The Stay-at-Homeschooling Mom Podcast
Education
June is upon us; now is the time to plan your homeschool year. Take a day or two to think about last year. What did you love? What was a disappointment? What drove you crazy? There’s an old saying in the business world, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.”
Ginny and Mary Ellen’s treasure trove of tips, organized in five easy steps, is worth their weight in gold. Listen to them all and find those that resonate for you.
First – Pick your curriculum.
● If you liked what you had last year – stick with it. Switching involves both you and the student learning new formats. Don’t chase after something new because a friend loves it.
● If something didn’t work, try to figure out why. Was it indeed the product’s fault, or was it a reluctant learner? Don’t count on a new shiny book to coax that kid back.
● OTOH if a book or a program was just confusing to use, or not helpful, or not Catholic enough, or didn’t work, find something else. If possible, ask a mom you know whose kids are turning out great – not a stranger on social media.
Second – Order your material in June or July.
Waiting until August almost guarantees a lower level of service – because of the rush of homeschool moms who waited for August.
Third – Think about WHERE you will teach.
● Can you organize your dining room better, add some bookshelves, and buy desks for the basement? Can you use your picnic table in nice weather?
● Are you facing problems because your husband works from home three days a week and can’t stand the noise? Public libraries are usually pretty empty during the day; they often have toy corners for littles. Sometimes, they have study rooms.
● Make sure you have a system to organize books, art and school supplies, and manipulatives. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Pens and pencils in cups, books in milk crates – but you need to be able to find things – quickly and easily.
Fourth – Have your school day planned.
We all know that life will throw you curve balls, but a plan keeps everyone on the same page and helps you get back on track.
● Set specific times to start, take breaks, eat lunch, and tidy up. A Schedule makes all the difference in the world.
Even if circumstances force you to change it, you have a plan when things return to normal.
● Think about how you will start your school day. Prayers, the Pledge, saint of the day, morning Mass?
● If you have babies and toddlers, consider how you can keep them from disrupting too much. Hire a local nanny to take them to the park, Homeschool outside so they can run around the yard. Set up a play area.
● Think about how you can eliminate distractions. Silence your phones. Let friends, family, and neighbors know you are dedicated to homeschooling.
Fifth – and finally – Remember that these are our homes, not a classroom.
We don’t have custodians cleaning up for us, a nurse’s office to send a sick child to, or an aide. Don’t stress when the house is messy, or plans don’t work out.
BONUS – In fact, by seeing how a real home operates, your homeschooled children are learning how to navigate their future families.
How to Build Up Your Child’s Self-Confidence (without creating an egomaniac)
To Learn Online or Not – That's the Question
Answering the Nursing Call to Duty with Dr. Maura Wenzel
The Remarkable and Increasing Value of a Liberal Arts Education - Interview w/ Michael Yost
Let's All Keep Chickens! - Interview w/ Dalia Monterroso
How to Homeschool and Not Lose Your Mind (PART II)
How to Homeschool and Not Lose Your Mind (PART I)
Five Things You Should Know About Homeschooling a Child with Special Needs (And a Big Announcement About the Podcast)
Super J and the Power of Love
Fr. Jeffrey Kirby, STD - Spiritual Direction for the Homeschooling Mom
Teaching music in the home (for the non-musical mom)
Exploring the Lives of the Saints in Our Homeschools
Emily Malloy, Theology of Home IV: Arranging the Seasons
Expand Your Studies with the Fun Stuff
Homeschool Roadblocks: What to Do When You Are Drowning
Roadblocks to Homeschooling: The S word - Socialization
Fr. Ken Geraci - Spiritual Warfare and Divine Mercy
Teaching Homeschoolers the Secrets of Time Management
Unbreakable, Saints Who Inspired Saints to Moral Courage - by Kimberly Begg
Homeschooling’s Flexibility - Providing Stability in Changing Times - Interview with Arlena Brown
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