You’re ready to start homeschooling, but there are so many questions and concerns floating around in your mind. First let me just say that it is totally normal to be nervous, concerned, and a bit overwhelmed.
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You decided to homeschool your teen. Now you need to figure out how to do it.
You’re ready to start homeschooling, but there are so many questions and concerns floating around in your mind. First let me just say that it is totally normal to be nervous, concerned, and a bit overwhelmed. Maybe a whole lot of overwhelm!.... the word I hear the most from new to homeschooling moms.
We are living in a day and age with a mass amount of information at our fingertips. One simple Google search about homeschooling can easily leave you feeling stressed and exhausted, especially if your questions were not quite answered.
To help alleviate your stress-induced thoughts and get you started on your journey to homeschooling with grace and ease, I’d like to share 3 things you need to know before you get started.
3 Things You Need to Know Before You Start Homeschooling Your Teen
Although there is a list of things to do to make sure you are homeschooling legally, I’d like to shed light on a few things that often go untold. These deal more with the heart of homeschooling and can help ease your discomfort as you start your journey.
Your family is unique.
Always remember this - your family is unique. Don't try to be and do exactly what you see other families doing. While there’s nothing wrong with getting ideas and inspiration from what others are doing, just don’t get caught up in trying to replicate it perfectly.
As you’re searching through different homeschooling methods, styles, and resources, always keep your family in the forefront of decision-making. You can never go wrong when you aim to accommodate your unique family needs.
As your family changes, don’t hesitate to change up your homeschooling along with it. This could be switching curriculum and resources, changing the time of day your teen complete lessons, or even outsourcing some of their lessons. Whatever you do, always remember that your family is unique and your homeschool should be too.
Homeschool will not look like public school.
Yes, there is a school-at-home style; however, this typically doesn’t work for over 80% of homeschooling families. The public school standards and demands are two primary reasons why families choose to homeschool in the first place.
If at all possible, take time to deschool yourself to help weed out any thoughts and perceptions about education and learning that were embedded by your own public school experience. Rid your mind of thinking homeschooling has to look a certain way in order for it to be successful.
There is also a deschooling method for children who are transitioning to homeschooling from public or private schooling. Use a set amount of time to adjust, discuss, and establish what home education will look like for you and your family.
Try not to focus on establishing set schedules, purchasing curriculum, or filling your days with learning. Instead, set goals and take baby steps toward starting your new journey.
Homeschool will not look like public school.
Yes, there is a school-at-home style; however, this typically doesn’t work for over 80% of homeschooling families. The public school standards and demands are two primary reasons why families choose to homeschool in the first place.
If at all possible, take time to deschool yourself to help weed out any thoughts and perceptions about education and learning that were embedded by your own public school experience. Rid your mind of thinking homeschooling has to look a certain way in order for it to be successful.
There is also a deschooling method for children who are transitioning to homeschooling from public or private schooling. Use a set amount of time to adjust, discuss, and establish what home education will look like for you and your family.
Try not to focus on establishing set schedules, purchasing curriculum, or filling your days with learning. Instead, set goals and take baby steps toward starting your new journey.
Hard days will come, expect it.
Contrary to popular belief, homeschooling isn’t easy. There are days when things seem to run more smoothly than others, but if you ask any veteran homeschooler, they’ll tell you to expect hard days.
Whether you believe it or now, you are still your teen's dominant influence and number one teacher. Sometimes you’ll have experiences that cause you to question if homeschooling is actually a good idea. And that’s completely normal. Don't be surprised if your teen asks to go to public school. Many do. This does NOT mean that you are not doing what you should as a parent and teacher when homeschooling.
If you’re homeschooling multiple children, their unique personalities and learning styles may seem hard to understand and/or accommodate, but you can do it. There are a number of resources available from local homeschool groups to virtual groups, CO-OPs to online classes, and more.
Overall, if you’re reading this, then homeschooling your teen is most likely just a choice away. May I encouraged to know that it can be done… and YOU can do it!
Bonus. The fourth thing you need to know.
You have permission to change curriculum mid-year! Although you don't need my permission to do so, you may not realize that it's okay. Don't get yourself locked into one curriculum. If it doesn't fit, your children are not learning or you don't like the way it is laid out, don't use it. Move on to something else! Believe me, it may cost a little more at first but spending a year of school on something that doesn't work or your children groan when you pull out those books, it is worth it. Rent it first, borrow it, buy used. But do it!
Would you like to try a new curriculum without the cost and commitment? This is one great reason to rent. How often do you wish you could try a curriculum without having to pay for the whole set, and then decide you don’t like it? You can try out our curriculum here at Yellow House Book Rental by renting it. If you decide it is a good fit for you and your children, you have two choices. you can return the rented material after the year's use, or, you may choose to purchase it. (The purchase price will be the cost of the book, minus the rental fee that you have already paid. You win either way!!
Chances are that if you have chosen to start homeschooling this year, your child is coming from public school to homeschool. Here is a post from one of my blogging friends that I know will help and encourage you!
6 Things No One Tells You About Homeschooling
And always remember, you are the teacher. You know your children best. Do what works for your family. Enjoy learning!
Enjoying the journey,
Michelle
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