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Homeschooling

How To Juggle Homeschool When You’re Coping With More Than A Mom Should

October 27, 2020 | 8 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I was going to create a long video on how to juggle homeschool when you’re coping with more than a mom should, but I didn’t. In my short facebook live video on my group, I do talk about it a little.

Although I’m not a weepy person, the truth of it is if I created a longer video, I couldn’t get through it without weeping and airing my raw emotions.

Why Juggle Homeschool During Extreme Stress

That’s not a negative for me; I want you to know what is working and not working for me. It’s important to me that you have some tips to ease your load and know that you’re not alone.

Read my words, but feel my raw emotions as I pour them out to you. I hope to encourage and lift you up in my transparency.

Circumstances are different for every mom, but the same raw emotions ebb and flow. You don’t have to feel the exact same pain as another to put yourself in another’s shoes.

What I went through years ago as far as crisis in my life pales into comparison to what I’ve recently been through and am going through. More on that in a minute.

How To Juggle Homeschool When You're Coping With More Than A Mom Should

Life wasn’t finished beating me or my family up. The longer you homeschool which is living life, the more stress can head your way.

When You’re A Control Freak But You Have No Control – None

So why keep homeschooling? More on that in a minute too.

Also, keeping things to your self is not always a good thing. You couldn’t possibly know what a very private person I am, but I am. I love my family and try to be dignified with their feelings and privacy.

It’s important for me to to not overshare. Know that there are things I must keep private; I’m walking a line here.

However, understanding what I’ve been through I hope I can reduce your stress and anxiety; I want you to know that sending your kids off to public school is not always the least stressful thing to do.

Life Can be Like the Cycle on The Dryer. Tumble, tumble, tumble. (Beat you up). Wait. Catch Your Breath. Hold on. REPEAT.

It was enough then and is enough now, but I have no choice as more is heaped on me.

First, look at what was heaped on me then.

One year my sister who homeschooled her kids got a staph infection.

First Sign of Homeschool Stress – What Will YOU Do

She had to be intubated because she couldn’t breathe and was unconscious for days. I cared for her in the ICU, comforted her kids and the whole family while taking care of my kids and husband.

Driving to get there when I first found out, I wondered if she would make it. Facing fear is not easy. It’s the kind of stress and sickness you feel that brings you to your knees and makes you puke.

Thankfully, she had wonderful doctors, the infection was contained and she was sent to a long-term facility for months.

Driving to see her and support her 40 minutes away from my house 4x a week or more was exhausting. My kids were with me the whole time. I thought that year would never end.

However, I had no clue what the next year held for me.

My husband had a massive heart attack. It was also the year my first son got to high school.

You know high school is scary enough, but it had nothing on what we went through that year. Yes, my husband beat the widow maker.

Vividly, I recall that day years ago. I shared with many of you who still follow me how I agonized over choosing the right words when you think they may be your last to your husband.

I finally made it to my husband’s side at the hospital in time to be with him while the doctors shuffled my husband off to surgery and saved his life. That night which I’ve never shared was one of the loneliest nights I’ve ever been through.

Knowing how close I came to life changing forever, I cried all night alone.

Some Stress Is Unavoidable

Next, the long year to recovery and hubs changing jobs was ahead.

Did I mention too that folks want to give you all kinds of nutritional advice assuming your lifestyle contributed to his heart attack?

I never shared before that he inherited heart disease from both sides of his family and his heart attack although happening while he was young, didn’t happen at 40 years old like his father and great grandmother before him.

Matter of fact, the doctors said it was our lifestyle which saved his life because of how stress free we tried to lead our life.

Life as I knew it went back to some kind of normal. However, my kids and I were forever changed.

Knowing the value of how you never know what the next day holds, we seized the time time together as a family and made a big change in our life.

We sold our huge home with pool and packed what we wanted in two cases for each of us and moved overseas to South America.

It was the BEST decision we ever made. Our years spent together in adventure was just what we need to get over what we couldn’t control.

Is Returning to Public School the Answer

Look at these four things that my kids and I learned from those years of hardship.

  1. We drew closer together as a family. If I had to put my kids in public school, we would have been separated at a time we needed each other. However, I weathered the storm remembering that it is just that. That means it’s temporary.
  2. It taught my kids to seize moments of friendship both in the family and with their friends outside of the family. You don’t know what will change this afternoon.
  3. Although I worried my sons may have grown up too fast, in fact teaching them to stand with me as we face feared helped them to set reasonable standards for themselves during our crisis. Even adults today don’t know when to stop putting pressure on themselves when under enough strain.
  4. Homeschooling is all about modeling how I want to my kids to learn meaningful things. What would I be teaching them if I didn’t set the example on what their focus should be when life hits hard? Everything I believe in about the homeschooling lifestyle came full circle. In life, sometimes we need to be a caregiver. I knew their academics wouldn’t be interrupted too long, but my kids’ education reaches far beyond academics.

Next, you want to take a self-check. Long term stress can cause terrible emotional and physical harm.

