can sometimes make all the difference.
Schedule: Finding the Right Rhythm
A successful homeschool day often hinges on a schedule that works for your family’s unique dynamics. As your children grow, their learning rhythms and needs may change, making this a critical area to reassess regularly.
Questions to Ask:
When is my child most focused and ready to learn?
Does my child benefit from breaks, and if so, how frequently?
What type of visual aids or organizational tools help keep us on track (e.g., checklists, timers, or visual schedules)?
How do our outside commitments (therapy, co-ops, extracurriculars) influence our daily flow?
Do I need to allocate more planning or prep time for myself before starting lessons?
Pro Tip: Experiment with a flexible schedule that allows for adjustments based on your family’s energy levels and commitments. Sometimes shifting subjects to different times of the day can make a significant impact.
Methodologies: Adapting to What Works Best
Every child learns differently, and the beauty of homeschooling is the ability to customize your approach. If your current teaching methods aren’t yielding the desired results, explore other styles that might align better with your child’s needs and interests.
Questions to Ask:
What types of activities keep my child engaged and help them retain information?
What teaching methods or styles do I enjoy?
Do I have time to create my own materials, or do I need a ready-to-go solution?
Are there specific subjects that might be better suited for outsourcing (e.g., online courses, tutors, or co-ops)?
What approaches have intrigued me but I haven’t tried yet (e.g., gameschooling, unit studies, or road schooling)?
Pro Tip: Take note of your child’s feedback and observe their responses to various teaching strategies. A willingness to try something new can reignite their enthusiasm for learning.
Community: Building Your Support System
Homeschooling can sometimes feel isolating, especially when you’re navigating unique learning challenges. Surrounding yourself with a supportive and resourceful community can make a significant difference. Whether you seek in-person co-ops or online forums, finding a group that aligns with your family’s values and needs can provide the encouragement and camaraderie you’re looking for.
Questions to Ask:
What type of support am I seeking (e.g., academic, social, or emotional)?
Do I prefer in-person or online connections?
What types of environments work best for me and my child?
How much time and energy can I realistically dedicate to outside activities?
Are there opportunities for both me and my child to connect with others?
Pro Tip: Check local libraries, community centers, or homeschooling organizations for support groups. Online platforms like Facebook groups or specialized forums can also be invaluable for finding like-minded families.
Celebrate What’s Working
While it’s important to identify areas for improvement, don’t forget to celebrate your victories. Reflect on the progress you’ve made, both big and small. These wins serve as a reminder of why you chose to homeschool and can motivate you to keep going.
Final Thoughts: Change is a natural and necessary part of any homeschooling journey. By evaluating your curriculum, schedule, methodologies, and community, you can make meaningful adjustments that benefit your entire family. Remember, the goal is not perfection but progress that honors your child’s unique learning journey.
About the Authors:
Dawn Spence is a dedicated mom who homeschools her three children, including twin daughters with learning disabilities. With a heart for teaching, she inspires others to embrace their inner educator.
Amy Vickrey brings a wealth of experience as a classroom teacher and specialist in special education and learning diagnostics. She homeschools her two sons while running Exceptional Heights Education Services, which offers testing, homeschool classes, and consulting for families with unique learners.
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