How to Get Ready for a New Homeschool Year: Declutter, Plan, and Start Strong

Getting Ready for the New Homeschool Year: A Step-by-Step Guide for Homeschool Moms

Homeschooling is a rewarding journey that requires thoughtful preparation to ensure a smooth and successful year. From decluttering your homeschool space to planning your curriculum and celebrating the first day back, here’s a comprehensive guide to getting ready for the new homeschool year. Plus, I’ve created a free printable PDF checklist to help you stay organized—download it here to track all the steps below!

Step 1: Pray for God’s Direction

Before diving into the logistics of homeschooling, start with prayer. Invite God to guide your family’s educational journey and shape your plans for the year. Here’s how to incorporate prayer into your preparation:

Seek God’s Vision: Set aside quiet time to pray and ask God to reveal His purpose for your homeschool. Ask for wisdom in choosing curricula, setting goals, and nurturing your children’s hearts and minds. James 1:5 reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Pray for Each Child: Lift up each child individually, asking God to show you their unique needs, strengths, and areas for growth. Pray for patience and creativity in teaching them.
Involve Your Family: Gather as a family to pray for the school year. Ask God to bless your efforts, foster unity, and grow your children in faith and knowledge. Consider choosing a Bible verse as your homeschool’s theme for the year to anchor your focus.
Journal Your Prayers: Write down your prayers and any insights you feel God is giving you. Revisit these notes throughout the year to see how God is leading you.

Trusting God to direct your homeschool sets a foundation of peace and purpose for the year ahead.

Step 2: Declutter and Reorganize Your Homeschool Space

A fresh, organized homeschool area sets the tone for focused learning. Start by decluttering your homeschool room or designated area:

Sort Through Materials: Go through books, worksheets, art supplies, and manipulatives. Donate or recycle outdated or unused items. Keep only what aligns with your curriculum or sparks joy for your kids.
Reorganize Shelves and Storage: Group similar items together (e.g., math manipulatives, science kits, literature books). Use labeled bins, baskets, or shelves for easy access. Consider a rolling cart for frequently used supplies.
Create Student Workspaces: Ensure each child has a dedicated spot with enough room for their books, notebooks, and supplies. A clutter-free desk or table helps maintain focus.
Check Technology: Test computers, tablets, or printers. Update software, charge devices, and organize cords to avoid mid-lesson frustrations.

Don’t forget the kids’ areas! Go through their bedrooms, play areas, or study nooks:

Sort toys, books, and clothes, donating or storing items they’ve outgrown.
Organize their school supplies (pencils, notebooks, art materials) in accessible containers.
Involve your kids in the process to teach responsibility and help them feel ownership over their spaces.

Step 3: Deep Clean the Homeschool Area

A clean space feels inviting and ready for learning. After decluttering, give the area a deep clean:

Dust and Wipe Surfaces: Clean shelves, desks, and windowsills to remove dust and grime.
Vacuum or Mop Floors: Refresh rugs, carpets, or hard floors to eliminate dirt buildup.
Sanitize High-Touch Areas: Wipe down keyboards, doorknobs, and shared supplies to keep the space hygienic.
Wash or Replace Linens: If you use chair cushions, tablecloths, or curtains, wash or replace them for a fresh look.
Add Personal Touches: Consider adding plants, inspirational posters, or a cozy reading corner to make the space welcoming.

A deep-cleaned homeschool area not only looks great but also promotes a healthy environment for learning.

Step 4: Review State Homeschool Laws

Before planning your school year, check your state’s homeschool requirements to ensure compliance. Homeschool laws vary widely, so visit a reliable resource like HSLDA or your state’s Department of Education website. Key things to look for:

Required School Days: Some states mandate a minimum number of days (e.g., 180 days), while others are more flexible. For example, Arizona requires 180 days for ages 6–16, while states like Idaho have no minimum day requirement.
Compulsory Subjects: Most states require subjects like reading, math, science, and social studies. Some, like Minnesota, have a detailed subject list.
Notifications and Assessments: Check if you need to file a notice of intent, submit a curriculum plan, or provide standardized test results. For instance, New York requires annual assessments, while Arizona does not.
Record-Keeping: Even if not required, maintain a portfolio of lesson plans, assignments, and progress for your records or in case of audits.

Understanding these requirements helps you structure your year to meet legal obligations while tailoring education to your family’s needs.

