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How many of you will be homeschooling your children in the new year? How many of you are homeschooling because of the virus? Homeschooling was very popular before the pandemic and now many families are homeschooling due to the pandemic. Whatever reason you have for homeschooling, the responsibility is real. All parents want their children to learn well.
As a retired homeschool mom, I understand all the pros and cons, the struggles, and the victories. I lived through the curriculum changes, the learning differences, and the horrors of teaching math. I have lived to make it to the other side and have good news for you. If you make it a top priority it will work!
My three children are now adults and they turned out really well. They got into college and graduated with advanced degrees. They didn’t forget who they were, nor did they lose their faith. They got good jobs and married well. I was rewarded by becoming a grandmother…. wink.wink…
I remember that there were times when I was in the midst of tough days and weeks that my inner strength would fade and I wanted to quit. How many times did I threaten to put them on a school bus? It’s funny, but a real part of being a homeschool mom. Most days were filled with great learning experiences, but we all go through days when a child is whining or they just can’t remember their multiplication facts.
All of these things would happen to your child in a brick and mortar school, just like they happen in homeschool. The great thing about homeschooling is that you can be there to coach them through healthy responses to problems at home. Tough lessons can be learned without shame or bullying that might occur in schools.
The love of learning is one of the most important goals in home education. Children can grow up and still enjoy learning. Many children who attend school will have trouble with a subject or a bad teacher and then start hating school. There are often many reasons that children grow to hate learning. As homeschool moms, another goal should be to make learning enjoyable.
Learning can be fun, but it doesn’t all need to be. Learning should occur in a setting that is positive and moms can ‘draw the student into’ the lesson by using methods that entice each child to want to learn. By understanding how your child learns and what they’re interested in, the homeschool mom can customize each lesson. It sounds complicated, but gets very easy over time.
Think of using the child’s senses in the learning experience. Using tools like: Graphic Organizers, Art, Music, or activity, will help each child learn in more than one way. Some children learn great by hearing where others learn by seeing. Learning styles can increase the child’s ability to learn at a mastery level. I studied a lot about how children learn in college and used that knowledge to individualize each of my children’s education.
Many moms who are homeschooling because of the virus can help to supplement their child’s education at home by asking the teacher for ideas. With elementary students, moms can usually add to the lessons on their own. Adding some educational games, quizzes, flash-cards, or songs can help to reinforce lessons that might have gone over their heads on a zoom screen. Just some simple review can make all the difference.
How has your homeschool been going this year? Do you have questions or need some help? I would be glad to answer any questions that you might have. Maybe something I learned the hard way could provide you with a little encouragement.
@2020, copyright Lisa Ehrman
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Realistically, parents are either schooling at home or home schooling in most parts of the country. One of the real advantages for parents who have never thought of homeschooling when they liked the in school experience their kids were having prior to COVID is the control homeschooling provides them. They know what the schedule will be for their children. They have access to the teaching materials they are expected to teach from not merely guessing from random directions tossed to them. This also removes the fears of many parents I’ve spoken to over the years that if they do put their kids back in school their learning experiences will be different and they might not be able to conform to in school learning. At this rate all the kids will be at different levels, have learned from different methods, etc due to the need for parents to school from home helping with what ever online experiences are available to the kids.
It’s a complicated time and many will see this as a call to more national standards. I think that many parents will probably stick with homeschooling for the long-term, because they will like the way it benefits their families.
Our homeschooling year is going great! We’re about 1/2 way along in most subjects.
Wow! That’s great. So many times, we weren’t on schedule. Then the kids weren’t too happy with summer school. Glad things are going well for your family!
I applaud the homeschool parents.
Thanks, Deborah! Me, too.
As an educator, I always admire parents who teach their children at home and those who support the teachers if their children are in brick and mortar schools. No matter what, it takes a village!
Yes, every family is different and has different needs. I come from a long line of teachers and know what a wonderful career it can be. I’m definitely one who supports all types of education!
Thank you for your post and encouragement. I am homeschooling 2 of our girls ( 5th and 6th grade) and when we were asked to send our children wearing masks to school for the day, I just couldn’t do it! So I knew that God was saying here’s your chance to homeschool and I will be with you every step of the way. So I’m thankful for the veterans who have gone on before us and encourage us on the road we’re on. It was a daunting task at the beginning but now, half way through, it doesn’t seem so bad. Thanks
I’m so glad that God has led you to homeschool. It’s wonderful to hear that you have gotten through those first few days when it can be challenging. And, it’s great to hear that it’s now easier. You’ll grow to love it 🙂
This is so encouraging! Thank you!!! It’s been a good time getting to have my kids at home with virtual school but how many times I wished I could put them on the bus. LOL I’m glad we are continuing this spring semester with virtual school at home again. I’m a learning coach so not as hard as having to figure out all the curriculum. Loving it! Visiting from unilimited monthly link party
Thanks for visiting from the party! I wish you all the best this coming semester. 🙂
Thank you for this! Very encouraging. We’ve homeschooled our son from the beginning, as the public schools here are not able to provide what a child with his challenges need. They do their best with what they have, but they can only do so much. It’s tough, but it’s worth it.
Yes, there are so many wonderful benefits! Happy New Year!
We are basically homeschooling. My kids are distance learning but I have been teaching them everything new to them. I have been making sure their school work is done but doing more hands on work with them and going the extra mile. We do p.e. sessions and field trips. I don’t have any questions but I do love reading your advice!! And everything else you post!
You’re doing a great job. Going the extra mile is going to keep them on track for success. And, thanks for your kind words 🙂
We are doing virtual school through our county for my 1st and 3rd grade daughters. It is our second year doing this. They are doing really well and work so hard. I am very proud of them.