Change Your Homeschool

It's the end of the school year. Are you celebrating?

Or, maybe, just maybe...you feel a bit different...

Do you feel like you have run a marathon? Are you exhausted? Have the tears flowed easily?

Have you had a less than stellar year?

Maybe you have made one too many mistakes and feel like giving up?




I understand.
Completely.


We just finished a year which I may or may not have compared our final months to crossing a finish line in a race car with four blown out tires.

Despite this dramatic {or traumatic} ending, I can whole heartedly say:
Don't give up on homeschooling!

Instead, learn from your school year. And for the future...
Change it. Simplify it. Make it different.

15 ideas to Change your Homeschool for the better
or to ponder as you relax in the shade this summer...

1. Consider teaching less subjects by combining some
2. Do less - more isn't always better and perhaps some activities could be removed
3. Try multi-age teaching - (Subjects like history, science, art, music could be taught this way.)
4. Start counting life learning lessons towards school time
5. Try year round schooling - more time and less stress to fit it all in
6. Create a shorter daily schedule
7. Establish must dos and would be nice
8. Don't do everything next year
9. Pursue PE as a family - hiking, biking, boating, swimming, etc. can all be done as a family
10. Change the physical surroundings - switch homeschool rooms, rearrange the furniture, change the wall décor to a more welcoming appearance 
11. Organize the books and supplies differently - make the homeschool area work for you
12. Sign up for on line courses for those harder to teach classes
13. Encourage independent learning
14. Join a co-op or one day a week school
15. Study an extra subject during the summer break (health, art, critical thinking, writing, logic, music, or poetry)

Related:
Order in the House, Please! {Ideas for a more peaceful homeschool house}
An Extra Dose of Encouragement {books to encourage}
Turning Down the Noise {when too many opinions overwhelm}
Finding Your Homeschool Fit
Six Things I Would Tell a New Homeschooler

An Update on Changes

Truly this has been one of our busiest homeschooling years, but maybe not in the way you think. Last summer, I determined we would spend more time at home during our daily school hours, and for the most part, we have! Instead of carting from one thing to the next during school hours, we have stayed put. With the exception of piano lessons and science classes, we have been home during the day. Our evenings are another story, but the time home during the day has been a blessing.

Some of the long term benefits have been an increased time to delve into a subject or lesson.

We have had time to try those great ideas I have pinned.

We have read even more books than usual.

Our discussions have not been rushed.

We have leisurely enjoyed lessons without having to rush to another class or event.

However, probably the most encouraging for me is the children's creativity has flourished. They have taken up drawing, creative writing, collecting, and more. on. their. own. These activities were done for the enjoyment of it, not as a requirement for a class.

Currently, we are studying Ancient Rome. Since our studies of Ancient Greece were in depth and full of hands on projects, I was planning to lighten the activities for Ancient Rome.

My daughters, however, are full of other ideas. Just yesterday, we were reading a bit about the Roman culture and art. My daughters remembered a project we had done last time we studied Ancient Rome, and asked to do it again. I gave them the go ahead to proceed on their own, with the request that they include their younger brother, who had missed out on the project years ago. They agreed and spent a good portion of the afternoon making paper mosaics.

Perhaps our school year has not looked like everything I first envisioned. {We certainly have not been on many nature walks this year.} Yet, looking back over the days and forward to the remaining weeks, I think it may have just turned out better than I had hoped.

Fitting In the To-Do List

Homeschooling takes time.
Sometimes, lots of it.

Homeschooling takes your presence.
You, the mom, the teacher, the mentor, the leader, the one running the school day, must be present.

Homeschooling takes resources.
These resources must be found, brought into the home, and used with your children.

Homeschooling takes energy and motion.
You must be involved. Your child(ren) must be engaged. Activity of some sort will occur.

Homeschooling takes space.
You need a place. It really can be anywhere, but it needs to be somewhere.

And, all this stuff that homeschooling takes: the time, presence, resources, energy, motion, and space, all of that requires management. But homeschooling is only one part of life. {Albeit a major part}  There are houses to be cleaned, other children to parent, ministries to serve within, jobs to be completed, and don't forget a garden to tend and grass to cut.

Just how does an average homeschooling family do this homeschooling thing and everything else?

Though I am not sure how everyone else does it,
I can share how we homeschool and do everything else.

