First, decide on a 'place' to do your school. Perhaps all your children will be around the kitchen table. Or, perhaps they enjoy working at different spaces. For older children, they may want to prepare their desk and create a fun space in which to work.
Second, determine your curriculum and school supply needs early. Make sure everything is close at hand. Look for inexpensive options on amazon or ebay. Prices can be much cheaper on these sites. Make sure there are plenty of pencils, pens, rulers, crayons. A home printer/copier is also a nice addition to the schoolroom for all those copies that you will need!
Third, always remember that you do not have to look like a public school. You can start really early, or a little later each school day, depending on your family's needs. Whatever the routine, determine a start time. Perhaps have all the children set their alarm clock and encourage a solid morning routine. Include some chores that will accomplish some cleaning before school (dishes into the dishwasher, beds made, floor vacuumed can do much for mama's peace of mind!)
Start with a prayer that God would lead your schooling. A Bible reading is also a good way to start the day.
It is helpful if mom plans the night or week before presenting the lessons. That will guarantee that all supplies are on hand and that mom knows what she is teaching. A schedule is EXTREMELY helpful, especially for older students. Create a form/template that you can fill in each week and include page numbers, how long the child should allocate for this assignment, etc.
Remember, that each evening, you will need to look over the work and give feedback and then plan all over again.
The last piece of advice is to search out a co-op. Christiana is a curriculum intensive co-op that meets two days a week and provides complete structure for the students. Other co-ops offer individual classes, both academic and elective. Co-ops can be a great way to get kids and mom out of the house, share ideas and build friendships.
And mom...always include dad in your homeschool pursuits. Dad could teach a class, be the 'principal' or just take the kids for an hour each evening so you can plan. Don't go it alone. A wise woman once told me that homeschooling is AT LEAST a part time job, so you need to treat it like that. While being mom, nurse, chauffeur, cook, launderer, maid, etc. you are now teacher too.
Do all that you do as unto the Lord and have a good school year!
