As I’ve pondered this blog and the best ways I can serve the homeschooling community, I have decided to share some of the things that have worked for me with those who are either considering homeschooling or who already have begun the fun journey!
Introducing: Homeschooling How-To. I’ll share some homeschooling advice or do my best to answer a question from another homeschooler. Of course, the idea is that everyone else gives their input in the comments too!
When I first decided to homeschool last year, I felt inadequate and a little scared. Did I have what I needed to have in order to homeschool my son? How would I know what to teach? Where should we homeschool? What would a homeschool day look like?
I have thoughts on each of these, but to start this feature off, I’d like to start with five “Ls” of homeschooling. These are things I have found helpful as I begin my homeschooling journey, and they all start with “L”!
- First, listen to your child’s needs. As parents, we can be in tune with our children’s needs. As teachers, we can use this to our advantage as we plan and teach each day. Some days a child may need more cuddles. Another day, he or she will be ready for a challenge. We can listen to our children’s cues in order to best meet their needs each day.
- Second, libraries are our best resource. Reading opens the world. I love how my local library holds books on most topics. If I do not know the answer, I can find a book on the subject at the library. For those without a good public library, I’d suggest seeking out great online resources, such as Project Gutenberg, where thousands of digital classics are available. On this blog and on my Facebook page, I also try to steer you toward good free educational resources as well.
- Third, learn along with your child. It can seem intimidating to consider all the subjects you, as a homeschooling parent, may need to teach your student. But as you research teaching philosophies, methods of teaching addition (for example), and so forth, you will find your own life enriched. I personally love that I can learn American history over again with my young son!
- Next, let yourself and your child be imperfect. We learn and our children learn from mistakes. Don’t be afraid to teach for fear of teaching something wrong. Your children will be exposed to many ideas throughout their lives. It is okay to let your child know that you did or taught something wrong: they will learn that it is okay to make mistakes. We always have more to learn!
- Finally, learn line upon line. Obviously, this concept is close to my heart, since I named my blog Line upon Line. This is how our children learn and this is how we teach them. Hey, this is even how we learn how to homeschool them! We do not need to worry about senior year of high school, for example, if we have a kindergartner. As you take home education one year, one month, one week, and even one hour and minute at a time, you will be amazed at the progress and fun you and your child will have.
I hope these five points get you excited about homeschooling “line upon line.” I can see the potential for exploring each of these concepts further as I go about my homeschooling journey.
What other tips can you give to new or old homeschoolers?
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