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How to have TRUE Homeschool Success

Are you ready to learn how to have True Homeschool Success? Let me show you what has worked for our family for over two and a half decades. I want to share what’s given us the power so you too can lead your family through home education.

How to Have TRUE Homeschool Success

Home + school. It’s a decision we made years ago. But, to be honest, when we made that decision little did we know how it would affect generations to come of our little family. We didn’t know *for sure* that homeschooling would give us the chance to teach our kids to trust God in all things. We didn’t know *for sure* that reading missionary stories and talking about service to others would sink in. And, we didn’t know *for sure* that our kids would develop strong relationships with God that would make them bold for Christ—willing to lead and follow Him wherever He called…

But we truly hoped and prayed that it would.

Now, we have three grown adults who not only survived homeschooling but THRIVED! Our son Cory leads his lovely family to follow the Lord, our daughter Leslie is a missionary in the Czech Republic, and our son Nathan is a godly man pursuing Christ as He finds his career path. Now, I get the amazing gift of homeschooling our seven adopted children as well! And I get the amazing gift of seeing my grandchildren grow to be fully devoted followers of Christ too.

I have to tell you, this makes my heart burst.

Would this have happened if we had chosen a public school for our kids? Possibly. But the truth is, I KNOW that my time and efforts schooling our kids at home gave them a foundation of faith that has stood the test of time and now feeds into the faith of future generations of our family. That is a gift that keeps on giving.

When I see my beautiful grandchildren walking in the Lord I am overcome with gratitude that God called us to homeschool education. And I’m SO glad we took Him at His word when He said:

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

And:

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4

Also:

“Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren.” Deuteronomy 4:9

As well as:

“Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 11:19

These Scriptures say to me that we as parents are called to be teachers. Not just some of the time, but in all things. We are to lead the children God blessed us with. And what an honor and blessing it is to do that.

If you want to know more about how YOU can give the gift of a homeschool education to your family join me here: www.homeschoolsuccesscourse.com 

Let me share all the practical tips and tricks I’ve learned to:

—Homeschool multiple levels in four hours a day.

—Create a positive learning environment where your children will thrive.

—Invite your kids to join you on the journey of education.

—Understand the basics of homeschool laws and what your kids need to graduate and go to college.

—Discover your gifts as a homeschool teacher.

—Finding extra help for special needs kids.

…and so much more!

Here is my welcome module to give you a glimpse of this course!

 

YOU can give the gift of a homeschool education to your family by joining me here: www.homeschoolsuccesscourse.com 

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

Need more ideas and advice on homeschooling? Pick up a copy of Homeschool Basics. Receive tried-and-true homeschool advice from veteran homeschooling moms Tricia Goyer and Kristi Clover. We dish out practical help on getting started and staying the course. Homeschool Basics will remind you that the best homeschooling starts with the heart. Packed with ideas to help you push aside your fears and raise kids who will grow to be life-long learners.

homeschooling basics

Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschooling can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live.

Don’t let doubts hold you back any longer.

Get Homeschool Basics on Amazon Now!

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When Families Learn Together

When Families Learn Together: Ideas for Fun, Educational Family Time

There is just something fantastic about the “Aha!” moment! Maybe it’s because everything finally clicks into place. Maybe it’s because what was murky before is now clear and easy to see. Or maybe it’s because our brains are wired for discovery by a God who loves to be discovered.

Whatever the reason, an “Aha!” moment can be made even more satisfying when it is shared with others. As a parent, you have the ability to create “Aha!” moments for your kids every day in every way because our world is ripe for discovery. Psalm 19:1 tells us, “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship” (NLT). The world around us is literally shouting and pointing back to the God who created it. All we have to do is look.

Here are seven ways you can create and take advantage of “Aha!” moments through having a family devotional time with your kids!

1. Create time to spend with the Creator.

Life can get busy, and we can make a million excuses for why we don’t have time to sit with God and be still, but the truth is, we need quiet moments to spend together with God, both alone and in community with others. Your family is a mini-community, with a culture, experiences, and ways of being all its own. What if as part of your family culture, you set aside time each day or week to spend it with the Creator?

2. Choose a Format that takes into account your children’s ages and readiness to learn.

 Thirty minutes is a great amount of time for younger kids, allowing you to read a story from Scripture, talk about it, put it into practice, and then pray together. With older kids, focus on a discussion format where you can talk and ask questions.

3. Remind your family that we all learn from one another.

As a parent, allow your kids to teach you something about Jesus too! You might be surprised by the “Aha!” moments you have as your child makes connections you’ve never seen before!

4. Read a story from Scripture together.

Act the story out or take turns reading it. Or read from a storybook Bible and then from your family’s favorite Bible translation. As you finish the story ask these questions:

1. Where did God show up in that story?
2. How was God interacting with humans in the story?
3. What did you discover about God?

5. Do an activity related to the Scripture together.

You can find fun science experiments in my book Faith & Science with Dr. Fizzlebop. They are easy to try, and they relate to stories from Scripture!

