Today I want to share with you what I am calling "The ABC'S of Homeschool Advice." Some of these are inspirational; some are more practical, but hopefully all will be helpful!
A - Accept your God-given calling as a parent to teach your children.
B - Begin each day with God.
C - Character building is more important than any academic subject.
D - Dress for the day. (This was one of my mom's rules that I have continued in our homeschool. Yes, we could spend the day in our PJs...but we feel more alert and ready to learn if we are dressed.)
E - Enjoy your children!
F - Follow your child's interests.
G - Give your children opportunities to serve others: beginning with their own family.
H - Homeschooling does not always have to happen at home! Take field trips, go on nature walks, and meet up with friends for co-op classes.
I - Inspire your children to love learning new things.
J - Join HSLDA!
K - Keep good records of your homeschooling adventures.
L - Let go of the public school's schedule, methods, and mindset.
M - Motivate your children with positive reinforcement. "You'll catch more flies with honey than vinegar!"
N - Never let school interfere with your child's education. (From a quote by Mark Twain)
O - Object to further state regulation of homeschooling!
P - Protect your marriage. Don't let all the busyness of homeschooling cause you to neglect your relationship with your spouse.
Q - Quit worrying about "socialization!"
R - Read. A. Lot. 'Nuff said
S - Surround yourself with people who will support you in your decision to homeschool and will be there for you along the way. A good support group, family members, and church family can all be a blessing!
T - Turn off the TV and interact with your family.
U - Understand that each child is unique with his or her own strengths, weaknesses, interests, and learning styles.
V - Visit your local library regularly.
W - Workboxes are a lifesaver!
X - EXcitement is contagious! When you get excited about your homeschool activities, your children will likely follow your lead.
Y - You know your children better than anyone else. You ARE qualified to teach them.
Z - Zoom through your housework by implementing easy routines.
I hope you found this little ABC list helpful! At some point I would like to do a blog post focussing on each of these little nuggets of wisdom one at a time. What other homeschool advice could you share?
Linking up at: I Choose Joy, Growing in Grace, Fellowship Friday, Faith Filled Friday, TGI Saturday, Dare to Share
As a homeschooling Mom I totally agree with your list. I especially like the get dressed part. It is so easy to just stay in pjs, but I have found that when we do, we definitely do not get as much done. Great tips! :)
ReplyDelete