Keeping in touch with and knowing your child's interests can be a big help when it comes to planning and establishing the goals for your next semester or school year.

If you're not 100% sure or don't know wherein they lie, you should ask.

I know, I know... terribly profound.

But seriously, don't be too surprised if your child answers you with “I don't know” or “whatever you think” or something to that effect.

So maybe just asking them what it is they would like to focus on in the upcoming year won't be so easy.

Nonetheless, you really should engage your child and get their input on what they would like to study or learn. Give them some options and have them rate those options. Have conversations with them during times you are spending together that are more casual and unstructured.

The information you gain is a valuable resource for getting the ball rolling as far as how you'll structure your homeschool curriculum.

Also, if you are considering various products and supplements to use for your curriculum, having a working knowledge of not only how the learn, but what they are truly interested in learning will go a long way toward you successfully picking out those products.

Don't put too much pressure on yourself when it comes to purchasing educational products.

We've all spent money on products we've been thrilled with and one that we weren't. The great advantage of using an eclectic homeschooling approach is that it is a very pragmatic trial and error approach in which you'll use mix of philosophies and programs.

In summary, get yourself acquainted with the various basic learning styles that children and adults engage in. Use this knowledge to tap into your child's natural learning preferences and tendencies. As your child progresses and gains maturity, engage their inputs into what they want learn; the goals for their learning, and how they like to tackle learning opportunities.

Be in touch... and stay in touch... and you'll find that your homeschool curriculum planning will shine a brighter light.