6. Always allow for questions.

Never be afraid to say, “I don’t know the answer to that question, but let’s see what we can find out together!” Allowing your child to ask good questions helps their faith to form and grow. When kids are given answers too soon, it actually slows down the truth internalization process. However, if your child has the chance to explore and discover the answer with you, that creates space for the Holy Spirit to do His transformative work!

7. Pray together.

Take turns praying for one another. Have your kids pray for you as you pray for them. Ask the Holy Spirit to take what you’ve discovered from Scripture and do a work in your lives.

Family learning time may look messy, but the key is to stick with it. Using a book like Faith & Science with Dr. Fizzlebop is a great way to stay guided in your discovery of the next “Aha!” moment for your entire family.

Faith and Science with Dr. Fizzlebop

Brock Eastman, Dr. Fizzlebop’s alter ego, is passionate about marketing and storytelling. His desire to show kids how faith and science connect is the driving force behind his Dr. Fizzlebop persona. He writes feature stories and the Dr. Fizzlebop recurring column for Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. magazines. He is also the co-host of the Story Biz podcast and the host of Tyndale Kids’ Virtual Summer Camp. In fall ’21, he will be launching the Fizzlebop Labs YouTube series.

Besides creating a crazy, fun science devotional, Brock has written and sold over 150,000 copies of several books and series, including the Quest for Truth series, Daddy’s Favorite Sound, Mommy’s Favorite Smell, Bedtime on Noah’s Ark, the Sages of Darkness series, and Showdown with the Shepherd from the Imagination Station series. He currently resides in Colorado and loves cooking, doing puzzles with his wonderful wife, and reading stories to his four kids each night.

Faith and Science with Dr. Fizzlebop giveawayAbout Faith and Science with Dr. Fizzlebop

Faith and Science with Dr. Fizzlebop features 52 easy experiments kids and parents can do together once a week or at their convenience. Each experiment will have a how-to video featured in the free Fizzlebop Labs web series launching in fall ’21. Building on Dr. Fizzlebop’s desire to show kids how faith and science connect, each experiment connects to a devotional that allows kids to go deeper and learn about God’s amazing design for everything around them.

On average, each experiment takes 5 to 10 minutes and the devotional is an additional 5 minutes.

Our expert and guide, Dr. Phineas Einstein Fizzlebop, is a bit quirky and maybe a little cheesy at times, but he is passionate about three things: God, science, and fizz―and all come together wonderfully at Fizzlebop Labs. Guest scientists (families) will journey through the Bible in an extravaganza of experiments and Bible studies full of fun, facts, and fizz.

Homeschool Success Course

Are you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your homeschooling journey? Do you wish you had a roadmap to help you navigate the challenges and achieve success? Look no further than Tricia Goyer’s Homeschool Success video course!

Tricia Goyer is a homeschooling expert with over 20 years of experience, and she has poured all of her knowledge and wisdom into this comprehensive course. In each video, Tricia shares practical tips and strategies for homeschooling, from choosing a curriculum to managing your time effectively.

With Homeschool Success, you’ll discover how to:

  • Create a customized curriculum that meets your family’s unique needs
  • Develop a daily routine that maximizes your time and energy
  • Cultivate a love of learning in your children and inspire them to reach their full potential
  • Foster a positive homeschooling environment that nurtures relationships and builds character
  • Navigate the challenges of homeschooling with confidence and grace

Tricia’s warm and engaging teaching style will leave you feeling empowered and equipped to tackle any homeschooling challenge that comes your way. You’ll also receive a workbook with actionable steps and reflection questions to help you apply your learning to your homeschooling journey.

Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from one of the most respected homeschooling experts in the industry. Enroll in Tricia Goyer’s Homeschool Success video course today and start your journey to homeschooling success!

Homeschool Success Course only $9
Purchase the course here.

  1. Homeschool Success Course only $9

    Purchase the course here.

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How to Homeschool in 13 Easy Steps

How to Homeschool in 13 Easy Steps

As a homeschooling mom of nearly three decades, here are some tips for planning and scheduling your homeschooling!

Homeschooling your children can be a wonderful experience. Not only do you get to spend more time with them, but you can tailor your education to your children’s needs and interests. As a homeschooling mom of nearly three decades, here are some tips for planning and scheduling your homeschooling!

