Wrapping Up The Year

We are getting close to having completed our recommended 185 days of school for the year. Although I enjoy doing some school through the summer so we keep a rhythm, there are a few chores that I tackle right about now to help our summer feel a little more free.

1. I really like to start planning the coming school year at the end of the current one. I feel like I have a better grasp on what worked and what didn't work, and I'm more realistic about expectations when I'm at the tail end of a long semester. Often I'm just following a progression of whatever I've been using; heading on the next level in Analytical Grammar, Right Start Math, or Teaching Textbooks, or following our chronological flow of history. Since writing The Playful Pioneers this past winter, I've grown more and more excited about our upcoming year of American history. I'll add a college class or two for the older boys, and I'm excited about all the fun projects we will participate in to make the time period come alive.

2. The next thing I do to wrap up the school year is prepare report cards. My children are enrolled in a small private cover school, and its my responsibility at the end of the year to submit report cards and work samples. I try to keep a log of any tests or grades my children get throughout the year in my teacher plan book, which makes it much easier at the end of the year to figure out their grades. I am very low key about grades until high school, but try to abide by the policies of our school.

3. The last task of the year is to shelve the schoolbooks we are finished with. These books get placed in a cupboard for future use, or donated. I put the new books we will be using in each child's basket, and also create a special read aloud basket with selections from our history studies. I also keep a few work samples from the year and file them with my child's name and grade, or place them in a special portfolio of work.

With these tasks done, I am free to enjoy a vacation from the more intense school days, and instead spend that time connecting with my children.

The Playful Pioneers early elementary curriculum is available! You can get a sneak peek of the curriculum here, or purchase by clicking here.

To purchase the Peaceful Preschool Curriculum, Picture Word Cards, or even grab some of our freebies, click here.

For a complete list of picture books used for The Peaceful Preschool, click here.