How to End Your Homeschool Year
For many of us, the countdown has begun to the end of our homeschool year! We’re wrapping up subjects, polishing off projects, maybe testing, definitely thinking…and moving into planning for next year. Even if we continue on with summer activities and ongoing academic work, the upcoming months offer time for reflection before moving on.
You know, homeschool Mamas can really beat themselves up.
Like the grading system we all experienced, our year is marked with red ink; we calculate deductions, then stare regretfully at our final score. We think of the should-haves, the could-haves, the why-didn’t-I put-more-efforts? Oh, what a self-defeating approach!
While I’m not suggesting we simply pat ourselves on the back, ignoring a need for honest evaluation…I am strongly suggesting we remember this today:
You are doing a beautiful thing.
Yes, you. This sacrificial road you’ve chosen in laboring with Christ by nurturing, training and teaching your children is glorious to Him. Beautiful.
God absolutely delights in receiving our precious sacrifice, and I’m a firm believer that He also thinks we should celebrate it! So, how to end this homeschooling year? Ask questions that lead you to celebrate, and not just evaluate the year:
Did we step out and try anything new? Maybe it didn’t work out quite like you thought, that’s okay. You took the risk for the benefit of your family. Congratulations!
What area am I more confident in than when we started? Take a minute to think back on how this year has grown you. Name a way in which your footing is more sure, your steps more solid.
How has Child A (then B, C, D…) grown in character and confidence this year? Ditto for each child in your family – just think of one word, one subject, one way marking growth.
How did we offer God our best? Again, instead of red-inking the entire content of your year, pause to think of 2-3 ways you know-that-you-know God was honored and praised in your year.
Then comes the fun part — CELEBRATE! Whether big or simple, be intentional about recording answers to these questions (or others you might think of) and finding a way to give a shout out.
Include your children in the thinking and planning :: a special lunch or evening party as a family? perhaps a field trip or outing? Scripture is filled with God-ordained feasts and celebrations of remembrance, of giving praise for things gone well.
Shouldn’t our lives reflect this?
Celebrate the beauty of your homeschool year…
www.domesticserenity.org
twitter: @danieatdomestic
Comments (20)
I hadn’t even thought of having an end of the year celebration, but now I am definitely going to do something.
I hope you have delicious fun in planning that celebration!
THANK YOU! I really needed this today!
Your welcome Lisa… God knows, doesn’t He? Grace to you.
Omigosh, I wasn’t expecting the huge lump in my throat that surfaced when I read this. Thank you! This was our first year homeschooling (a 4th grader and 1st grader with two 5-year-olds in preschool and an adoption in the works). I hardly been sure at all that we’ve been doing enough but have felt this voice often saying ‘It’s okay. It’s your first year. You’re bring James home. Just relax. It’s all good.’
So we did bring our son home. Just last week. And things are good, but homeschooling has certainly not been a huge focus this year. I’ve questioned whether it was the right decision although I want my children with me more. So here we are. At the end of the year. All I know is that I hope to continue because I feel it’s a family-honoring and God-honoring choice and I want that for us and for Him. I just need to good equipping before next year. And I trust He’ll supply it.
Thanks again for your words. I needed to read them today.
Heather, I echo what Danielle said in her post:
“You are doing a beautiful thing.”
Blessings, Maggie
Awesome! Beautiful! Yes! Celebrate!
Thank you friend… enjoy your own celebrations!!
Heather, I’ve had those seasons in the 10+ years we’ve been homeschooling – it can mess with your mind *sigh*. God is faithful, and He will steady you.
Congrats on bringing James home!
I definitely didn’t put as much into this year as I could have. We covered the basics, I added in a few fun things. But, I wish I did more. Now, as I count down our last days, we are making the most of it that we can. And we are DEFINITELY having a celebration at the end! Cake and everything. I’m so proud of my girls!
Learning never ends Nicole. Your “formal” schooling may come to a close soon but just think of all the great educational things you will do with your kids between now and next year!! God is good.
He gives Grace –
Maggie
Honest evaluation can be helpful, and we can learn by looking back…yet, there is always something to celebrate! Your girlies will be so happy.
Enjoy your planning & party!
Thank you. I needed this post. I’ve read and subscribed to TOO may different philosophies of homeschooling. I feel like we unschool year round, discovery learn (every moment of the day), do 24 rigorous weeks of Classical Conversations, plus do intensive remedial reading work all year. Psychologically, I really don’t have a “beginning” or an “end” to our year. If we ever take a “break,” I just feel guilty that we are doing “less.” We DO need to celebrate our year. I need to celebrate what I am doing for my kids. And I definitely need to celebrate the character qualities I see in my kids!
So THANK YOU for posting this.
Yes, Jen, I love the celebrating of character qualities!
Pehaps you could step back from the “doing” for a bit to have time to breathe and reflect? I think everyone needs to have an “end” to be able to look back and say, “job well done.” even children. Just a thought. God bless – Maggie
Jen, the absolutely great news is that whether or not we have official beginnings and endings…there is room to pause and celebrate! I’m glad you’re thinking of making room for this.
YES. You have much to celebrate and give thanks for. Enjoy!
Daniele,
Thank you for your encouragement to truly reflect on what has been accomplished this school year. We always mark the first day with a special celebration, but have been hit or miss with the last day. Not this year =) I can’t wait to sit down with the kids and ask them these questions come May and celebrate how God has helped them to grow and learn! Although homeschooling is challenging, I am excited at how God has been working in the hearts and minds of our five precious children.
Blessings,
Michelle
You are welcome Michelle…
I’m sure your kiddos will have fabulous ideas for celebrating & giving thanks – what a boost of confidence this will be for them. Enjoy, enjoy!
[…] How to End Your Homeschool Year over at Bright Ideas Press blog. Don’t just evaluate the year – celebrate it! At Passionate Homemaking…Remembering the Gift of Marriage. In which I describe our crazy weeks-before-the-wedding idea! […]
[…] How to End Your Homeschool Year over at Bright Ideas Press blog. Don’t just evaluate the year – celebrate it! At Passionate Homemaking…Remembering the Gift of Marriage. In which I describe our crazy weeks-before-the-wedding idea! […]
I have homeschooled my twin daughters for 7 years & will be having a “End of 6th grade celebration”. We will invite friends & family to share in what we have accomplished. Sort of a Back to School, Open House & Graduation from elementary school all rolled into one celebration. My daughters will be putting together poster boards of their favorites (subject, field trip, Bible verse, etc.) & I will be putting together one with photos & information about why we homeschool. We will also have next years curriculum for people to look at & unusual items that we have used over the years as learning tools for people to ask questions & spark conversations, such as; webkinz (they learned basic computer skills in Kindergarten) tape measure (we measured outside how big the Ark & Mayflower were). We will be making Amish friendship bread for part of the refreshments & have starters for those who would like to take it home. I would like to have a prize of some sort for someone to win, maybe guess how many school related items are on a table. I am having fun planning & am looking forward to friends & family seeing that we really have been learning & not just playing! Any other ideas would be welcomed!