Help! I Homeschool & We Are Behind!
5 Practical Tips to Help You Get Back on Track
It never fails. I plan out our homeschool year. I get it all organized. We start off strong — then life happens! Busyness, sick kids, sick mom, unexpected guests, curriculum that is more time consuming than I thought, and more! You name it and it happens — and we get behind!
There are also those years when I get overzealous in my planning and find that we are just not getting to all of the curriculum. I actually showed an example of this in my planning post. This is VERY normal. We go into our homeschool year thinking that we will accomplish so many amazing things, but forget that life happens and our kids aren't robots. They get wiggly, unfocused, and get stuck.
This is often the failing point of many homeschool families. The frustration and feelings of failure take over. Don't even talk about all of the unmet expectations that come crashing down at your feet. Maybe it's your spouse's expectations, family member, friend, the teacher whose class you pulled your kids out of — or just your own. Failed expectations, and feeling like no matter what you do or try you just can't get it all done, can crush your confidence.
[Tweet “Failed expectations and getting behind can crush your homeschooling confidence. @raisingclovers”]
What Got Us Behind This Year?
This year we had a big, fat monkey wrench thrown into our homeschool plans. I ended up needing major surgery. The recovery was long and hard. Any subject that required my help went out the door. I reached a point where I only required my kids to get their co-op work done, and maybe some math.
Know This Is Normal!
Most years we fall behind. Knowing it's going to happen is sometimes half the battle. What I've found is that there are a few things that I can do to get us back on track again. I wanted to share them with you.
Here's a Few Practical Tips to Help You Get Back on Track!
1) Change Things Up and Make It Fun!
Sometimes we just need to shake things up a bit and try something different for a season — or longer. Honestly, the WORST thing you can do is to keep pushing a curriculum choice on your child that is not a good fit. Often we get stuck on the thought that we “paid” for the curriculum that's not working, so might as well finish it up. That is probably the most painful homeschooling approach to take. You will spend months banging your head against the wall, and your kids will lose their interest in homeschooling. One of my #1 goals in my homeschool is to make learning fun so that my kids develop a love for learning.
[Tweet “One of my #1 goals in my homeschool is to help my kids develop a love for learning! #HelpIHomeschool”]
You don't always have to ditch the curriculum you are using. You may just need to shake things up a bit and try a new product for a while to see if it's a better fit. I was recently introduced to a great homeschool resource site called Educents by some other homeschool moms. Their site is amazing! It's filled with a variety of different products you can use specifically for your problem subjects. I'll show you a few of the products I'm considering trying out in my own homeschool below.
One really great thing about Educents is their prices. Their prices tend to be really low — and they have a lot of sales. Right now, at the time of this post, they are actually having a HUGE “Homeschool Blowout” sale. They even gave me a special coupon code to pass along to you, so you all can use it get an extra 10% off in savings: CLOVER10 — Isn't that cute? Yay! Thanks, Educents!
2. See If There Is Any Way to Combine Subjects!
This is often my “secret sauce” to sanity in my homeschool. Often we are doubling or tripling our efforts when it comes to different subjects. We may be doing lots of writing for science, which could mean that we are completing penmanship, vocabulary, writing, and science all at the same time. Sometimes our read-aloud books can count toward history. This is one reason I'm a big fan of unit studies. Sometimes I design my own, other times I use pre-planned ones. I found a TON of unit studies on Educent's website. We are studying US History, so I thought this pre-planned one would be a good fit for us.
3. Skip It!
Guess what? It’s okay to skip things! It really is! Public schools skip things ALL the time. They also rarely finish their text books. Do you feel some grace in knowing that? You should. You don’t need to cover everything. Math may be hard to skip around in, but most of your other subjects are totally fine to skip things.
