Public
schools are in session again in our hometown and even though we homeschool
year-round in a relaxed style, our children have been motivated to
create a new fall schedule and get ready for another homeschool year.
Perhaps you're an inexperienced homeschooler and tempted to panic
or feel overwhelmed. Take a look at this check list to see if there
is anything you've missed in preparing for this new year!
- Check your
attitudes--both yours and the children's! Attitudes are catching and
we set the atmosphere for our household. Allow time to work on Biblical
child-training principles, if needed. ( See Biblical Child-Training
Tips )
- Simplify your lifestyle. No, we can't control the trials and
all circumstances of life, but that's all the more reason to simplify
what we DO have control over. Don't overschedule--plan a basic routine
with plenty of room for flexibility! Make sure your "Homeschool" doesn't
end up being "Roadschool" because you're over committed to too many
activities. (See Time Management ; Priorities )
- EASE into your new
routine for this school year. Consider starting just a couple of your
subjects for the first two weeks, gradually adding the others.
- Make
sure your homeschool materials are organized and easily accessible.Buy LOTS of pencils. (Oh the wasted time of searching for pencils!)
Choose a place for each child to keep his materials so they don't
get lost. A large covered box, shelf or drawer for each child is perfect.
- Establish a good routine for keeping the main living areas of your
home relatively neat. Do the children have assigned chores so that
all the responsibility doesn't fall to Mom? (See Homeschool &
Housework )
- Plan to cover the basics first--then enjoy the "frills".
Give your children the tools they need to learn and don't worry about
missing out on the extracurricular activities. You'll have time for
that later.
- Don't forget to ENJOY your children. Take time to read
aloud or research an interest together. (Even for just 15-20 minutes!)
Learning is much more than textbooks and drills. (See Book Suggestions )
- Be prepared to run into some snags. Each year of homeschooling requires
new adjustments--the children are different ages, the circumstances
are different. It takes time to establish a good working routine.
Take a day off when needed to "regroup".
- Don't lose sight of what's
most important--nurturing and discipling your children in the Lord.And to do this, you must not neglect your own relationship with the
Lord! (See In His Presence )
Find support! Take advantage of helpful
and encouraging materials available for homeschooling parents today: local
support groups; Internet and online groups; articles and books.
May
the Lord bless your homeschool and fill your lives with His Love,
Wisdom, Peace and Joy!
©Copyright 1997 by Tamara Eaton