  1. Know and Follow Your State Requirements: Each state has different regulations for homeschooling, so make sure you know what your state requires. This will help you ensure that your children receive a proper education and that you follow the law.
  2. Schedule Heart Training Beyond Book Training: Homeschooling isn’t just about teaching your children academics. It’s also about training their hearts—scheduling time for character development, life skills, and other essential education areas beyond book learning.
  3. Big Picture Idea: Take some time to think about your overall goals for your children’s education. What do you want them to learn? What skills do you want them to develop? This will help you plan your curriculum and schedule your homeschool days.
  4. Plan Your Week: Once you have a big-picture idea, start planning your weekly schedule. Determine which subjects you’ll teach each day and for how long. Consider your children’s ages and abilities and any extracurricular activities or appointments.
  5. Teach Kids of Various Ages at the Same Time: Teaching kids of different ages simultaneously can be challenging, but it’s doable. One strategy is to teach your older children more challenging material while tailoring the same subjects into more manageable tasks for younger kids. Another method is to have your older children help “teach” your younger children.
  6. Discover That a Routine Is Your Friend: Kids thrive on routine. Establishing a pattern for your homeschool days can help your children feel more secure and make your days run more smoothly.
  7. Whiteboards, Calendars, and Planners: Use whiteboards, calendars, and planners to help you stay organized. Write down your schedule, your to-do list, and any critical dates.
  8. Morning Time and Read-Alouds: Many homeschooling families enjoy a “morning time” together to read and study. (Personally, this is one of my favorite parts of homeschooling!) This can be a great way to start your day and build family connections.
  9. When Life Goes Off Schedule: Life happens, and sometimes your homeschool days will go differently than planned. It’s essential to be flexible and to have a backup plan. Ensure you have some activities or lessons ready if you need to switch gears.
  10. Vacationing While Others Are in School: One of the benefits of homeschooling is that you can take vacations whenever you want. Consider taking trips during the off-season when prices are lower and crowds are smaller.
  11. Chores and Home Economics: Teaching your children life skills is essential to their education—schedule time for chores and home economics, such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry.
  12. Birthdays, Holidays, and Other Celebrations: Remember to schedule time for birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations. These are essential times to connect with your family and to make memories.
  13. Put Away Your Phone: When spending time with your children, put away your phone. Give them your undivided attention and show them they’re more important than your screen.

Remember to be flexible, adaptable, and open-minded, as homeschooling can be a challenging but ultimately rewarding journey. With a little bit of planning and organization, you can provide your children with an education that prepares them for a successful future and helps them grow into well-rounded individuals.

Homeschool Success Course

Are you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your homeschooling journey? Do you wish you had a roadmap to help you navigate the challenges and achieve success? Look no further than Tricia Goyer’s Homeschool Success video course!

Tricia Goyer is a homeschooling expert with over 20 years of experience, and she has poured all of her knowledge and wisdom into this comprehensive course. In each video, Tricia shares practical tips and strategies for homeschooling, from choosing a curriculum to managing your time effectively.

With Homeschool Success, you’ll discover how to:

  • Create a customized curriculum that meets your family’s unique needs
  • Develop a daily routine that maximizes your time and energy
  • Cultivate a love of learning in your children and inspire them to reach their full potential
  • Foster a positive homeschooling environment that nurtures relationships and builds character
  • Navigate the challenges of homeschooling with confidence and grace

Tricia’s warm and engaging teaching style will leave you feeling empowered and equipped to tackle any homeschooling challenge that comes your way. You’ll also receive a workbook with actionable steps and reflection questions to help you apply your learning to your homeschooling journey.

Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from one of the most respected homeschooling experts in the industry. Enroll in Tricia Goyer’s Homeschool Success video course today and start your journey to homeschooling success!

Homeschool Success Course only $9
Purchase the course here.

  1. Homeschool Success Course only $9

    Purchase the course here.

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Back-to-School Life Management Secrets for Mom

Back-to-School Life Management Secrets for Moms

Secret #1 – Write in the Morning

Julia Cameron, the best-selling author, has a great suggestion for how to start every morning. She explains, “‘Morning Pages’ are three pages of longhand, stream of consciousness writing, done first thing in the morning. There is no wrong way to do Morning Pages – they are not high art. They are not even “writing.” They are about anything and everything that crosses your mind– and they are for your eyes only. Morning Pages provoke, clarify, comfort, cajole, prioritize, and synchronize the day at hand. Do not over-think Morning Pages: just put three pages of anything on the page…and then do three more pages tomorrow.”

 

This free-hand writing in the morning can allow cloudy thoughts to clear up and out to allow for more brain space in the rest of your day.

Secret #2 – Get Your Space Organized

Trying to find that one pair of shoes in a massive pile of everyone else’s shoes can rack up to hours of your life. This also applies to the 3 minutes spent in the shower trying to place all the shampoo bottles carefully back on the shelf so they don’t get knocked over again…

Giving your belongings a good organization from time to time can be a gift to yourself and those around you. You may find you really do have time to read your children those 3 extra books at bedtime.

Take a couple of days to just notice all the little things in your space that bother you. Make a list and then take action on them! (Pro-tip: I highly recommend Kristi Clover’s The Ultimate Homeschool Organizational Course — completely changed the way I organize my homeschool.)

Secret #3 – Delegate it!

Take a lesson from the best entrepreneurs out there. Delegate it. (But don’t abdicate!) As a mom, it’s often possible for me to delegate house chores, scheduling, and even finances! My Job Chart is a great online app support tool for parents to delegate managing household chores, track rewards, and even parental follow-through on reward delivery!

Delegate the scheduling and to-do list management!

Every family has different needs. Google Calendars work for some. Paper calendars work for others. maybe even Cozi.com would be a good place for you to start…

Delegate the babysitting and start a babysitting co-op!

Get a small network of other parents and start sharing the childcare. You could create a shared Google Doc, start a Facebook group, or create an account on Sit4Sit. If you recruit enough families to your network, finding a babysitter could be a cinch.

