Practical Advice for First-Time Homeschoolers [Show]

You decided to homeschool. Now you’re a month in, and wow—things don’t look like you envisioned. Whether it is going well or could be going better, you will benefit from this discussion with veteran homeschool moms.

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Show Notes

• General planning: Create a loose schedule of the morning routine, household chores, and lesson times. Plan your meals in advance, and plug your meals into your calendar.

• Setting Goals: What would be nice vs. what would be necessary?

• Expectations: This is not school at home; this is different. Don’t try to replicate a “classroom.” This is a tutorial setting, not a classroom. You have much more flexibility.

• Time: The time you are spending and the time you should be spending with your student. Time is your friend! You have time to learn what works for you and your family.

• And while on the subject, not all kids are naturally good at time management; that is a HUGE life skill that we can teach our kids and will add huge value to their educational experience if they understand time. Time blindness is a hallmark of those with ADD/ADHD.

• How much is enough? Another time issue: Add three minutes to your child’s age for ideal focus and understanding. Focus on the essentials: math, reading, and writing. Break up lessons with physical activity, nature walks, reading aloud, listening to music, and fun art projects. The more senses involved, the better.

• Use local resources: the library for free reading materials, videos, and music. Field trips, sports programs, and homeschool support groups are great as well. Find veteran homeschool moms for mentoring and support, wisdom, and advice. Attend homeschool conventions to hear helpful talks, see curriculum in person, and ask questions. 

• Take time for self-care and rest. 

• Get the kids involved! Delegate household chores, homeschool planning, creating resources, etc. Let the children create their own index cards and other learning materials. 

• HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association): Research your state’s homeschooling laws and consider joining for legal protection.

Curriculum questions: What does mastery mean? How to properly place students? What if your student is “behind”?

Reading Suggestions

• The Four-Hour School Day by Durenda Wilson
  
  
• Better Late Than Early and The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook by Raymond and Dorothy Moore

• John Rosemond’s Facebook post

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