Wrapping Up the First Week of Homeschool: Celebrate & Reflect

You did it—you made it through the first week of homeschooling! Before you start tweaking schedules and rearranging your lesson plans, take a breath and celebrate the fact that you showed up, your kids showed up, and you all took steps toward building a new school year together.

Too often, we skip the celebration and head straight for the “what went wrong” list. But this reflection is different. This is about noticing the wins—big and small—and then using what you’ve learned to make next week even better.

🎉Start With the Good Stuff

Think about the moments this week that made you smile:

• That time your child laughed during a read-aloud

• The first time everyone found their pencils without a search party

• The smooth start you had on Wednesday morning

• The fact that you tried something new, and it worked

These are worth remembering because they remind you that progress isn’t just in the lesson plans—it’s in the relationships, the routines, and the small victories.

📝 Reflection Prompts for the End of Week One

Here are some questions to guide your reflection. You can jot down your answers in a journal, type them in a note on your phone, or talk them through with a friend. The goal is to notice what worked and plan how to make next week smoother.

Morning Routine

• What went well in our morning routine this week?

• Which part of the morning felt the most peaceful?

• Was there a consistent struggle we could troubleshoot?

• Did we start school at a time that worked for our family?

Curriculum Time

• Which subjects flowed smoothly? Why?

• Were there any lessons that sparked genuine curiosity or excitement?

• Which subjects felt rushed or stressful?

• Did the kids have what they needed before we started each lesson?

Routines & Behavior

• Did the kids know what to do if they finished early?

• How did they handle waiting for help?

• Was I able to balance my attention between children fairly well?

• Were our transitions between subjects or activities smooth?

Environment & Organization

• Were supplies easy to find and return?

• Was our school space comfortable and free from major distractions?

• Did I feel physically comfortable teaching from where I was?

Mom’s Perspective

• Which moments made me feel most encouraged this week?

• Where did I feel the most stretched or stressed?

• Did I take breaks or moments for myself when needed?

• Is there a routine I want to protect and keep as it is?

Looking Ahead to Next Week

After you’ve celebrated the wins and reflected on what could be improved, choose one or two small changes to try next week. Not ten—just one or two. Maybe it’s adjusting the start time, adding a 10-minute morning walk, or reorganizing the supply shelf.

Remember, the first week of homeschool isn’t about perfection—it’s about building a foundation. And the best part? You get to keep refining it all year long.

Final Thought: Homeschooling is a journey you walk one week at a time. Celebrate your courage in showing up for this first week, reflect with kindness, and head into next week with confidence and curiosity.