Back to Homeschool

It's crunch time!

We've got approximately three weeks before the kiddo is officially back at his homeschool program.  In that time, I have a shit ton of stuff to do.  Oh yeah- and I started a new job.  Since I'm still working the old job in addition to the new job- this means that I'm super busy.  Add in family obligations and sometimes I wonder how I get it all done.

Oh wait- I'm organized.  As in, just a little OCD organized, that's how!  So today I want to share with you exactly what happens in the weeks leading up to the official back to school season for us as homeschoolers.

One Month

• Clean out school supplies.  Throw away any broken items.  Donate what you don't need.  Make a list of what you do need and put it on the fridge for later.
• Organize school room, or kid's desks- basically, clean up the area you'll be doing most of the schooling.  Add any needed items to the list- things like more light bulbs, new desk chair or lap desk, etc.
• Rotate seasonal clothing.  Separate into piles for keep, trash, donate and sell.  If your kids need something, like a new pair of shoes or more underwear- then add it to that list on the fridge.
• List items for sale on Ebay and Craigslist.  Donate what doesn't sell.

Three Weeks

• Shop those back to school sales!  Remember that list from the fridge?  Now's the time to shop, shop, shop!
• Complete your last major summer project.  Planning on re-doing your kids bedrooms?  Or are you selling the swing set?  Plan on getting new tires on the car?  Try to finish up any leftover summer projects during these last few weeks.
• Drop off any items for donation if you haven't already.

Two Weeks

• Time for fun!  We always plan a mini trip or vacation for the two weeks prior to the start of school.  One last hurrah before it's back to the grind!
• Get some baking done.  Quick breads and muffins for fast and healthy breakfast's are perfect.  Prep some frozen meals too if you've got the time.
• Plan out next month's menu.  Need help?  Click here to read how I do this!

One Week

• Do a major house cleaning.  Deep cleaning stuff- washing the walls, vacuuming the baseboards, laundering the curtains, etc.
• Get your kids ready.  Make sure all their clothes are ready and they have the needed school supplies.  If you will be using lunch boxes & bags- make sure those are washed and ready too!  And don't forget hair cuts.
• Do a major grocery store visit.  I always try to stock up so that I can avoid the grocery store during those first 2 weeks of back to school.
• Go over your Fall schedule.  Check for any errors, see what needs to be added, make any reservations or sign up for any winter classes.

This list will work well for both homeschoolers and public schoolers.  I find that it's easiest to break things down into weekly tasks instead of thinking about the mountain of stuff that needs to get done before starting the new school year.  Add in a few things you might need to accomplish, tailor it to your family and you're ready to go!