A Kindly, Cottonwood Blog Post – September Edition

While our official school year began in August, September often feels like the moment when everything truly picks up speed. Assignments are flowing, programs are launching, routines are being tested (and re-tested), and the calendar is officially full.

Some families are hitting their stride, reaping the benefits of summer planning and smooth transitions. Others are still finding their groove as activities ramp up and real life meets real expectations. If you’re somewhere in between, you’re in good company.

Whether your days are shaped by plans and checklists or a simple intention to cover the essentials, you’re not behind. You’re settling into your homeschool rhythm, and that rhythm doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s.

Let Community Steady the Pace

At Cottonwood, we deeply believe homeschooling is more joyful when you don’t do it alone. September is the perfect time to find your people.

If you’re not already connected, or want to deepen your network, try:

• Cottonwood Community Groups (CCGs): Regional park days, meetups, and local events led by Family Liaisons who are homeschoolers just like you.
• Academic Adventures & Cottonwood Presents Events: Field trips and special community events that are both educational and social.
• Flex-Based Virtual Classes: Programs like TK Explorers, Superstar Readers, Boost, RISE, CVHS, and Creative Arts Collective help your child engage with peers across regions, right from home.

Outside of Cottonwood, don’t underestimate the value of local co‑ops, enrichment centers, or neighborhood homeschool networks. Some of my closest friendships began in a library parking lot with other homeschool parents during these types of experiences.

Find Your Routine, Your Way

September is a great time to find what works for your unique family.

If you spent the summer planning and prepping, we celebrate you! That investment is likely paying off now as routines settle in with confidence. And if you’re still adjusting your rhythm, you’re in good company. Many homeschool families take some time to find their stride.

The beauty of homeschooling is that it doesn’t need to look exactly like school at home to be effective. Your rhythm can reflect your values, your family culture, and your students’ real needs. This month, consider:

• Building from your strong start, or gently starting fresh
• Easing into the extras with enthusiasm
• Experimenting with new rhythms with mornings, blocks, loops, or something entirely your own
• Prioritizing connection over perfection

A shared read-aloud, a nature walk, or a quiet breakfast conversation can ground your day more deeply than any checklist.

 

Don’t Forget You

Between lesson planning, printing handwriting pages, and juggling activities and grocery lists, you still need tending to.

For this month, try:

• Stepping outside for just five minutes before the day begins
• Saying no to one extra obligation
• Letting go of the need to “catch up”
• Drinking your coffee while it’s still hot (or at least–you know–lukewarm)
• Texting another homeschool parent simply to check in. They probably need that connection, too

You’re doing a beautiful, important job, and you’re not alone.

Resources for September

Here are a couple of resources you can use to add joy, structure, and seasonal inspiration this month:

• Fall-Themed Math Activities for Elementary Students: Check out a delightful collection of Fall math activities for elementary students. From candy corn counting games to color-by-number worksheets, these lessons bring Fall learning to life in playful, hands-on ways.
• Free September Unit Studies & Lesson Plans: A wonderful collection of themed unit studies covering everything from Children’s Good Manners Month and Fall Leaves to Constitution Week, Teddy Bear Day, and beyond. Great for building engaging, flexible learning tied to the calendar.
• September Picture Books: Browse a heartwarming September picture book collection, featuring titles like Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn, Autumn Story (Brambly Hedge), and Apple Picking Time, perfect for snuggling under a blanket after a nature walk or a day at the orchard.
• Fall Chapter Books: Dive into a charming, cozy fall chapter books roundup, featuring titles like The Eagle (The Lighthouse Family series) and The Maple Festival (Sophie Mouse series) that bring calm, seasonal storytelling into your home this September
• Cottonwood Pinterest Page – September Theme Board: From apple science and nature journaling to Hispanic Heritage Month projects and cozy read-alouds, Cottonwood’s September pins keep learning playful, low-prep, and all-ages. Pin your favorites and try them this week!

Whether this is your first year or your tenth, September is less about perfection and more about settling into a gentle rhythm. Let your homeschool breathe. Let your family find its pace, and let yourself remember: you’ve absolutely got this.

Kindly,
Kara Parkins
Parent Support Supervisor