Unless you homeschool year-round, you will face some struggles getting back into homeschooling after a break. Even when you know this will happen, it can still throw you off in your days and cause a lot of frustration.
To help with some of the frustration of getting back to homeschool after the holidays, a vacation, or even summer break, here are 13 tips to help you ease back in to your homeschool routines.
1. Remember your why
When you are trying to do something that feels difficult, it is always helpful to remember why you are doing it. So if you don’t already have it written down, write out the reasons you homeschool. What you like about homeschooling, and what you want your kids to remember about homeschooling when they’re older. This will help you develop the vision it takes to keep going.
I suggest keeping this written down somewhere easily accessible throughout the year as a way to help you keep going.
2. Have a plan
Planning is an important part of homeschooling. But a plan doesn’t have to be intense or detailed. If you google what a plan is, one definition that comes up is “an intention or decision about what one is going to do.”
So as long as you have a general idea of what you are going to be doing, that is a plan.
Or you may be like me and want a more thorough plan. I have a list for each of my kids and what I want them to accomplish each day of school. This helps us stay on track throughout our school year.
3. Get a positive attitude
If you can’t get back into school with a positive attitude, you will struggle. Do what it takes to get there.
Take care of yourself, get plenty of sleep, do something you enjoy. Get outside, be active.
Focus on doing some enjoyable things the first few days back so it’s easier to look forward to the routine of school.
If this is a continuous struggle, then maybe your entire routine or curriculum needs a change.
4. Communicate with your kids
Make sure your kids know in advance when school is starting back up and what you plan on doing the first few days. This will help your children to mentally prepare for the days ahead and will likely help with attitudes.
If they complain about the upcoming changes, be sure to stand firm and help them to find a positive outlook as well.
5. Ease into your routine
Starting back to homeschool does not require you to dive in to your full routine from day one. It is perfectly fine to ease into your routine and full school days.
You could change back to your normal school schedule a few days before you start back. Like getting up at the right time, getting breakfast done right away, or whatever your morning routine may look like.
If you are planning on starting school on Monday, you could start with your school morning routine on the preceding Thursday or Friday. When you add back in the school work a few days later on Monday, you won’t be fighting as much with schedules as well as the books.
6. Ease into the schoolwork
Easing into the school work can also be very helpful after a break. Many families will start out with a fun activity or more enjoyable subject at the beginning of the year.
Doing only your morning time for the first day or two can be a nice enjoyable way to ease into the school year. Then add in the tougher subjects after a bit of a routine has been established.
You could also start with one subject on day one and add another each day until you are doing them all each day.
7. Read aloud
Reading aloud together can be a wonderful and enjoyable way to ease into your homeschool after a break. There is a never-ending supply of great books out there to enjoy with your kids. You could even make it extra special with a yummy drink or treat!
8. Be flexible and have grace for each other
When getting back into a routine after a break from school, it can be good to remember to be flexible with your homeschool days. Change can be difficult and will not always go as planned.
I guarantee you that there will be moments the first few days that will require you to remind yourself to have grace for your children. There might be tears or attitudes. You may even feel some guilt or frustration. It’s all normal.
Breathe. Take a step back. Go outside for a moment to reset.
And remember if something continues to be a frustration, it is ok to adjust your plans and schedules. Experiment with different options and adjust as needed.
9. Get outside
I’ve found that many times when I’m emotional or having a hard time, I can find a way to reset myself with a little bit of time outside. If it happens to be a sunny day, find a good spot in the sun and soak up a little sunshine. Even just some fresh air on the porch is good to breathe in.
You could even incorporate some outside time into your school day. Take a nature walk or a bike ride. This can help with science and PE. You could even take your school work outside or have a picnic lunch in the yard.
10. Do something you all enjoy
Doing something fun is not dreadful. So why not start your school back with fun? Enjoy a field trip on the first day, get some donuts, or ice cream. Read a great book or have a big messy art day. Do school in the sunshine and finish up with a walk.
Help your kids and yourself look forward to school by making some memories together.
11. Go somewhere
Sometimes a change of scenery is all you need to keep things interesting. Going somewhere during your school day can be helpful to motivate your kids.
This could be a field trip somewhere or going outside.
My kids and I really enjoy taking our school work to another location. Several times we have gone to a local coffee shop, bought a treat and got down to work.
We also enjoy taking our school work to a playground. When they need a short break to clear their mind, they can go run on the playground for a bit.
You could also go to a casual restaurant for a meal and get some work done while you’re there. We like to go to Chick-fil-a, especially if the playground is open. Panera is also a nice place to sit for a bit.
12. It’s ok to review
If it’s been a couple weeks or more since your kids have done school work, the first few days may require a little review. And that should be expected. Many resources will have a small amount of review in the first few lessons.
If you are starting back up in the middle of a book, then it may be helpful to back up a chapter or lesson to remember the latest topics. Ince you have done a short review, dive on back in!
13. Stick with it
Ultimately, when starting back to school after a break, you have to find the gumption to just stick with it. Usually the first few days, or even a week or two are tough. It depends a lot on how long you have been on break.
Remember, that the entire school year will probably not be like this, so if you can get past the first few days it should get easier! You’ve got this!
Closing
Whether you are returning to school after a vacation or the winter holidays, it can often be difficult to get back into your routines. Being sure you are prepared and communicate well with your kids can be helpful to keep some frustration at bay.
Easing into routines and keeping it fun will help you remember why you love homeschooling – being together with those wonderful kids of yours.
Keep going, mama. This homeschooling thing is a wonderful time with ups and downs. But those sweet memories are worth it all.
