New to Homeschool

by Sakuaza

Leaving the brick and mortar schools behind can be a thrilling, and terrifying concept.  There are many myths and misconceptions about homeschooling from religion to curriculum to socialization.  Education is about the student not the building.

You may have heard the concept of "Learning Style."  Do you know your child's learning style?  Do you know your learning style?  It could be one of the most over-looked issues in the homeschool process.  So, what are the learning styles?

• Visual (spatial). You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.
• Aural (auditory-musical). You prefer using sound and music.
• Verbal (linguistic). You prefer using words, both in speech and writing.
• Physical (kinesthetic). You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.
• Logical (mathematical). You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.
• Social (interpersonal). You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.
• Solitary (intrapersonal). You prefer to work alone and use self-study.

Without going into all the technical information, research has proven that each learning style uses different parts of the brain. By involving more of the brain during learning, we remember more of what we learn.

You can go to learning-styles-online to take the Memletics learning styles inventory (quiz, questionnaire, test).  It is free, and you can do the test online, or download the test in Microsoft Excel or Adobe PDF format.

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Have you written down your motives, dreams, and goals for homeschooling?  What is your commitment to this adventure?  When the going gets tough will you throw in the towel, or will you persevere for your students sake?

If you have made up your mind that nothing will deter you from the wonderful experience of homeschooling, then I encourage you to sit down and write those motives, dreams, and goals down.  You will want to visit them on those days when you feel a little bent from the process.  They will also solidify your commitment to your children.

You will have days of laughter and growth when your child "gets it" and you see the sparkle in their eyes.  You will also have days when you want to pull your hair out, and the whining seems endless.  Through it all you have a firm foundation that offers stability to the adventure.

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Homeschooling means you get to set the start and stop time for school.  You are not bound by the constraints of the brick and mortar schedule.  So what if they start at 8:30 am!  What time of the day is best for your child/ren?  Mornings are not always best for some children.  They need time to wake up, and get the blood flowing to those growing minds.  Some do better by breaking lesson time up all throughout the day.  What is convenient for your family?  If doing lessons at night seems absurd, then you need to think outside the box.  You have the flexibility to design a new standard away from societal restrictions.

Get rid of distractions that may interfere with study time.  If you are able to turn the ringer off on your phone.  Inform family and friends of times you will be available.  Post a note on your door that children are studying.  Schedule for computer time.  Checking your email at the very beginning or end of your day will stop that time robber.  Plan easy meals that will not take forever to prepare.  Just think how grateful your student will be when they have your undivided attention.

It may not always be fun for your student, but I guarantee you will have a more productive day if you focus lesson time on what is best for them.

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Homeschool is a compound word, so don't forget the "home" in your school by having stacks of dirty dishes, piles of dirty or unfolded laundry, and layers of dust.  The three "R's" are important, but teaching children to keep an orderly home is too.  We get so excited with teaching the curriculum that chores and cleaning get put on the back burner.  Housecleaning is an education in itself.

So how do you balance school and chores?  There are many ways to accomplish it, and experienced homeschoolers will tell you it can be difficult.  But, not impossible!

Schedule chores in with the curriculum.  Work together to lighten the load and/or for instruction on doing the job well if they are younger children.  While you are getting rid of cobwebs and dust bunnies try verbally quizzing your student or telling riddles to each other.  While folding laundry do some trivia with cards from games like "Jeopardy" or "The Game of Knowledge".  Or, you can use any questions that come to mind about lessons you are working on for the week.

You might also work PE into the process.  We all have personal knowledge of the stretching, bending, balancing, and other physical aspects involved in housework.  Put it to use, and give your student PE credit. 

By interweaving chores with school not only does the work get done, but you allow for much needed breaks for your student's mind.  There is another bonus, you have a sparkling "home" for school.

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If you have space in a bright area of your home there is nothing wrong with setting up a desk, chair and possibly a large chalk/white board, but having a "school room" may not be necessary.

Using the dining room table is just fine, or how about the lawn furniture in the back yard.  You can also go to the playground.  Read a book at the top of the slide, complete some lessons on the jungle gym, and do math in the sand box.

Not only will your children love the novelty, but you will be creating lasting memories.

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For new homeschoolers planning and scheduling can be a big hurdle. Setting goals and knowing your dreams for homeschool seem easy compared to the day-to-day implementation of them. So, how do you overcome this mental block?

Take it one step at a time.

• Step 1:  Find a planner! Whether it is on the computer or on paper doesn't matter. What works for you? It doesn't have to be pretty or perfect.
• Step 2:  Prioritize!  Math and Language Arts should be done daily, so start by filling in your planner with these two subjects.  Then move on to other subjects.
• Step 3:  Decide time frames!  This may take a few weeks to figure out.  You will get into a rhythm, and it will be easier to move subjects around on your planner.
• Step 4:  Be flexible!  If you are working in household chores, remember that grocery or errand day need to be a lighter school work day.  Also, when life happens you don't want to feel overwhelmed by your planner.  It should be considered just a guide and not set in stone.
• Step 5:  Have fun!  Involve the children in the planning, and don't forget to include play time for them and yourself.

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You are all set, and ready for school.  You have a schedule and a plan.  But now that school has started.......  you are jumping through hoops to get your student motivated to do their school work.  The whining and complaining are getting on your last nerve, and you end the day with you and/or your student having red-rimmed eyes from crying.

