5 Ways Homeschool Parents Can Prepare This Summer

🌞 5 Ways Homeschool Parents Can Prepare This Summer

Summer is finally here. After months of library runs, science experiments, math lessons, read-alouds, and more broken pencils than you can count—you’re ready for a break. While your kids are recharging and soaking in the freedom of summer, you’re probably doing what most homeschool parents do: already thinking ahead.

What worked last year? What didn’t? What can I do now to make next year smoother?

Good news: You don’t need to burn out before the school year even begins. Here are five intentional ways to prepare for your next homeschool year—while still enjoying your summer.

1. ✍️ Reflect on the Year You Just Finished

Before diving into planning, take a deep breath and reflect. Ask yourself:

What really clicked with your children this year?
Where did they shine?
What caused stress or frustration—for them or for you?
What flowed easily and felt joyful?

Write it all down. These reflections are gold. They’ll help you create a more personalized, effective plan when it’s time to organize your curriculum and schedule.

2. 📚 Research Curricula and Resources

Summer gives you the gift of time. Use it to explore new curriculum options and educational resources without the pressure of immediate deadlines.

Did you attend the HEAV convention this year? If you left with a list of ideas and now feel overwhelmed, take it slow.

Watch curriculum walkthroughs on YouTube.
Read reviews on trusted homeschooling blogs.
Ask for opinions in the HEAV Homeschooling in Virginia Facebook group.

And don’t just think about core subjects!

This might be the perfect year to explore:

Virginia state history
Life skills for teens
Art and architecture
Coding and STEM

Summer curiosity can lead to next year’s creativity.

3. 🏡 Refresh Your Learning Space

Whether you homeschool at the kitchen table or in a dedicated room, your space affects your mindset. Use summer to declutter, reorganize, and refresh.

Donate or sell materials you’re done with.
Take inventory of supplies before back-to-school sales.
Reimagine your space: a cozy reading nook, new wall art, or a portable basket of supplies for outdoor learning or roadschooling.

A refreshed space can bring a fresh start to your school year.

4. 🎟️ Plan Field Trips and Hands-On Learning

Let learning come alive with experiential education. Summer is a great time to look for:

Local museums and science centers
Living history sites and reenactments
State parks, hiking trails, and nature preserves

Field trips are less stressful when planned in advance, and many places offer homeschool days or group discounts.

Also, now’s the time to register for fall co-ops, clubs, and extracurriculars. Securing your spots early ensures a smoother transition when fall arrives.

5. 🌿 Pour Into Yourself

This one’s important: Don’t forget about you. Use summer to rest, refuel, and find joy in the things that fill your cup.
Maybe that looks like:

A morning walk in peace and quiet
Gardening or journaling
Catching up on a podcast or reading a novel
Simply doing nothing at all—without guilt

When you grow, your homeschool flourishes. Recharging now will help you show up refreshed, patient, and present when the new school year begins.

Final Thoughts: A Joyful Summer Builds a Joyful Year

Homeschooling is more than a checklist—it’s a lifestyle. Just as your children need rest and room to explore, so do you. These small, intentional steps will help you build a strong foundation for the year ahead—one rooted in reflection, creativity, and balance.
So go ahead: daydream, recharge, and take your well-earned summer break. You’ve done the hard work, and now it’s time to breathe before a brand-new chapter begins.

Laura Wilkerson

A self-described everyday mom, Laura and her husband have homeschooled their only child since preschool. Her passion is to support other families as they embark on their unique homeschooling adventure.

Laura is part of HEAV’s publications team and works tirelessly—fueled by many cups of coffee!—as social media manager. You can always find her on one of HEAV’s social media channels.