Wisebread.com also has a great list of ideas and resources in their article, “How to Save on Babysitting Without Ending Up in the Local News.“

Whatever method you choose, make sure it’s working for you and not the other way around.

That’s the big secret really. (and it’s not even a secret!)

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

Need more ideas and advice on homeschooling? Pick up a copy of Homeschool Basics. Receive tried-and-true homeschool advice from veteran homeschooling moms Tricia Goyer and Kristi Clover. We dish out practical help on getting started and staying the course. Homeschool Basics will remind you that the best homeschooling starts with the heart. Packed with ideas to help you push aside your fears and raise kids who will grow to be life-long learners.

homeschooling basics

Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschooling can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live.

Don’t let doubts hold you back any longer.

Get Homeschool Basics on Amazon Now!

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4 Things to Cut from Your Schedule {Before School Starts}

Does your schedule seem too full? Are you wondering how you’re going to survive the upcoming school year? That’s me. This year, I have three school-aged kids still at home, but I’ve had as many as eight at one time and I’m trying to figure out what we can add. I’m also re-evaluating what needs to be cut. God has given each of us 24 hours, and if things are too crazy-busy, it’s a sign something needs to change. And we’re the only ones who can do it.

So before the school year starts, here are four things you need to cut from your schedule.

(Also, use these four tips to gauge any activity before you clear a space for it on your calendar!)

1. Cut out anything you said YES to because of guilt…

or because you didn’t want to say no. You know what I’m talking about. You signed up to help at the church . . . because all the other ladies were. You signed up to help with that walk-a-thon because no one else did. Guilt should not be your motivator. God’s directives are usually a still and quiet leading in your heart.

2. Cut out anything that doesn’t work for the season you’re in.

Are there activities or events you used to look forward to but that now seem to be just time-wasters? People grow and change. Kids grow and change. Go through your schedule and interview each activity. Ask, “Why do you need to stay there for THIS season of my life?”

3. Cut out anything your kids aren’t enjoying.

Yes, we often believe all children NEED to play t-ball or take dance lessons, but if they aren’t enjoying it, then why do it? Follow their lead and explore their natural gifts and talents instead.

4. Cut out anything God asks you to.

Sometimes the things we’re asked to cut don’t make sense, yet God knows the future. One year I felt God tell me to cut out a lot of my writing and blogging commitments. It turns out that next year we brought four new girls into our home. Seek God. Ask Him to evaluate your schedule. Listen to His still, small voice, and obey.

What about you? How do you decide what to cut or add to your schedule?

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

Need more ideas and advice on homeschooling? Pick up a copy of Homeschool Basics. Receive tried-and-true homeschool advice from veteran homeschooling moms Tricia Goyer and Kristi Clover. We dish out practical help on getting started and staying the course. Homeschool Basics will remind you that the best homeschooling starts with the heart. Packed with ideas to help you push aside your fears and raise kids who will grow to be life-long learners.

homeschooling basics

 

Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschooling can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live.

Don’t let doubts hold you back any longer.

Get Homeschool Basics on Amazon Now!

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Homeschool Curriculum Unboxing: Sonlight

One of my favorite times of the year is when my new homeschool curriculum arrives. For the last couple of years, I’ve used Sonlight to homeschool all my children together. It works great!! I’m doing the same thing this year, too.

My children are Level D (ages 8-11) and Level 100 (ages 12-16) in the Sonlight homeschool curriculum. But I love to combine levels to teach all my kids together!

Homeschool Scheduling Hope

In order to make the most of our homeschool day, I literally put the two levels together and do the Read Alouds to both groups. Last time it took me 1 ½ years to go through the doubled-up curriculum this way, but none of us minded. The younger kids enjoyed the older kids’ books and the older kids loved the young kids’ books. This really helps the kids bond. From ages 7-15 we all enjoy the stories together. I can’t tell you the number of times all the kids were either laughing or crying at the same time. It’s fun to hear them talking about the stories months later.

I usually spend 2 – 2 ½ hours each day reading aloud to all my kids together. While I’m reading they’re usually coloring, playing with Legos, doing puzzles or crafts. I pause every few pages and ask questions to make sure people are paying attention. Sometimes the older girls take turns reading too.

Then, after the read-aloud time, everyone breaks up to do their individual work. This takes anywhere from 1-4 more hours, depending on the age of the child, how much work and independent reading there is, and how motivated they are.

Teacher’s Guide

What makes Sonlight Homeschool Curriculum easy is that the Teacher’s Guide has everything listed out—what needs to be done each day. There are also handouts and worksheets to go with the books. Since everything is figured out for me, there is little prep.

I’ll admit that we don’t cover every single thing in the teacher’s guide. Sometimes I’ll choose not to do all the extra activities, and we just read the books. That’s okay. My kids are learning a ton and excelling!

Watch the video unboxing here:

 

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

Need more ideas and advice on homeschooling? Pick up a copy of Homeschool Basics. Receive tried-and-true homeschool advice from veteran homeschooling moms Tricia Goyer and Kristi Clover. We dish out practical help on getting started and staying the course. Homeschool Basics will remind you that the best homeschooling starts with the heart. Packed with ideas to help you push aside your fears and raise kids who will grow to be life-long learners.

homeschooling basics

 

Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschooling can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live.

