Back-to-School Prep: Organizing Your Homeschool Curriculum in 3 Simple Steps
Aug 12
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Back-to-School Prep: Organizing Your Homeschool Curriculum in 3 Simple Steps
By Desiree Lynne – Agape Adventures Academy
Why Back-to-School Prep Matters
As homeschool moms, we’re not just teaching—we’re also the principal, supply manager, and full-time activities coordinator. The start of the year can feel overwhelming, but I’ve learned something that’s been a game changer: just a little prep in August can make the entire year smoother.
And here’s the best part — it doesn ’t take weeks of work. You can organize your whole year’s curriculum in an afternoon, especially if you make it a fun “Homeschool Moms Night In” and get it done with your friends with a movie playing in the back!
Step 1: Organize by Year, Month, and Week
This is my secret sauce for keeping papers under control and avoiding that “Where did I put that lesson?!” moment.
1. The Yearly Big Picture
Start with a large accordion file folder for each child. Label the tabs by month — August through May (or your school year months). Slide the full year’s printed lessons, unit plans, and worksheets into their corresponding month’s tab. These are the options I LOVE ⬇️
2. Monthly Grab-and-Go
At the start of each month, pull that month’s work from the year accordion file and place it into your child's monthly lesson binder. This binder is kept near our school table so I’m only looking through one month of material at a time. I snagged 2 of these; one for each of my boys. ⬇️
3. Weekly Ready-to-Teach
On Sunday evenings, I take just a few minutes to pull the upcoming week’s work from the monthly folder. If there are craft materials, books, or extra supplies, they go in a basket with the days name on it. This way, Monday mornings start stress-free.
Step 2: Minimal Prep = Maximum Peace
I know “prep” sounds like a big project, but it’s really about one afternoon of sorting for an entire year of smooth sailing. Better yet? Invite a few homeschool friends, set out snacks, and make it a Homeschool Moms Night In. Everyone brings their curriculum, accordion folders, and your favorite homeschool planner, and help each other get organized! Organizing is always funner with friends!
Step 3: Add a Dash of Fun
If your kids are old enough, let them decorate their monthly folders or personalize their supply boxes. Not only does it make them feel more involved, but it also helps them know exactly where their things go (and where to put them back!).
📚 A Few of My Favorite Homeschool Reads
Homeschool isn’t just about keeping papers tidy — it’s about staying inspired. Here are a few books I love:
Your Turn to Get Organized
Here’s your challenge for this week:
Order your yearly accordion folders, monthly binders, and planner.
Schedule a Homeschool Moms Night In if you’re wanting to create a sense of community!
Spend one afternoon setting up your yearly, monthly, and weekly system.
When the school year kicks off, you’ll thank yourself — and maybe even have time for an extra cup of coffee before the day starts.
Happy organizing,
Desiree Lynne
Agape Adventures Academy
