This post, originally published on March 27, 2024, has been updated for accuracy and completeness. It was previously hosted on my former website, momhomeschooldiary.com, which is no longer active. I am now sharing it here on learningwithbusybrains.com.
Assalamualaikum and hey there, fellow mommas,
So, I came across this really interesting conversation between two homeschooling moms, Rachael and April. They were discussing various aspects of homeschooling and sharing some pretty insightful strategies. It was a pleasant surprise to stumble upon it! Yesterday, I received an email from a non-Muslim homeschooling mom based in Malaysia, a Chinese woman who has just started her homeschooling journey. It got me thinking that the insights shared in this conversation could also be beneficial for others, regardless of their background or beliefs.
I thought the information they shared could be really useful for others in their homeschool planning, regardless of their background and beliefs, so I took some notes. I figured I’d pass along the key points to you all, in case it’s helpful.
Rachael Carman, a former homeschooling mom of seven, and April Lesh, a homeschooling mom of nine, share their tips on setting goals for your family’s homeschool.
- 00:00:00 Intro
- 00:00:24 Pray, Set Goals, and Research Curriculum
- 00:02:57 Assess What’s Working vs. What’s Not?
- 00:08:15 Book Lists and State Reporting
- 00:10:51 Designated Planning Day(s)
- 00:14:31 Prioritizing and Rotating Schedules
- 00:18:38 Student-Directed Planning and Time Management
- 00:22:09 Chore Schedule
- 00:23:06 Planners Are Like Insurance
- 00:24:28 Big Picture Family Planning
- 00:25:34 Conclusion
While the term “strategic planning” may not have been explicitly mentioned, the essence of thoughtful decision-making and intentional action permeated every aspect of their discussion.
Introduction:
- Rachael and April, experienced homeschooling mothers, share insights into strategic planning for homeschooling journeys.
- They discuss yearly, mid-year, and weekly planning techniques they personally use.
Yearly Planning:
- April highlights the importance of prayer in setting educational goals, emphasizing spiritual guidance.
- Researching various curriculums is an inspiring starting point, providing motivation and ideas.
- April and Rachael advocate for year-round schooling to prevent learning loss and maintain consistency.
- They suggest planning during the summer break, utilizing the time to organize materials and order supplies.
- Flexibility is crucial, with adjustments made as needed throughout the year based on individual progress and interests.
- Example: April’s decision to delay handwriting instruction until her child was developmentally ready showcases adaptive planning.
- Additionally, they discuss the significance of setting long-term goals and breaking them down into manageable milestones for effective planning.
- Rachael emphasizes the importance of incorporating extracurricular activities and field trips into the yearly plan to enhance learning experiences.
- April shares insights into aligning educational goals with children’s interests and passions to foster intrinsic motivation.
- Both mothers stress the value of regular assessments and evaluations to track progress and adjust plans accordingly.
- They discuss the importance of maintaining a balance between structured learning and free exploration to promote holistic development.
- Overall, their approach to yearly planning involves prayerful consideration, research, flexibility, and a focus on long-term goals to create a comprehensive and adaptable educational journey for their children.
Adjustments and Tweaks:
- The duo stresses the importance of being open to adjustments when curriculum or methods aren’t working.
- April discusses the significance of enthusiasm in teaching, noting its impact on children’s engagement and learning outcomes.
- Recognizing signs of struggle or disinterest in certain subjects prompts a reevaluation of curriculum choices.
- Example: Rachael shares her experience of recognizing and addressing her child’s difficulty with a phonics-based curriculum, emphasizing the need for flexibility and adaptability.
Curriculum Implementation:
- Both mothers prefer a flexible planning approach, creating a basic outline rather than rigid schedules.
- They discuss the excitement of planning and the joy it brings, emphasizing the need for enthusiasm in teaching.
- April describes her strategy of using Post-it notes to plan daily reading sessions, ensuring coverage of various subjects.
- Rachael highlights the importance of involving children in curriculum selection, fostering ownership and enthusiasm for learning.
- Example: Rachael’s children actively participate in choosing books for their individual reading lists, promoting autonomy and engagement.
- April expresses her love for reading aloud, emphasizing its significance in their homeschooling journey.
- They discuss astronomy as part of their curriculum, focusing on it exclusively for a period while pausing other subjects like math.
- This approach allows for immersion in a particular topic before rotating to another subject.
- Rachael and April find that this method helps maintain engagement and ensures comprehensive learning in different areas of study.
Weekly Planning:
- Reflecting on the previous week’s accomplishments and shortcomings is essential for weekly planning.
- The mothers discuss their weekly planning routines, involving reflection, adjustment, and goal-setting.
- They emphasize the importance of teaching time management skills and fostering independence in children.
