If you are taking the leap and homeschooling your child or children this year, rest assured, you can conquer it with flying colors. Homeschooling can be very intimidating at first, but after the first day it gets easier and easier. Teaching your child is a wonderful thing, and so rewarding and uou can really build a great connection with your child.
You don’t have to be an expert to teach your child—just a willing determination—and in time you will get into the swing of things just like your child. Below are some tips for homeschooling the first year, to help encourage you and help you get off to the right start.
Ignore The Comments
First and foremost when you decide to homeschool, you need to begin to ignore those who will say mean comments. Like your child won’t be socialized enough, they will become weird, they won’t learn as well, and the list goes on. You are in control of your child, and if you want to homeschool, go for it! You will have many chances to socialize your child, and just let go any negative comments. Don’t let them sway you to change your mind.
Start Slowly
I recommend this, but don’t feel you have to. The first week of school maybe start with just one subject. Then the second week add another subject. This is a great way to start slowly, learn the way school will go and work into it slowly. This will help ease your child into the school and not become overwhelming. You can do this with the start of each school year, to slowly easy your child back into learning, after the summer break. You can find local homeschool co-op groups in your area, resources, tools and tips to help all parents educating their children at home.
Teaching Different Subjects
Remember that you don’t have to teach each subject every single day. Even in public school, you might do math two times a week, so know you can be flexible in how you teach. You might do science, math and geography just three days a week. Don’t stress over fitting it all in, create a schedule that fits you!
Homeschool Is a Commitment
When you have a hard day of your child having a meltdown or not wanting to listen, pause and remind yourself of the reason you chose to homeschool. Tomorrow is a new day, and you will get through it. The first few weeks can be a life change for you and your children, but know it will get easier and once you are in a routine, it will flow nicely!
Eliminate Interruptions
Try to eliminate interruptions as much as possible. Being at home will give you more room for interruptions. Maybe turn your phone to silent, save housework for later, tell family and friends the time you will be doing school, so they know. Do what you can to limit the things that will pop up during school. Regardless you will have days when things happen, just do your best to limit those interruptions.
Stick to A Schedule
It might take a week or so to get into a rhythm of what will work for your and your child but try and stick to a schedule. This will help your child know at 9 am each day is when you will sit down for school. Granted you might have a day here and there you need to tweak the schedule, and that is the beauty of homeschooling. With homeschool it allows you to be flexible, so don’t feel you can’t change it around here or there.
Work Station
Make sure to create a little work station for your child. This is a great way to have an area where they can sit comfortably and work on their school work. Have pencils, crayons, markers, paper, and other school supplies all handy. Make sure it is a relaxing spot with limited activity so they can work peacefully. This can even be at your kitchen table, it doesn’t have to be fancy. Some people designate a room in their home and make it feel like a classroom, but know you don’t have to do that! If you don’t have the space, that is totally fine.
Connect With Other Homeschool Families
If you can, try and see if any other families in your area homeschool! This is a great way to learn tips and tricks from other parents, have playdates with your children and more. If your children are close in age, it also is great for going on field trips together. It is so nice to meet other families that homeschool!
If you need to find homeschool information in your state, check out the following websites:
Switch Up Curriculum
Know that you can easily switch curriculum or mix it up. Don’t feel that because you started on this curriculum you can’t change. Education evolves constantly and with that comes new and better options. So keep an open mind when you are looking at different curriculum! Roll with the flow, and know it is okay if you change and find something that is easier for your and your child.
Find a curriculum that works for your family and will bring enjoyment to your learning experience. Remember, homeschooling is not for everyone; nor is traditional school for everyone. Not every day is fun – some days might feel impossible – but remember the value of creating and experiencing a learning environment that works for your family’s specific needs and desires.
See more back-to-school content like the reason we decided to homeschool again, back-to-school organization tips and hacks, places to find homework help, and more by clicking: HERE
Wishing Everyone a Happy and Blessed New School Year!
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