As our homeschool takes some time off this summer, my mind almost never stops thinking of and planning ahead for the upcoming school year. This is probably because I'm Type A and an obsessive planner...lol
Whatever the reason, I do enjoy this season of planning.
But I also need to be refreshed as a homeschool mom. Homeschooling can be incredibly exhausting and all-consuming. It's not easy and it's a lot of responsibility. And I take that very seriously when I am researching curriculum and planning toward the next school year. So also taking some time to rejuvenate and refocus myself is very important.
How do I do this?
Each summer I take some time to read something inspiring and motivating that speaks to me as a homeschool mom. Some of my fave reads from past years--that I have nearby on my shelf and refer to often--are Educating the Wholehearted Child, The Well-Trained Mind, The Charlotte Mason Companion, A Thomas Jefferson Education, and Dumbing Us Down.
This summer I am reading Teaching from Rest by Sarah Mackenzie ...and I am LOVING it. It is just what I need right now. I also downloaded the companion journal guide (and had it spiral bound at OfficeMax very cheaply). It might not be completely necessary but I am appreciating it very much and it definitely helps you 'flesh-out' the key thoughts from the sections of the book.
Also available to go along with the reading of this book are three Periscope recordings--one for each section of the book--that are really good! Sarah is great on-camera, very relate-able and adorable, too.
I am not finished with the book yet because I am not rushing through but trying to take time for notes and journaling ...and because we are in the midst of VBS here-ha! It's also sometimes hard to find a quiet place and time to read (note: the above photo was taken one day when I was able to escape to my kiddos' treehouse). But I am thoroughly enjoying my time in this book.
Taking some time in between--or even during--your schooling time to do a little personal study, reflection, and re-focusing can be a huge blessing to you as a homeschool mom and I highly recommend it.
I'd love to hear what is refreshing to you!