When it comes to a significant endeavor such as homeschooling your children, it can be just as important to clarify what not to do as it is what to do. Here are some ideas to add to your not to do list.
Do Not Take on the Trappings of School
Many budding homeschoolers think of homeschooling as schooling at home, but rarely (if ever) does it work when one attempts to duplicate the constructs of school at home. Homeschooling is not school at home: It’s learning at home—education at home—which is rather different.Most of the strategies employed at school are unnecessary at home—not to mention unpleasant. They are for maintaining order, managing behavior, and engendering the compliance and obedience of a collective.
It can be surprising how much influence the paradigm of “school” has had on our mentality. Unpack your own baggage after years of compulsory schooling and set off on a different path.
Do Not Become a Slave to Your Curriculum
With each new school year, many homeschooling parents collect piles of curricula to ensure they’ve got what they need for a great year ahead. Each curriculum is meant to be a tool to utilize to the extent deemed most effective.However, the curriculum can quickly become more of a master when the priority shifts from utilizing this tool effectively to checking all of the boxes and finishing all of the lessons. Keep your curriculum in its place, use what’s useful, and disregard the rest.
Do Not Burden Your Children with Busy Work
Kids in school are given lots of busy work. Filling six hours a day, submitting robust grade reports, and controlling behavior in the classroom are some of the motivations behind this practice. Homeschoolers need not squander their precious time with such futility.Encourage your students to spend time on useful, meaningful work and activities. Sometimes that may even look similar to busy work, but the purpose behind it will be clear. Allow plenty of free time as well for creativity, reading, exploration, and playing—all valuable activities that enhance learning.
Do Not Waste Time on Screens
Sure, screens can be useful in homeschool when deliberately put to good use. More often than not, however, a homeschool will benefit greatly from minimizing their presence.Curbing access to screens for both kids and parents will greatly reduce distractions and increase mental energy, while keeping emotional states on a more even keel.
Do Not Set Down Your Diligent Spirit
Homeschooling well requires the dedication and full efforts of caring parents. Most parents start each school year strong, but energy and attention can fizzle over time if allowed to.Develop systems and routines to sustain your involvement, guidance, and direction throughout the year. Have plans in place for when illness or emergencies come up. Set down less important initiatives for the time being and give this homeschooling endeavor your consistent, diligent attention. You’ll never regret showing up to the fullest extent for this undertaking.
