Dear Cottonwood Families,
It’s that time of summer when we start to feel the quiet pull toward fall. The notebooks and planners begin to appear on tables, Pinterest boards fill with new ideas, and we catch ourselves daydreaming about fresh starts.
One of my favorite parts of homeschooling is that planning doesn’t have to mean rigid schedules or detailed spreadsheets (unless you love those!). It can simply be an invitation to imagine what we want our days to look and feel like.
As you start thinking about the year ahead, here are a few ways to plan and prep while still holding on to that summer ease:
Dream first, plan second.
Take some time to imagine: What rhythms do you want this year? What subjects or projects light up your student’s eyes? What do you want more (or less) of in your days?
Ease into curriculum thoughts.
Start browsing materials and options without feeling pressured to decide everything right now. You don’t have to have it all figured out before day one. You can wait until your HST returns in August to partner with you on a plan that fits each student’s needs and interests. And remember, you don’t need to jump into a formal curriculum immediately. Even in traditional schools, textbooks aren’t opened on the very first day.
Organize your learning spaces slowly.
Maybe it’s clearing off a shelf, setting up a cozy reading nook, or tidying up an art area. Small steps now can make a big difference later.
Deschooling: a gentle reset.
For new homeschooling families especially, “deschooling” can be a valuable step. It’s a period where both students and parents let go of traditional school structures and rediscover the joy of learning together. Give yourselves permission to unlearn old patterns and explore new possibilities without pressure. Click here to read an insightful blog on the de-schooling concept.
Hold space for joy.
Amid all the planning, remember to savor these last weeks of summer. Spontaneous outings, messy projects, and long afternoons outside still count as learning and help fill everyone’s cup for the year ahead.
As you dream and plan, know that we’re here to support you every step of the way. You’ve got this, and you don’t have to do it alone.
✨ Before you dive into the details, take a moment to ask yourself:
What is one thing you’re most excited to explore or experience with your student this year?
Kindly,
Kara Parkins