There is a difference between BENDING and BREAKING. You never want to get to the point of breaking.

With all of my heart I believe our emotional and mental health while homeschooling is not talked about enough.

There should be NO judgment or feeling like you’re weak or less if you send your kids to public school.

Choosing to Look on the Bright Side – A Choice

At this point, I’ve not had to seek professional help, but have not ruled it out if I need it. Seeking professional help is a sign of strength and not weakness. It means you care about your health and the health of your kids.

Bodies react differently to stress.

I allowed the stress to bend me although many days I feel like breaking. In my heart of hearts I knew what was right for my family.

But that wasn’t all I learned, I also learned:

  • If I sent my kids to public school that there was no way I could have the flexibility to care for my sister and husband on my terms.
  • You’re told to live one day or one moment at a time, but you embrace the true meaning when you experience extreme stress.
  • Control what I really had control of. That means I couldn’t let my mind worry about things that were not on my plate for that day. I saved my energy for what I’m experiencing NOT what I think I MAY experience. I was turning my load to anxiety and had to rein that back in. Do you know how REALLY hard that TRULY IS? There is a line between staying ahead of caring for all what is on your plate versus unnecessary worrying.

How to Power Through Homeschool During a Crisis (The Second Time)

Recalling all of what I just shared with you, I’ve been hit hard AGAIN.

Look at what I’m currently dealing with.

My husband is experiencing more complications with his heart. Each day is a precious day. For now, he is good, but managing his health is on my plate again.

My mother is now at end stage renal disease.

This is weighing heavy on my heart. Not only does she have to go to dialysis 3x a week, but she had a stoke and has continued to decline in health. Did you know seizures follow because of the stroke?

Although we’re managing my mom’s care daily, there is no controlling what you can’t control.

There is just letting my mother know what a treasure she is when she can understand me.

Seeing your mother go from an extremely intelligent, compassionate, and caring woman to almost a child is gut-wrenching daily.

But again, I remember whatever I feel is not anything I know my mother is going through. That keeps me going daily. All my mother knows right now is that I love her deeply and she loves me deeply. There will never be enough words to tell her how precious she is to me, but I try daily.

My mother-in-law now lives in an assisted living and my husband and I manage her care as well. Right now, she’s been exposed to Covid and with the onset of dementia, we constantly remind her daily of what is going on.

Did I mention my dad is now 80 years old and has his own set of health problems which needs to be managed while he helps care for my mom?

Any given day, I’m not sure which one of my family members will need help for the day.

Currently many days are not all my own to plan or juggle homeschool units.

How to Plan When You Can’t Catch A Break

However, I choose to trek forward. Look at five mindsets I’m utilizing now as I manage in STEPS.

  1. Ask: What TRULY is important to me today? That is my ONE goal for the day.
  2. Live today, not worry about tomorrow. This one is really hard for me because I’m a planner. Instead of worrying what may happen to any of the precious people in my life right now, I save my energy and passion for dealing with what is REALLY happening.
  3. Identify the difference between stress and anxiety. I’m still learning new things. Stress is unavoidable because it involves life. Stress turns to anxiety when I worry about things that may never happen. All I have done is add anxiety instead of keeping my mind and body healthy.
  4. Know when to stop homeschooling and when to cut back. I know now that my sons could have never gone to public school because they felt they would have missed what was going on at home. I had to think about their feelings. Knowing when to get help either online, by a tutor, or when to stop for a short time is paramount. Weigh EACH day as it’s happening instead of planning like life is normal until it is again.
  5. Self-care for the caregiver is necessary. (I know, but heart my heart. It’s NECESSARY). Passing out is not a good when you’re the caregiver. When so much is on your shoulders, you have to find time even if it’s a short time to rejuvenate. Many days I am physically EXHAUSTED, but waking up REALLY early when all is quiet has calmed my nerves and allows me to think. I spend the time thinking, meditating, and reading. Sure, I’m physically exhausted a lot of days, but my mental and emotional health needs the recovery. Not every day can I get up that early, but a few days a week it has become necessary. Find time whether really LATE or really EARLY to feed your mental health.

Adopt Compassion Over Compulsion

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is compassion over compulsion. Compassion moves a person to try to spare the suffering of others. Compulsion is what a person does by rote or grudgingly.

Deep in my raw and exposed heart, I know I can’t relieve any of the things going on in my family right now. But by me being there for all of them every day and my words, they know they are not alone as they face challenges every day.

When to Let Others Know And When to Let them In

Lastly, even machines are made with escape valves. I’m no machine, I’m not unusually strong, but I choose to share with others. Writing about this is self-help like one wise homeschool mom told me.

Life is precious and each of these people in my life didn’t ask for this to happen to them, but I manage each day as it comes up.

Yes, I would like to go back to a nothing but homeschooling life and blogging, but it probably won’t be for a while.

Tell me friend, can you relate? Has life thrown at you more than your fair share? Have you lost someone dear to you or have had a terrible setback? I don’t have all the answers, but know I TRULY care.