Don’t let doubts hold you back any longer.

Get Homeschool Basics on Amazon Now!

 

 

 

Have you checked out my homeschool success course yet?

Let me share all the practical tips and tricks I’ve learned to:

—Homeschool multiple levels in four hours a day.

—Understand the basics of homeschool laws and what your kids need to graduate and go to college.

—Discover your gifts as a homeschool teacher.

—Finding extra help for special needs kids.

…and so much more!

Here is my welcome module to give you a glimpse of this course!

by Leave a Comment

The Importance of a Simple Homeschool Schedule

Never underestimate the importance of a simple homeschool schedule. Does making a school-at-home schedule intimidate you? Do you resist the idea of a schedule “tying you down?” Or maybe you love the idea but you just aren’t sure where to begin. A simple homeschool schedule can guide your day and help parents and kids focus on what’s most important. But before I share my top tips, remember that no schedule is set in stone… simplicity also means flexibility!

The Importance of a Simple Homeschool Schedule
The Importance of a Simple Homeschool Schedule

 

 

The Importance of a Simple Homeschool Schedule

As a homeschool mom of twenty-seven years (with a large family!), I’ve had numerous schedules over the years. Because our family dynamics have differed from year to year, our days and our seasons also fluctuate. One year we had a new baby, and the following year my grandma needed extra care in our home. A few years after that, I had three children to teach, and the next year, we added four more children through adoption.

homeschool schedule

The important thing is to evaluate your current season and figure out what works well now.

Things can and will change. If something doesn’t work, try a different way. Remember, you are in control. Here are several things to remember when you go to create your simple homeschool schedule.

1. A simple homeschool schedule helps kids know what to expect.

This is true for virtual or hybrid schools as well. When kids know what to expect – and what’s expected of them – there is less anxiety and far less fighting. By knowing what comes next, kids can naturally prepare and adjust.

2. A simple homeschool schedule helps you develop daily routines and turn chaos into calm.

If you’re struggling with feeling like your life is chaotic, a routine can transform the craziness into a much calmer existence. Best of all, by creating a simple school schedule, your home and life will be more orderly. On top of that, you’ll also get more done.

3. A simple homeschool schedule will help you be more disciplined.

If you’re going to be successful as a school-at-home mom, you’ve got to be disciplined. No, you don’t need to run such a tight ship that every fifteen minutes is scheduled, but you do need to set up and follow a routine. Nothing good ever happens by accident. If you want something good to happen, put some structure around it.

4. To create a schedule that fits your needs, start by asking questions:

  • What would a great school-at-home day look like?
  • A year from now, what would I consider a ‘success’?
  • What values do I want my children to have when they complete their schooling?

homeschool schedule

5. Next, start to ‘form up’ your day:

With answers to these questions in mind, write down a list of everything you’d like to complete in a day. Put in even those little things that you always wished you had time for. (Maybe you have a book you’ve wanted to read for a long time – put a few minutes of reading in your schedule!) Based on your family’s priorities, add in or take out what will make your days run more smoothly.

Ask:

  • What works in my schedule?
  • Is there something I need to cut?
  • What do I need to add?

6. Have a start time to shoot for.

In my house, we prioritize sleep, so I don’t have an early start time for my kids. But it helps many homeschool parents to have a start time to shoot for.

7. Don’t try to make your day look like a public school day.

Your kids aren’t going to do well if you try to make them sit at desks from 8 am to 3 pm. That’s not necessary! Instead, set blocks of time for reading, math, science, history, Bible, and art. For example: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday can be your times to focus on reading, history, and Bible. Tuesday and Thursday can be for math, science, and art. Or, if you’d rather do each subject each day, ask your children what they’d like to do first.

 

Check out my book Homeschool Basics!

Let me show you what has worked for my family for over two and a half decades. I want to help you take unnecessary pressure off yourself so you can focus on what is truly important in your homeschooling journey. Get your copy here!

Homeschool Basics
Homeschool Basics

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Homeschooling Success Can Be Yours Today!

Believe me when I tell you – homeschooling success can be yours. Let me tell you how I made it work for our family and how you can, too!

Homeschool Success Can Be Yours Today!
Homeschool Success Can Be Yours Today!

Homeschooling Success Can Be Yours

18 (short!) years. That’s all I had.  And with some of my adopted kids joining our family late in life, I knew I had even less than that with them. I wanted to pack my children’s lives with meaning. I wanted to give them the best life I could. Because someday, I want to stand before God and be able to say I had done all I could to raise my children to love and follow Him.

But something was holding me back. As I lay awake at night, it was like a weight sitting on my chest… the possibility of homeschooling.

I realize now, that weight was fear. I was scared that homeschooling would require me to kiss my dreams goodbye. That if I homeschooled, my kids would emerge into adulthood as weird, socially awkward creatures that people would roll their eyes at and say, ” Oh, they must have been homeschooled.” Most of all, I was afraid homeschooling would turn my life upside down.

In many ways, it did.