- Example: April shares her method of marking off completed tasks in her planner, finding motivation in seeing progress.
- Additionally, they stress the value of adaptability and flexibility in adjusting plans based on individual needs and circumstances.
- Rachael mentions the importance of finding a balance between structure and flexibility in weekly planning to accommodate unexpected events.
- April shares insights into prioritizing tasks and allocating time effectively to ensure productivity during the week.
- Both mothers highlight the role of consistent communication and collaboration between parents and children in weekly planning sessions.
- They discuss the significance of setting realistic goals and breaking down tasks into manageable steps to avoid overwhelm.
- Rachael emphasizes the importance of celebrating small victories and progress during weekly reflections, fostering a positive learning environment.
- April shares strategies for encouraging children to take ownership of their weekly plans, promoting accountability and self-discipline.
- Overall, their approach to weekly planning involves a combination of reflection, adaptability, and proactive goal-setting to optimize learning outcomes and promote independence in children.
Flexibility in Schedule:
- Implementing block courses allows for focused learning on specific subjects for a period before rotating.
- Chore scheduling is also part of the planning process, with seasonal adjustments made for better organization.
- Example: Rachael describes her strategy of rotating subjects to ensure coverage and maintain engagement.
- Both mothers stress the importance of adaptability and flexibility in homeschool planning, especially in the face of unexpected challenges.
- Example: Rachael’s experience with adjusting curriculum during a period of unemployment highlights the necessity of flexibility in homeschooling.
Conclusion:
- Rachael and April emphasize the importance of adaptability, flexibility, and enthusiasm in homeschool planning.
- They advocate for a holistic approach that considers spiritual guidance, individual needs, and long-term goals.
- The mothers encourage fellow homeschooling parents to find joy and satisfaction in the planning process, despite its challenges.
- Their shared experiences and insights serve as valuable resources for navigating the homeschooling journey effectively.
My Take on This:
First of all, I am surprised at how I could watch such lengthy videos. To be honest, I managed to get through extended videos when learning about the manhaj salaf. However, it was for the sake of homeschooling that I sailed through a sea of content without losing interest. I’m glad I did it, and all thanks to Allaah. My interest in homeschooling is what sustains me, like manhaj salaf without it and guidance by Allah, I would have to say goodbye.
Listening to Rachael and April’s conversation about homeschooling planning was not just enlightening but also a humbling experience for me as a Muslim homeschooling parent. Their practical wisdom and heartfelt advice resonated deeply with my own experiences, reminding me of the importance of seeking guidance from Allah in every aspect of our lives, something we Muslims should know firsthand.
As Muslims, we understand that no matter how good our intentions or efforts may be, without the help and guidance of Allah, we are nothing. Therefore, it’s crucial for us as homeschooling mothers to apply an Islamic filter while listening to their conversation, recognizing that every piece of advice they share is ultimately under Allah’s wisdom and mercy.
One aspect that particularly stood out to me was their emphasis on flexibility, which aligns perfectly with the concept of tawakkul (reliance on Allah). Rachael and April’s reminder to be open to adjustments and to trust in Allah’s plan, even when things don’t go as expected, was a powerful affirmation of our Islamic values.
Their discussion on incorporating spirituality into the planning process, such as April’s mention of the importance of prayer in setting educational goals, resonated deeply with me. It served as a beautiful reminder that seeking guidance from Allaah through prayer is essential in every decision we make, including our approach to homeschooling.
Overall, Rachael and April’s conversation got me thinking, not just as a homeschooling parent, but also as a Muslim striving to raise my children in accordance with Islamic values. Their shared experiences and practical tips, seen through the lens of Islamic principles, have given me renewed confidence and motivation to continue on this homeschooling journey, seeking Allah’s guidance every step of the way.
Despite being non-Muslims, they recognize the importance of actively engaging in their children’s upbringing. This reinforces the belief that as Muslims, we shouldn’t rely solely on teachers but rather take a proactive role in guiding our children along their educational and spiritual paths, always seeking guidance from Allah in every aspect of their development. It’s not merely about praising them for their efforts but rather recognizing that as Muslim mothers, it’s time to prioritize our faith at the forefront when raising our children. Perhaps we’ve overlooked that teachers, like us, can also face impatience, yet they’re trained to teach. So, dear Muslim mommas, let’s remember to bring our faith to the forefront as we nurture our children. We are the first school, and we should embrace this mindset of cultivating our children. Don’t wait for an ustadh or ustadha to do it for us; we should play a role in becoming our children’s success coaches in this world and the hereafter. Above all, we must never underestimate a mother’s du’a and the impact of our prayers for our children. Let us be diligent in our supplications, seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings for their success and righteousness.
