Prior to having children, I decided I would homeschool my children until they reach first or second grade. Now that I have children, my plans have changed just a bit. While I have decided to homeschool my four-year-old this year, I have every intention of sending her to school for kindergarten next year. And while my “teacher-mommy” (as she calls me) career won’t be going as long as I originally intended, that doesn’t mean I haven’t learned some important lessons along the way. So, if you are contemplating homeschooling or are on the journey with me, here are some tips you may find helpful:
1. You can do it! I feel the need to start with this because there is a certain anxiety that comes along with the decision to homeschool your children. Am I smart enough? Am I a good teacher? Will my child succeed? What will I teach? The list goes on and on. I am here to tell you that you can absolutely do it. You are not only capable but you are going to crush it.
2. You can give it your own special touch. The great thing about homeschooling is that you can put your own flair on it. You don’t have to do it like this mom or that dad. Aside from making sure you teach your children the required educational standards for their age level, you have the freedom to educate them how you want. So have fun with it!
3. Making your home conducive for learning helps. For me, this has probably been the most exciting part of homeschooling because I’ve been able to decorate. I homeschool in our dining room and I make sure that it is nice and colorful with learning posters and statements of inspiration. Additionally, I’ve also noticed that my little learner is excited to learn as she sees all the learning material around her.
4. Practice makes perfect. And this statement is so accurate. Although you are giving your child one-on-one attention, it doesn’t mean they will master the concepts after just one lesson; if they do, you may have a genius on your hand. It takes time to learn and that’s okay because you want them to understand the material not just regurgitate it back to you. So take a deep breath and relax.
5. You can have fun. Although homeschooling is just as serious as traditional schooling, it is not bootcamp. Whether you realize it or not, you are creating memories with your children and you want them to remember this time as wonderful, not dreadful.
All in all, I am thoroughly enjoying my year as a homeschooling mom. I’m grateful I get to be home with my little ones and I plan to make the most of this time. I’m sure I’ll learn more and as I do, I look forward to sharing it with you.
Need some fresh ideas?
Related reads
