My Top 5 Tips for Every Homeschool Family
If you have ever homeschooled your children or even considered homeschooling them, then you know that a little advice from veteran homeschool moms is always welcomed.
Well, this last weekend I had the privilege of being one of those veteran moms. I just got back from speaking at CHEA of California's Homeschool Convention. I gave three workshops to new homeschoolers all geared at encouraging everyone and getting them excited and equipped to start.
I still can't believe that we began our homeschool journey 8 years ago — more if you consider all the years I researched it before taking that “big step of faith.” {Read about that step of faith here!}
It was so fun sharing all the tips I've learned through the years with new homeschool families. It was a bit bizarre being on the other side of things, since I remember so clearly sitting where they sat and listening to my first homeschool convention workshops. But I guess that's a good thing. I remember how it felt and all the questions that were rattling around in my mind.
Now, don't think that I only gave everyone 5 tips! I have more! But these five tips are really my very favorite tips! I even Periscoped about it while I was there. {So be sure to see the video below or click HERE to see it now}
May these tips bless you in your homeschooling endeavor!
HERE ARE MY “TOP 5” TIPS FOR EVERY HOMESCHOOL FAMILY
#1 Know WHY You Are Homeschooling — & Write It Down!
No matter how long you have been homeschooling it's important to remember why you are homeschooling!
This last September I had a girlfriend call me after her first day back to homeschooling and ask me for a little pep-talk. She wanted me to remind her why we were homeschooling our kids. I encouraged her to take some time to remember why she started — and then to write it all down!
Now, I can tell you all about the multiple reasons why we chose to homeschool in our family, but you need to know why YOU chose to homeschool!
When those hard days come, & they will come (see next tip!), you need to remember why you are doing it!
#2 Know You Are Going to Have Hard Days!
I'm just being honest! Hard days are going to come in your homeschool. But you know what, everyone has hard days! I wrote a blog post all about how to survive the hard days {here}. Just know they will hit! Don't be surprised! Be prepared!
#3 Slow Down!
If you have lots of hard days, it's might be time to slow down! You may be trying to cram too much into your school day. Your kids may need to slow down the pace of a particular subject. There are many things that can contribute to hard days. My best advice is to take a break and do something fun to create some good family bonds. Then once your batteries are charged, start back — but go at the pace for your own family!!
#4 Give Yourself & Your Kids Grace!
We are not perfect. It's okay! But the Lord is going to use you right where you are at! Show your kids what grace looks like in your homeschool. Share God's grace with them when they get frustrated, cranky, or lazy. It's good to share! But don't forget to give yourself grace, too! We are usually our own worst critic. So, it's time to stop!
#5 Get the right support
Creating a support system is a great way to find the encouragement you need to keep the excitement alive in your homeschool. However, it's really important to know who the right people are in your life! The people in your life who do not support your decision to homeschool are NOT the ones you want to turn to on hard days. 🙂 Find local groups to support you! We need to stick together!
Just Remember…
You can do this homeschool thing! Don't forget to rely on the Lord! Think about Peter & how as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus he didn't sink. So, keep your eyes on Jesus!
Here's the Periscope video that I did while I was at the CHEA Convention. Hope you like it. It is a quick video, and it really brings these “5 tips” to life. I hope it blesses you!
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Charity Newlun says
August 11, 2015 at 10:04 pmThanks Kristi!
Great post. I’m new to the homeschool world, coming from Texas to California was a bit of a shock, so we prayed and decided to homeschool our 2nd grader this year! Should be interesting with a 9 month old, but we are excited! I’m new to your blog and YouTube channel, but you have been such a blessing and encouragement to me. Thanks for sharing!
Kristi says
August 11, 2015 at 10:19 pmThanks so much, Charity! I’m so glad you found me! & yes, big changes from TX to CA! Texas is one of the easiest states to homeschool in, and CA is different. I am from CA, if you didn’t already catch that fact. I’d love to help you with getting started. My first recommendation is to become a member of CHEA of CA (www.cheaofca.org). They have a book called an Introduction to Home Education in California. It’s great! Hope that helps! Thanks for coming over to my blog & my vlog. Glad they are encouraging you. Blessings, Kristi
Wanda says
December 2, 2015 at 2:12 amI am homeschooling my 5 year old grandson. He is supposed to start kindergarten in the fall of 2016. I had him in preschool 2 days a week for 2 1/2 hours each day since he was 2 but he wasn’t learning what I felt is important like ABC’s, numbers, colors, etc. it was all about socializing, play, singing, etc. He is very hyperactive! How long should I encourage him to sit and do homework at one time? I what is the best way to teach him to read?
Thank you for your time.
Wanda Clark
Kristi says
December 2, 2015 at 8:57 amHi Wanda!!
Great question! So, here’s my crazy answer…at 5 years old a child should not have a lot of real “homework.” Reading to the child is the best way for them to learn to read. I try to read while moving my fingers over the words. My oldest learned to read just by being read to by 5yrs old. My second son went through 3 different phonics programs and my own sight word creation and finally read independently by 8 yrs. I point this out because every child clicks with reading at different ages (and math). When the light bulb goes off when they are young, it’s exciting. When that light bulb just doesn’t seem to want to illuminate, it is really frustrating.
I really believe in making learning fun!!! I call it “sneaky school.” 🙂 Have him sit with you as long as he will sit with you. Increase the time slowly. Do something tactile with him as he learns to read. “Doing” is the best way for kids to learn. Form letters with play dough or trace letters in cornmeal. Stamp the carpet with letter cookie cutters and have him try to hunt on the floor for the different letters. Have fun! Learning should always be fun! Fun is the best way to learn!
To also make you feel better, I have a friend whose son didn’t read until he was 12!!! Really!!!! But at that age, they go from struggling to read to reading the Hobbit quickly. It’s crazy. The brain just needs to build a pathway to that task. Her son is now college bound and a very bright young man (you’d never guess he was a late reader).
So, snuggle up and enjoy your time with him. Hope that helped!!
Blessings and joy,
Kristi