5 Tips to Ease Back into Homeschooling After Summer

Homeschooling after summer break can be a bit of a roller coaster, can’t it? I always find it more challenging than transitioning after the holidays. The long summer days, filled with fun and perhaps a bit of chaos, can make the return to a structured routine feel like a Herculean task. Both for the kids and for us moms! But don’t worry, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips to make this transition smoother and even a bit fun.

5 Tips to Ease Back into Homeschooling After Summer

Start Midweek

Jumping straight into a full week of school can be daunting for everyone. Starting midweek, say on a Wednesday or Thursday, can be a gentle way to ease back into the routine. The kids get a sense of accomplishment with only a couple of days before the weekend. It’s like giving them a soft landing.

Additional Tips:

• Half-Days: Consider beginning with half-days for the first week. This can help everyone adjust to being back in “school mode” without feeling overwhelmed.
• Mini Goals: Set small, achievable goals for these initial days. Celebrate completing each task to build momentum and confidence.
• Routine Practice: Spend the first day practicing the new routine. Go over the daily schedule, organize school supplies, and talk about what to expect.

Mix It Up with Fun Activities

Who says going back to school can’t be fun? Surprise your kids with a back-to-school party. Plan a field trip to a local museum or nature reserve. Integrate fun board games that sneak in some learning. Or start with a day of educational DVDs or YouTube videos. How about a simple science experiment in the kitchen? (47 Easy Science Experiments) These activities can reignite their curiosity and make the transition less abrupt.

Additional Tips:

• Theme Days: Create theme days for the first week. For example, “Science Day” could include experiments, a trip to a science center, and watching a science documentary.
• Creative Projects: Start with an art or craft project that ties into upcoming lessons. This can serve as a fun introduction to the new topics.
• Outdoor Learning: Take advantage of the lingering warm weather. Plan outdoor lessons like a nature scavenger hunt, gardening, or sketching plants and animals. 

Take It Slow

Don’t dive headfirst into a full schedule. Start with maybe a quarter of your usual lesson plans. Ease into it the homeschool routine slowly. This approach helps reduce resistance and fosters a better attitude towards learning. Keep it simple at first. Spend more time reading together, visit the library, and let your kids follow their interests. Rekindle their excitement for learning at their own pace. Check out this Homeschool Daily Schedule Template!

Additional Tips:

• Flexible Scheduling: Be willing to adjust your schedule based on how your kids are coping. If they need more breaks, incorporate them.
• Prioritize Core Subjects: Focus on the core subjects first, like math and reading, and gradually add in other subjects.
• Daily Wrap-Up: End each day with a short, informal discussion about what they learned and what they enjoyed. This helps reinforce the day’s lessons and provides closure.

Fun Back-to-School Traditions

Starting new traditions can make the transition from summer to school more exciting and memorable. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Printable First Day of Homeschool Planner: I love using my Printable First Day of Homeschool Planner to set the tone for the new school year. Here’s what’s included:

• First Day of Homeschool Interview Pages Preschool-5th Grade
• First Day of Homeschool Interview Page – Blank Grade
• The List – Ideas for the First Day Planner
• Activity Planner Page – Preparation and Notes
• Books to Read Planner Page
• 3 Interests to Pursue Planner Page
• Homeschool Field Trip Bucket List
• Fun Homeschool Experiences Planner Page
• What I Did This Summer Page
• Vision Board Scrapbook Page

Additional Tips:

• First Day Photos: Take fun first-day-of-school photos. You can create a backdrop with balloons or a chalkboard sign with their grade and favorite things.
• Special Breakfast: Kick off the day with a special breakfast. Pancakes shaped like letters, a breakfast buffet, or a fun smoothie bar can make the morning special.
• Memory Keepsakes: Start a tradition of creating a memory keepsake. It could be a scrapbook page, a handprint craft, or a time capsule that you open at the end of the school year.

Check out my post > The Best First Day of Homeschool Traditions and Printables

Incorporate Sensory Play

After the freedom of summer, kids might find it hard to sit still. Sensory play can help bridge that gap. Activities like playdough, sand, or water play can be soothing and fun. It’s a great way to transition from the relaxed summer vibes to the more structured school days. 

Additional Tips:

• Sensory Bins: Create sensory bins related to the subjects you’re studying. For example, a bin with letter-shaped beads for language arts or a dinosaur dig for science.
• Movement Breaks: Incorporate short, frequent movement breaks. Activities like stretching, jumping jacks, or a quick dance party can help kids refocus.
• Quiet Spaces: Set up a quiet space with sensory tools like weighted blankets, fidget toys, and calming music where kids can go if they feel overwhelmed.

Bonus Tip for Homeschooling After Summer: Embrace Flexibility

Remember, it’s okay to be flexible. When it comes to homeschooling after summer some days will be easier than others, and that’s perfectly fine. Give yourself and your kids grace. If a lesson isn’t going well, take a break and try something different. The beauty of homeschooling is that it allows for adaptability. (5 Things to do When Homeschooling Gets Hard)

Additional Tips:

• Listen to Your Kids: Pay attention to how your kids are feeling. If they’re struggling, don’t be afraid to switch gears or take a break.
• Adjust Plans: If a particular subject or activity isn’t working, be open to adjusting your plans. Sometimes a fresh approach can make all the difference.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Celebrate even the small successes. Acknowledge effort and progress, no matter how minor it may seem. This Printable Homeschool Portfolio Binder is a great way to record everything!

Bonus Tip for Mom: Foster Independence

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the ability to learn and work independently. This not only builds their confidence but also lightens our load as homeschool moms.

Ultimate Independent Kids Planner: I highly recommend using my Ultimate Independent Kids Planner. It’s a fantastic resource to help guide your children towards independence. Here’s a glimpse of what’s included:

• Monthly Calendars: Full page and two-page layouts for planning from January to December.
• Trackers: Keep tabs on chores, work, practice, and weekly assignments.
• Journals: Monthly, weekly, and daily positivity journals, along with a prayer journal and habit trackers.
• Goals: Pages for setting and tracking short-term, long-term, and life goals.
• Exercise and Activities: Track workouts with various training levels and a fun “roll the dice” workout page.
• Cooking and Reading: Pages to track what your child can cook and their reading lists.

Additional Tips:

• Delegate Responsibilities: Give your kids age-appropriate chores and responsibilities. This teaches them life skills and eases your workload. (25 Life Skills to Teach Your Kids Before Adulthood)
• Encourage Problem-Solving: When your kids encounter a problem, encourage them to find solutions on their own before stepping in to help.
• Praise Effort: Focus on praising the effort they put into being independent, not just the outcome. This builds their confidence and resilience.

Homeschooling after summer doesn’t have to be a struggle. With a bit of planning and a lot of patience, you can ease back into it smoothly and enjoy the process. Let’s make this transition a time of new adventures and renewed curiosity. What are some of your favorite tips for easing back into homeschooling after the summer break? Share them in the comments!

Forest Rose

Forest Rose is a God Loving, Blessed Wife, &  Mama to 3 girls. She’s passionate about lifting moms out of the trenches that are discouraged, overwhelmed, or feeling alone or isolated. Her hope is to point them to Christ and equip them to rise up with a newfound hope and joy within, that He alone can provide. Besides blogging, she also loves to create printables!