Homeschooling wasn't always the plan, but it's been one of the most rewarding decisions I could have made. in this post, I'm sharing how I got started, the challenges I've faced, and the triumphs that make it worthwhile. Hope you stay until the end.
How "I" Saw My Life To Be...
Waking up at 6 o'clock in the morning five days straight smearing peanut butter and jelly on two slices of bread smashing them together and sealing them shut in a sandwich bag. Pouring chips inside a plastic bag while throwing a bag of sliced apples into a character-themed lunch box, I can't forget the juice pouch! Standing in lines waiting to purchase a daunting list of school supplies to fund my child's education. Little did I know, I have to fund my child's education on a greater scale and that's perfectly fine- at least I know what he/she is learning. Would I be a part of the PTA?
Why I Started Homeschooling
Homeschooling NEVER crossed my mind; if I'm honest, I saw it on TV. As I reflect on why I chose to homeschool, it wasn't my choice. I believed it had to be done...someone TOLD me. At that time I hadn't come to the realization about the public school system and everything it entails. Overcrowded classrooms, bullying and peer pressure, testing, school violence, substance abuse, declining academic standards, exposure to negative influences, lack of individualization, and moral and ethical concerns to name a few.
Getting Started
I fellowshipped with people who supported homeschooling so I just did it. Remind you, that I don't know anything about homeschooling. I sought counsel from many women with experience who gave encouragement, support, and resources, and answered all my endless questions. Thank God they endured me! My most used resources were YouTube and hslda.org. I spent HOURS researching curriculums and browsing Amazon. My initial curriculum choice was Abeka but it wasn't budget-friendly for my family. I came across The Good and The Beautiful and have used it ever since. TGTB is a controversial curriculum but how I see it is my children are excelling.
Fears, Doubts, and Challenges
My fears, doubts, and challenges
- "What if I go to jail because I'm not doing this right?'
- "Will my child go to college after?"
- "Am I capable of teaching them?"
- "Am I doing the right thing?"
- "Will my child fall behind?"Once
- Time management
- Finding the right curriculum
- Burnout
- Creating a routine
- Financial Strain
- State Regulations
Once I chose my curriculum, gathered my supplies, and created a routine and schedule I succeeded. Homeschooling was the right decision because my children were thriving and learning. Their excitement and anticipation for school encouraged me to continue. Over the years I've seen tremendous growth in their comprehension, love to read, handwriting, language, and math skills.
Day In The Life As A Homeschooling Family
Our schooling style is Eclectic. Eclectic schooling combines elements from multiple homeschooling styles to fit family needs. The mix-and-match approach is tailored to the child's learning style and families who want flexibility and variety. There's no specific curriculum and we can use various resources from different styles. This approach is perfect for our family because of our beliefs and morals.
Our Daily Routine
- Eat breakfast
- Morning Chores
- THomeschool
- Free Time
- Dinner
- Evening Chores
- Technology Time
- Bible Reading
- Night Routine
Our Weekly Routine
- Monday - Friday we homeschool
- Saturday - Sunday we don't homeschool
- Math is twice a week
- Language Arts is twice a week
- Science is once a week
Fridays are family days. We watch movies, go to the park, go on field trips, go to the library, etc. This is our day to have FUN!
Most Used And Loved Tools, Resources & Methods
3-TIER UTILITY CART
Overcoming Challenges
C-O-M-P-A-R-I-S-O-N
I wanted my children to be above grade level and to not fall behind. You couldn't tell me my children weren't doing well. Nope, I ignored you. They were going to be the BEST no exception.
Comparison and Pride are very dangerous! Self-reflection humbled me and I realized my sin and a burden I caused setting unrealistic unattainable goals.
"If anyone thinks they are important when they aren't they're fooling themselves. Each person should test their own work and be happy with doing a good job and not compare themselves with others. Each person will have to carry their own load." Galatians 6: 3-5 CEB Version
Successes
Homeschooling has challenges but it's important to overcome them. I have amazing supporters who see my vision and offer homeschool resources. Academically my children are doing well. I get compliments on their intelligence and uniqueness. When tests are given there's consistent improvement and growth. We've discovered the joy of reading and imganitive play. This year is the most organized I've been out of the whole 7 years I've been homeschooling. We love slow mornings!
Aspiring Homeschoolers
Here's some advice...
Don't compare your children, yourself, and your family to others. You are charged to nurture your family, so do so. If you see room for improvement take the necessary steps but don't look at another family to determine "improvement".
Get organized! Create a daily and weekly schedule. Keep your curriculum and supplies organized. Everything needs to have a place that's accessible for you and your children. It's stressful and overwhelming to be unprepared when it's time to teach.
Take breaks! Don't force completition if you discern frustration and irritation. If you or the child are frustrated, what profit will it bring? None!
Have fun and go on field trips!
Conclusion
I'd love to hear about your homeschool journey! What inspired you to start? Leave a comment below and join our growing community on Facebook and YouTube. Join the Newsletter below.
Home schooling is the best thing that we can give to our kids in my opinion. I wholeheartedly support it!
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips! Thankyou
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about homeschooling, so your article was very interesting. And I actually think it has many advantages. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAs a lifelong homeschooler, I can relate to this so much.
ReplyDeleteI have a vew friends who were homeschoolers and I've heard them all say the same things.
ReplyDeleteWe started homeschooling back in 2018, and it has been the best decision for our family! You've made some great points about the positive aspects of homeschooling. And showed how simple it is with your schedule!
ReplyDeleteHomeschooling does have its pros and cons, but most people who tried it seem to like it very much. I definitely like your schedule and the routines. Domii
ReplyDelete