Are you intrigued by the idea of homeschooling, but don’t know where to start? Do you want to know what your children are learning, and even more interested in choosing the information that they are exposed to? Grab a cup of coffee or tea, a notebook and read on to explore homeschooling and generate some thoughts that will help you decide if this is the path for you.
What Will Your Homeschool Look Like?
I want you to think through your family dynamics. Will you be homeschooling all of your children, or will you start small with the goal of layering in kids each year? Do you plan to work, and how will this affect your ability to teach? If you find that it is necessary to continue working, don’t despair. There are families that find ways to make this work. Think through the learning styles of each child. Are they capable of grasping topics through unconventional methods, such as videos or other forms of self-learning? Are they self-motivated? Is your whole family on board? Are you a single parent? (If so, don’t be discouraged. A single working mom led one of the most well-rounded homeschool families that I know.) Are grandparents or extended family members willing to help out, particularly in subjects in which they are strong?
Spoiler alert! Look for future blog posts on this topic!! These questions are only to get you thinking about what your homeschool structure might look like. Take this opportunity to jot down some notes. All of these are good things to think about, but the most important question is:
What is your Motive to Explore Homeschool?
This is such a critical question, but it is so often overlooked. If you don’t have the proper motives, this venture can be quite daunting and you will find yourself searching high and low for the strength to make it through each day, let alone the school year. Perhaps one of the best reasons is that you want the best for your child, and you want to know what they are learning. Homeschooling affords you the opportunity to dive deeper into lessons that you feel are truly worthwhile, and gloss over (or skip altogether) lessons that don’t mesh with your family.
Another great motive is that you want to be able to hone in on their gifts and talents. You can spend a whole semester or school year on subjects that a public school isn’t able to teach if you feel that your child will not only be able to use in the future but will also pique their interest and excitement for learning.
There are improper motives for homeschooling as well. One such motive is that the family doesn’t want to get up early to get off to school. This is like nails on a chalkboard for me!! I’m not saying that you must wake at the crack of dawn every day, but it does take some work on everyone’s part to make this journey successful.
Just So You Know…
Before we move on, there is one thing that I want to make perfectly clear. Homeschooling does not imply that you are against public schooling. I believe that it is critical to continue a positive relationship with your local school district. My kids were in public school the first few years of their lives, and I loved their teachers and thought they had a great experience. Many districts offer a hybrid option to students, and you should definitely consider it as an option.
There are some subjects that are just more difficult to teach at home. For example, your district may offer subjects such as band, choir or shop class that would be highly beneficial for your child. Research the option of sending them to school for these subjects and teaching the remainder of the subjects at home. Extracurricular activities are also often available as well. Our girls played sports for our school district and some of their teammates didn’t even know that they were homeschooled. It’s tough to make a volleyball team at home with only two students!
Prepare for Pushback | Do Your Research
Many people believe that homeschooled children are not socialized properly. Think about this. It is easy for a child to “hide” in a classroom of 20-30 students. However, if they only have a few classmates, such as their siblings, they will be called on more frequently, making it necessary for them to be engaged in the discussion. This is an area where you should absolutely do your research. It will not only prepare you to combat the negativity but will help you feel better about your decision. There are great studies out there that show social skills actually improve when a child is homeschooled. Speaking of doing your research, be sure to read Homeschool 101: A Complete Guide to Getting Started. It discusses the research required and logistics of getting started.
Now for the most important advice that I can give you:
Cover Your Decision in Prayer!
God knows the plans that He has for your family, and His plans are always, always best! Ask God for wisdom and discernment in how to move forward. Read James 1:5-8 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. Pray Philippians 4:4-7 over and over, that you may receive the peace over this decision that surpasses all understanding. I pray that this post helps you think through this decision. It is a tall task, but it is incredibly rewarding!
Reach out to me with any questions!
Leah