We use routines. I abhor schedules. Seriously. I cannot stand a down to the minute schedule. It is just not me. All those time studies I had to do for work, I fudged. Yep, I never looked at the clock - I simply guestimated the time spent on a task. {I know, terrible.}

Our schooling, cleaning, and grocery shopping are all done routinely. With a routine, we aren't locked into a specific time table. It lends itself to a more relaxed atmosphere in our home.

We all work. Everyone contributes to the family. Personally, I cannot do it all.

We live simply. Or, at least we try to live simply. Purging the unnecessary items within our homes and lives is a necessity. For the less you 'need' the less you have to take care of, repair, clean, and store.

We know our priorities, and we live by them. We aren't perfect, and sometimes we choose wrongly. We may not always pick the best, but we try. When we find we have chosen wrong, we admit our failures and make changes.

We laugh together. Life can be hard. Trying to fit everything in is hard. We may work hard, but we balance it with time to relax. We choose to spend time together, just enjoying life.

Turning Down the Noise

Can you hear it?
Thousands of opinions calling out for attention.
Should you listen?
Do you tune in?

Everyone has a right to their opinion.
After all, I would be remiss if I didn't advocate for our First Amendment, guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.

Yet, I have the right to decide if I will listen, agree, or abide by the opinion.

You may speak all you like, but I have the right to disagree, and possibly even ignore your opinion.

Such is the case in all of life.

Why, then, can it be so hard for homeschoolers?

During the first years of our homeschool, I felt adrift. The decision to homeschool was not an easy one for our family. We were the only homeschoolers in our family, circle of friends, church, and community. Talk about feeling isolated!

By homeschooling, we felt we chose to take the least known path. How to walk that path was difficult to discern. I listened and tried almost every piece of advice I could find. {The internet was not bursting at the seams with homeschool blogs or websites at the time. I shudder to think what that would have been like for me if it had been!}

Almost a decade later, we feel completely at ease in our decision to homeschool. We are no longer alone. There are numerous friends and church members who homeschool.

Along the way, we have become comfortable with our own homeschooling style {somewhat eclectic, leaning toward classical} and our own way of homeschooling {similar to one room school house method}.

Each year, though, I am faced with a plethora of options concerning homeschooling. Should we change direction? Use XYZ curriculum? Add a supplement? These thoughts are a worthy part of our annual, or semi-annual, evaluation.

When you add to these valid assessments, the well meaning, but unsolicited, advice of others, then the decisions can become almost unbearable. Granted most people are simply trying to be helpful, by sharing what works for them or their children. {Something I do on this blog.} For the most part, I think these suggestions, testimonies, or real life examples are helpful, if received appropriately.

The damage comes to the listener {or reader}, when they start comparing/contrasting their own family's academic achievements, life-style, extra-curricular activities, or general homeschool to another family's.

Each family is different. Do not try to emulate another family's homeschool. Choose to walk your own path, taking what works for your family and implementing it.

If the noise of opinions, even in homeschooling support circles, are creating a whirl pool around you, which threatens to wash over you, then choose to turn down the noise. Close the book, click to another site, or change the conversation. You have the right.

Changes for Next School Year

"Ch, ch, changes..."

Yep, that song is playing through my head as I ponder all the changes we'll incur this coming school year.

• We'll have a child in high school.
• We'll be spending more time at home.
• We'll be delving into more of the classics.
• We'll be taking more nature walks.
• We'll be using some older text books {more on that later}.

Most importantly, I hope to give my children more time individually and as a group with me. With all that running around, I felt divided; divided between fulfilling my commitments and volunteer roles in each activity and being with my children. With division being minimized, I hope unity is maximized. Strong family ties is one of the major benefits to homeschooling. This next school year, I hope our family is able to strengthen these ties.

Why It Is OK To Do Less Next Year

 

 

 

Exhausted? Ready to crash and burn after a year of homeschooling on the go?

It doesn't have to be that way. You and I shouldn't have to pump ourselves full of caffeine just to make it through the school day. We shouldn't need to go from morning to night nonstop, driving from here to there. Is all this go-go-go creating a relaxing learning environment for you and your children?

I didn't think so, because it certainly isn't in my household. Last school year, we had three days out of the house. Three out of five days when we needed to be somewhere other than home on a regular basis created a tipped scale. We were out of the home more than we were in the home.

