L is for Location

Posted on August 12, 2017 by Barb

L is for location. There’s a saying in real estate: “Location, location, location.” It means that no matter how beautifully built and decorated a house is, if it’s located next to a garbage dump, it’s not worth as much as a house with a park-like setting.

Location is also important when homeschooling your children. They won’t learn as much or have as much fun if they’re forced to sit in the same spot day after day to “do school.” Try varying your routine. Spend time in the park watching birds, at the grocery store weighing vegetables, in your basement finger-painting, and out in your neighborhood on a rainy day checking puddles for frogs. A variety of locations can make homeschooling more interesting and fun for your children…and you.

(Just out in print: the 3^rd edition of Life Prep for Homeschooled Teenagers, completely revised and expanded. Check it out!)

K is for Kindergarten

Posted on August 11, 2017 by Barb

K is for kindergarten. You know, that arbitrary deadline that everyone asks you about as soon as you mention that you’re thinking of homeschooling your little one.

Many people consider that first day of kindergarten, when the big yellow bus comes for your 5-year-old, to be an important milestone in your child’s development. They can’t imagine your child not getting on that bus.

Their concern is something that you should expect and have a polite answer for, once you’ve made the decision to homeschool. And don’t expect them (including those closely related to you) to always understand why you would make this choice for your child. It may take years before they can see why you would do this. So be prepared for their possible disapproval; it comes with the territory.

Looking for a free guide to teaching your children to write? You’ll find it here.

J is for Journey

Posted on August 10, 2017 by Barb

J is for journey. Homeschooling excellence isn’t something you achieve by following the instructions that come with a purchased curriculum. It’s a journey during which you learn about your children as they learn what they need to know before becoming adults.

It takes time to discover and then encourage your children’s gifts and interests; since gifts often become more apparent with time, and interests often change with time, the journey is a long one. But you’ll find it so fascinating and enjoyable to watch your children grow and mature in an environment that lets them do so at their own pace.

Homeschooling is a journey that can benefit your children immensely, and one that you’ll always remember.

(Want to read more about homeschooling? You’ll find many homeschooling articles by clicking the “Homeschool Info” link at the top of the page, or “Homeschooling” at the bottom.)

I is for Independent Thought

Posted on August 9, 2017 by Barb

I is for independent thought. Today’s schools were designed for the purpose of creating a uniform and docile workforce. Students are expected to conform, and there’s little room for kids to exercise independent thought.

On the other hand, homeschooling allows children to read widely, to discuss concepts with the adults in their lives, and to come to their own conclusions and get used to relying on their own judgment. This ability is essential in the new economy of the 21^st century. How fortunate our children are that homeschooling helps them develop their individuality!

P.S. The Imperfect Homeschooler’s Guide to Homeschooling is just $2.99 today 🙂

H is for Hugs

Posted on August 8, 2017 by Barb

H is for hugs. Kids need affection, but in this day and age, teachers are afraid to be affectionate with their students because of a few bad apples who took touching their students too far. But we can hug our kids with joy when they master a new concept, or when they need encouragement, or just because we feel like it. (One of my favorite sayings is “Always give in to the impulse to hug your child.”) Homeschooled children can grow up secure in their family’s love, with affection being a daily event.

Get homeschooling advice for whatever stage you’re in: check out the “Stages of Homeschooling” eBook series.