4. Add a “B” Week!
Take a break from moving forward and catch up. We do this all the time. If you’ve seen my Homeschool Organization blog post or YouTube video, then you know I like to take a “B” week. I stop at whatever week we are at, say Week 13, then call it “Week 13B.” We spend that week catching up on the key things we need to get done. I prep my “Week B” by picking the things I don’t want us to miss out on. What about grammar? Well, if we are so far behind that doubling up for a week won't catch us up, then I just skip parts or count on us not finishing the book. Most language arts components are repeated every year. So, if they miss a concept, it’s not the end of the world. They’ll get again next year (just don’t skip it next year). 😉
5. Do the Worst Thing First!
This is one of my rules in my M.O.M. {Master Organizers of Mayhem} series. I've found that it applies as perfectly in our homeschool as it does in our home. There are often subjects that we just seem to never get to. Okay, I'm going to be really crazy real with you here! Sometimes, I'm just too tired to finish up our day when the day has been dragging on. When my baby goes down for a nap, I'm ready for my break — not the science lab experiment that I have to find supplies for and that I know is going to create another big mess for me to clean up.
Some years I do better than others in certain subjects. The two subjects that tend to get ditched most regularly are science and writing. This is the reason I try to make sure my kids take these two subjects in our co-op. I need the accountability! However, when we are not taking it in co-op I teach it first thing in the morning when everyone (including me) is fresh!
Ideas By Subject!
HISTORY
This year I'm finding that we are not getting as much done in history as I had planned. We had a big build up to our D.C. Trip this past September– and then life got busy when we got home. We are still reading from my new favorite history book: The Prayers That Changed History by Tricia Goyer. I love it! Since we are studying US History, we are going to start watching the Drive Through History DVDs that my friend is letting us borrow. However, I also just found these really creative history kits.
I LOVE kits! I find that I actually get to lessons when everything I need is right there in a box. I also love doing fun activities with history. Kids remember things so much better through doing. This kit and the Magic School science kit are on my wish list.
SCIENCE
I was a science major! You probably didn't know that about me. I got my degree in Sports Medicine. I guess you could say that I’m a science geek. I am not one who gets queasy at the sight of blood. Medical documentaries don’t gross me out. For goodness sakes, there were nights in college when we were eating pizza while dissecting things. Ha!
That is all to say, that I love science and I love to teach science in our homeschool — however, we don’t always get to science. So, I'm considering trying a few new products to mix things up a bit and make science easier to get to.
I really excited about this! These kits look so simple and fun. My kids already love the Magic School House books. I think they will really like these kits.
I love finding DVDs that my kids can watch that are educational. My kids will usually sit down and watch DVDs — even if they happen to be learning while they watch.
PHONICS/READING
Due to my surgery, this is one subject that I feel the worst about falling behind in. My poor 7 year old son is on the verge of reading fluently, but I just haven’t had the time to work with him. Normally, I’d have my older boys do some work with him. However, they’ve had to pick up so much slack around the house and try to get their own work done that they haven’t been getting to any of his language arts work that requires help. Here's a fun game I've actually been hearing good things about. I love educational games about as much as I love educational DVDs.
This game looks like so much fun! I'm definitely getting this one! I think my son will love it.
I've used Hooked on Phonics through the years. I still supplement with it.
WRITING
As I mentioned earlier, writing is one of our hard-to-get-done subjects. I LOVE all our I.E.W. products! I really do! However, sometimes it's fun to try something new for a bit. I found these great writing prompts on Educents's site.
MATH
Math is one subject that we usually stay on top of pretty well. But if math is your problem area, then you may want to consider trying either of these great products. I've actually heard amazing reviews from other homeschool moms about Life of Fred.
READ ALOUDS
Okay, I know this isn't on sale right now and I don't have a coupon code for it. However, I had to tell you one of best ways for making sure we stay on track with our read aloud books: Amazon Audible. My kids love listening to books.
What Are You Struggling With?
I hope this helped you to know that you are not alone if you are behind in your homeschool. It really is quite normal. Before you throw in the towel, try a few of my practical tips. If you do decide to supplement your homeschool curriculum, don't forget to use the “CLOVER10” code when you are checking out on Educents. My desire is to bless your homeschooling! I'm so excited to be able to team up with Educents to offer you this discount.
So, what subjects are you struggling to get to? What tips have you found to make things more doable? I'd love to hear from you below in the comments!
