What I’m Not Doing This Kindergarten Year

This is my 7th year of homeschooling Kindergarten, and I’ve stopped pretending I need more plans when what I really need is better boundaries. So I wrote myself a list of “will-nots” to keep me grounded this year. 

I will NOT go into the year flying by the seat of my pants. I will set aside time before the year starts to make sure I have a clear vision and goal for our school year.

I will NOT buy an expensive curriculum at the start of the school year. I will be patient and wait to see what works and what doesn’t over time (and I will use the Lending Library!)

I will NOT be enticed by shiny new projects, ideas, systems, or curriculums just because they are new. I will invest in the things I know work and slowly try new things only if they fit into our family’s goals and personality.

I will NOT overcommit to a curriculum, program, class, or ideology just because it works for a few days. I will remember that the honeymoon period is real, and a few successful days do not make a year-long success story.

I will NOT order something just because it looks “cool” or “really fun” without thinking through if it is DOABLE for me and my student. 

I will NOT overschedule activities and commitments at the beginning of the year. I will give everyone time to slowly adjust to new routines, experiences, and expectations.

I will NOT try to do 50 different things at once. I will put my phone down, set multitasking aside, and focus on what’s in front of me.

I will NOT expect my younger students to sit still for more than 10–15 minutes at a time. I will embrace the freedom to take breaks when needed.

I will NOT fight big battles over small things. I will embrace doing science with a crayon, learning to read in a fort, and having Mr. Bear with us for math. 

I will NOT buy complicated art kits when all my kids really want is Scotch tape and cardboard. I will accept the chaos of free-range art.

I will NOT be surprised when we go through a month’s worth of snacks in the first week. I will remember to set out a bowl of free-graze fruit and some popcorn.

I will NOT force things that just aren’t working. I will treat failure as a learning experience and stay flexible.

I will NOT beat myself up when plans fail. I will remember that this is all part of the process.

I will NOT compare my student to my other kids or to other students. I will remember that she has her own strengths and weaknesses, and I will embrace doing what works best for her.

I will NOT measure our success by pages completed, perfect projects, percentile rankings, or test scores. I will measure success in smiles, engagement, excitement, and wonder.