Homeschool check-in

Did you start homeschooling this fall? If so, how is it going?

Getting ready to homeschool can be a very exciting time. The pros and cons have been listed and weighed and finally your family has made the decision. There may have been some research involved to find the current law in your area regarding home education. Once the hoops have been jumped through, though, the fun of planning your school year began.

It is now the middle of September and the novelty might be wearing off. Maybe your children watched with envy while their friends started the year at school. Photo dumps of first day outfits filled our social media screens and every store in every mall posted signs screaming about back to school specials. Nevertheless, you persevered and started. How are you doing as the parent teacher? Have you found support for yourself as well as the kids? A homeschool network is vital but if you find yourself without a local support, do not despair. If you felt led to homeschool, you can be assured that God will provide the resources you need, educationally and emotionally.

Our homes do change when we begin to homeschool. It may be more difficult to keep up with the daily routine of cleaning and cooking but adding home economics into your curriculum might be the answer. Children can enjoy learning how to keep a home, do laundry and dishes, make a budget and a grocery list, help shop and organize. Investing in teaching these things will benefit your home in many ways not least being the skills your child will carry into adulthood.

Home education is an important calling but it can be intimidating. In setting up a routine, the personalities, learning styles, ages and abilities of the children must be taken into consideration. But, equally important, is considering the strengths and weaknesses of yourself as teacher and guide. How many hours will you devote to teaching? How will you ensure that each of your students keep up? And if you need help in certain subject areas, who can you turn to?

These questions are meant to inspire, not to overwhelm. Our children are given to us specifically and so we know God has given us what we need to nurture and guide them. If you do have any questions or concerns, reach out to your local homeschool group. If there isn’t one, you might consider starting one for your area. There are also many online groups you could join. Above all else, pray. God promises wisdom to those who ask!

Please comment below if you have any homeschool questions and I will do my best to answer. Remember too, Chicken Scratch Books is an excellent resource for middle school literature and they are running a back to school special until the end of September. Click the link below for 25% off.