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.
- 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.
- 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?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.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!
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