How To Juggle Homeschool When You're Coping With More Than A Mom Should

Look at these other tips on how to juggle homeschool when life hits hard:

  • How to Cope Successfully With Homeschool Mental Stress
  • How to Survive Homeschool Sick Days
  • 3 Foolproof Ways I Cope When I Can’t Homeschool (or Blog)
  • 10 Biggest Homeschool Burnout Triggers (and how to cope)
  • What I Gave Up to Homeschool (and what I got in return)
  • Is Homeschooling Making the Grade? It’s in and the Grade is ALL Fs!
  • When Homeschooling is Not an Overnight Success (Is it Worth the Risk?)
  • 7 Simple Fitness Tips for Busy Homeschooling Moms
  • 26 of the BIGGEST Gripes about the Homeschooling Lifestyle!

Hugs and love ya,

8 CommentsFiled Under: Homeschool During Crisis, Homeschool Simply, Homeschool When Nobody Wants To, Homeschooling Tagged With: homeschool, homeschool challenges, homeschool crisis, homeschool joy, homeschool lifestyle, homeschool mistakes, homeschoolchallenges, homeschoolcrisis, homeschooljoy

Is Homeschooling Right for Your Family? Hear From the Kids!

May 24, 2020 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Is homeschooling right for your family? As parents we have one view of what is homeschooling, but children can have quite another view.

Instead of explaining why homeschooling has been a superior choice for many families, let the homeschooled kids tell you in their own words.

Is Homeschooling Right for Your Family? Hear From the Kids!

I asked the brilliant homeschooled kids in my facebook group and they responded. And yes, I have their permission to tell you their words because they want you to know.

Note: This was an informal and relaxed conversation on my group; I didn’t ask the kids to write their response with correct sentence structure and grammar. Enjoy their uncoached words from their heart.

Do Homeschooled Kids Like Homeschooling?

Again, my question was why do you like being homeschooled and the kids’ answers are:

  • Not having to deal with school drama, being able to sleep in and to work on what is best for me and my way of learning. – Age 17 –
  • Everyone’s much nicer than the kids at school. – Age 11 –
  • Because I get to be home more than before. I can do my schoolwork anywhere, living room, kitchen, Mom’s craft room, outside with my chickens and dog, park, anywhere. I can take a break whenever I need to get up and move. I get to spend time with Dad when he is off in the middle of the week. I don’t have to wake up really early. – Age 10 –
  • Not getting sick all the time. -Age 7 –
  • That it’s at home. – Age 6 –
  • Because it doesn’t take 8 hours. I also asked her if she felt like she needed more friends. She says, “No. I have enough. I love my friends.”
    -Age 7 –

Will Homeschooling Ruin My Child?

  • I don’t have to wait quietly while no one else is respecting the rules; I don’t have to sit feeling like “I don’t get it”. When I don’t get something when we are in school you kinda know that I don’t get it even before I realize I’m confused. I think it’s because you are actually looking at me; I like that I don’t have to be in a classroom and ask to go to the bathroom every time I have to go; I love getting to be with you (her mom) because who else is so worried about me and my future and what I’m learning; I love getting done earlier in the day as well as earlier in the year than other kids; A lot of the kids in summer camps are really rude and disrespectful, glad I don’t have to deal with that all the time. -Age 11-
  • My oldest (6) is in Kindergarten at a private Christian school – well until the lock down and everything. My husband and I went on vacation and my kids stayed with family friends that homeschool. My son took all his catch up work and did it while their kids did their work. When we got home, my son said he wants to homeschool! Soon after, everything got shut down and my son Loves it! He occasionally talks about one or two friends from school but otherwise has no desire to go back. He still wants to homeschool!

Deciding to Homeschool

  • Coz it’s better, I can study in peace and not have to deal with all the agro. -Age 16-
  • Because I can go at my pace. -Age 13-
  • Because I get to be with you mama and you kiss my hands when they hurt from writing, I wouldn’t want the teacher doing that. -Age 8-
  • No bullies. You are my teacher. We can take breaks when I need it.
    -Age 9-
  • Said that it is Saturday and she doesn’t answer homeschooling questions on Saturdays. -Age 9-
  • Architecture & Engineering & cause I love Mommy & Professor Bunny & Professor Mr Bear. -Age 4- (Mom’s note: His favorite stuffed animals learn alongside him.)
  • Because I don’t want to go to regular school for 6 hours a day with no room to run and play. -Age 8-
  • Because it’s fun and you won’t yell at us if we get something wrong. Also, the field trips. -Age 12-

