How to Prepare for School While Still Enjoying Summer

Summer break is finally here — time to rest, recharge, and enjoy a slower pace. It’s also the perfect opportunity to prepare for school in simple, stress-free ways. If you’re wondering how to prepare for the homeschool year over summer without sacrificing rest and fun, you’re not alone. This post offers simple strategies to help you do just that.

4 Ways to Get Ahead for Next Semester

Here are four simple things you can do this summer to ensure a successful kick-off for the fall semester:

1. Continue Learning Throughout the Summer

Many homeschool parents worry that their students will forget information learned during the previous semester while on summer break. With this mindset, it’s easy to anticipate a slow start to the fall semester due to relearning material already covered.

However, this doesn’t have to be the case! Indeed, there are many ways to continue to learn throughout the summer that don’t involve homeschooling year-round, from memorizing a Bible verse each week to starting your own book club.

Also, remember that not all learning occurs in front of a book. There are many other ways to learn — some even more practical than reading — that your student will have time for this summer, like working a summer job or taking an art class.

If you’re looking for more ways to continue learning with your student this summer, read our post “Summer Homeschool Activities to Keep the Mind Active.”

2. Plan and Purchase Your Resources for Next Semester

Have you ever arrived in August scrambling to find homeschool resources, ordering books last minute before the semester starts?

Unless this upcoming academic year is your first homeschooling your child, many parents can relate to this scenario. After all, whenever summer rolls around, we can easily put homeschooling “on hold” and procrastinate planning for the next semester.

But it will be here before you know it. So, one way to get a head start on next semester is to choose and order your resources now so your family can slide into next semester with zero stress about which books you need, if there will be any copies still available, and whether they’ll ship before your family begins your first community day of the academic year.

Plan now so you can enjoy the rest of your summer stress-free. CC members enjoy free shipping on orders of $50 or more at the Classical Conversations bookstore, plus you automatically get discounted member pricing. Be sure to check out all the resources!

3. Attend a Homeschool Convention

Attending a homeschool convention is a convenient way to plan for next semester while also connecting with the larger homeschool community this summer.

Many large homeschool conventions — like Teach Them Diligently and Great Homeschool Conventions — travel to various locations nationwide, inviting exhibitors to showcase their homeschool curriculum and resources. You can easily invest in your professional development as a homeschool educator by visiting a homeschool convention in your area. It’s a great way to get ahead!

Should you visit a Teach Them Diligently or Great Homeschool Conventions event this summer, stop by our Classical Conversations booth and say hello!

Also, if you’re wondering whether homeschool conventions are even worth attending when it seems like you can find all your resources online these days, be sure to read “Homeschool Conventions: Helpful or Outdated?”

4. Join Us at Parent Practicum

Looking for ways to improve your classical skills of learning this summer? Then join us at a Parent Practicum!

Throughout the summer, local Classical Conversations team leaders host Practicum events to help homeschool parents — whether Classical Conversations members or not — discover and practice the classical skills of learning.

Each year, Practicum focuses on equipping homeschool parents with the fifteen skills of learning that enable us to have rich, meaningful conversations with our students about any new subject. During the event, you’ll practice these skills in discussions with other parents using science as your topic.

To sign up for a Practicum in your area, click here.

But Also… Enjoy Your Summer!

While all these are great ways to get a head start on next semester, remember that every homeschool parent needs a break now and then — even you. And summer brings that perfect opportunity for you to rest.

In other words, you don’t have to do everything on this list. If planning for next semester is already causing you stress, wait a few weeks before you begin, taking time to rest.

If you’re ready to get a head start on next semester right now, be sure to check out our bookstore resources. Your member discounts will encourage you to get your fall semester shopping out of the way early so you can enjoy the rest of your summer. Happy shopping!

Summer Homeschool Prep: 5 Tips for Parents

• Keep learning alive with light, engaging summer activities
• Order curriculum early to avoid last-minute stress
• Attend a homeschool convention near you
• Join a Parent Practicum to grow in classical skills
• Rest well. You don’t have to do it all at once.