Here are my Homeschool Basics: 33 Tips for the New Homeschooling Mom that would have helped me when I started homeschooling 25 years ago. Today I’m sharing them with you. Scroll down for the free printable as well!
Homeschool Basics: 33 Tips for the New Homeschooling Mom
When I first started homeschooling, I had an idea of what it would look like. But I still had questions. What were the homeschool basics I’d need to know? With no one to guide me, I did what I assumed was the norm– I ordered a huge box of curriculum, bought old school desks and prepared to do school in my home. That started out alright, but I’ve learned so many things along the way that have made our journey more successful.
Now, I teach my children at the kitchen table, and I think they’re getting a great education.
We don’t have a dedicated school room, and, yes, there is a multiple student-to-teacher ratio, but those things don’t seem to matter. Those things don’t impact how well my children learn. My kids live in a learning environment, which means their education continues long after we clock out of our school hours. And, yes, I can follow my religious beliefs, too. I can choose to teach the Bible alongside math, reading, and science. For John and me, that’s an important part of their education.
Still, there’s so much I wish I’d known when I started.
Homeschool Basics: 33 Tips for the New Homeschooling Mom:
1. Don’t compare! Don’t compare yourself with other moms or your kids with other kids.
2. Seek joy in each day, don’t stress over the small stuff.
4. Listen to your kids. What do they need from you? Sometimes kids act out because they want your attention. They may just need a hug or five minutes of face time with you to feel settled and at peace.
5. Figure out how your homeschooling day/week works best for you. Someone’s perfect plan might not be right for your homeschool.
6. Don’t push your kids to do too much too soon. Preschoolers and kindergartners don’t need a full curriculum. Read aloud lots of good books. We use Sonlight Homeschool Curriculum and they offer lots of great books for readers. Let your kids get enough sleep. Spend time outdoors enjoying nature.
7. Feed your soul with God’s Word, and strengthen yourself daily with God’s strength.
8. Give yourself grace. You will mess up. Every homeschooling mom does.
9. Don’t feel what you’re doing is insignificant. Training your kids to follow God is a great work.
10. Every child is different. What works for one child might not work for another. Learn what helps your kids to focus and what motivates them. Know their passions. This will help you teach in ways they can understand.
11. Choose a curriculum that you enjoy. Your kids will learn even better when you’re teaching in a way that you’re excited about.
12. Some days the housework and grocery shopping is school. Life skills are important for kids to learn, too.
13. Don’t feel as if you need to do every assignment in the teacher’s guide or complete every worksheet in every workbook. Public school teachers don’t finish everything either.
14. Take days off without guilt. Homeschooling allows for a flexible schedule.
15. Also … don’t become lazy. Do what you can to develop a hunger for learning within your kids.
16. Invite your kids to help you pick out things to study. Foster their interests!
Homeschool Basics: 33 Tips for the New Homeschooling Mom
17. Even more important than school books is teaching your children about God and His ways.
18. Character training is important. Don’t rush past important character training moments to simply get the work done.
19. Don’t attempt to replicate a school classroom or schedule at home.
20. Writing down YOUR reasons and goals for homeschooling is important. Whenever your discouraged go back and read them.
21. Connect with other homeschoolers for friendship.
22. There will be bad days but focus on the good ones. Take a deep breath and tell yourself tomorrow can be great.
23. Pray about everything. It’s okay to pray about multiplication tables!
24. Don’t worry about algebra or essay writing when your kids are still small. When the time comes seek others to help you fill in your weak spots.
25. Understand you’ll be learning right along with your kids.
27. School doesn’t have to be done sitting down at a table. Boys especially need to be able to run, play and move.
28. Time builds family bonds. At the end of your homeschooling journey, you’ll have a storehouse of wonderful memories.
29. Attend a homeschooling conference. Teach Them Diligently conferences are great!
30. Seek veteran homeschool moms for support and encouragement. Check out Homeschool Basics written by two veteran homeschool moms.
31. Embrace freedom and flexibility.
32. Fill your kids’ love tanks before you start the homeschooling day. The whole day will go better.
33. It all comes down to eternity. Someday your children will stand before God. Don’t neglect the heart stuff to get the book stuff done. Remember the only thing vital is that they learn to love Jesus and love others. Everything else is secondary.
I still have ten years of homeschooling to go—after twenty-five years completed—I’m a much more relaxed homeschooling mom. Homeschooling has worked wonderfully, and I’ve graduated four students who are doing great! I’m so glad that God has taught me so much along the way.
Enjoy this free printable to help remind you of these things every day!
Get the Printable 33 Tips for the Homeschooling Mom
Homeschool Basics: 33 Tips for the New Homeschooling Mom was originally featured on ForTheFamily.org
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Thank you so much for this post! It is just what I needed. We are starting out our first year of homeschooling and I am afraid of “messing it up”. We are raising our kids bilingually – our main reason for homeschooling. I will include your ideas and suggestions in my school folder to remind myself of what is important and helpful to make it through. Thank you so much again!