5 Ways to Transition from Summer to Fall as a Homeschool Family

Summer days are full of sunshine, relaxed schedules, and spontaneous adventures. While this carefree time is a much-needed break, transitioning back into a homeschooling routine can sometimes be a bit bumpy.

But don't worry, with a little preparation, you can make the shift smooth and exciting for everyone with these back-to-school ideas for homeschool families.

1. Get in the Back-to-School Spirit

Remember those butterflies in your stomach before the first day of school? You can recreate that excitement at home! Get your kids involved in the back-to-school preparations a few weeks before the academic year starts.

• Shopping for School Supplies: A true rite of passage! Head to the store together and let your child choose new school supplies, fun notebooks, colorful pencils, and other items they’ll need for the academic year.
• Snack and Lunch Planning: Involve your student in meal planning for the upcoming weeks. Let them pick out healthy snacks and brainstorm creative lunch ideas. Your child can even help prepare their lunch the night before.
• Brainstorm Field Trips Together: Start planning some fun field trips that align with your curriculum or their interests. Ask your child where they would like to go and what topics they might be interested in exploring outside the classroom.

2. Establish a Morning Routine

The slow mornings of summer are lovely, but a consistent morning routine is essential for a productive homeschool day. A few weeks before the start of your school year, gradually shift your schedule:

• Wake-Up Time: Set a consistent wake-up time and gently ease kids back into it.
• Breakfast: Don’t skip breakfast. You and your child need energy to get through the school day together.
• Personal Hygiene: Make sure everyone is dressed and ready to tackle the day. Avoid having your child start school in their pajamas.
• Connection Time: Spend a few minutes talking about the day’s schedule to foster a sense of togetherness.
• Quiet Time: Encourage a calm morning activity to start the day like reading, journaling, or doing simple puzzles, helping your child to center their attention.

3. Reinstate a Good Bedtime Routine

If your kids have enjoyed a later bedtime during the summer, start shifting it back earlier in small increments. A well-rested child is better equipped to handle the structure of a homeschool day. You can help your child get better rest with a solid wind-down routine before bedtime, which can include picking out their outfit for the next day, talking about tomorrow’s schedule, quiet time, reading, listening to music or a story, and journaling or talking about their day, in addition to bathtime, washing their face, and brushing their teeth.

4. Embrace Autumn

Fall is a beautiful time of transition, and it can be a wonderful theme for your the beginning of the homeschooling year. Take advantage of the changing season.

• Nature Walks: Go for walks to observe the leaves changing colors, collect acorns or other natural materials, or track animal footprints. Talk about what you see and predict what other changes might happen outdoors as the weather gets colder. 
• Fall Crafts: Create autumn-inspired art projects like leaf rubbings, pumpkin paintings, or Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations. Hang up your child’s art in their classroom.
• Seasonal Science: Learn about the science behind the changing seasons, the migration of birds, or the local growing and harvesting season.

5. Add New Curriculum

Give your child something new to look forward to! Your household may qualify for free homeschool art curriculum mailed right to your door each month. Through Outside the Box Creation, you can order art boxes using your state’s grant funds. Our boxes are designed by a professional artist, contain high-quality and eco-friendly art supplies, and include a detailed project guide with step-by-step instructions and accompanying books. Get started today!

Going back to school for a homeschooling family might not be easy, but it doesn't have to be abrupt. By gradually implementing these strategies, you can help your children reacclimate to their school day.

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