Remember all those nature walks we use to take? Well, this past year we haven't had but three or four. With all the other activities, we just couldn't justify another day or time out of the house. Something had to give, and unfortunately, regular nature walks was one thing we let fall by the side.

So, I've put on the brakes, parked the car, and unloaded. With a few key choices, we are returning to our home full time.

Putting the HOME back into Homeschooling:

How exactly are we doing this?

I'm letting go of expectations of the world. Freedom from the pressure that children have to be all things and do all things is exhilarating.

We have cut back on outside of the house lessons. We'll retain a few, like piano lessons because I cannot teach it, but others we will end.

We have decided to stop participating in one co-op. This was by far the hardest decision. We have gone to our Friday co-op for many years now, at least a half dozen. Extra classes in writing, speech, and art are fun to do in groups. More importantly, the families who attend are precious friends and encouragers for us. However, the time required was becoming a burden. Being out of the house one more day a week was taxing.

We said no to more classes at the mid-week co-op we attend. We'll only take afternoon science classes at this co-op. Though there is a plethora of fine classes available, we won't be in them.

What does all this mean?

In the end, it will mean simply this: During school hours, we will leave the house regularly for piano lessons and science classes. That is it. The remaining time, we'll be home, or on an adventure of our choosing, at our own pace.

Making the Choice to Homeschool

It's June. The school year has ended. Summer activities beckon you and your children, but next school year looms in the not too far distance. September seems soon, especially when you are still deciding what to do about your children's education.

Should you send them back to a brick and mortar school or bring them home and educate them yourself?

Might I encourage you to...

Seek God's will for your family. Each and every family is unique, and so are the paths God places before us.

Ask others. There is value in asking others about their experiences. We would do well to take the time to learn from others who have walked the paths before us.

Learn your options. Homeschooling is legal in every state {be sure to check your state's specific laws}, but every community has different resources and options for homeschoolers. You might be surprised to find an opportunity which you previously did not know about.

Take time to discover what is best for your family. Numerous options result in many decisions. Is this the right choice for my family? Good decisions take time. Allow your family a reasonable amount of time to decide.

Finding Your Homeschool Fit

Recently, I shared how I thought creating and maintaining a homeschool was similar to creating and maintaining a wardrobe. Maybe it is, or maybe the stress and strain of outfitting four children and two adults (OK, just one adult - me, my husband is quite capable of taking care of his wardrobe) for the warmer seasons has gotten to my head.

However, there is no doubt that homeschooling is customized, just like clothing.

Every homeschooling family needs to find their own personal fit.

Some people prefer to get curriculum out of a box. That works for some, but honestly, I have yet to meet one family that uses just the boxed curriculum without any alterations. Most of the time, families who choose the boxed curriculum supplement or alter a few pieces.

More often than not, the homeschooling families I know make homeschooling fit their family's particular interests, needs, and lifestyle.

This has to be my personal favorite thing about homeschooling: It is not a one size fits all endeavor. There is freedom to change, try, discard, add, alter, forgo, and embrace.
But how do you find what fits?

1. Pray - Because I believe in the sovereignty of God and His plans/purposes for my family, I always encourage others to begin with prayer. Pray for God to reveal His way for your family. Pray that you and your husband will be encouraged and willing to obey. Pray for your children to embrace the vision God gives your husband and you.

2. Educate - Learn about the different methods, styles, and approaches available. You don't need to become an expert in all areas, but learn the basics. Know what unschooling, directed learning, interest led learning, classical education, and hands on learning mean. Find some families who have, or are homeschooling. What wisdom, if any, is to be found at their feet?

3. Plan - Develop a plan for your homeschool. Decide what kind of approach you will use, which resources you need, and how you will order your days. Remember every family is unique. Your plan will not look exactly like another family's plan.

4. Pull Together - Gather your supplies. Whether you purchase, borrow, or receive free resources, now is the time to start pulling together all that you will need. Place supplies, books, and resources where you need them in an organizational system that is convenient to you.

5. Execute - Put the knowledge, plan, and resources into action. Allow a reasonable time to adjust to any changes you have implemented. Sometimes, a new routine or approach needs a few weeks to 'feel' right.

6. Revise - Finding your homeschool fit is a constant cycle. Your family is growing, literally. Each of you learn, change, and grow every day. The way you homeschool will reflect these changes. So ask the questions: Is this working for me? for my children? for our home? Do we need to change the curriculum or approach we are using? If changes are needed, then return to step number one.

