How to Create A Stress-Free Homeschool

Reading Time: 3 Min. 8 Seconds

I sat down late at night and did a google search of how to homeschool. I had no idea that there were (what felt like) a thousand different ways to teach my child. Terms like Classical, Montessori, Waldorf, Unschooling, Charlotte Mason, and Eclectic overwhelmed my thoughts.

I hadn’t even started researching state laws and I already feel overwhelmed. Why I thought, does this have to be so complicated? I stared at the screen feeling alone, discouraged, and wishing I had someone to help make sense of this mountain of information.

Have you ever felt the same way? Have you and your spouse talked about homeschooling but you are not sure where to start? Are you already homeschooling but it’s just not working and you can’t figure out why? Do you have questions about socialization, curriculum, schedules, and homeschool groups? Do you worry about how to teach your child subjects that you bombed as a kid?

I talk with moms who are overwhelmed, confused, and stressed out after attempting to wade through all of the homeschool information out there. There are so many different and often conflicting viewpoints that it can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

Wouldn’t it be amazing if a veteran homeschool mom could walk beside you on this journey, simplifying all of the information out there into one spot? Someone who could help you to craft your ultimate homeschool experience while saving you hundreds if not thousands of dollars on useless curriculum, hours of stress and anxiety, and needless work?

1. Professional Development

2. What Is Zero To Homeschool?

3. Why I Love It

4. Why It Might Not Be A Good Fit

1. Professional Development

Many of us are coming from one-income families and we are trying to homeschool on a budget. We research, research, and research trying to make our resources stretch. An online course can seem like a luxury.

Please, don’t make the mistake of putting your ongoing education at the bottom of the priority list. As your child’s main teacher, you directly affect your homeschool environment. When you are confident and operating out of a proactive instead of reactive stance, it changes how you homeschool.

Invest in your ongoing education, and save yourself (and your kids) years, buckets of tears, and thousands of dollars trying to piece together a homeschool structure that works.

2. Overview of Zero To Homeschool

Zero to Homeschool is a step by step online course that empowers moms with the hands-on training to create a homeschool environment that is tailored to your family’s needs.

The course was created by a veteran homeschool mom; someone who answers your questions, encourages you in your role as a teacher, and fills you with the confidence you need to thrive as a homeschool mama.

The course is very comprehensive with 8 modules, 59 lessons, and three bonus workshops. The course is self-paced so you can take it at a time that works best for your schedule.

It teaches you everything from the importance of deschooling, knowing yourself and your family, homeschool styles and resources, how to plan your homeschool year, juggling home life and homeschooling, and so much more.

3. Why I Love It

I was blown away at how comprehensive the Zero to Homeschool course is. I kept startling my family, as I went through each module, yelling, “YES!” to each main point.

I just did Module 3 of Zero to Homeschool and I learned a lot. Now instead of allowing myself to get spread too thin with all the things we could do, I was able to refocus on our family’s key priorities.

What I love is that this course is honest about the strengths and pitfalls of homeschooling. Kelly, the course creator, takes an overwhelming subject and simplifies it into bite-size pieces. I also love that it’s not just lessons but also practical activities that help you apply what you have learned to your homeschool.

For instance, she includes follow up questions to talk about the material with your spouse or friend. She also includes additional articles, and e-books so you can dive down deep into topics that might interest you.

4. Why It Might Not Be Right For You

If your homeschool is doing well. Woohoo! Go You!
If you are drawn to a very structured approach to homeschooling.

You can Register and find out more information about the Zero to Homeschool course here!

Are you wondering HOW do you actually get started homeschooling? Join our community of moms who want to invest in the lives of their children through homeschooling. I also created a 10 Tips to Finding Excellent Curriculum form to help you on your journey.

What about you? What is the #1 thing in Homeschooling that is most challenging for you? Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follow Most Important Work on Pinterest!

How to Homeschool When You Hate Certain Subjects

Reading Time: 5 Minutes

Do you ever wonder how to homeschool when you hate certain subjects? Do feelings of inadequacy overwhelm you when you think about teaching subjects you flunked? Did you have such a miserable experience that you don’t want to touch the subject with a ten-foot pole?

