Homeschooling

I thought that I would share a little bit of things that I have learned from homeschooling. I have two that are school age and one that we do a little bit of preschool with. The youngest joins in with us for some activities.

Things I have learned...

1)Your attitude affects your children. When your children have a bad attitude, oftentimes they picked it up from you.

2) When we complain about things...so do our children.

3) A lot of times things won't go as planned...take things in stride, keep a positive attitude.

4) Sometimes we need to stop our agenda and spend time just talking and being with our kids. We can tend to take the attitude that we have so much to do and try to hurry and get it done, and in the process we alienate our children's needs.

5) Listen...listen to what your kids are saying. Even if it seems unimportant, just listen to them. Engage in conversations that they want to have.
6) Take time to spend quality time with each child individually...this can be especially important when you have children of varying ages. Play a game with the oldest. Read a book to the youngest.
7) Find some extra subjects that you as a family can learn about together. Study a country, or make a school scrapbook, or learn about the ocean...
8) Let the older children get involved in the younger children's work. Let them recite the learning charts with the little ones. The younger kids look up to the older kids and this gives them a great opportunity to learn together.
9) Get out of the house...plan days to go to the beach or take a walk to the park, or go visit the zoo.

10) This is for preschoolers...you don't need all the expensive curriculum. Some less expensive flashcards, and the 3 dollar learning books in the bookstore are just fine. The internet has a wealth of free coloring pages that you can use.

11) Always expect obedience the first time that you tell them to do something. This may be frustrating at first, but it can make your days much easier once this is learned. Don't yell and threaten them with punishments. Make it known that you expect them to obey you the first time, and let them know ahead of time what the punishment will be for not obeying you.

Homeschooling is a wonderful blessing. We are blessed to be able to homeschool. There are countries that do not allow homeschooling. Germany is one who does not allow homeschooling. I encourage all homeschoolers to go and read about what some of these families go thru when they try to teach their children at home. Keeping these families in your prayers is so important.

Also some encouragement to struggling homeschooling mothers. Keep on! You can have some really hard days, weeks, or months. But just keep on. Try new schedules and routines. See what works best for your family. Look to others for advice, but remember that what works for one may not work for another. Remember to take your needs to the Lord.