New Homeschooler

  • It’s really fun and I like my mom as my teacher. We can go to really cool museums together. -Age 10-
  • Because I get to spend more time with my family. Because I like my teacher, I love her so much, because it’s you (her mom). Get to do lots of nature study. Get to spend a lot of time with my dogs. -Age 7-
  • Because I get to spend time with you and get a good education instead of being at the school where the teacher was rude and kinda didn’t know what she was doing, and I get to play outside more. -Age 10-
  • I don’t get thrown by the bullies like in public school. No active shooter drills every month. Those were scary. They taught me to hide and throw things at a shooter. I didn’t like that. I can call my teacher mom. I get challenged more; I like that. I can play with my own toys at recess. If it is too hot outside, I don’t HAVE to stand outside for half an hour recess like public school. I don’t get pinched and smacked like I did in public school. I don’t get sick all the time. The lunch food is better. No one threatens me anymore. If I forget something, I can just get it. I don’t get embarrassed if something embarrassing happens. In public school, if I had a question, sometimes the teacher wouldn’t call on me to answer it. -Age 11-
  • I get to be with my dog. Mommy is funny; she makes funny pictures. I do harder stuff and don’t get bored. At public school they kept giving me spelling words I already knew. I like learning new spelling words. I like that we do experiments in homeschool; they didn’t do science in public school. -Age 9-

Homeschooling the Family

  •  There are no bad bullies. Mom knows what I’m good at and bad at. I don’t have to rush to the bus. No one hurts me on the bus anymore. I can snack when I’m hungry. I don’t have to pack my lunch. I don’t have to wait for all the other kids to finish their work when I’m done. I don’t have to wear shoes. -Age 9-
  • Because she doesn’t have to deal with the mean kids or the teacher silencing her. She tested just under for the advanced placement so they placed her in a standard classroom and her teacher would never let her answer. She would be practically the only one with her hand up and then throughout the day she would get in trouble for talking because she was done and bored. She said I get to learn what I want in a fun way, take breaks and talk when I want. Lol She even said “I even don’t mind doing school on the weekends because we have weekends whenever we want. -Age 9-
  • I get to sleep in, I get more breaks, I can get ahead, mom knows what I know, mom knows what I need to know, I can ask questions whenever I want. -Age 11-
  • I love being homeschooled because I am smarter because I get to learn from my mistakes instead of the class just keeps going with you.
    -Age 9-
  • Because I like my freedom… I get more sleep… I’m safe from physical and sexual assault and I’m not bullied. I don’t have to put up with the constant drama from peers my age. I can have a job. -Teen-
  • Because it’s fun. -Age 7-
  • Because if I need a week off I can have it. And if I have a hard time finishing something I can come back to it in a couple days. And because I get more free time. -Age 13-
  • That I’m with my family most of the time. -Age 8-

New to Homeschooling

  • My kids like sleeping in, and they like having conversations with me about what they’re learning. They also like binge doing stuff they’re passionate about.
  • Every day is pajama day and I get to have class in my playhouse outdoors. No bully teachers or kids either. -Age 10-
  • I was scared at school and the teacher said I was dumb. You (her mom) make me understand and say I’m smart.  -Age 11-
  • I like it because I like being home, and you’re my mom, and I like having company from my mom. -Age 8-
  • I can do more crafts and get to be with my family more. -Age 9-
  • I get to play more. -Age 6-
  • I actually get to do stuff during the day. -Age 18-
  • Gets to sleep in. -Age 15-
  • I like that we get to do fun experiments and I get to spend more time with you guys. -Age 9-

Beginning to Homeschool

  • That’s a hard question. I guess because I get to see you guys more often. -Age 7-
  • Mommy is my teacher. -Age 7-
  • I like that I learn things they do not teach in public school. I get to do topics that interest me. I also can do things as fast as I want or take my time. I have time to do the things I want to do like work part time or volunteer at the food pantry and do trail clean up. I get to wake up late like at 7 a.m. -Age 14-
  • I like being homeschooled because I can learn at my own pace and not get made fun of or bullied. -Age 8-
  • I like being homeschooled because you (her mom) make learning fun and I don’t have to do boring worksheets all day long. I finish my work and I can go play. -Age 7-
  • Because then I can spend the rest of my day playing games. -Age 8-
Is Homeschooling Right for Your Family? Hear From the Kids!

You’ll love these other reads after homeschooling 20+ years:

  • How To Start Homeschooling the Easy No Stress Way (Maybe)
  • 100 Reasons Why Homeschooling is a SUPERIOR Education
  • Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination?
  • Why Buying Curriculum Won’t Make You a Homeschooler (But What Will)
  • Is Homeschooling Making the Grade? It’s in and the Grade is ALL Fs!
  • How to Know What A Homeschooled Child Should Learn Yearly?
  • Homeschool Critics: How Do You Know You’re on Track?
  • 12 Easy Ways Homeschooled Teens and Tweens Socialize

There you go. Out of the mouth of babes about what it’s really like to homeschool your kids.

What do your kids say about being homeschooled?

Hugs and love ya,

2 CommentsFiled Under: Be an Exceptional Homeschool Teacher, Homeschool Simply, Homeschooling, New Homeschooler Help Tagged With: new homeschooler, newbeehomeschooler, newhomeschoolyear

The BEST Resources for Teaching Art at Home (K to Gray)

April 2, 2020 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you’re like me you love art, but teaching art at home can be intimidating. Also, look at my page free Art Units Curriculum Grades 1 – 8.

