Thinking For Next Year: Big Decisions, Changes & Figuring It Out
As we near the end of our eighth year of homeschooling, it’s time to start thinking for next year. That might sound a bit early, but after the whirlwind of life recently—moving, adjusting, and just finding a bit of peace—I feel like I can finally take a breath and think ahead. If you’re like me, the end of a school year isn’t just a time to reflect but also a perfect opportunity to dive into planning for the next one.
So, let’s dive in—no purchases just yet, just some thoughts and ideas swirling in my mind. Here’s a peek at what I’m thinking for the year ahead.
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What I Know So Far
One thing’s for sure: we’re keeping Michael Clay Thompson’s fifth-level language arts for my eighth grader and level two for my fourth grader. This has worked well for us, so it’s a definite yes for next year. As for math, I’ll continue with Math-U-See for my youngest and most likely stick with Denison Algebra for my oldest—this switch has been a hit so far.
I’ll also stick with some familiar favorites like Skill Sharpeners Geography, Zaner-Bloser Handwriting, and maybe All About Spelling. However, I haven’t decided yet. I’m considering adding the Evan-Moore Animals Workbook—it’s a hit in our house thanks to her fascination with animals, and it aligns perfectly with her interests.
Potential Changes Ahead
Here’s where things get interesting. I’ve been mulling over whether to continue with Timberdoodle kits. I adore everything about them—the curated kits, the scheduling ease, the quality of resources. But I’m not sure we’ll qualify for kits next year. We might need to branch out a bit more, and if we do continue, it’ll likely be more of a custom approach rather than a full kit. The World History Detective program was amazing this year, but I’m leaning toward taking a different route for history next year.
Enter Woke Homeschooling. I’ve thought about this for some time, and now, it feels right. I want to give my kids a different perspective—one that challenges the status quo and offers a more accurate view of history. I’m thinking of using Oh Freedom to shake things up and align with where we are socially and politically. I haven’t decided whether to go for the full book package or source books myself. Let me know if you’ve used this approach and what worked for you.
Science: Big Decisions on the Horizon
Science is another area I’m thinking hard about. This year, we tackled chemistry, and next year, I want to dive into physics. There are a few exciting options I’m considering, like Lego Physics or Mel Science Virtual Reality Physics Kits. Both sound intriguing, but I need your input. Have you used either of these? Which one would you recommend?
I’m also planning to return to science classes at the museum. We’ve done this before, and I’m really excited about organizing those classes myself this year. There’s something about being able to outsource that hands-on learning experience to experts that I really love.
Preparing for High School
Looking ahead, the transition to high school is looming. With my oldest heading toward high school soon, I’m feeling the pressure to make sure we’re on the right track. There’s even been talk of applying to a magnet school, and that means I need to get everything in order—dates, testing, and more. Homeschooling has always been about finding the best path for my kids, and that might just mean a transition to a public high school for my oldest. We’re approaching this as a family collaboration, so if a change feels right, we’ll explore it together.
Final Thoughts: Planning with Purpose
Thinking ahead about next year can be overwhelming, but it’s a necessary step in the process. It’s about being intentional with our choices, from curriculum to extracurriculars to big life decisions like high school. I’d love to hear your feedback—what resources have you loved? Any insights into sourcing books for Oh Freedom or transitioning to high school?
Let me know in the comments or over on Instagram at @makingeverydaymagic—sharing with this community always helps me solidify my plans.
As always, I hope this post gives you a little insight into how I’m thinking for next year. Homeschooling is a journey, and it’s a constant balancing act of figuring out what works and being flexible enough to pivot when needed. Let’s keep learning, adapting, and making everyday magic together!