I despised math as a child. The endless problems, rote memorization, and puzzles that I never seemed to solve made my brain hurt. I seriously dreaded every math lesson and swore that when I grew up I would never do another math problem for as long as l lived.

Enter homeschooling.

I had a knot in my stomach at the thought of teaching my precious children the mysteries of math. I seriously reconsidered homeschooling. Only the thought of my children going through something similar squelched my fear.

We all have certain areas of study that we have a hard time grasping; whether its academics, life skills or interpersonal challenges. In a nutshell, we are human.

What is encouraging is that you know how hard you worked to grasp a subject. You know the potential hang-ups and you have the flexibility of teaching a small group of children.

This means that with a little out of the box thinking, you can explore your most hated subjects and survive (and even thrive). We are going to talk about the ways and resources that you can use to successfully teach subjects that you despise.

1. Keep An Open Mind

2. Teach Differently

3. Utilize Resources

1. Keep An Open Mind

Our children are like ninja warriors that instantly pick up on our feelings, especially when it comes to different aspects of learning. Though I wouldn’t encourage mass hysterics, there is no use trying to mask your past challenges.

It means A LOT to your child when you acknowledge your previous difficulties with a subject. To a child, it is endlessly fascinating to think that mom isn’t great at everything. This act of vulnerability teaches your child that we don’t have to excel in everything we study. It’s freeing to know that we are each created uniquely with different gifts and talents.

I am not saying that we don’t wrestle with a concept or idea, but that we each have certain aptitudes that make different subjects easier or more difficult, based on the person.

Ask your child if you can work as a team to learn this subject together. This is the skill of life-long learning in action people. Working side by side to master an area of learning communicates crucial values that will live on in the life of your child.

Be encouraged, just because you hated this area of study before does not mean you won’t enjoy it now. At least this time around, you have the secret power of the answer key and a Google search at your fingertips.

2. Teach Differently

I remember excitedly walking into a language class, dreaming of travel. And walking out of that class swearing to never leave my native shores. My teacher overwhelmed us with busy work and drills, effectively squelching our interest in a foreign language. I remember thinking as I struggled to complete my weekly homework assignment that nothing was worth this misery.

In comparison, I once had an English class where the teacher was a master at fostering a love of classical literature. She made dry, dusty books come alive through insightful questions and spirited debate. It was such a popular class that there was always a waiting list a mile long. Even students who had zero interest in literature thoroughly enjoyed the class.

So, what was the difference between the two classes? The language teacher adopted a firehose mentality to teach her students. She believed that data dumping meant effective learning.

The English teacher on the other hand creatively invited all students to participate by using a variety of tools. She thoroughly loved what she taught and her enthusiasm was magnetic.

How you teach can make or break a class.

You don’t have to teach or co-learn this subject the same way you were taught. You have the freedom to teach outside of the box and to use a plethora of resources. You don’t have to stick to a curriculum or method of study because of a classroom or school district mandate.

You know your child better than anyone else. You know their strengths and weaknesses, you know they learn and grow. You have the freedom to tailor-make their education to fit your child and your teaching style.

Here are a couple of questions to think about:

A. What made the subject you hated challenging? (Was it the course material? How it was communicated?)

B. How do you learn best? (Do you love or dread textbooks etc.?)

C. What type of study gives you life?

D. How does your child learn best?

E. What type of study gives your child life?

You will need to reach a middle ground between how you teach and how your child learns. For instance, if textbooks fill you with dread but your child loves the fill in the blank answers; try a workbook or an online program instead.

You will be more likely to teach the subject consistently when you don’t dread using a certain method or tool.

3. Utilize Resources

These days there are an endless amount of resources at our fingertips. After you have discovered how you and your child learn best, don’t be afraid to utilize unorthodox tools.

What I love about out of the box learning is that you get to make memories while your child is getting an education. Here is a list of resources that you can explore to help you teach challenging subjects well.

Resource List

Check out local Facebook Homeschool groups for information on local homeschooling classes or co-ops.