The “Help! I Homeschool!” Series
This post is part of my “Help! I Homeschool” series! There are more great posts coming that talk through the common homeschool challenges. I hope they all bless you in your homeschooling. Let me know in the comments if there is a challenge you are experiencing in your homeschool that you'd like to see covered! Be sure to check out my other posts:
Help! I Homeschool and My House is a Mess!
{You are going to love this one! It's one of my most popular!}
Help! I Homeschool and I Can't Get It All Done!
Help! I Homeschool and I Have Lots of Kids!
Corrinn says
December 28, 2015 at 6:21 amHi Kristi,
I am considering starting a co-op. I have a handful of families that are interested but not yet committed. I would like to gear it more to the academic side. I am overwhelmed with the how and what of the process. How do I make it work for pre-k to 4th grade? What goals should I have? I want to create a community for my kids and family as well as provide collaborative opportunities academically.
Would you have any advice for me?
Thank you!
Kristi says
December 28, 2015 at 8:32 amHi Corinn! Co-ops are fun, but they are a bit crazy to set up. You really need to think through what you want to get out of it. When I helped set up the one that met at our house last year, I reached a point where I really just wanted the fellowship for me and the kids. That’s kind of my only goal. The academics are great, but the fellowship was so needed. The nitty-gritty really comes down to where and when you will meet. Maybe start with a meeting with the other moms and get the details in line: where, when, what subjects, who wants to teach them, and how to organize the kids. I hope that helps.
Noe Silva says
December 28, 2015 at 7:19 amThis is literally my prayers answered. I was just did a search on google “i’m behind in homeschooling. Help” i am drowning, my 5th grader is behind in everything, 4th grader behind in reading/spelling, 2nd grader behind in math, & 1st grader behind in everything, not to mention my 4 & 2 yr old, & 18 month old. Overwhelmed and embarrassed, i don’t know what to do. Daily i’m on my knees asking the Lord to guide me through, only problem is what i really want is someone to tell me what to do. I hope i’m not alone in this…..
Kristi says
December 28, 2015 at 8:26 amYou are not alone!! & YES!!, it’s very overwhelming!! I can’t believe that you were looking up this very title. God is so good! I hope these tips help. Really, with that many little people in the house, you really need to know you are in a hard season. Go slow and get as much done as you can. Really prioritize which subjects are most important to you. Most veteran homeschool moms will tell you just cover the 3R’s. You don’t have to go at the pace of the schedule in the front of a curriculum. Let me know if you need any specific help. I’m praying for your family.
Blessings,
Kristi
Suzanne says
December 28, 2015 at 6:06 pmReally great and encouraging! Love the links to the fun things you try and how it’s broken down. I love when moms are real and share the good, bad, and ugly. God bless each of us!
Kristi says
December 28, 2015 at 7:24 pmThanks! I always try to keep things real! There’s enough pressure on homeschool families as it is. 🙂 It’s important to do all we can do to equip our kids with an incredible education. However, we need to also remember what’s most important — relationships and character. 🙂
Mother of 3 says
December 29, 2015 at 3:51 amA wonderful list of suggestions! I love this and pinned it for later (I’m sure we’ll need it at some point!)
Kristi says
January 3, 2016 at 3:04 pmThanks so much! So glad you like it!
Judy says
January 3, 2016 at 3:02 pmHow do you use Hooked on Phonics as a supplement? I used it with 3 of my older children, but felt that it left some gaps (like how they could read but had no idea what the rule was they are using.) I am using All About Reading with my daughter (who I know is dyslexic). Hopefully finishing up level 1 soon (she just turned 9 a few weeks ago….the struggle is real!). I do own everything for Abeka K. My daughter likes doing the worksheets and I do like the extra practice.
After teaching 4 kids to read, you would think I got this BUT I have 2 more kids to go! Aaahhhhh!!!! I feel those 2 are getting the short end of the stick because I work so much and for so long with my daughter. Suggestions?
Btw…..this is FoxymamaJudy from Periscope.
I have already graduate 1 from homeschool and he finished university in May. He is a nurse. You would think after 13 1/2 years I would have this all figured out.
