Whether you’re beginners or veteran homeschoolers, worries will no doubt creep in when you’re prepping next year’s homeschool. Well, as a veteran homeschool mom who taught my two kids from preschool through high school, I am here to reassure you—you’ve got this.
I’m well-acquainted with the challenges that homeschooling parents face. However, there are some things that just aren’t worth your worry.
Formal Instruction for the Young Ones
Young children learn naturally through play. In fact, play benefits them in a variety of ways. It encourages creativity, allows children to practice social skills, strengthens cognitive skills such as problem-solving, and helps children to better understand and express emotions. Physically, play helps to keep them active and healthy and improves their balance, coordination, and core muscle strength.
Play also strengthens their brains. As children explore the world through play, the neurons in their brains are continually making new connections; these connections allow the different parts of the brain to communicate and work together as a team, processing information and strengthening retention.
Difficult Days
Bad days happen; you can’t prevent them. Instead, focus on what you can do. As I shared in a previous article, “Tips for Resetting a Bad Homeschooling Day,” a single bad day doesn’t have to interrupt learning. You have options!
Reset your day. Take your kids to the park for some fresh air and healthy activity, surprise them with an impromptu field trip, or get out the board games and engage in a little friendly competition. During these activities you can sharpen math skills, expand vocabulary, strengthen problem-solving approaches, and so much more.
Since you aren’t governed by a public or private school schedule, you can add a day to the end of the school year, reconvene in the evening after everyone’s had a break, or do Saturday school.
Or if you just can’t muster up the energy or motivation to continue, it’s fine to call it a day.
That Feeling That You’re Missing Something
Homeschooling is a big responsibility, I know. There’s so much to cover that it seems overwhelming and impossible to include everything. That’s OK. There’s a simple solution. A scope and sequence tells you what to teach and will guide you from grade to grade. Visit DIY Homeschoolers for a more detailed explanation and free scope and sequence resources.
The Right Age for Specific Milestones
Another tough one, I know.
Again, since you aren’t governed by the school district or their traditional schedule, your child is free to develop and grow in his or her own timeframe.
It’s important to note here, though, that if your state homeschool law requires standardized testing (typically language, arts, and math) in specific grades, both you and your child will feel more confident when well prepared. Here’s where following a scope and sequence is essential. For help preparing, visit Power Homeschool for tips.
What Others Think
We care what others think, especially when those others are family and close friends. That can be tough when they’re not supportive.
It’s possible that people in your life don’t support your homeschooling journey because they simply don’t know enough about it. Or maybe they silently wish they could homeschool. Whatever the reason, you can try to patiently share your journey with them, invite them to an open house, shine the spotlight on your kids’ achievements, and allow them to ask questions.
Socialization
Ask any homeschool mom, and she’ll tell you she often gets asked, “What about socialization?” And the thing is, most homeschooling parents are routinely out and about in the real world with their kids in tow, interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Teaching High School
When our kids were in middle school, I started thinking about high school: How can I teach courses I know nothing about? Can I successfully prepare my daughter to go on to college? Or can I effectively equip my son to enter the workforce?
These are all valid questions. However, there’s a reason why high school teachers focus on a specific subject area—you’re not expected to be an expert in every subject your child wants to take.
Enlist the help of others; perhaps the neighbor next door is a retired chemist and would happily step up to teach advanced math and sciences. Grandparents also have a wealth of experience and wisdom and can make history come alive with personal stories of past presidents, wars, and inventions.
Remember also to look into co-op, dual-enrollment college classes, and free online classes through Khan Academy and Easy Peasy All-in-One High School.
Well, I hope these suggestions have helped to ease some of your worries. They were a game changer for me. In fact, you should pat yourselves on the back and applaud your efforts because you are educating your kids in the best way possible.
