This year I did something different: I prepped our homeschool year before  it started.

Since we've added a new baby to our family, I knew I needed systems that would help us stay consistent, without relying on me to coordinate everything in the moment. We're using Alveary again, and after learning what worked (and what didn't) last year, I made four big changes to help this year run more smoothly.

1. I switched from digital to print: I printed all of our lesson plans and materials so we can be screen-free and fully open-and-go.

2. I organized lessons by day of the week: Every day has a folder and matching bookmarks so even my 5-year-old knows what to grab.

3. I set things up for independence: Book covers, color coding, and book darts help the kids take more ownership (and reduces my mental load).

4. I reset our school space: We cleaned out last year's work and made sure everything has a clear home so no one's asking me where things go.

These changes have helped me feel calm, prepared, and ready for a more peaceful school year, even with a newborn in the mix. 

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