Finding a quick starting point, resources for all ages, and working it into your full homeschool schedule is frustrating. So, I rounded up some homeschool art resources and organized them here so you have a place to start while keeping it easy.

Some resources are free, others are worth their weight in gold when I’ve paid for them.

The BEST Resources for Teaching Art at Home (K to Gray)

All of them will making teaching art at home a delight like it should be.

Worth mentioning at this point too is that your definition of what is art influences your teaching.

Whether it’s art history or pencil drawing, I’ve rounded up a bit of everything to give you a palette (corny pun intended) to choose from.

Homeschool Art Curriculum and Lessons

Art History  Kids is one I’ve used and loved because it’s thorough.

Also, I loved the fact that in the older grades art history is included.

If you’re overwhelmed with teaching and want to cover art with attention to basics and to be able to count it as art for the high school years, you’ll love this easy to use curriculum. It has been worth every penny I spent.

From free lesson plans for each age group to ideas organized by art period, you’ll find something fun.

You’ll have no shortage of ideas to go with your unit studies or ideas to stand alone.

Because there is so much to navigate on this site, one important tip is to click on the age AND then look at the art period.

  • Khan Academy. Click on the Humanities Tab on courses and there is Art history for a free online course.
  • Art Projects for Kids. Another longtime favorite of ideas and projects from K to 5th grade..
  • Deep Space Sparkle. Art curriculum and ideas for younger kids until about 6th grade.
  • J. Paul Getty Museum. Free Educator Resources.
  • Mark Kistler’s Draw3D is a suite of over 300 pre-recorded video lessons for kids of all ages. NEW lessons added every week!
  • Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool 
  • Charlotte Mason style Picture Study Portfolios
Art for All Ages Bundle

Chalk pastel art rocks and You Are an Artist by a homeschool mom makes it easy to get started. I love the fact that you don’t need but a handful of supplies to get started.

We loved the chalk pastel sticks and through the years expanded our art supplies. But chalk pastel art allows you to quickly jump into art with minimal supplies.

This is good if you’re looking for a fun and fuss free fix.

More Art at Home Curriculum and Lessons

Also, some kids have a perfectionist streak which can be crippling when you want them to focus on the process instead of the product.

What I’ve learned through the years in teaching art (from a believe me I’m not an art mom) is that our kids need to know that art is self-expression.

Art is not copy and paste, but we can use models to express our creativity.

Looking at art galleries helped my kids to understand that self-expression comes in many different forms.

  • Drew’s Art Box. Ages 9+ Box of art lessons mailed directly to your door.

I used real life objects for my kids to draw so they didn’t always compare to another drawing or painting.

Reminding my kids constantly that we use other art as a way to learn how many different ways people self-express gives a child room to accept his artwork.

  • Art for Kids Hub.From the site: “Art lessons for kids, including how to draw for kids, even painting and origami for kids.”
  • Artful Parent. Ideas and lessons for younger kids
  • Kinderart. Not just for kindergarten. Lessons from K to High School.
  • Yellow Spot Sun. Geared toward elementary and middle school kids.
  • Free Art Lessons Online. For older kids and their parents.
  • Arttango. Free art Lessons for K to 5th grade.
  • Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Has printable pdf Modern Art Cards.
The Best Resources for Teaching Art at Home at Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Next, another homeschool fave of mine is ARTistic Pursuits. It’s been around for a while and there is a reason for that. Some kids especially older kids just love to pick up a book and learn without watching a video.

ARTistic Pursuits helped my boys as they got older to learn about technique, art appreciation, and art history. They wanted background information to round out their study.

ARTistic Pursuits has books from PreK to 12. You’ll love my review here of ARTistic Pursuits, Middle School 6-8: Book One -The Elements of Art and Composition

YouTube Homeschool Art

Art is subjective and I’ve tried my best to screen through channels that are appropriate for all ages, but ultimately you need to decide which channels work for your family.

I simply want to give you lots to choose from for every age because we love the school of YouTube.

Also one more tip – pause the videos as you go along. There is no sense in frustrating kids if they want to take art at a slower pace.

Look at the variety of art YouTube channels below:

  • Fine Art Academy. Tutorials on charcoal drawings. This would be good for older kids or any kid that preferred pencil drawing.
  • Draw So Cute. A site with drawing lessons for younger kids.
  • Easy Fun Coloring. Drawing and coloring pages for kids.
  • Circle Line Art School. Perspective drawings, Drawing Buildings, Drawing Landscapes, Drawing Optical Illusions, Drawing People and Drawing Objects.
  • Createful Kids. Kids learn to draw, paint, sculpt, and more.
  • Draw with Jazza. Character illustration and digital animation.
  • Art for Kids Hub
  • MrPstudios. Art Lessons for Kids
  • Mr. Otter Studio. From the site: “We provide free tutorials for people of all ages and all interests. From watercolor painting to cardboard sculpting, our tutorials are broken down into simple steps.”
  • LUNCH DOODLES with Mo Willems! Children’s author who gives drawing lessons.
  • Alphonso Dunn. Helping you develop and refine your drawing, pen and ink, and watercolor painting skills and techniques.
  • Emmy Kalia. Pencil drawings and watercolor paintings.
  • The Art Sherpa. Easy acrylic step by step painting tutorials for. beginning artists.
  • Bob Ross. Learn how to paint for older kids.

