As with anything new and exciting, the inclination is to jump in with both feet. Many times, however, we can prevent a trip down the fast track to burnout by learning a few things from those who have “been there, done that.” By educating ourselves, we can begin our homeschool journey on the path to success!
The Secret to Success
Successful homeschooling cannot be tied to any particular method, approach, curriculum, or publisher. Successful homeschool families have used the Classical approach or followed Charlotte Mason’s approach, or combined methods to create an entirely new approach.
Copying others will not bring our family success. The success of our homeschool will depend on how well we do what other successful homeschool families have done — follow God’s design for our family!
Further Reading
Avoiding Curriculum-itis
When we begin homeschooling, we tend to begin with the one area over which we have a bit of control and with which we are the most familiar — curriculum. Unfortunately, choosing a curriculum is not the logical place to start.
The materials we use are tools. They do not determine our philosophy, but rather compliment it. Our curriculum fits our family’s needs, and our children and how they learn. It definitely won’t determine that!
Before purchasing books, we can first invest time in working out our philosophy and goals. Then our curriculum choices will fall into place.
Further Reading
Allowing Ample Time to Prepare
Once we have made the initial decision to educate our children at home, we are suddenly faced with countless issues for which to determine a course of action. There are methodologies, styles, scopes, sequences, materials, schedules, state laws, evaluation, and expectations to consider. Jumping in with both feet before planning a safe landing can lead to disappointment and frustration for both parents and children.
If we start slow, investigate the world of homeschooling and all it has to offer, spend time developing a unique approach that fits our family, then we will be more likely to enjoy the journey.
Further Reading
Broadening Our Concepts of Education
Most of us instinctively gravitate toward the familiar. We have our own idea of what education is, based at least in part on what “school” was for us. This leads many to start their homeschool experience by bringing those influences home.
Realize that:
- In a one-on-one tutorial situation there is no need for busywork.
- To find out if a concept has been understood, a simple conversation can replace a quiz.
- Historical dates and facts can come alive through rich literature.
- Grade levels, a modern invention created to help manage an increasingly large number of children in an institutionalized setting, are meaningless in the home.
In short, what works in an industrialized configuration may not work as well in a tutorial, or one-on-one, setting. By educating ourselves, we can expand our concepts of education and learning, and provide our children with an individually tailored, rich learning experience.
Further Reading
Avoiding Homeschooling Trends
Not unlike fad diets, there seems to be a new homeschooling trend every year. Jumping on the bandwagon can leave children and parents feeling frustrated and disoriented — not to mention reaping the adverse effects on their pocketbooks.
As more parents educate their children at home, more families are looking for and developing approaches that fit their unique circumstances. Each new approach will have its merits. We can pull out the concepts that we believe will be useful in our own circumstances and walk away from the rest.
Homeschooling is a very individualized endeavor. One size definitely does not fit all!
Further Reading
Implementing in Stages
Consider the following scenario: I have completed my research. I have spent time determining my approach. I have carefully chosen materials that reflect my philosophy and that fit my family. Everything arrives in the mail and I start the next day. Not long after, I realize that the math program I selected is taking two times longer to complete than I had planned. Language arts would have worked better if I had allowed more time to help the youngest with reading instead of parsing sentences with the oldest. History is far too time-consuming to allow for the science I had planned to occur on the same day. There simply is no time left for the music program I selected.
This situation can be avoided very simply — by implementing one subject or project at a time.
By implementing in stages, we have the time we need to tweak our plans before becoming mired down in them. We also have time to ensure that the methods we have chosen in any given area will work within the larger scheme of things.
Limiting Outside Opportunities
Most of us go out of our way to provide opportunities for our children outside of the home. While most of our efforts in this area stem from a desire to provide the best for our children, we can also fall victim to self-doubts propagated by other’s opinions of what is best for our children. Before we know it, we run a shuttle service from one opportunity to another leaving little time for lessons or family.
Rarely is “more” better; and this would be one of those cases.
One initial solution is to select one or two activities in which the entire family can be involved, limiting outings to a more manageable number per week. As our children grow, there will be plenty of time for pursuing individual interests.
Further Reading
Additional Resources
The 16 Greatest Mistakes Homeschool Moms Make
“Even if you made some of these mistakes in the past (and who hasn’t!), it’s not too late to make corrections. Make a commitment with your husband, today, to avoid these 16 mistakes and then open your heart to hear from God.” Encouraging thoughts from Cindy Downes.
Common Mistakes Made by New Homeschoolers
“Once again, beginning to homeschool your children does not mean that you will make any or all of the above mistakes, especially if you attempt to tailor the academics to your children’s interests and fit the educational experiences into your family’s lifestyle (instead of the other way around).” From Guilt-Free Homeschooling.
Defining True Success
“So, what makes a successful homeschool? If our families win awards and acclaim, can we declare success? It depends on our focus.” Think eternal. Great article by Cindy Puhek that originally appeared in Home School Enrichment magazine.
What We Really Need…Thoughts at the Start of the School Year
Want to focus on what is really important? Thoughts from Andrew Pudewa (Institute for Excellence in Writing).
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