Step 5: Choose Your Curriculum

Selecting the right curriculum for each child and subject is critical. Consider your children’s learning styles, interests, and academic levels. Here’s a sample curriculum plan for a family with a kindergartener, a 3rd grader, and a 6th grader:

Kindergarten (Age 5):
- Language Arts: The Good and the Beautiful Kindergarten Course (open-and-go, literature-rich). 10–15 minutes daily.
- Math: Math-U-See Primer (hands-on, mastery-based). 10–15 minutes daily.
- Nature Study: Exploring Nature With Children (Charlotte Mason-inspired, weekly nature walks).
- Bible: Rooted Family Bible Curriculum (family-style, discussion-based).
3rd Grade:
- Language Arts: The Good and the Beautiful Level 3 (reading, writing, grammar).
- Math: Saxon Math 3 (incremental lessons with review).
- Science: Apologia Exploring Creation with Astronomy (engaging, Christian worldview).
- History: Story of the World Volume 2 (narrative-based, includes activities).
- Electives: Piano lessons (15 minutes daily practice).
6th Grade:
- Language Arts: Essentials in Writing Grade 6 (video-based writing and grammar).
- Math: Saxon Math 7/6 (prepares for pre-algebra).
- Science: Apologia Exploring Creation with General Science.
- History: Classical Conversations Timeline and History Cards (classical approach).
- Electives: Duolingo Spanish (20 minutes daily, app-based).

Research curricula by downloading free samples, reading reviews, or visiting local homeschool stores. Family-style learning (using one curriculum for multiple kids) works well for subjects like history or science. Adjust based on each child’s needs—e.g., differentiate math levels but share a history read-aloud.

Step 6: Plan Your School Year

Once you’ve chosen your curriculum, estimate how long it will take to complete:

Count Lessons: Most curricula (e.g., The Good and the Beautiful, Saxon Math) are designed for 36 weeks, aligning with a typical 180-day school year. Check the table of contents or lesson plans to confirm.
Set Start and End Dates: If you want to start on September 1, 2025, and finish by May 31, 2026, plan for 36 weeks (180 days). Account for breaks (e.g., 1 week for Thanksgiving, 2 weeks for Christmas).
Map Out the Schedule: Divide the curriculum into weekly or daily assignments. For example, Saxon Math 3 has about 120 lessons, so plan for 3–4 lessons per week to finish in 36 weeks. Leave room for field trips, co-ops, or unexpected interruptions.
Check State Requirements: Ensure your schedule meets the required days or hours. If your state requires 180 days, plan for 5 days a week for 36 weeks, or 4 days a week for 45 weeks if you prefer a shorter daily schedule.

Use a planner to map out your year. I love Homeschool Planet for its flexibility and all-in-one features. You can purchase pre-made lesson plans for popular curricula or create your own, which I find super easy and customizable. Try Homeschool Planet with a free 30-day trial (affiliate link) to schedule classes, assignments, chores, and even grocery lists!

Step 7: Create a Daily Schedule

Design a daily rhythm that fits your family’s lifestyle. Here’s a sample for a family with young children:

8:00 AM: Breakfast and family Bible study.
8:30 AM: Chores (using a chore chart for accountability).
9:00 AM: Language Arts and Math (core subjects first, when kids are freshest).
10:30 AM: Break or independent play (crucial for young kids’ development).
11:00 AM: Science or History (family-style read-alouds or experiments).
12:00 PM: Lunch and outdoor play.
1:00 PM: Electives (e.g., piano, Spanish) or nature study.
2:00 PM: Free play, reading, or extracurriculars (e.g., co-op, sports).

Adjust based on your family’s needs—e.g., schedule lessons during toddler nap times or after work commitments. Keep it flexible to avoid frustration.

Step 8: Plan a Fun First Day Back

Make the first day of homeschool special to build excitement:

Special Gifts: Create or buy small gifts, like personalized pencils, a new notebook, or a fun bookmark. For younger kids, a “school supply treasure hunt” adds joy.
Yummy Breakfast: Prepare a favorite breakfast, like pancakes with sprinkles, a smoothie bar, or a French toast casserole. Sit together and share goals for the year.
Fun Activities: Kick off with a light day—read a favorite book, do a craft, or take a nature walk. Consider a “first day” photo to capture the moment.
Set the Tone: Share your homeschool mission or theme (e.g., a Bible verse or character trait like “perseverance”). This helps kids feel connected to the year’s purpose.

Stay Organized with My Free PDF Checklist

To make your preparation even easier, I’ve created a free printable PDF checklist that covers all the steps in this guide. From decluttering to scheduling to planning that fun first day, this checklist will keep you on track. Download your free homeschool prep checklist here and start checking off tasks today!

Final Thoughts

Preparing for the homeschool year is about creating a space and plan that reflects your family’s values and goals. Declutter and clean your space, align your schedule with state laws, choose curricula that excite your kids, and map out a flexible plan using tools like Homeschool Planet. Then, celebrate the first day with joy and intention. With these steps—and my free checklist—you’ll be ready for a year of meaningful learning and growth. Happy homeschooling!

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