I never thought that I would ever NOT plan our homeschool days. I lived for putting together an entire homeschool year’s lesson plans, field trips and activities. Yet, I had to stop because it was not working for our family. We needed a more flexible homeschool schedule that allowed us the freedom to take unexpected days (or a month!) off as our family or family business required.

Since I’ve stopped planning our homeschool days there are quite a few benefits that I had not considered or even imagined! If you are struggling to keep up with your daily homeschool plans or find yourself in need of a change for the upcoming homeschool year, consider the following!

• Everyone is Less Stressed

Every homeschool mom needs less stress in her life and not planning your homeschool days definitely helps that! When you don’t have specific lessons, activities and resources already listed out for the day it gives you (and your kids!) the freedom to complete what is possible for that day! All too often homeschool moms over plan their homeschool days and end up frustrated and stressed when the day’s lessons/activities are not completed. When there is no daily homeschool plan, you simply record what your children accomplish that day and move on tomorrow.

• Children Can Easily Lead Their Education

When you have no daily homeschool plans your children have the freedom to learn about things that they are interested in currently. If we are too strict with our homeschool lesson plans our children can’t discover new things because we are concerned about them completing their curriculum for this year. Without a set homeschool lesson plan if your child is interested in butterflies or airplanes, you can spend the day learning all about them and record that in your planner!

• There is No Need for Make Up Lessons or Days

Without planning your homeschool days there is no need to have to make up lessons or days. If you need a day off from homeschooling, you simply take the days off that you need to and pick up the next day (or later if need be). Since you don’t create lesson plans your child won’t have make up any lessons tomorrow that they didn’t complete today.

• The Best Homeschool Days are Unplanned

Homeschooling often happens best on the days when we don’t make plans, so be sure to pay attention to the times when your children are out discovering nature on their own, when they are checking out science experiments/videos on Netflix or when they spend the day in the kitchen baking and cooking for the family! These are the moments that make homeschooling a life changing journey!

Letting go of planning out our homeschool lessons was not an easy step, but it was a great decision for our family. We need the freedom to take days off without the concern of make up days and I needed less stress in my busy days. My children are enjoying the ability to learn about something new without it messing up our homeschool lesson plans. I don’t miss writing our homeschool lesson plans at all. I love the added freedom that this step on our homeschool journey has given my family!

Why do you or do you not plan your homeschool days?

The post 5 Benefits to Not Planning Your Homeschool Days first appeared on True Aim.

Tips for Summer Planning

1. Read Inspiration Homeschooling Books

By the end of the school year, I’m worn down and tired of homeschooling. So this is the time I read inspirational homeschooling books. I’ll review my favorite books and renew my vision for my family’s homeschool.

It’s time to remember why we’re homeschooling.

2. Pick Curriculum for the Year

Summer is also when I finalize my curriculum choices and make my purchases.While you’re ordering for your older children, don’t forget to plan a preschool program for your youngest children. They’ll enjoy the lessons and time with mommy.

Let me tell you, there’s nothing as motivating as making the order for next year’s curriculum and eagerly awaiting it’s arrival. Once it’s here, I’m eager to start the new school year.

3. Thumb through Curriculum

I don’t however. Instead I thumb through the curriculum and make notes. What projects would I like my family to complete? Are there supplies I should be keeping on hand such as tempura paints, cardboard, and glitter?

What about science supplies? Make a list of all the extra supplies you’ll need to go along with your curriculum and pull together some easy lesson plans. Prepare now for a smooth school year.

4. Divide into Quarters or Thirds

As I’m thumbing through the curriculum, I divide it into quarters. You can also divide it into thirds if you prefer the trimesters to quarters and semesters. Most of my curriculum divides neatly into quarters, so that’s what I choose.

Once I’ve made my division, I set goal markers for the end of each quarter. Remember to add an extra week or two into your plans for surprises, crisis, and illness.

5. Pick Up Supplies

Make an appointment with yourself to go shopping for supplies. I like to go during the summer back to school sales. They’re a great time to stock up for the school year and save a bit of money.

Remember to pick up plenty of pencils, scissors, paper clips, paper, art supplies, science supplies, craft supplies, and any other item your family enjoys using over the year. You may still need to stock up again in the spring, but you’ll be set for the winter.

6. Back to School Transition

In your summer planning, include a back to school transition. It’s hard for kids and parents to go from a relaxing carefree summer day to a packed, busy homeschool day. Don’t do it to yourself or your kids. Plan a gentle back to school transition to ease into your new homeschool routine.

Most importantly, relax and enjoy your summer. Go exploring with your children. Study flowers or plant a garden. Most importantly, recharge your batteries and get excited to homeschool your children again in the fall!

What’s your best tip for summer planning?

The post 6 Essential Tips for Summer Planning first appeared on True Aim.

This post is sponsored by Lessontrek. For more information, read my full disclosure.

5 Ways to Maximize Your Time

1) Wake Early

Diligent and productive people know that time is a precious commodity. Waking up early gives you personal time to focus on what truly matters. Whether it’s praying, reading, preparing for the daily schedule or exercising. Daily devotions and quiet time spent with God are essential ways to spend morning.

Bottom line: Productive mornings start with early wake-up calls.

2) Exercise before it falls off the to-do list.

Early morning exercise has many scientifically proven benefits. But it’s surprising how few do it. Some guaranteed results exercise gives you are: a healthy heart, makes you feel good, reduces stress, weight loss, stronger immune system, reduces risk of cancer, reduces blood pressure, and increases overall productivity and energy levels.

Nutrition, sleeping habits, and stress levels also affect your energy levels.

3) Work on top-priority projects.

The quiet hours of the morning without interruptions allow you to give your undivided attention to important projects. During the day there are many distractions that can take your focus away. Early mornings can help you concentrate. So do the most important tasks in the morning!

4) Connect with your spouse.

Most evenings are centered around the children, winding down from an exhausting day’s worth of activities. Try putting the children to bed early, allowing them time to read for a while so the two of you have focused one-on-one time. We call it ‘Couch Time’. It might be hard at first, but once you work it into the routine, your children will get used to it. This is when quality discussions can take place between the two of you.

The time you spend with your spouse is not only important for your relationship, but also for coordinating schedules and managing finances.

5) Plan and strategize while you’re fresh

Planning your day, week, or month ahead is an important time management tool to keep you on track when you’re in the middle of the hustle and bustle of homeschooling. Reviewing your plan in the evening and the morning will help you prioritize and set the trajectory of the day.

The post 5 Ways Homeschool Moms Can Maximize Their Time first appeared on True Aim.