Check out your City Homeschool Group. They will have a listing of the available classes, tutors, field trips, co-ops, conferences, etc.

Check out HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense) for a list of Homeschool Co-Ops by state.

Visit a Local Homeschool support group and ask for more information about upcoming opportunities.

Check out the vast resources of the library. Tutoring help, curriculum, free software, online tutoring, curriculum from around the US, etc. Here is a step by step guide here.

Look for Internships

College Classes for High School Students

Tutoring -Online and locally (Some libraries offer free tutoring)

Bribe Family and friends (Always a win! )

Check out Local Community Clubs on your city website.

Check Local Parenting website for additional city opportunities.

Check out museums for classes.

Some Local Public Schools allow you to register your child for specific classes.

Utilize great computer programs.

Go on field trips related to that area of study. And create memories that will last a lifetime!

Read A lot of Living Books!

Are you wondering HOW do you actually get started homeschooling? Join our community of moms who want to invest in the lives of their children through homeschooling. I also created a 10 Tips to Finding Excellent Curriculum form to help you on your journey.

What about you? What subject is most challenging for you to teach? Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follow Most Important Work on Pinterest!

The Behind the Scenes Look At Homeschooling

Reading Time: 4 min 25 sec

Do you ever wonder if homeschooling is really all everyone says it’s cracked up to be? Do you ever wish that you could get a real (not just Pinterest worthy) perspective on homeschooling? There are so many articles that trumpet the amazing benefits (or negatives) to homeschooling that you wish you could just get an honest behind the scenes look into homeschooling life.

You want the real truth. You want to ask questions like, “How do you afford it? Do you have bad days? Do you ever want to give up and ship your kids off to boarding school in Switzerland? What will I have to give up to homeschool?”

For a lot of us, it can feel like we are moving into uncharted territory when it comes to deciding whether or not to homeschool. The weight of responsibility for guiding our children into adulthood can seem heavy.

The amazing thing is that there are mama’s who have traveled this road ahead of you and we would love to help you through the process of deciding what’s best for YOUR family.

1.The Drawbacks of Homeschooling

2. The Benefits of Homeschooling

1. The Drawbacks of Homeschooling

As with everything, there can be some definite negatives to homeschooling. Homeschooling can be for some a serious lifestyle change. Your kids might have attended public school and deciding to educate them at home will be an adjustment for your family. You have to decide what sacrifices you are willing and able to make for this season in your family’s life.

These drawbacks can include:

a. The Loss of Second Income

This is one of the top reasons that keep families from homeschooling. You will have to adjust your budget and lifestyle to make homeschooling a priority.

b. The Loss of Furthering a Career

Unless you have a flexible schedule or can work from home, you have the strong probability that you will have to make sacrifices when it comes to furthering your career. (Yes, there are always exceptions to every rule.)

c. Limited Amount of Time with Other Adults

You will be spending a large majority of your day with children. Unlike a job, you will have to be intentional about meeting with other adults.

d. You are Primarily Responsible for your Child’s Education

Unlike sending your child to a traditional school, where you oversee their progress.

e. You are Responsible to Pay for their Education

You do not receive any help from the government when it comes to paying for your child’s education. And yes, you still have to pay your local school taxes.

f. Homeschooling is a Lifestyle there is no 8-5

As with parenting, your role as a teacher is 24/7. Your role as a teacher and a mother happen simultaneously throughout the day.

g. You Will Get Frustrated

As much as we would love to believe that every day will be full of Von Trapp Family moments, that just isn’t reality. There will be challenging times (and seasons) to homeschooling.

h. You Will Need to Be Flexible

You will start off with a brilliant plan for the school year only to have it undergo a thousand adjustments, and end up looking completely different (and probably throwing it out altogether). You will live in a world where you are constantly adjusting your teaching style, curriculum, and tools to fit the current needs of your children.

Okay, I know that this list can seem overwhelming. But stick with me and let’s talk about the pros of homeschooling.