Homeschool Art History

If you love unit studies, history, and rabbit trails like I do, you’ll want to take a look at Art History For Kids.

It’s great for the non-artsy parents who wants art projects which tie into other subjects like math and science.

You’ll want to look at The Studio Art History which is a monthly membership that introduces you and your kids to a new (super fun and engaging) art history topic each month.

Want your unit studies planned? You’ll love this. The art projects are designed with 5-12 year old kids in mind, but they’re flexible to adjust up and down.

Art Games

We love the whole Professor Noggin series and the History of Art is no exception.

You’ll love the fun and printable art games at Artsology. From a Paris Street Art game, The Salvador Dali Surrealist Exile Game, and Andy Warhol Word Find to a Tjapanangka Desert Game, you’ll find something fun.

Learn about 30 of the world’s most famous paintings with these Famous Paintings Cards.

Homeschool Art Field Trips

  • Take your teens on an architecture walk.
  • An aquarium is a great place for ideas to spark art.
  • Another time when we lived in South America, we took our sketch pads to watch the street performers and musicians downtown. Look for opportunities to watch for street performers.

The Museum of Modern Art YouTube. From the site: Our goal is to introduce you to as many artists and artworks of our time as possible.

  • We lived near a very old courthouse and tons of historic buildings which are great to ignite an idea or two.
  • Of course nature has been one of our best art teachers.

Art Coloring Pages, Images, & Tools

  • Adult and museum free art coloring pages.
  • Interactive Color Wheel.
  • Nothing baby-ish here. Adult coloring pages for history to nature to different art periods.
  • How cool – Sketchpad. Free online drawing application for all ages
  • Free public domain images.
  • Free printable stencils. From the site: “Free Printable Stencils for Pictures, People, Alphabet Letters and Numbers.”
  • Famous paintings color pages.
  • Modern Art Timeline.
  • Free color theory lessons.

Art Books, Reference, & Journals

Then of course there are lot of great art books, but a few make teaching art a bit easier.

  • Art cyclopedia A index of online museums and image archives.

This next book is a keeper too. It’s Vincent’s Starry Night and Other Stories: A Children’s History of Art. A great way to introduce art through stories. It starts with the earliest of times and goes through current times.

A Child’s Introduction to Art: The World’s Greatest Paintings and Sculptures is for kids ages 9 to 12 and another great book to introduce the most famous painters, styles, and periods.

Complete Book of Art Ideas. Lots of art ideas and how to keep art supplies too.

Journal Sparks: Fire Up Your Creativity with Spontaneous Art, Wild Writing, and Inventive Thinking.

Drawing With Children: A Creative Method for Adult Beginners, Too is an easy-to-follow, lesson-by-lesson approach for drawing for children of all ages and beginning adults. 

Here is a really fun spin on learning art. ” This one-of-a-kind book, Art Fraud Detective, combines a mystery story, fun spot-the-difference puzzles, and a fantastic introduction to some of the world’s greatest art.”

Homeschool Much-Loved Art Supplies

Because art is about creativity, expression, and experimenting you want to have a good variety of materials to feed your children’s creativity.

As a matter of fact you don’t really have to spend a lot of money. I just purchased inexpensive ones to see what my kids liked best, but don’t do that for a long time.

Kids know good quality and if you buy something high quality it makes a difference in how artwork turns out. So if you have a budding artist be sure he or she has some great quality tools. Start with inexpensive materials, but add higher quality tools as the budget allows.

Look at the list below to get you started!

  • sidewalk chalk
  • popsicle sticks
  • glue dots
  • inexpensive construction paper
  • paper plates for mixing palettes
  • watercolors
  • markers
  • clay
  • high quality paper pads like 12 x 18 and 18 x 24
  • black felt tip marking pens
  • oil pastels
  • paint brushes
  • tempera paint
  • toilet paper tubes (empty of course)
  • coffee filters
  • soft pastels
  • scissors
  • colored art tissue
  • stencils
  • colored pencils

My only regret in teaching art through my 20 years of homeschooling is not doing more of it! I know this list will give you an easy starting point. If you see a link you want added, give me a shout.

The Best Resources for Teaching Art at Home (K to Gray) at Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus. You'll love this AWESOME roundup of YouTube art lessons, curriculum, and games. CLICK HERE!

