If you're looking ahead to a new homeschool year and feeling overwhelmed, take heart—you don’t need a perfect plan. You just need a thoughtful one. With a clear vision, flexible routines, and a focus on what really matters, you can build a homeschool rhythm that’s life-giving for the whole family.
Here’s how to create a homeschool plan rooted in connection, character, and peace.
1. Revisit Your Family Vision
Before choosing curriculum or writing schedules, pause to reflect: What do I want my children to remember about life in our home?
Write down 5–10 values or activities that define your family—your “essentials.” Ours include hospitality, worship, missions, travel, time outdoors, gardening, and learning through living books. These guide what we say yes and no to in our homeschool.
Our homeschool priorities? Teaching virtue, civics, a strong work ethic, and the love of learning. The rest can be learned later if needed.
2. Choose a Guiding Word or Verse
Each year, I pray for a word or Scripture to shape our focus. Past guiding words have included excellence, diligence, playful, and experience.
This small step helps anchor our homeschool year and gives direction when challenges come. Ask yourself what theme might support your family’s growth this year.
3. Plan a Sustainable Weekly Rhythm
Next, sketch out a weekly plan. Pencil in co-ops, lessons, outings, and rest days. We aim to limit outside activities to one or two days a week to leave room for connection and creativity.
Some seasons call for more community, others for quiet. Let your family’s needs shape your rhythm.
4. Choose Subjects and Curriculum Thoughtfully
Now that you have a rhythm, it’s time to plan subjects. Here’s how to keep it simple and meaningful:
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Start with History Close to Home
Begin with American history using resources like The Playful Pioneers. Then explore European and world history with The Kind Kingdom and Precious People. For early learners, we have a new Precious People resource coming soon that begins with North America and moves around the world.
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Prioritize Virtuous Stories
Choose literature that shapes character and a biblical worldview. Academic skills can be caught up—but worldview is foundational.
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Include Hands-On Learning
At The Peaceful Press, we include weekly projects, recipes, and nature study. These activities build motor skills, creativity, and real-world understanding.
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Combine Grades Where You Can
Teach history, science, literature, art, and geography family-style. You’ll reduce prep and grading while creating more connection. Even math can be combined by going deeper with fewer levels.
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Simplify Language Arts
Avoid doing every language arts subject every year. Instead, choose one or two language arts concepts and rotate focus:
- 1st grade: Phonics
- 2nd: Spelling
- 3rd: Punctuation
- 4th: Grammar
- 5th: Writing
- 6th: Essays
Build narration and copywork habits with The Peaceful Press and use favorites like All About Reading, Explode the Code, and IEW for support. For math, many families love Math with Confidence, Right Start, Math-U-See, and Teaching Textbooks.
5. Establish a Daily Homeschool Rhythm
A gentle, predictable rhythm helps kids feel secure and ready to learn. Here’s what we include:
- Morning “top 3” before screen time
- Quiet storytime with play or copywork
- Wiggle breaks
- Planned meals and snacks
- Simple chore training
Use our Peaceful Press Planner to map daily rhythms, track habits, and plan meals. And for help training children in home routines, check out our Chore & Routine Pack.
6. Prioritize Connection
Children learn best when they feel loved. Be intentional about eye contact, hugs, time in nature, and space for quiet. Track these “invisible” habits to keep connection strong.
Want More Support?
Inside the Restoration Home Community, we offer:
- Weekly lesson plans with prompts for connection and motor skills
- Monthly habits to build a peaceful home life
- Book clubs, mentor teachings, and a warm, supportive community
👉 Click here to learn more and join us.
FAQ
How do I start planning my homeschool year?
Start with your family’s core values and vision. Choose a word or Scripture for the year, then plan a weekly rhythm that supports your priorities. Build your curriculum around simple, rich learning—focusing on connection over content.
What subjects should I include in a homeschool schedule for early elementary?
Start with math, phonics or reading, copywork, and a living-books approach to history and science. Add nature study, art, and projects for hands-on learning. Keep language arts simple by rotating skills each year, and combine subjects where possible.