My dining room table was suddenly taken over by books and papers, and my thoughts became consumed with worries about curriculum, homeschool co-ops, and conferences. I worried, “Am I even qualified to do this?” My school-aged kids were home all the time, so I had no time for myself.

But as the days passed into months, and months to years, I started to notice a few things:

My kids were playing outside when other kids were stuck at their desks all day.

My kids truly loved learning and viewed the world as their classroom. They loved the Lord and were excited to serve Him.

These kids raised at home weren’t socially awkward – in fact, they loved talking to adults and could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere.

I felt like I knew my kids – really KNEW them.

I was confident I could give them each the individual attention they needed to be successful. Homeschooling had made it possible for me to reach them despite their different levels, abilities, and challenges.

Not only that, but I found I did have time for myself – time to write and publish books, serve moms in my community, and host a podcast.

So, I guess you could say that homeschooling did turn our lives upside down. But, 10 kids and many years later, I realized the truth:

Homeschooling didn’t turn our lives upside down. It turned our upside-down lives right-side-up.

Now, I want to offer the same gifts to YOUR family: the rich gifts of home education.

 

Homeschooling Success Can Be Yours!

They say bravery isn’t the absence of fear, it’s moving towards the thing you fear anyway. Maybe you’ve got fears, concerns, and questions. I’m here to tell you that’s OK. In fact, it’s actually very normal.

“For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?”

Luke 14:28

You are right to consider the cost, and that’s exactly why I designed the Homeschool Success Course with you in mind. I know the cost and I know that the gift of a homeschool education to your children and your family is worth it. And I’m here to help you!

I’ve put my heart and soul into developing a course for you that outlines the most important aspects of homeschooling:

  • Creating a positive home environment where your children will thrive and learn.
  • ​Inviting your kids to join you on their education journey.
  • ​Understanding the basics of homeschooling laws and what it really takes for your kids to graduate and go on to college.
  • ​Discovering your gifts as a homeschooling teacher.
  • ​Finding extra help for special-needs kids.
  • ​… and more!

Homeschooling Success Can Be Yours

You can bypass the stress, confusion, and exhaustion I experienced in the early years. You can skip straight to the meaningful, fun adventure that comes with schooling your kids at home! Because I care, I’ve compiled my best tips and tricks, making it easy for you to give your family the rich gift of homeschooling. 

Don’t Wait!

You can proceed confidently and wisely. You can start your homeschooling journey with an entire toolbox of knowledge and inspiration. 

Can you imagine what life will be like when you create a positive homeschooling environment where your children thrive and learn? And where you feel peace as a homeschooling mom?

Let me show you how! Learn more about The Homeschool Success Course now!

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When is the Homeschool Day Over?

When is the Homeschool Day Over?

When is the Homeschool Day Over?

When is the Homeschool Day Over? Out of all the questions that people have about homeschooling, this one tops the list. As a new homeschooling mom, I wondered this myself. With all the wonderful plans we have for giving our kids the best education ever, we can sometimes lose track of time. Don’t let the day go on too long and face burnout. Learn from my veteran advice.

While the answer varies with each family, here are a few things to consider when it comes to setting a homeschool schedule, keeping on track, and knowing when the homeschool day is over.

1. Homeschooling doesn’t take as long as you think.

Unlike public schools, homeschool subjects take less time to teach. Instead of a teacher teaching and overseeing twenty-five or more students, you have far less. Even if you’re teaching multiple grades at once, you won’t spend time controlling a crowd, making sure everyone understands, and moving from room to room. For early elementary grades, homeschool lessons can be completed in 2-3 hours. Older kids take more time, but an added benefit is that when the homework is done, it’s done. Since schoolwork is done during the day, you don’t have to spend time on added homework in the evenings.

2. When setting your homeschool schedule, remember you can shorten your homeschool day by teaching kids together.

Homeschool would take more time if you were teaching complete sets of curriculum for all of the first grade, third grade, and fifth grade (or whatever ages your kids are). I’m currently homeschooling ages 12, 13, and 15. We do Bible Study together, and I read aloud missionary stories and historical novels to all my kids. This not only builds family bonds and saves money … it saves time too. I’ve learned to teach to the older kids and then add fun activities for the younger kids to help them understand the concepts at their level.

3. Start with the difficult and demanding subjects when setting your homeschool schedule.

If you do the fun subjects first, then the day can drag after you finally get to the hard stuff. Yet if you start with the hard stuff, then the day seems to go quickly once that’s done.

4. Don’t forget breaks!

Breaks are important, both for you and your children! Give your kids time to play outside, do crafts, or read on their own. So while officially you haven’t called the homeschool day over yet, you can schedule in time for yourself.

5. Don’t fill your day with so much that your schedule doesn’t end.

The curriculum is your guide, not your boss. The purpose of the curriculum is to provide structure and direction. Teacher lesson plans are lists of ideas. No one is expected to do it all! Not even private or public school teachers finish every lesson. (It’s true, they’ve told me!)