2. The Benefits of Homeschooling

There are a number of benefits to Homeschooling. I think the overarching advantage is that homeschooling can be adapted to fit the specific needs of your family. You don’t have to homeschool like your best friend or the homeschooling super mom down the street. You can find a structure and rhythm that brings life into your family.

The benefits can include:

a. The Important Moments

You get to spend the majority of each day together as a family. And because of that, you get to be there for the important moments of life. Your children learn how to read while sitting on your lap. They get conquer Algebra and discuss their passions for the future at your kitchen table.

b. Custom Education

Your child gets the benefit of a tailor-made education. They are continually challenged (in a good way) because they are no longer are held back by the needs of an entire class. That being said, they also have the luxury of being able to spend as long as they need with a concept or subject before moving on.

c. Homeschooling Is Flexible

Education can fit the rhythm and values of your family. Do you like to travel? You can take your books with you and explore the world.

d. Your Child can Take Advantage of Out of the Box Opportunities

When you homeschool, you can arrange your child’s schedule to fit around their passions. Do they love animals? They can volunteer at an animal shelter in the morning and homeschool in the afternoon. The out of the box possibilities are endless.

e. Education in Real-Life

Your children get the benefit of seeing a direct correlation between education and real-life experience. You can practice math in the grocery store, or in measuring for a tree house or in cooking dinner. Your children get the benefit of learning real-life skills as you go about your life, not bound by the limitations of a school day.

f. You Get to Build Amazing Family Memories

Homeschooling creates permanent best friends for life. Your whole family learns together, plays together, and lives life together in community. You become a very close-knit family, full of family lore from the crazy adventures you have embarked upon.

g. Spark a Love of Learning

Homeschooling gives you the ability to spark a love of learning in your children. They will learn for the love of it, not just to take a test. I don’t know about you, but I care about raising adults who can thrive in society not be masters at taking tests.

So where do you go from here?

The point is: Homeschooling is not for everyone, and that’s okay. Your value as a parent is not determined on whether or not you teach your child at home. Homeschooling is just a tool that can be used in the life of your child. I would encourage you to talk with your spouse or trusted friend about your fears and concerns.

If you feel drawn to homeschool, join our community of moms who want to invest in the lives of their children through home education. I also created a 10 Tips to Finding Excellent Curriculum form to help you on your journey.

You Got this Mom!

What about you? What are your top concerns when it comes to Homeschooling? Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follow Most Important Work on Pinterest!

The Fear Of The Lonely Homeschooler

Reading Time: 4 min 58 sec

I pushed my cart up to the checkout counter at my local grocery store. My cashier was an early twenty-something who just oozed personality. I swear, part of the job description for working at this grocery store is the ability to make small talk. She immediately launched into how my day was going, which inevitably led to asking questions to my kids.

There is a running joke (and a thousand memes) regarding the comment’s homeschoolers receive at the grocery store. Let me warn you, inquiries don’t all come from people over the age of sixty.

After discovering that my kids were homeschooled (it was 10am on ordinary Wednesday after all) her first comment was to say that she would love to homeschool her future kids but her boyfriend would never agree. She then went on to disclose his fear (and her own) about how would her kids be socialized when they were at home ALL THE TIME.

I wanted to point out that my kids were in fact out of the house and Socializing right now, but that didn’t seem very helpful. 🙂

The fear of the lonely (or socially inept) homeschooler is one of the top concern’s parents have when deciding whether or not to homeschool. We worry about whether or not our kids will be able to function in the various situations that life presents them. Will they be able to make friends? Will they be able to interact with others? We all sincerely want to do what’s best for the future of our kids. So how do we raise children outside of the school walls who can function well within society?

1.What Is Socialization?

2. The Fear of Being Different

3. The Real-Life Truth

1. What Is Socialization?

The heavy emphasis on the importance of socialization is not limited to homeschooling. Before our kids are born we are inundated with the significance of socialization.

This is aptly described in the popular tv show The Office, where Pam the lead character, mentions that it’s good her child is going to the nursery because then it could have some time to socialize with the other babies.

Do we ever stop and ask ourselves what exactly is socialization? What are we working so hard to accomplish FOR our children?

