Written by Lora Lynn Fanning of Vitafamiliae

One of my favorite questions to ask homeschool moms who are ahead of me on the path is “What would you do differently?  If you could go back, is there something you did that you wish you could change?”

As the calendar year draws to a close and we all reflect on the way we’ve spent our time, here’s a collection of thoughts from several “been there, done that” homeschool moms:

1. From Mary Ostyn, author and mother to ten kids:

“As a brand new homeschooling mom 16 years ago, I spent a lot of effort putting together a ‘classroom’, right down to the chalkboard, American flag, and desks.  What I didn’t know then is that homeschool doesn’t have to look like traditional school to be effective.

The couch is the coziest place in the world for reading class, and math can be done perfectly well while lying on your tummy on the bedroom floor.  Eventually we gave away the desks, and took down the chalkboard to make room for something homeschoolers really need:  more bookshelves!”

2. From Jamie Martin, author and our fearless editor of Simple Homeschool:

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Written by Jamie Martin, editor of Simple Homeschool and founder of Steady Mom

The new year stands peeking its head around the corner and now that Christmas is over, it’s the next event in line for our attention. This means party planning, resolution making, staying up late, and getting back in the homeschool saddle after a holiday break.

It’s also a natural time to consider where we are, where we’re going, and how we’re going to get there. Instead of resolutions many thoughtful bloggers, like Ali Edwards and Gretchen Rubin, recommend choosing one meaningful word to focus on for your new year.

Last year I did this as well. I chose the word “anticipation,” and 2010 has certainly lived up to it.

This year I’m thinking about words, not just for myself, but for my entire family. What key ideas define us and our purpose? Brainstorming your own list of words is another way to craft a family mission statement.

Having a completed list clearly narrows down the bombardment of choices you have to deal with in your day-to-day lives. It makes refocusing easier when you stumble off track or lose your way temporarily. It also simplifies your homeschool planning as you seek to find which curriculum or educational philosophy fits with who you are as a family unit.

Need a little help getting started? Read on to see a sampling of my family’s purposeful words:
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