Our Homeschool Rules
I bet you thought I was going to brag about our homeschool- huh? Well, of course we think our homeschool rules, but that is not what this post is about. :)
This is one more response to a homeschool forum post that I found in my files. I have saved many articles and posts over the years from other much more articulate writers, but there are laws about posting other peoples stuff. ;) This one, of mine, is from 2006! With all the computer problems we have had, I am surprised that it is still there.
The forum question must have been something along the lines of "what do you consider successful homeschooling?".
#1- Not getting too busy! I saw the terrible results of committing to too much last month. Our schooling went down the tubes, the house was a disaster, my kids were cranky, I was a lunatic... you get the point. Someone once told me that a good home/out ratio is 3 out of 5 days at home. I wholeheartedly agree! Only I'd be happier with 4/5.
#2- Life is homeschool. It doesn't get in the way. Caring for a friend who is sick, bringing a meal to someone, being pregnant... those are the things kids miss when they are away at school, but they build character. If homeschooling gets in the way of life, then I am doing something wrong.
#3- Life skills. If my children can take initiative on a job, care for younger children, work hard (without being nagged), do their work well, respect others, care for their own needs (spiritual, food, laundry…), know how to learn, and take an interest in the needs of others by the time they graduate from high school, they will do just fine.
#4- Read to my children. If that is all I do, my children will still be ahead of most of the world. Read books about faith at breakfast, fun picture books at lunch, books related to studies in the afternoon, and chapter books at night.
#5- Find out what my kids are interested in and share their interests with them. If one loves drawing, make sure there are plenty of supplies around. Take a trip to the library to pick out books on the subject.
#6- Relax and enjoy my kids... cook with them, play with them, cuddle and watch a movie with them (our library has lots of history and science videos. I call it "guilt free" viewing )
These are things that I view as part of making a successful homeschool. I am sure every mom has her own set of things. I think most homeschool moms are doing a far better job than they give themselves credit for!
Adding a small disclaimer: I know there are many families with special needs children that have to adjust goals and expectations. These are just what I wrote for my family off the top of my head for a post a long time ago.
This is one more response to a homeschool forum post that I found in my files. I have saved many articles and posts over the years from other much more articulate writers, but there are laws about posting other peoples stuff. ;) This one, of mine, is from 2006! With all the computer problems we have had, I am surprised that it is still there.
The forum question must have been something along the lines of "what do you consider successful homeschooling?".
#1- Not getting too busy! I saw the terrible results of committing to too much last month. Our schooling went down the tubes, the house was a disaster, my kids were cranky, I was a lunatic... you get the point. Someone once told me that a good home/out ratio is 3 out of 5 days at home. I wholeheartedly agree! Only I'd be happier with 4/5.
#2- Life is homeschool. It doesn't get in the way. Caring for a friend who is sick, bringing a meal to someone, being pregnant... those are the things kids miss when they are away at school, but they build character. If homeschooling gets in the way of life, then I am doing something wrong.
#3- Life skills. If my children can take initiative on a job, care for younger children, work hard (without being nagged), do their work well, respect others, care for their own needs (spiritual, food, laundry…), know how to learn, and take an interest in the needs of others by the time they graduate from high school, they will do just fine.
#4- Read to my children. If that is all I do, my children will still be ahead of most of the world. Read books about faith at breakfast, fun picture books at lunch, books related to studies in the afternoon, and chapter books at night.
#5- Find out what my kids are interested in and share their interests with them. If one loves drawing, make sure there are plenty of supplies around. Take a trip to the library to pick out books on the subject.
#6- Relax and enjoy my kids... cook with them, play with them, cuddle and watch a movie with them (our library has lots of history and science videos. I call it "guilt free" viewing )
These are things that I view as part of making a successful homeschool. I am sure every mom has her own set of things. I think most homeschool moms are doing a far better job than they give themselves credit for!
Adding a small disclaimer: I know there are many families with special needs children that have to adjust goals and expectations. These are just what I wrote for my family off the top of my head for a post a long time ago.
Pictures Of Our Life In 2006!
I'm loving your "look back"! I really dislike the busyness of life, I too like to be home 4/5 days, it makes the week and weekend so much nicer.
ReplyDeleteI definitely need to relax and enjoy more. You hit the nail on the head with this list!
ReplyDeleteOn a side note...we will keep your little guy in our prayers this weekend as he received his First Holy Communion! God bless!