A Mid-Year Refresh to Start Back Strong (Freebie!)

Once Christmas is over — and I’ve had a few extra days of lounging in PJs — I start getting that new year itch. You know the one — clean out all the spaces, tackle all those goals, and conquer that stack of books.

(Narrator: it never happens!)

But refreshing our homeschool & homeschool space? That’s something that (almost!) always happens.

I’ve used variations of this list for years. As I pulled it out for this week, I thought maybe you’d like the list, too. 

I even made a handy-dandy free download for you!

1. What books do you need this month?

Order them now or put them on hold at your library. If you’re ready, do that for the rest of the semester.

Hint: in the online system for your library, look for ‘suspend hold’. This feature in many systems allows you to “pre-order” a book by selecting the date you will need it.

2. Clean out your desks.

Set your timer for ONE minute & go through ONE drawer. Put pencils where they go, recycle old papers, return books to their correct spots, etc. Repeat for each drawer. Perfection isn’t the goal. We’re just refreshing things.

3. Finish up your admin work.

Do you need to update transcripts for your high school kiddo? Is there any paperwork you need to do for the state? If you have a senior, do you need to send in a mid-year report to any colleges?

4. Plan 2-3 field trips.

If you don’t have anything planned already, choose a couple of places to visit. Ask friends or grandparents to join you. These don’t have to be all-day trips or relate to anything you’re studying — just go explore & learn away from your books.

5. Do you need to print anything?

Nothing derails my day quicker than trying to start a lesson only to find that I need to print something for it. (Even worse, if you then have to fight the printer or discover you’re out of ink!)

Take a look at the month ahead & print everything you need.

6. Plan some fun learning.

The long days of gray skies & bitter cold are ahead. And that can make your days at home feel even longer. What board games do you have that are educational? What educational shows can you watch? Are there any learning kits in your closet that you’ve not gotten around to yet? If you have teens, these (free!) curiosity calendars can add some fun to their days.

Even scheduling some homeschooling fun once or twice a week for even 30-60 minutes will bring a much-needed reprieve.

• Daily Curiosity Calendars for Teens
• What should we watch next? (Streaming for Homeschooler)
• 6 Easy & Educational Ideas for Homeschool Fun

7. Vaccum.

A clean floor is one of the quickest ways to make a room feel clean, IMHO! Grab your vacuum, broom, Swiffer, whatever & let’s give your homeschool space a good clean-up. Pull out the furniture, get into the corners, etc.

8. Straighten up your bookshelves/storage.

We’re going to do this one quickly, too. Set your timer for 2-3 minutes per shelf (cubby, etc.) and go. Put away things that don’t belong. Stand books & binders back up. Toss out papers that got shoved into the back. Set aside anything you need to donate, return, or sell.

Again, perfection isn’t the goal!

9. Update your calendar.

What things are changing this year/semester? Are there new classes — online or in-person — that aren’t on your calendar? Is a work schedule in your home changing? Vacations or other days off that you haven’t written down? Don’t let things sneak up on you because you forgot to get them onto the calendar!

While you’re at it, if your kids are old enough, now is a great time to teach them how to add things to a digital calendar. If you don’t have a family calendar that everyone shares, now is a good time for that, too.

10. Rest.

All the preparation doesn’t mean much if you come into the new year dragging. Teaching our kiddos the value of real rest — by doing it! — is one of the best things we can teach them.