What Building a Homeschool Is Like

 

Maybe it is because my family is simultaneously cleaning out clothing and our homeschool room, but I have been struck by how similar the two are. In fact, I have come to believe that creating and maintaining a homeschool maybe a lot like building a wardrobe of clothing.

Organization

• Both homeschools and wardrobes require space and some organization to maintain order.
• Organizational tools abound for both.
• Regular purging of unused materials/clothing is necessary.
• Seasonal sales and purchases occur for both.

Individuality

• Both homeschools and wardrobes reflect the individuals.
• Family preferences are evident in both.
• Choices are prevalent, but you don't have to have it all to have sufficient resources.

Flexibility

• There is much freedom and independence in both homeschools and wardrobes.
• Don't like something, or something doesn't work, then change it. It is true for both.
• Mix and match of styles is permitted.
• Layering of clothing/resources to suit a particular need is acceptable.

Growth Necessitates Changes

• Outgrow something like curriculum or shirts and you can easily find someone to take it off your hands.
• New materials/clothing are needed as a child grows and develops.
• Lack of growth can indicate a problem.

Responses to Choices

• Children are much more likely to wear/use/read something if they are part of the process of choice.
• When a child understands the importance/relevance of using/wearing something, they are more likely to comply.
• Sometimes, you just have to force the issue and mandate obedience to a rule.

One Last Thought ~
Classics are classics for a reason. Some items/styles/choices/resources/books are timeless. They have stood the test of time and are applicable for any time or culture.

How to Get in 180 Days and Still Take Breaks

You need a break,
but you need to log 180 days of school.

The kids need a break,
but they have to complete 180 days.

Just how can you get in 180 days of schools and still take a break?

Seven simple ideas to take a break, but still get in some schooling:
Or seven ideas to rejuvenate your schooling days.
Or seven ways to just mix-up your days.

1. Take a field trip or two in one week. During February, we scheduled two field trips on consecutive school days. It was a bit of travel, but the break was worth it.
2. Go outside. Be in awe of what God has created. Trees, snow, birds, stars, animals, etc. declare the glory of God. Take along an identification book, notebook, or smart phone app to explore items you find along the way.
3. Spend a day {or week} on just one topic, unit study fashion. It is a great way to incorporate your children's interests into their school days.
4. Spend a day learning how to make or do something by hand like butter churning and molding, how to pitch a tent, sew clothing, or build a bottle rocket or mouse trap vehicle.
5. Serve at a local charity or food bank. A day serving someone else is an eye opening experience with a chance to grow compassion for others.
6. Spend a day like someone in history. My blogging friend Jessica and her children pioneered this past fall. Check out her post here.
7. Immerse your self in a book and read aloud an entire chapter book in one day. This is great for those rainy days which often occur in the spring. Incorporate corresponding activities and snacks if possible.

How to Be the Best Homeschool Mom

Do you ever look around and think, "Wow, she's the best homeschooling mom ever!"? Do you silently wish she would go away, because beside her, you feel inept and like a complete mess?

Aren't you tired of feeling that way?

For me, these feelings of discouragement creep into my days from time to time. This is how I choose to disarm such negative thoughts. Perhaps it will be of encouragement to you as well?


We were each created for a purpose. If God has led you to homeschool, He will equip you to do so. You do not have to be the perfect mom, the perfect teacher, and the perfect homemaker all rolled into one to homeschool your children.

And He has said to me,

"My grace is sufficient for you,

for power is perfected in weakness"

II Corinthians 12:9a

 

 

Stop - Stop comparing yourself, your children, your homeschool, your abilities to someone else's.
Stop striving to be someone else. Stop trying to fit someone else's life onto yours. You have your own path to walk. So, stop right now and make sure you are on it.

Remember - God placed your children with you.
He thought it was good to put you and your children together.
You are the right mom for them.

Be - Be the mom you were created to be.
Know who you are and what your strengths and weaknesses are. We are each complex individuals, uniquely made for our specific purposes, equipped to walk our path laid before us by God.

Keep - Know why you homeschool and how you want to homeschool. Make a plan.
It needs to be a fluid plan, one you can and are willing to change if necessary, because life situations change. However, always keep a plan.

Do - Do what you do well and share it with your children.
IF you want to take a class to learn something or improve something, then feel free, but do it because you want to or God is stretching you in that area. Do not do something just because you think you should to be the perfect homeschooling mom.

