I love back-to-school sales. I get slightly giddy over paper, crayons, protractor kits, staplers and all those other school supplies.

But, as a homeschooler, there’s another side to the “back-to-school” season that the average school goer doesn’t think of. I’m not out shopping for a new backpack or the coolest new style of pen…. I’m debating my choices for curriculum.

Back-to-school for me means the time of year that I’m busy evaluating the materials we used last year to decide if we like it enough to get it again, or if it’s time to search out something new. Language arts, science, mathematics, social studies, bible, music …. what and how am I teaching my kids this year?

Comparing products to get the studies that we need in our year is a challenge, especially since most of the time I have to go simply by word-of-mouth of other homeschoolers, look at online reviews and the company website samples in order to make a decision.

Once everything has been decided, purchased, and delivered, next up is the lesson planning. Trying hard to make sure that I work within my children’s learning styles, our  flexible life style, the time that my husband is off work – planning out the lessons is a challenge.

Next is the school shelves. Where to put everything for the year in a way that will be easy to access, easy to use, and easy to find! This might be one of my hardest tasks. Those shelves take a beating every year.

NOW we can go play with all the amazing school supplies. Not that we really need any. I might have stocked a bin or 2 of things when they were on sale last year. But – it never hurts to get more. RIGHT?!

Plus, I need to get some shoes for gym classes.

Time to go shopping!