Homeschool Science Tip of the Month - Start working on next year's plan.

It's that time of the year - the time to start thinking about our plans for next year. I don't know about you, but I need a few weeks (months) to mull over the choices and really evaluate how our plans for this year worked.

I usually begin to think about next year's plans as spring starts to make its appearance.

At this point in the year, we are about two-thirds to three-quarters of the way done with our school plans, so I have a good idea of what is working and what is not. 

After 10+ years of homeschooling, here's my system of steps. 

Following these four steps are what works best for me as I plan for the next year:

1. Evaluate our current materials - I use the questions from this mid-year evaluation. (<-free printable in this post)
2. Lay out the framework of our plans (i.e., budget, goals, etc.) - these five questions will help you figure those out.
3. Research, research, research - I look at samples of the next levels, read blog posts, listen to podcasts, watch videos, and gather the information I need.
4. Make a decision, place the order, and remind myself not to have perfect curriculum panic!

Well, that's a quick look at how planning goes in our house. Sometimes this takes a month, sometimes I don't place my order for next year's materials until July!

Want more help planning for next year's science?

Here are two more places you can go to get help as you plan science for next year:

• A Virtual Homeschool Science Conference 
• 50 Top Tips and Tools for Homeschool Science