Allocate - Give someone else the responsibility of teaching what you cannot.
For instance, I cannot sing. Not one note on key. If I have, it was purely accidental. I am not going to pretend like I can sing well. Nor, am I going to be able to teach my children to sing on key. Therefore, we allocate this responsibility.

Let Go - Let go of the image of homeschooling perfection.
It is not real, and it will disappoint you every time. Strive for excellence in what you do, but don't beat yourself up when you falter. We all do. Every single one of us will fail at something, even that "best homeschooling mom" you were comparing yourself to.

Who Are Veteran Homeschoolers?

Maybe you are just four months into homeschooling, or maybe you are four years into homeschooling. No matter how long you have been homeschooling, maybe you feel like I do.

We have been homeschooling for almost a decade, and sometimes, I still feel like a newbie, especially when it comes to the high school years we are about to begin next year.

There is so much to learn, and I am constantly realizing how little I know. However, since we have been homeschooling for a long time, I wonder, am I a veteran homeschooler? Which of course led to the all important question: What does a 'Veteran Homeschooler' know, look like, or do that sets her apart from the crowd?

Here are my thoughts...


You Might Be a Veteran Homeschooler If...

1.  Have sold/given away curriculum only to realize you still needed/wanted it

2.  Have bought the same curriculum more than once {see number 1}

3.  You can take the kids skiing and still call it a day of school
{phys ed; instruction in recreational activity; snow and weather observation; study wind effect; learning about the potential for avalanches; the study of velocity, incline, and gravity; exploring mechanics such as the chair lift with its system of cables; observing first hand affect of repetitively falling down on human beings with a focus on the variable of age; cost analysis of renting and purchasing equipment; etc. See, totally educational. Now go skiing with no regrets!}

4.  Have finally cracked open the answer key to the kindergarten math workbook, because you can't do simple addition with your youngest after teaching algebra to your oldest

5.  Know and take advantage of all the homeschool discounts at area businesses. In fact, you are no longer amazed by them, but wonder why everyone isn't offering a homeschool discount, deal, or day.

6.  Plan family trips around potential field trips, especially the free or discounted ones.

7.  People regularly give you books, teaching resources, or art supplies, because they figure you can find a use for it. Even the librarian sets aside books for you.

8.  The pediatrician, dental hygienist, and grocery cashier all know you are homeschooling, and follow along your journey by often asking how it is going.

9.  Science experiments and projects are easily absorbed into your home decor. They no longer look out of place. In fact, you count on the new projects to redecorate and freshen/update your home's appearance.

10. What do you think? What else says "You Might Be a Veteran Homeschooler"?

My score: 8 out of 9 are a yes.
Disclaimer: Of course, this was meant in good fun and should not be taken seriously. Every homeschooling mom has something to offer, whether newbie, veteran, or like me, somewhere in between. And, yes, the "You might be a" phrase was coined best by Jeff Foxworthy in his "You Might Be a Redneck, if..." series.  ~ Enjoy your weekend!

Giving Back to Other Homeschoolers

Yesterday, I shared a bit about how I volunteer in our local homeschool community.
These are roles that work for my life and my family. However, you may not have the same opportunities as I do. Today, I've compiled a short listing of ways to give back to other homeschoolers. Within this listing, perhaps you will find some ideas.

 

 

 

Be an encourager - Share your story, whether on line or in person. People need to know others have been in similar situations and how they worked through them. Also, some people like to get a 'picture' of what homeschooling could be like before they try it. You can help create that image for them, assuring them that homeschooling is possible and successful.

Share your resources - Donate unused, nearly new, or dearly loved books, resources, or curriculum to another family. Use your blog, website, facebook page, etc to bless others with lesson plans, worksheets, or free printables you have created.

Give money - Some homeschoolers are facing tough times and tough situations. Perhaps you and your family could help. The Home School Foundation is one place to start.

Contribute - Is there an organization, homeschool support group, or co-op your family is blessed by? Maybe you can volunteer some of your time or talents in helping it operate.

Lead - Are great area resources, willing people, and wonderful ideas surrounding you? Do you feel prompted to start something new in your local homeschool community? Then this may be an opportunity for you to lead a group of homeschoolers in a new ministry, project, group, or direction.



*Pictures from this nature walk.

