Mothers ask me why some years, we don’t take a break when it comes to homeschooling. I wonder that myself! I guess the answer is that homeschooling is just regular life at our house. We have done it so very long, that it is part of the routine. It is easy to keep at it and it gives order to every day. Yes, I do ease up a bit in the summer, mostly in the amount of preparation I do as a teacher. During the school year, I feel more desire to really put in some effort to prepare such things as science experiments, unit study lessons and the like. When summer heat and activities arrive, I am more flexible. Some mornings we garden or go to yard sales or do service instead of homeschool. Gardening is a very important subject in our homeschool; a basic life skill! We get our basic homeschool subjects done every day too. The children do it as automatically as they brush their teeth and say their prayers. This has been part of our daily life since they were infants, and it just continues year round, rain or shine, summer or winter.
School in Summer?
Is Homeschooling for You?
My very sweet grandbabies: Abigial and Rebekah and their new baby brother Isaac
Question:
I am a mother of a 1, 4, and 6 year old. I tried homeschooling this year with the attitude it is “just kindergarten” and my daughter is not enjoying it, I am not enjoying it, my son who is 4 drives me crazy he doesn’t listen to anything I say, so it seems. My daughter wants to go to the school her neighbor friend goes to but something in me likes the idea of homeschooling. I am so confused. My husband supports me in my decision, but I wish someone would just tell me what to do and have a peace about it! That is my big thing, I want to feel peace. Can you help? [Read more…]
Not Organized, Not Perfect
Question:
Help! I’m not too good at this! I am not very organized, and I am not doing everything in homeschool that my children need and it worries me. Should I wait until next year when I can get more prepared and organized to homeschool? I’m afraid that my kids will suffer because I’m not perfect at homeschooling yet. [Read more…]
Newly Out of Public School and Resistant
Question:
I need some suggestions on how to motivate my 9-year-old to do any school work. I took Derek out of public school about a month ago after a lot of prayers and heart ache. He was in the third grade and we spent more time at night doing his work because he won’t do it at school. He has never liked school… any part of it… hates to read, hates any part of it and so I have been trying to give him a positive atmosphere to work in and some one-on-one time to help him want to try, but it is a continual fight to get him to do anything. He just says he is dumb and it is too hard. I have only been doing some basic math, a journal, some spelling, some reading—but he fights all of it. Do you have any suggestions to get him to see how smart he is and maybe some way to teach him that will get him going with out me forcing the issue? I have backed off and let him decide when to do it or I have tried to force a time to get stuff done… he wants me to do it for him. I am very frustrated and I have a 5th grader who wants me to homeschool her. I can’t even get this to work with one. I welcome any advice you have. [Read more…]
The Homeschooled Teen: Surviving or Thriving?
by Daniel Hopkins, teen
Being a homeschooled teenager isn’t always easy. There are many problems that can arise. Some of these may be familiar to you: “All I do is just sit at home all day—I never get out of the house,” “All my friends are at school,” and “This is really boring.” As a teenager myself, I’ve looked at how I’ve dealt with some of these problems and how they’ve worked out. Also, I’ve looked at how and why I enjoy homeschool. Hopefully some of these tips will help you.
Mary Poppins’ Method
There’s work to be done when you raise a family! It is possible, however, to turn time spent in routine chores into time well invested in helping a child practice skills or building memories. Have you tried the “Mary Poppins’ Method”? I don’t think a spoonful of sugar is very healthy for making the medicine go down, but the concept sure works to transform chores into delightful time spent together. Mom’s attitude makes all the difference!
Need a Homeschool Break?
Puffer Fish
Question:
We need to keep going with homeschooling, but I sure am in need of a break? Have any ideas, short of stopping school?
Answer:
Have you ever tried doing a “Favorite Subject Immersion Week”? It is really a fun break for everyone! [Read more…]
All My Kids Do is Complain
Question:
All my kids do is complain, whine, and try to get out of school work. Any advice?
Answer:
Your job is to find the best resources and methods to teach the information in a fun and interesting way that captivates their interest. Are you doing your job?
Your children’s job is to obey you, be grateful for your efforts, have a good attitude and do their work without whining. Are they doing their job?