We have all been there, and some of us are still experiencing these moments.  Let me emphasize moments, because they are just that.  They will pass, and you will see the sun shine from your student's eyes again.

In the meantime, let's look at some ways of handling these moments.

1. Use incentives or rewards such as computer time, television time, game station time, friend time.  If you are firm about "no play until work is done" your student will take you seriously.  Children are resilient, and will not be marred for life by sitting in a seat until their work is done.
2. Break the lessons into manageable pieces.  Do half the math problems and half the reading, then take a 15 min. break.  Go back to some reading, and complete the math.  You and your student will be less likely to have conflict if there is time to relax.
3. Block scheduling is one alternative that works wonders for some.  Schedule math and language arts on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  Do history on Tuesday, and science and art on Thursday.  This is also a great way to break up the monotony right before Christmas or spring break.
4. Do something totally unexpected.  Stop everything and go to the park or library.  Go for a walk, or just watch a movie and eat popcorn together.  Take the opportunity to reconnect with your child/ren to show them love and gratitude.
5. Laugh and make funny faces with your student.  When you lighten up and show you are not stressing your student will too.  As they say, "laughter is the best medicine", and more than likely your student is probably trying too hard to please you which just adds to their stress.

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Juggling multiple students and/or toddlers is common for homeschoolers.  You can start to feel you are being pulled in all directions very quickly.  How do you balance the activities for each child?

Incorporating younger children in the process can be simple with just a little planning.

• Combine similar lessons together and teach them to all your students at once. 
• Have an older student read their literature to younger children while you are working one-on-one with another.
• Younger children love to dress up.  Create an art project to make hats, helmets, sashes, shields, or swords, and then act out a part of a history lesson.
• Give toddlers there own pocket charts and matching cards.  There are hundreds of cards out there to choose from to incorporate matching games.
• Keep the younger ones busy with easy puzzles.  Get more than one, and ask them to complete all of them before they can move on to something else.
• Have an older student put together a physical education program for younger ones.  They will not only enjoy the planning, but the trust you put in them for the responsibility.

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One advantage to homeschooling is the ability to teach your student character.  You have control of outside influences that may shape or build who your student will become.  In the end it is their individual choices that will determine this, but with your guidance hopefully they will learn to make wise ones.

Getting up and dressing for school, having lunches decided for them whether they be healthy or not, and adhering to a bell to tell them what to do is no longer part of your students daily routine.  There are advantages and privileges in homeschooling that should not be taken lightly or abused.  Building character in your student to be productive in the future should be a major consideration in this adventure.

When your students have graduated from their homeschool experience they will be moving on to either a higher education or a work environment.  Some of the rules of society will not allow for some of the privileges they once enjoyed.  Having good character will give them confidence and a strong foundation to move on.

Some things we can do to help build good character:

• Dressing everyday makes your body feel good, and gets your student in the right frame of mind for studying.  Don't rob your student of the thrill of having a special pajama day .
• Keeping our bodies healthy by eating healthier foods and exercising daily promotes a longer more productive life.  Once in a while let unhealthy snacks be an unexpected surprise.
• Giving some sort of time limits for study gives your student a sense of stability.  Work before play is something we all have to live by.  Having to complete assignments to earn a special fun day is a worthy goal.
• Volunteerism not only gives your student a sense of accomplishment, but also teaches them responsibility for their fellow man.  Giving back to their communities should always be a part of their lives.

I am one of the first ones to leap for joy on pajama days and I love a very unhealthy chalupa, but we owe it to our students to be good examples.  Building character and good habits is an awesome responsibility.

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Here is an overview of what we have covered:

1. Finding your student's learning style.
2. Writing down your motives, dreams, and goals for your homeschool.
3. Scheduling school time and eliminating distractions.
4. Fitting in chores and cleaning.
5. Deciding on and creating your school space.
6. Planning school subjects.
7. Motivating your student.
8. Juggling multiple students and/or toddlers.
9. Building character.

There are many other topics that we could cover when it comes to homeschooling, but "in my opinion" these were the top issues most homeschoolers seem to be struggling with.  So, what could be even more important than the ones already mentioned.  When homeschooling is about the student there is only one concern they have.  It is YOU!  If it wasn't for you, your hard work, and devotion your student would not have this wonderful opportunity.

You must take care of yourself!  How...

• by getting a good nights sleep!  You will have more patience and stamina with a decent amount of sleep.
• by getting exercise!  It will be easier to keep up with them if you keep in shape.
• by eating healthy!  Not only are you an example, but your body needs "good" fuel to keep going.
• by drinking water!  Your brain works better and remembers more when you are not dehydrated.
• by connecting with others!  Adult conversation is a must, and sometimes you just need to vent, commiserate, or share ideas with other homeschooling moms and dads.
• by finding time to be alone!  Your room should be an oasis with no toys on the floor or papers to look at.  Your children need to know when they can come and snuggle, but you need your space.
• by spending time with your husband!  The honeymoon should never be over.  That feeling of "first love" should grow throughout the years.  Not only does it make you feel young again, but it is the foundation of your family.
• by spending time with your friends!  Having a girls night out once a week should be a requirement.  Your husband should be more than happy to spend a night caring for the children, so you can spend time with friends remembering what is was like to not have gooey fingers in your hair.  (Precious gooey fingers, but you get my drift.)

Please remember how important you are in the equation of homeschooling.  You will be less likely to experience burnout and fatigue, and it will help you keep perspective.  After all, homeschooling is about the student!