Volunteering Within the Homeschool Community

When we first started homeschooling, I did nothing outside of our family homeschool.
N-O-T-H-I-N-G

Well, maybe some play dates, field trips, and library visits, but nothing routinely scheduled.

It was right and good for me, my husband, our children, our family life,
our homeschool, and our home.

Many years later, our oldest on the cusp of high school, and I find things have changed
dramatically.

Our family has increased.
Our children have aged.
We changed our curriculum,
gotten less rigid,
joined two co-ops,
and started taking more classes outside of the home.

With all these changes, have come opportunities for me to give to others in a volunteer capacity.

5 roles I currently enjoy:

• Co-op Teacher - Within two co-ops I teach three classes, including art (drawing) for middle school, writing for upper elementary, and science for lower elementary.
• Portfolio Leader - Helping homeschool families make and maintain a portfolio is a joy. {Getting to preview all the different curriculum and approaches without having to try them all is a bonus!}
• Mail Clerk - Having to pick up the mail for our umbrella school, sort it, and deliver it is not very glamorous, but it is a necessary job. Not to mention it is something I can easily do. After all, the post office is incredibly close to our favorite library.
• Mentor - Informally, helping other moms choose curriculum or find solutions to common homeschool issues is a blessing indeed. More often than not, I am simply passing on the wise words another homeschool mom has shared with me.
• Organizer for an End of Year Presentation - Every year, our children work incredibly hard, learn volumes of information, and persevere through difficult concepts. At the end of this year, one of our co-ops will host an end of year presentation. I'm in charge of organizing the entire event.

* Pictures from this field trip.

Homeschooling Myself

Ever since the first day, homeschooling has reignited my passion for learning.
Has it yours?

In fact, every year I  look forward a little more to learning something new.

There's a couple of the classes I enjoy just a bit more now then when I was in school: 
logic, writing, and even sometimes, science. {Yes, science, it is shocking, I know!}

Then, there are the things I always liked and now get to share with my children:
history and art.

Not to mention, all that I want to learn, or relearn:
knitting, crocheting, photography, and Spanish.

And, there is always the list of books I want to read which includes:
Anna Karenina and Bonhoeffer.

Why You Should Take a Break from Homeschooling

Two weeks ago, we officially finished 1/3 of our school year, which is 60 days of school. With a required 180 day school year, our year is quickly moving along. In fact, it has been a whirlwind. Admittedly, I don't know where the time went. A combination of my own doing and general circumstances of homeschooling four children creates whirlwind days. These days can leave any  homeschooling mom tired, drained, and in need of a break. Today, I have compiled a listing of reasons to take a break. These are some of the blessings of taking a break.

10 Blessings of a Homeschool Break

1. gain some rest
2. rejuvenate your imagination and get the creative juices flowing
3. take time to assess the school year and decide if anything needs changed
4. catch up on regular household chores that sometimes get neglected
5. complete that major project that has been postponed (maybe actually do the fall cleaning before spring starts, or finish painting the baseboards in the kitchen - oh, sorry that is just my house)
6. have time to renew a hobby or interest, or start a new one
7. take care of all those errands and appointments which keep getting postponed
8. carve out some time to see or connect with friends
9. shop or peruse the internet for something other than homeschooling materials and ideas
10. find the joy of homeschooling again

Everyone needs a break now and again, even those who love their families and homeschooling.

More than Just an Administrator

My husband works outside of the home, and sometimes, it can seem like he is removed from our homeschool, but he really isn't.  We make an effort to work together in and for our homeschool.  Today I am sharing some ideas which work in our household.  Perhaps you will find one for yours? 

