If I had a nickel every
time questioned our decision to homeschool I would be able have a fabulous shoe
collection.
We’re talking some
swanky looking shoes here.
Let’s be honest
about this. For a lot of people the idea of taking your child’s education out
of the hands of the professionals is just CRAZY!
You know the really
sad part? I spent 5 years in college, 10 years teaching ages Birth-2nd
grade and I still get the “stank eye.” Do I not qualify as a professional?
They would be
really surprised to know that I don’t think you have to be a professional
teacher to homeschool your kiddos!!
And to be perfectly frank, my years of college didn't prepare me a whole lot for this kind of life.
If you are
teachable and ready to jump in with little to no expectations (we are talking
about major flexibility) you are a candidate to homeschool.
What you don’t need
is intrinsic patience.
Come on. These are
kids. None of us are that patient.
We just try and
roll with the punches. Believe me. You will have plenty of opportunity to practice patience.
Homeschooling is a
lot like life. Some days you feel like you should have just stayed in bed. It
would have been healthier (and safer) for everyone involved. Some days you are
the Queen of your Castle! You feel like you could capture the wind.
After 8 years of
Homeschooling I can at least tell you what works for us. Remember. Take what
you can use. Everyone’s experience is going to be different. But we all have
one thing in common.
We love our kids
and want what’s best for them and our family.
1. We homeschool all year long. This might send
some of you into a panic attack. I apologize. It just works better for us.
Josiah keeps his skills fresh and we are able to take off longer chunks of time
for holidays or days when “Momma needs every day to be a park day.” I had
almost decided to abandon the practice when I saw friends wind up their school
year and start making plans that involved sunscreen and pool passes. I changed
my mind when I thought of trying to do school the whole month of December. When
we would we have our Christmas movie marathons complete with hot chocolate?
2. I try and make sure we have plenty of hands-on
activities as possible. This is where my early childhood teaching days have come
in handy. I don’t care that my son is now in Middle School (soon to be heading
into High School). Bring out those Board Games! Take those field trips! Make
slimy messes in the kitchen! The brain is the brain is the brain. How can it be
stimulated with dry worksheets and even drier lectures?
3. Read. Read. Read. I can’t emphasize this enough.
There is always a book/audio book we are working through. I can’t take my son
to Timbuktu, but I can take him to Narnia.
Unless there is a
book set in Timbuktu. Then we’re talking.
4. Being the mom of an only child I have found that
I need to make opportunities for Josiah to “socialize.” I can’t even believe I’m
saying that. Most homeschool moms have a good eye roll down when they hear the
supposed lack of socialization we homeschoolers experience. But hear me out. He
doesn’t just socialize with kids on the swim team or PE class. He socializes
with Seniors Citizens at the Nursing Home when we volunteer. He has painted
finger nails, helped call Bingo, taken a Tai Chi class, and visited with war
veterans. We live in a closed Apartment building. Josiah has helped ladies
carry in their groceries, delivered car packages and visited with neighbors
over the balcony porch. His social world is much wider than a lot of kids his
age. Nuff said.
5. I have to be prepared. This is me. I am more of
a “let’s move where the wind takes us kind of gal” personally. However, this
doesn’t work for my “desperately needs structure boy.” I don’t get too crazy. I
have found a simple planner and a list for Josiah to work through works just
fine. I do make sure I have any art supplies, pens, pencils and other materials
on hands. There is nothing more frustrating than not having what you need when
you need it.
6. We focus on relationships. One of the BEST
outcomes that we have had during our homeschool experience has been the bond
between Josiah and his Dad. When we first started homeschooling, Troy (aka The
Studly Muffin) was working a 10 hour evening/night shift. When Josiah started
kindergarten in the Public School they never got to see each other through the
week. Troy started getting up every morning to have breakfast with him and see
him off. When we started homeschooling in the 1st grade, Troy had
all this time with Josiah. He was able to pour into his little life. And all
these years later, Josiah and his Dad have a “Dad’s Day Out.” They might go
cycling, or to the mall to stare at sports stuff. They go to rare coin shops and
always have lunch or at least ice cream out. Not every family can go this far.
But it made us realize how important designating special times to spend
together matter.
7. I try to stop and smell the roses. I don’t want
this time to pass me by. I will always have a few regrets. One regret I don’t have is taking time to
build that salt dough map or to go see a movie in the middle of the day (we did
that today!). I don’t regret the hours spent at the library or those lazy
pancake breakfasts. Sure. I have a plan. I need to educate my son. But I also
need to be a parent, as well.
8. I have been BLESSED to be a part of a review
team for homeschool curriculum. I have been able to review some of the best of
the best in curriculum. However, I am not naïve enough to think even the best
curriculum is going to fit into our homeschool life. I also realize my need to
make things my own. You don’t have to get what everyone else is doing. You don’t
have to do every. single. problem in the book. Don’t be a slave to any
particular homeschool method.
9. I am continually educating myself. Whether it be
through good books, excellent podcasts or audio lectures or our local
homeschool convention…I have to constantly refresh myself and learn to dip a
bit deeper if I am hitting a brick wall with something. Hopefully, my example
is also teaching my son to do the same.
10. I try and give myself a measure of Grace.
Contrary to popular belief I am not Wonder Woman. My friends. This can be a
challenging life. I give myself time every morning to get my feet underneath
me. I am going to share a little more bit more about my morning routine at the
end of the week…but for now, just know that it’s okay to cry, take solitary
walks, call a movie day, spend the day in your pajamas and get up the next day
and try again.
Come back
tomorrow! I’ll be sharing some more.
In the meantime, check out my blogger friends below. We are all participating in the 5 Day of Tips For Homeschooling Families.
Jennifer @ A Peace of Mind
Jennifer @ Faithful Homestead
Joelle @ homeschooling for His Glory
Joesette @ Learning Curve
Kari @ Random Acts of Boyhood
Katie @ Katie's Daily Life
Kemi @ Homemaking Organized
Kim @ Homestead Acres
Kylie @ Our Worldwide Classroom
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