If you need more resources or ultimate lists, you’ll love my other topics:

  • The Ultimate Guide to Brave Explorers (Great and Small)
  • The Ultimate Guide to the Flora and Fauna of the Amazon Rain Forest
  • The Ultimate Guide to Poetry for Multiple Ages (For the Intimidated)
  • Lewis and Clark Expedition – The Ultimate Guide
  • Ultimate Guide to Learning Activities in a Jar or Bottle
  • The Ultimate Guide for New Homeschoolers – An Easy Beginning!

Hugs and love ya,

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities, Homeschooling Tagged With: art, artnotebookingpages, homeschool art

Amazing Tracking Homeschool Core Subjects and Electives Form

January 17, 2020 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a tracking homeschool core subjects form today. Also, look at my page Homeschool Planner and my 7 Step Curriculum planner page for more homeschool planner forms.

I’m so excited about this latest homeschool planning page which is the amazing homeschool core subjects and electives form.

If you live in a state where you have to track core subjects (a.k.a skill subjects) separately from electives (a.k.a content subjects) you’ll love how easy this form is to use.

Before I go on to explain this form, you may want to be sure you understand the two different types of categories most subjects fall into. Look at Skill Subjects vs. Content Subjects: What’s the Difference.

Tracking Homeschool Core Subjects

Look at some of the features of this form.

  • This is 1 Form but you get 2 different color schemes because I love color. Three sections are editable on the form.
  • There is a place at the top right to fill in the Month and Year (editable).
  • There are two parts to the form. The top part has a part for CORE subjects to list with 9 EDITABLE lines. Add General subjects like Math and Language Arts OR add specific assignments.
  • The bottom part has a part for ELECTIVES to list with 9 EDITABLE LINES.
  • Your can use it or your child can. Give it to your child to track OR you add to your 7 Step Homeschool Planner.
  • You can print each month after you type in OR print one each month that changes. It’s a very flexible form.
  • The form is in landscape.
  • The days 1 – 31 run landscape across the top of the page. There is a space to pen in the abbreviation for the day of the week below the date and a place to put a check mark below that when the assignment is completed.
  • In addition, I’ve created it with space at the top and bottom so that you can turn the form portrait to bind your 7 Step Homeschool Planner.

You can grab it today!

  • Daily Tracking Homeschool Core & Elective Subjects Form

    Daily Tracking Homeschool Core & Elective Subjects Form

    $1.99
    Add to cart

Curriculum Planner Pages

You’ll love these other forms and my tips.

  • Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers: When You Don’t Know Where to Begin
  • What Homeschool Subjects to Teach and When to Teach Them? Part 1 of 3 
  • How to Easily Add Poetry to Your Homeschool Subjects
  • Helpful Read Aloud Tracking Time Homeschool Form
  • 4 Editable Homeschool Planning Pages to Ease Planning
  • Free Homeschool Colorful Reading Journal to Motivate Kids
  • 5 Easy Steps to Putting Together Your Own Homeschool Phonics Program

Hugs and love ya,

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Homeschool Planner, Homeschooling Tagged With: curriculum pages, curriculum planner, curriculum planner. homeschool., homeschool, homeschool curriculum planner, homeschool planner, homeschool planning, homeschoolplanner, homeschoolplanning, planner, planning

100 Reasons Why Homeschooling is a SUPERIOR Education

November 22, 2019 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 100 reasons why homeschooling is a superior education. Also, you’ll love more tips on my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter.

In the early 1980s, my mom homeschooled my youngest sister.

Then, folks thought homeschooling was illegal. It wasn’t, but it felt that way.

As my mom researched about homeschooling, I read the same research as meager as it was, but I came to appreciate that homeschoooling is a superior education for many reasons.

I was in public high school and close to graduating when my mom began her homeschool journey.

Later, I started my family and now I have 3 homeschool grads. I’ve seen many changes – big and small.

100 Reasons Why Homeschooling is a SUPERIOR Education. I don't think homeschooling is for everyone.  

There are valid reasons why folks can't homeschool, but not having favorable circumstances doesn't negate the superior value of the homeschool approach. CLICK HERE to read this long list of how homeschooling is a superior education.
#homeschool #homeschooling #newhomeschooler

One thing which has exploded for me is my BIG list of reasons why homeschooling is better than school.

Too, we have stats now for you to analyze, but the hundreds and hundreds of personal success stories are of greater value to me.

I don’t think homeschooling is for everyone.
There are valid reasons why folks can’t homeschool, but not having favorable circumstances doesn’t negate the superior value of the homeschool approach.

I wished EVERY family could give their kids one-to-one tutoring. Those odds are hard to beat.

Reasons Why to Homeschool

Look at these 100 reasons why the homeschool approach is better than a public school education.

  • Education is different than schooling. ALL children can be educated, but if a child doesn’t step in sync to public standards in a school he is failed. The public standard is put ahead of the child. The self-confidence that a child has is undermined.
  • Bullying by students and teachers isn’t tolerated in the homeschool world.
  • Education at home is in sync with how a child develops and as he masters concepts.
  • More time is spent outdoors and nature becomes the child’s schoolmaster.
  • Sleep, diet, and wellness of the child is superior at home because of the ability to adapt to the needs of each child.

