Homeschool Help:

End-of-the-Year Chores

Classes are finished. Now it's time for end-of-the-year homeschool help to wrap up the loose ends. Use these techniques to simply and efficiently complete the homeschool year.

Resist the temptation to procrastinate. It's really important to take steps to finalize the year. Otherwise, school and paperwork just drag on and on. It hangs over your head and drains you. You are robbed of fun and relaxation. You can't really wholeheartedly live summer to the fullest..and you and the children need the freedom to regroup and rejuvenate. It's wise to take a day, week or whatever time is necessaary to completely finish.

This does not apply to the actual education of the child. By all means make sure the youngster's learning is on track. That's one the greatest assets of homeschooling. Several of our "vacations" included daily math lessons.

I am referring here to the organization and paperwork that supports your teaching. Hurry up and get the details done.

Following are several techniques that help expedite the process:

• Quick clean

  On the last day, Do not, repeat Do Not, let your child think summer has arrived until the classroom/school area is in order. The student needs to empty folders, desks, shelves, backpacks, etc.
  
  Wipe furniture, then replace with the supplies that can be used next year.
  
  All work needs to be handed in.
  
  Throw away trash.
  
  Right now, straightening is the goal; spic and span is a summer project.

• The plastic tub--not fancy but inexpensive, sturdy, and stackable.

  A month or so before the end of the year, buy a large Rubbermaid or similar container. Label it with the school year (sometimes two years can be combined), child(ren)'s names and grades, and set it in a convenient spot in the school area. As classes wind down, begin filling with completed notebooks and workbooks.

  Later, bundle all the school papers together, put them in a folder, then in the tub. Eventually, everything but textbooks and special assignments is deposited here.

• Finish paperwork

  Plan to immediately complete grades, organize and copy whatever is needed for the final portfolio or assessment by the school (if enrolled in a program). If necessary, ask Dad to lead an outing, plan a movie day (children can watch several good movies/documentaries) or exchange days with another Mom.

Wonderful! Use these homeschool help techniques to quickly wrap-up the end-of-the-year chores. Let the summer begin.

Order and Organization

Return Home from Homeschool Help