6. Know that even if your homeschooling day is officially over, every part of life can be considered “schooling.”

The way you shop, spend time with friends, and work, will change because you’re giving a large part of your day to your kids. That being said, there are so many aspects of everyday life that you can choose to be teaching times if you’re creative. Grocery shopping and running to the bank can be great lessons. You simply have to be imaginative and realize your lifestyle won’t look like those of most folks around you.

7. Capture the teachable moments.

I was leaving the doctor’s office with my three, young kids when a homeless man approached us. He was in a wheelchair, and he was missing a leg. I’d just gotten the kids buckled into their car seats when he approached asking for food. I “just so happened” to have a packed lunch that my Bible Study leader gave to us. I also had recently been to the bakery, and I’d picked up some donuts for my grandma for a treat.

I gave the man lunch and offered him the biggest donut. His eyes grew wide. “Is this cream-filled?” It turned out it was and the man’s face filled with joy. He ate it with pleasure.

It was only as I backed away that I realized my kids had been watching the exchange. Even though I never intended it to be, that was a teachable moment.

On the drive home, we talked about homelessness. We talked about caring for those who God brings in our path. We talked about sharing what we had. We talked about kindness. And that night—as the kids shared our experience with their dad—we talked about it again. And the next day we decided to pack up care packages with water bottles, snacks, and spare change to keep in the car. We also started reading a book for homeschool, Tales of the Not Forgotten by Beth Guckenberger.

Offering what we had to a homeless man, talking about homelessness as we drove home and later at dinner, creating care packages was schooling. Reading a book about needs around the world and those who are helping them helped us understand it even better, too.

8. Your kids learn just as much from real-life conversations as anything else.

I talk about real-life stuff during fun times, like when we’re enjoying popcorn or picking flowers outside. It’s then that kids are more likely to listen.

Ron Rose, author of Seven Things Kids Never Forget says, “Learn the art of meandering conversation. When you’re working a puzzle with your kids or riding in the car together, talk about worries or other crisis times. As a way to get started, use something you heard about, something you saw on TV, or something that happened to you as a child.” I especially love the idea of sharing stories from my own childhood. There are lessons each of us have learned that can be passed on to our kids.

9. And even when the official schooling day is over, be present.

Any time of the day, when my children ask me a question, I either answer it or let them know when I can answer it. Eye contact with my children makes a big difference. When I take time to focus on their faces and make an effort to smile, a connection is made. My children know I’m available and I care.

While a school-at-home day is done when the basic subjects are covered, schooling together also creates times for more connections and interactions during the day. Your daily school schedule will be different than anyone else’s, and that’s okay. Focus on helping your kids love to learn and enjoy time together, and you’ll go a long way!

Additional Resources

Have you checked out my Homeschool Success Course yet?

Let me share all the practical tips and tricks I’ve learned to:

—Homeschool multiple levels in four hours a day.

—Understand the basics of homeschool laws and what your kids need to graduate and go to college.

—Discover your gifts as a homeschool teacher.

—Finding extra help for special needs kids.

…and so much more!

Here is my welcome module to give you a glimpse of this course!

 

YOU can give the gift of a homeschool education to your family by joining me here: www.homeschoolsuccesscourse.com 

 

 

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Follow Your Dreams, Mom

Follow Your Dreams, Mom

Follow Your Dreams, Mom

When I first started homeschooling my three kids (ages 6, 4, and 1) in 1995, I thought my life from that moment would always be about homeschooling. I pictured all of my time (or at least most of it) shaping my children’s education. I scheduled my day in 15-minute increments and did my best to stick to it. What I didn’t know was that over the years God would call me to follow my own dreams. What I also didn’t realize was my kids would benefit from that.

It all started when I attended the Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference with a friend. Being there with industry professionals made writing for publication seem possible. Classes taught me how to be published. The love, prayers and support of published authors and editors brought people into my life who believed in me and prodded me to follow God’s dreams. It didn’t matter to them that I was a young, homeschooling mom who hadn’t even finished college.

At first, I felt guilty following my dreams.

I’d homeschool in the morning and then in the afternoon, I’d set aside a few hours to write while my children played. In those early years, I wrote articles and ideas for novels as Barney played on television. At least a dozen times during those two hours my kids would ask me for milk, or a snack, or to play with them. I’d offer what I could but then remind them, “This is Mommy’s writing time.” Guilt weighed me down as if Barney the dinosaur sat on my shoulders, and I was sure I was the worst homeschooling mother there was. To combat my guilt I swung the other way and became overcommitted, making frequent library trips, signing my daughter up for dance lessons and my boys up for sports. It was my husband who urged me to stop the madness. Over the months to come we figured out our priorities:

  • To provide a godly education for our kids
  • To sign up each child for one extra-curricular activity a year
  • To have dinner time as a family
  • To train our children how to be part of the family unit and do chores
  • To connect and serve in our local church
  • To have reading time together as a family at night
  • To see what God was doing in our lives and follow Him

For me, this last one included following my writing dreams, and as the years passed I started getting published—first with articles and later with books.

When the kids were 11, 8, and 6, God called me to help start a crisis pregnancy center, too, and to start mentoring teen moms. During that same time, my husband started a dynamic children’s ministry at our church.