We all assume socialization means interacting with others but that is only one facet. The Merriam-Webster dictionary states that socialization is defined as, “the process beginning during childhood by which individuals acquire the values, habits, and attitudes of a society”.

Just think about that for a second.

“ ..by which individuals acquire the values, habits, and attitudes of a society.”

We need to know what we are striving so hard to accomplish in our child’s life. We need to come to terms with the goal of socialization and decide for ourselves how much influence we want society to have in the life of our child.

2. The Fear of Being Different

Why do we all imagine homeschoolers as nerds who live under a rock only come out for food and chess tournaments? In my opinion, I believe that part of the real reason we are stressing the importance of socialization is due to fear.

We are deathly afraid that our child will be seen as different. We worry about what our friends will think if our child does behave the same as his or her peers. We wonder if we are setting our child up for future bullying or that they will grow up naive and unable to function in society. We are deathly afraid that our kids will grow up to be the oddball out.

When we experience fear, a good exercise is to list out the worst-case scenarios. When you take the time to name the fears they suddenly get smaller. You are able to figure out what fears are valid and need to explore further (through further research, discussion with your spouse, or prayer).

And you are able to decide what fears are irrational and need to be seen for what they are. Sometimes fear can become so overwhelming that it keeps us from taking a look at the big picture.

Now, the general point of education is so that we can raise functioning members of society. If that is our goal, why do we think it is crucial to have our child’s physiological, moral, and social development shaped eight hours a day by twenty-five peers who come from families whose values are far different than our own?

Do we really want our children to be influenced by kids who the only reason they are together is that they were born in the same calendar year? Or do we want to surround our kids with the best and the brightest? Encouraging them to interact with people of all ages and nationalities?

There is really no other time in my child’s life where they will be surrounded for eight hours a day with a group of people all the same age. Really from the moment we graduate high school, we are expected to be able to interact in groups with people of all different ages. I want to prepare my child for life, not school.

3. The Real Life Truth

So, let’s talk homeschool reality. The basis of homeschooling is living life together in community. Even if I would like to buy a tiny home and live out in the middle of the woods, I still have milk to buy, dentists to visit, and that’s just the boring stuff.

What I am trying to say is that by homeschooling your children are learning how to interact with different types of people in different settings EVERY DAY. They don’t need a specific class on it. 🙂

In addition to real life situations, there are also a plethora of activities that are available to your child. These are great places for your children to form friendships and interact with children and adults of all ages.

There are co-ops where homeschooling moms get together and teach their favorite subjects (so you don’t have to teach the ones you hate). There are field trips, sports, neighborhood, and church activities, and specialized programs and internships. The list literally goes on and on and on.

To finish the tale of my grocery store experience. I settled for a quick response to the cashiers’ questions by listing all of the opportunities my children have to socialize. I am going to assume that she was in a state of shock when she said, “Wow. I guess they really do have time with other kids. I guess you don’t have to be afraid your kids will be weird.”

No, cashier lady, I am not afraid my children will be weird. I am excited that they get to experience the world as their playground.

Mamas, let’s say no to fear and embrace the possibilities.

Are you wondering HOW do you actually get started homeschooling? Join our community of moms who want to invest in the lives of their children through homeschooling. I also created a 10 Tips to Finding Excellent Curriculum form to help you on your journey.

What about you? What are your top concerns when it comes to socialization? Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follow Most Important Work on Pinterest!

A Homeschool Day In the Life

Reading Time: 4 min 48 sec

When we first decided to homeschool, we had a vision to create a certain type of atmosphere for our children. We wanted to foster deep family relationships, build life long memories, dive down rabbit holes, and allow our children to bask in the magic of childhood. We wanted our children to have the freedom to play, to explore and to create. We wanted to foster independent thinkers, lifelong learners, and courageous children.

And above all else, we wanted to encourage a deep, lifelong relationship with Jesus. We wanted to raise men and women of faith who live out of their identity as beloved children of God.

Every time we listen to Anne of Green Gables, giggle over board games, get down on our knees to pray, dance to the blues, and pour over logic, we are making small choices that move us toward our big vision.

