How to create meaningful goals for your homeschool

The following is a guest post by Donna Ashton of The Waldorf Connection.

You may have planned the weekly math lessons and science projects, but have you created some foundational goals as well?

When I look back, those years I outlined my intentions, it worked.

I like to separate my goals into three main categories:

Homeschool goals, Goals for each child, Goals for myself.

You may be doing individual goals for your children, but are you also looking at your homeschool as a whole?

Have you set intentions for you to learn and grow?

Homeschool Goals

Only you can take a look at your whole homeschool and see what can be improved, what is working or, if you are brand-new, what you want it to look and feel like. Take an afternoon or weekend to really think and feel into this.

Examples of things I have put in my goals for previous years:

• Better end of semester record keeping
• Keep lessons on track, yet breathable

This year:

• Being much more prepared and thoroughly covering the lesson blocks
• Adding specialty projects (handwork/crafts) that go along with blocks

Other Ideas:

Consistent starting times, handwork twice a week, foreign language

Goals for each child

I really meditate for a few days for each child. What are they strong in? What takes a bit more practice? Where do you see their interests forming?

I feel this is not just about academics, reading or math facts, but their entire being. I try to meet each child where they are currently.

Both of my girls are the same age, yet each has developed quite differently and are not in the same place.  I go inward and let my soul guide me. I hope to get inspiration as to what each girl needs from me.

This exercise is great to do again midway through the year as things can change rapidly as children spread their wings.

I may also look at work from late last year or any we have done over the summer to see what ideas need review or practice early this year.

Examples are:

• Continue stimulating with creative mediums and don’t force reading
• Spelling practice in a fun way and encourage processing ideas
• Increased clapping, and movement exercises
• Practice correct pencil holding form and writing skills

Here you can really see the child as a whole and also add some specific detailed things you would like to do.

Goals for Yourself

As someone who is always learning, I include myself in my goals for the year. But I try not to put too much pressure on myself, especially as school is just getting started and I don’t want to feel overwhelmed.

Pick a few things you would like to accomplish over the school year and review your goals each month or quarter.

Again, I try to incorporate “inner” goals such as:

• rising early to begin the day peacefully
• weekly yoga
• monthly book to read (parenting, school, or personal growth)

And then add some task-oriented goals

• learn to knit or crochet
• bake bread weekly
• plant winter garden

These are not written in stone–it is just a guide to give you that “big picture” thinking when things get busy and you are stuck in the moment.

Feel free to adjust as you go. I usually take a hard look and revise right after the holidays/semester break.

When I look back and see how far we have come these past few years I feel a real sense of joy and accomplishment in our progress. It is nice to have these yearly goals to follow along your homeschooling path.

Homeschool Academy

Wouldn’t it be great to have a mentor to help create meaningful goals this school year plus give you the basic foundational methods to create a thriving homeschool for your kids?

After almost three years offering workshops and partial programs to help Waldorf-inspired homeschooling families, I finally decided to create the ultimate 6-month training program.

Homeschool Academy: 6 months to a Thriving Homeschool
Breath, Relax and Take Charge
Oct 2012 thru March 2013

This program is for homeschooling moms who want to stop spinning their wheels and re-creating everything so they can have time and space to breathe. And to do it with joy!

Head here to see what each month of the course will cover. We begin with our first live call October 10th and I’d love to have you join me!

You can get a sneak peek into the course with my FREE Video Training Series. I love to deliver great tips and ideas and the first part is complimentary. Register here to have access to this free training series–and I’d be honored to have you as a participant on the course, too!

What are the other goals you have for this homeschool year?