With each call from God, I argued. Lord, what about this homeschooling thing? Shouldn’t I focus more on that? Yes, I was still spending 3-4 hours homeschooling every day, but I’d look around and see my friends pouring 100% of their lives into their kids. I felt I was giving my kids the short end of the stick. Instead of sitting outside working on nature journals, my kids were with me at the pregnancy center folding baby clothes or babysitting for teen moms. Instead of taking those art classes at the museum, my kids were reading or building Lego forts while I worked at my computer. The more success I had in both arenas, the more I felt torn. Yet the more I prayed about it, I also saw God opening doors. Soon I was traveling out of town to research books and attend conferences, and sometimes I had to drag my kids along. (Poor kids!)

I can’t say when the “ah-ha” moment happened, but over time I began to see how following my dreams benefited my children in numerous ways.

For them, they’d say they realized having a mom who wrote books was cool when we got free tickets and backstage passes to a Newsboys concert through a writing friend. For me, I’d say it was when I saw my daughter’s compassion for teenage mothers or when I overheard my son telling someone he wanted to write screenplays. They met WWII veterans I was interviewing and traveled all over the US as I researched.

As a mom, I didn’t need to teach my kids that we should follow God’s dreams for us and work hard to share His truth with others. They saw that lived out on a daily basis. Being a servant of God was modeled … and I just thought I was being a slacker for not doing science projects or having them memorize enough spelling words! As time passed, I realized God asked me to follow my dreams not only for the people I served but also for my kids.

My first three kids are grown now.

Cory is married with four kids. He’s graduated college, working, and writing a novel on the side. Leslie has graduated from college, is married with two children, and is working in the Czech Republic. Nathan has graduated from college, is a published author, and is working. We’ve also adopted seven children, some of whom are grown now, as well. I plan on doing many things the same, including homeschooling, writing, and attending conferences… but this time I’m doing it without the guilt. I trust God more now. I trust that if He’s called me to something for Him, He understands how it’ll impact my kids. I trust He sees their futures too. I trust homeschooling isn’t just about books and learning, it’s about serving and following God with everything we have.

So what about you, Mom? Has God placed a dream in your heart or your spouse’s heart? Maybe like me, you’re thinking, “I’ll do that after these homeschooling years have passed.” I’d encourage you to reconsider that and go to God in prayer. After all, kids learn far more from our lives than from books. You are your child’s teacher … teach them with your life not just your lesson plan.

© Tricia Goyer, 2023

Additional Resources

Re-Awaken Your Dreams | Tricia Goyer

Are you struggling to balance your dreams and your life as a wife and mom? I understand! That’s exactly why I wrote

Balanced: Finding Center as a Work-at-Home Mom

Are you a work-from-home mom that feels stressed, overwhelmed, and overextended? Working moms are simultaneously raising kids, juggling a career, and taking care of family responsibilities. Some days can feel like Groundhog Day or an endless list of to-dos. Believe it or not, it’s not supposed to be this way. It is possible to create an environment that includes priority, structure, and balance.

Bestselling author, homeschooling mom, and work-from-home expert Tricia Goyer isn’t perfect, but she’s developed a system that works, and she shares all of her knowledge in Balanced: Finding Center as a Work-at-Home Mom. Inside you’ll find tips and strategies that actually work.

You’ll learn how to:

 

 

  1. Create focus themes for your family
  2. Prioritize your schedule
  3. Use your job, so it also benefits your kids
  4. Stop comparing yourself to other moms
  5. Organize your home to fit your needs
  6. Do the inner work, so you can truly understand what balance looks like

Balanced is perfect for Christian women of all ages. It doesn’t matter if you’re a new mom or a seasoned mom, women will discover a wealth of information in this resource.

If you’re looking for a simple how-to manual with outlines, or if you’re not willing to do the spiritual work to impact your life, then this book isn’t for you. But if you’re willing to learn from your mistakes, try a new balancing methodology, and trust in God, this self-help book will be a lifesaver for you!

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Feed Your Young Creative’s Imagination with StoryMakers

My kids are always making and creating something. It isn’t unusual for us to have to clear craft supplies off the dinner table before we eat, and we aren’t even going to talk about our schoolroom table. When the team at StoryMakers reached out about sending us a box for Advent, I couldn’t say yes fast enough! When we received our box, I barely had a chance to look at it before it disappeared!

StoryMakers is a creative studio that designs imaginative resources for kids and teens. Their team of writers and artists brings the Bible to life through zines, playbooks, guides, and more. They have products for your little people as well as your teens!

Each StoryMaker guide invites the reader to step into a journey — a journey based on Scripture. Chapters include scripture, a prompt to get minds ready to engage in God’s story, notes, thoughts to ponder, fun facts, and an activity.

A starter kit includes zines, guides, playbooks, and memory cards designed to invite kids into the story of scripture. I love that StoryMakers has sound theology — and everything from the graphics, and the memory cards, to the zines, is so fun!

And if you aren’t ready to commit to purchasing a full starter kit, you can grab anything a la carte.

If you have a young creative in your life, consider investing in a StoryMakers subscription!

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