When you look at our typical homeschool day,you need to understand that this is what works for our family in this season. I know it can be easy to get caught up in what you are or are NOT doing, we all want to do it RIGHT, but that misses the point of this article. You need to do what’s right for you, what fits your personality, and the needs of your family.

Mama’s, we are in this together! We are stepping out on faith, working hard, and imaging a different type of future for our children. So, don’t get too caught up in the details (we do not all have to use the same schedule) and let’s give ourselves A LOT of grace, and make choices today that move us toward our vision for the future.

Daily and Weekly Rhythm:

We found that it helps our day flow smoothly when we follow a rhythm instead of a schedule.

Years ago, I created a schedule, and it totally stressed me out. I always felt like the clock was the master of our day, and we are always struggling to keep up.

Now, we take our time, and after completing a task, we just move to the next thing on the list.

Every day we work on core subjects but each day has a different emphasis.

Borrowing from Brave Writer our weekly schedule looks something like this:

Monday– Poetry Tea Time and Free Write

Tuesday– Nature Study

Wednesday– Art and Music

Thursday– Extra Curricular Activities, Games, and Languages

Friday– Field Trips

Morning

I stumble out of bed and head downstairs to make coffee in the wee hours of the morning after my alarm goes off for the second time. I realized quickly that I am more productive in the morning than waiting to work until the afternoon. I have found that these early mornings of silence set my day up for success and I actually miss it when I sleep in.

I check my e-mail, work on my blog, and other projects until about 7am. My children stumble down the stairs ready for snuggles. After helping my husband get out the door for work, we finish up breakfast and start working on our chores for the day.

We then move to some type of exercise, in the warmer months we go for a walk, run or bike ride, in the bitter cold of winter, we will use an exercise video to burn off that excess energy. On certain days of the week, the kids are involved in extracurricular sports.

While they finish up chores and play quietly, I go to my room (the quietest place in the house) for devotions.

We officially start the day by lighting our candle to remind us that God is in us and with us. We then spend some time in prayer inviting him into our day. We move to read our Bible (we ABSOLUTELY LOVE this one) and memorize scripture. Depending on the day, we will either sing some worship songs or work on interactive projects, to help the kids move from head knowledge to heart experience of God.

We then snuggle under a huge blanket and start reading through a huge stack of picture books from the library. Books are the foundation for our daily curriculum. We choose books based off of our monthly unit study, the kids’ interest, core subjects, and just for fun books.

We then move to work on math, reading lessons, logic, and handwriting. We discovered a great French handwriting book this year that has dramatically improved their handwriting skills.

We intermix lessons with reading aloud to give them a break. A large amount of our learning can be done together but I do work with my six-year-old on reading separately, while I have my eight-year-old work their handwriting.

Here are our daily goals that we try to make happen FIRST each day. If nothing else gets done, at least I know that these things were accomplished.

Time with Jesus

Outside Time

Read Aloud (Books, Books, and more Books)

Games & Music

We will finish out the morning with either free play, listening to an audiobook, art, games and stem activities.

Afternoon

At around noon, I start making lunch while the kids play. After eating, we begin afternoon quiet time. Where the kids either nap, read books or play quietly in their rooms. I have found that this is a necessary part of our day, as tempers can flare without some time to themselves. I spend this time working on the blog and completing work projects.

At about three-thirty, everyone comes back together to play outside, go for a walk, or depending on the weather, to watch their favorite tv show.

Before I know it, it’s time to start preparing dinner and cleaning up the endless art projects, massive forts, and the sticky messes of the day.

Evening

After dinner, we spend the rest of the night playing a variety of board games together as a family. We are HUGE fans of board games. We include them wherever we can all throughout our day. They not only are FUN, create lifelong family memories, but they allow us to improve core skills (math, logic etc).

After putting kids down to bed. I finish preparing for the next morning, working on some projects, and reading. Before I know it, its time I am in bed. And yes, I am asleep in about two minutes (morning comes FAST). 🙂

That’s our day! What about you? What does your homeschool day look like? Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follow Most Important Work on Pinterest