Kristi says
January 3, 2016 at 3:13 pmSo fun to connect here, Judy! Love having you on my Periscopes. Isn’t it funny how each child is different?! (Well, funny, frustrating, and crazy — all at the same time.) You are definitely ahead of me as far as being a veteran to homeschooling. But I’d love to offer you suggestions. I’m big on asking for help myself. 🙂
Okay, Hooked on Phonics. I used the PreK & Kindergarten HOP with my two older boys. I use it to supplement now by doing the DVDs and going through some of the book work to work on basics. I actually think most language arts programs have gaps. I think since there are so many faucets and techniques to language arts, it’s hard to have it all in one language arts program. I’ve never used Abeka, but have heard great things about their worksheets.
I know you know, but I’m reminding you 🙂 — working with pre-readers is the most time consuming part of homeschooling. I also feel like my older boys get the short end of the stick since they end up doing so much independent work. In my perfect “what homeschooling should look like in my head” world, I’m sitting and working with each child and doing wonderful family projects. In my real world, my little girls are getting the most attention — and then my pre-reader — and then my older boys. So, I guess this reply is more of an encouragement that you are not alone. 🙂
Blessings and joy,
Kristi
Angie says
January 21, 2016 at 12:23 amHi Kristi! What an encouragement this article was to me. My 7th grader is in Saxon math 3rd addition. she is so overwhelmed and last week in tears. We have been sick this week and on a small break. Math takes her on average, 1.5 hours to complete a lesson. We sat down last week, after a meltdown, and just for that one day she had over 80 math problems to complete for one lesson. I’ll be giving myself permission to change things up for her… Soon!
Kristi says
February 2, 2016 at 6:00 pmYes, I’m so glad you are taking a step back and change things up. I’d definitely encourage you to try a different math program. Praying that your 7th grader feels more confident after a little break and some tweaking to her curriculum. 🙂
Debra Pilchard says
February 5, 2016 at 11:44 amI found you by accident. I read the topic about being behind and it struck home. Not only am I behind I can’t seem to find any one like us. Every one appears to be focused on starting children as littles and growing up in homeschooling and or multiple children. So please allow me to bend your ear.
I am a grandmother who pulled my grandchild out of public school as she was to enter 5th grade. I have had her all her life. We joined a co-op and it has been great but again no one in our position. I had to get her off all the medications they had her on. Try to figure what she did learn in order to teach her. That put us behind off the bat. She is behind in different ways. She is quite intelligent but maybe it’s me.
I have been diagnosed with MS so I have good and bad days. I fear not doing enough. At times she has an attitude (like all kids) and it is a fight to get her to do her classes.. I have checked all kinds of things on line and at conventions to make it fun but learning . I guess I’m asking for any ideas. I am open to suggestions. Lots of prayers have been going out there. Thank you if you guys can help.
Kristi says
February 5, 2016 at 4:19 pmI’m so glad that you found me! First, know that everyone has a unique homeschool story. I love that you are homeschooling your granddaughter. First, know that it’s okay to have bad days. Honestly, I’d throw a first day of school party one morning and start from scratch. That’s great you are in a co-op. Yes, attitudes are hard. I really try to help my kids understand that their education is really what they make of it. One of my boys told me that it helped him to work more efficiently when I gave him a goal for the week. I had purchased a Rainbow loom for him (which he’d been wanting). I put it on the counter and told him that I’d give it to him when he finished his work for the week. He finished on Thursday. 🙂 Every week after that we put it back on the counter for each day. Having the proper motivation is key. Not that you want them to have to be bribed…but we all have worked for a paycheck, right? Once he got into the habit of working diligently, we didn’t have to do the bribing as much. He still struggles from time to time. Sometimes there are consequences, sometimes there are rewards. It’s really a balancing act that you have to pray through. I hope that helps!
Blessings,
Kristi
Ivy says
November 2, 2016 at 5:41 amDebra,
Are you still struggling with this or have you found your feet yet?
I have a chronic illness and we pulled our children from school to home educate them, as well. Each situation presents its own challenges!
I would be glad to correspond with you directly if you think that would be helpful. Prayers for you and your grandchild.