A Dozen Ways to Include Dad in Homeschooling

1. Field Trips - Plan one on a Saturday or a day he has off, and go together as a family
2. Science - Sometimes hands on experiments are perfect for father and child to do together.  Our oldest son and my husband worked together last year on a Science Olympiad Bottle Rocket Event.
3. Tutoring or Teaching - Is there an area your husband could teach better, or help your child through a difficult spot?
4. Talents - I happen to be married to a drummer.  So, when the children want to learn to play, he teaches them. 
5. Repairs - Does your home need a few fixes?  Or maybe your car needs an oil change?  These are wonderful opportunities for a father and child to do together.
6. Sports - In many leagues, fathers can volunteer as a coach or referee in their children's sporting events.
7. Phys Ed - Time together as a family doesn't always have to be spent in passive activities.  Take up hiking, boating, or tennis as a family.
8. Hobbies - My husband enjoys fishing, and he has taught our children to like it as well.
9. Nature Walks - Time spent in God's creation exploring the marvels and wonders is another way.
10. Survival Skills - Can your husband build a fire or find edible plants in a forest?  These are important skills he could pass on to your children.
11. Discussing Your Days - At dinner, our children discuss our day.  Generally, the children share their favorite part of the day, but once in awhile they tell of a challenge or struggle.  Either way, their Daddy is better informed about our homeschooling days simply by listening to the children share.
12. Bible - Whether mornings before work or evenings after work, the family can gather together in prayer and Bible reading for a time. 

Order In the House, Please!

Has the ordered classroom, ideal schedule, and loving family home deteriorated to chaos in only a few weeks?  Order and tranquility must be maintained, or chaos easily results, at least it does in our house.  Perhaps yours is similar? 

Some ways, which we use, to create a more peaceful homeschool house...

Siblings -

• All Together Now - activities done together create bonding moments, time to work on communication abilities, and chances for siblings to create shared memories
• Pair Up (for families with multiples) - pair children together for different projects or activities, and then switch it up as the activity changes.  Be sure to always change who is partnered with whom, variety is helpful.
• All By Myself - alone time is not bad!  Children, like adults, need some moments of quiet to pursue individual interests, or to just read a book without interruptions.

Schedule -

• start school on time
• pray about out of the house commitments
• say no to bad things, good things, and even better things, so you can say yest to the best things
• be sure to include family activities
• making quiet time a part of the routine ensures that it actually happens in our household
• spread out the workload - don't plan to do it all in the morning immediately after rising

Environment -

• purge - unwanted or unused items are just taking up valuable space, get rid of them
• organize - items that are used and wanted need their own permanent home
• simplify cleaning routines
• straighten up rooms regularly - a picked up house actually looks cleaner, even if it is not
• plan meals - simple dishes, easy to make dinners are time savers

Above all, I must remember to be light of heart.  Things will go wrong.  Learn to laugh.  Smile more, and take it all in stride!

These days go all too quickly...I want to enjoy them now, even when it is chaotic!

Ten {Plus One} Mistakes

...this homeschooler has made.

Perhaps, you can relate?

1. Allowing fear of what others will or won't think determine choices
2. Not putting my children's hearts first
3. Not adjusting curriculum or lesson plans for child; pushing a child too quickly through a lesson
4. Not getting to the root of a problem, changing curriculum too easily
5. Spending too much money on curriculum
6. Buying into the idea of homeschool being the only way to achieve high academics or quality character
7. Comparing our family to others
8. Isolating self from others
9. Trying to replicate another's way or family life, not embracing our individuality
10. Spending too much time, researching, planning and doing, not enough time just being and discovering

...and the plus one?

+1. Proceeding without prayer! Just because we felt the call to homeschool, doesn't mean we should leave God at the start line.


Related:
Six Things I Would Tell a New Homeschooler

Six Things I Would Tell a New Homeschooler

Homeschooling is hard work, but the rewards are worth every effort.  Those seeds you sow today, may not display the resulting fruit for a long time, perhaps years.  Be patient and persevere.

There is no perfect curriculum, schedule, or method.  Nothing will fit your family exactly.  It doesn't mean you throw it all out the window and reinvent everything.  Use the elements that work, change what doesn't.

Not everything you read or hear needs to be included in your homeschool.  Bookshelves and the internet are full of information regarding homeschooling.  Be discerning.  Store the ideas which you think will help your family.  Try them out.  Keep them if they work, but don't be afraid to discard them if they don't. 

Homeschooling does not have to be done in a vacuum.  There are plenty of people to support and encourage you as a family.  Depending on your situation, you may need to step out of your comfort zone and actively seek a support system.

Your relationship with your husband and child(ren) is more important than the academics. Never put the act of homeschooling before your relationships. There is always something to learn, and learning takes time. However, learning can occur in many ways, and should not be a the expense of your relationships. Be sure to continue to build and strengthen the relationships within your family.

Pray.  God started you on this journey.  He will equip you and carry you onward to its completion.




*These six items are a result of what I have learned over the eight years we have homeschooled.  As we continue to homeschool, I am confident I will be learning more lessons along the way...