10 Tips for New Homeschoolers
At twelve years into our official homeschooling, I suppose I might be considered a “veteran.” I have managed to learn a thing or two that might benefit others who are just starting the journey. They aren’t totally unique ideas, but they are 10 things that have made a difference for us and I hope they will help new homeschoolers, too.
Tips for New Homeschoolers
1. Build a relationship with your kids and really get to know them.
When I told my daughters what I was writing about, they said to list this as #1. They said it’s the very best thing about homeschooling. That made me feel good! It’s my favorite part of homeschooling, too. Amidst all the educating, don’t forget to just enjoy your time together!
2. Know the laws in your state.
The more familiar you are with the regulations, the less intimidating they seem. Doing things properly is important to the future of all homeschoolers and can make a difference for your children, too.
3. Take advantage of the library.
Don’t get overwhelmed with spending a lot on books or buying every book a certain curriculum says is necessary for your study. Remember that the library has a lot of great free resources. You can also enjoy things like story time for your younger kids and maybe a homeschool group or chess club, too, which are often held at the library.
4. Don’t get hung up on something that isn’t working.
Don’t be afraid to change things mid-year if it’s not working for your kids. That’s one of the advantages of homeschooling! You’re not tied to something you don’t like.
5. Accept yourself.
What I mean by this is, if you’re a planner, then plan. If you’re not, don’t beat yourself up over something you read on someone else’s blog. Don’t get stuck on an idea of what you should be, just figure out what God has gifted you with and use those skills. Don’t waste your time trying to be someone you’re not as a home educating mom.
6. Learn how your children learn.
By knowing your children well, you’ll also come to know how they learn best. Work with these strengths and weaknesses, not against them.
7. Read together.
Even after your kids are old enough to read on their own, you create family memories by sharing books together.
8. Don’t kill the joy of learning.
If things take you on a rabbit trail and your lesson plans are cast aside, let it be. Flexibility is often the key to encouraging the lesson!
9. Find some fellow travelers.
Whether it be online or in person, talk to other homeschoolers. Get your kids together so they can see that other families learn at home, too. I have made some great friends online through Yahoo groups and Facebook. These friendships have endured in spite of distance because we understand each other and can encourage one another.
10. Pray.
This is the most important and guides all the others. Ask God what He wants for your kids. Ask Him for the strength, wisdom, and guidance you need to teach them well. Keep Him at the center of your homeschooling. After all, He has chosen you to be the one and only mom for your kids, so He will equip you.
What is your advice for new homeschoolers? Or are you a new homeschooler yourself? Let me know in the comments!
Read more advice for new homeschoolers from the iHomeschool Network bloggers:
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Great advice!
This is said so well! We are finishing up our first year and I’ve been learning all of these lessons. Great advice!
I agree with these wholeheartedly! We are entering our 3rd year and these are such important things to have in place for success!
Perfect! I love your tips. They are great reminders for veteran homeschoolers too!
Thanks! I’m glad you liked them. And yes, I have to remind myself of these things sometimes too. 🙂
Hi, Suhaily here from Malaysia. Officially starts homeschool this year. Yes, the best part of the journey is the bonding made between the kids. I am trying to know their best learning styles
Welcome to homeschooling! Sounds like you’re starting with the right approach. Enjoy the time with your kids and the learning will happen. Good luck!
I’m finishing up my 8th year of homeschooling, and I completely agree! It took me a few years to realize some of those points though 🙂
Yes, it took me a while for some of them. 😉 Thanks for stopping by!
These are great tips!
Thanks! I’m glad they’re helpful.
I love this list, especially number 1 and 5! It’s so easy in this tech world to get wrapped up in smartphones, social media, and computers and miss really getting to know your children and those around you. It’s so important we put God first and next our family, and spend quality time with them.
So much is vying for our attention these days (especially on blogs, Facebook, Instagram, etc.,) and it’s easy to start comparing ourselves with others and feeling inadequate, instead of being who God created us to be. A one of a kind person with individual talents.
So very true, Amy! I hope I can convey that to my children, too. It starts with us as moms so we have to be careful not to fall into those comparison and busy-ness traps. That’s really why I chose the name Heart and Soul Homeschooling — because I believe relationships and finding our place in God’s world are the heart of everything we do.
Glad you stopped by! Thanks for commenting.
This is perfect advice for new homeschoolers! As a veteran homeschooler (I’m schooling my second generation now), I think it is also a very helpful reminder to those of us that have been doing it a while, especially the ones about accepting yourself and not getting hung up on what isn’t working.
That’s true, we all need these reminders from time to time, no matter how long we’ve been homeschooling. Thanks for stopping by!