  • Passions are intensely pursued which turns to mastery of topics by children.
  • Children will read well on their timetable which sets them up for lifelong success. Waiting on a child to read sets them up for loving to read instead of having to read. One is a delight the other is drudgery.
  • The parent is hands-on with their children and children flourish with personal and loving attention.
  • Freedom. It’s the true meaning of a superior education when you’re not told what to learn each day.
  • Open-ended questions becomes the segue to mastery of material, not being spoon-fed.
100 Reasons Why Homeschooling is a SUPERIOR Education

Reasons to Choose Homeschool

  • Learning is not looked at as grade levels, but for longer periods of time. Did you know that a lot of homeschooled kids don’t care what grade they’re in until they get older? Grade levels compartmentalize learning.
  • We trust the fact the children have a natural curiosity to learn and it shouldn’t be contained in workbooks.
  • Homeschooled kids learn excellence without the two Ws that public school enforces – walls and workbooks.
  • Education happens while you travel and see the world. Even a child’s own backyard is his science lab.
  • Customized learning is the BEST.

  • Children are not exposed to active shooter drills. Children focus on celebrating childhood not being in fear of it.
  • By not being up at 5 a.m. to walk in the dark and catch a school bus, children wake up later rested and go for a nature walk. Playing piano or practicing art before the formal part of their day begins is the norm.
  • Instead of constantly cutting or washing their children’s hair because they’re exposed to lice, they are outside playing in a leaf pile or making snow angels.
  • Instead of focusing on how vaccines are harmful to children, the family is focusing on a vacation to learn about caves or the beach.
  • Sex education is the parent’s right to teach their children at a time he is ready. A parent protects the innocence of her children because she knows the exact time to expose her children to sensitive matters.

Why Parents Homeschool Their Kids

  • Fear of gangs does not have to be present.
  • Parents and not peers are the best to influence their children.
  • The family chooses ideals they want their children rooted in instead of society deciding what is accepted and not accepted.
  • Education is not forced-fed.
  • When it comes to what our children are learning, most families want more.
100 Reasons Why Homeschooling is a SUPERIOR Education
  • Gifted children can move ahead and not get in trouble because they became bored in a traditional classroom
  • We want our children to learn how to read proficiently and to be a lifelong reader.
  • Our children are exposed to more topics and are not learning to just pass state required tests.
  • We teach our kids skills that will be practical for them in life.
  • Does anybody else find it bizarre to turn your children over to a complete stranger who spends most of his day with them?

  • Children are not constantly sick and missing out on learning opportunities.
  • You can teach in a relaxed way without jumping through hoops to meet rules.
  • Learning at home is more exploratory and not workbook driven.
  • It’s unhealthy for children of any age to sit for six hours a day.
  • Home fosters a love for learning.

What is a Superior Education?

  • We teach things that public school can’t teach like how to budget, how to save, and how to not get in debt.
  • As parents we ARE the experts. An expert is one who has an authoritative knowledge of a skill. Parents are the experts for their children.
  • We change curriculum instantly when it’s not working. We don’t wait on red tape or even the start of a new school year to make changes.
  • Adjusting the hours and days to suit our family’s life keeps learning a privilege and something children look forward to each day.
  • Pushing our children out of their comfort zone, but in a secure environment elevates their learning to another level.

  • We want our children to pursue learning as a lifestyle and not a list to check off.
  • It takes less time to learn at home. There are no unnatural interruptions at home. Children are used to natural interruptions like younger siblings or a change in a parent’s schedule.
  • We have the choice to put our children in front of a computer for school, crack open a physical book, or both.
  • We do not need to answer to the government. It’s been my experience that most parents exceed any government standard.
  • Tests should have a purpose, not be meaningless. Parents are the ones to best determine if a tests suits their needs.

How to Start Homeschooling

  • Face to face discussions everyday with your children gives you a window into their heart and what is on their mind. Channeling children to do good is part of a superior education.
  • Academics can be delayed for young children so they have more time to play and be little boys and girls.
  • Children learn from experiences and not just from children their same age.
  • Children can be ready for higher level courses on their timetable. Sometimes that is earlier than what is considered the high school years.
  • Instead of reading about science in a boring textbooks, children get their hands dirty doing science.

  • Homework is a nightmare. While at home, children learn at times that are good for them. What are they doing all day in public school?
  • Parents don’t want to feel disconnected from their children because children get up at dark:30 and are exhausted when they come home.
  • Free public school doesn’t mean better. Parents decide which curriculum is free and which curriculum is paid.
  • Children learn at home what is a true entrepreneur.
  • Children learn cursive at home which always been the standard of a well-educated man. Learning to read cursive is a skill that many children are losing.

  • There is no mind numbing busy work at home.
  • Public school suffers budget cuts, but at home even the most modest budget is ample for children.
  • No one gets left behind at home because the pace is set to each child.
  • The learning style of each child is important and learning is tailored to strengths.
  • There is not constant focus on what a child cannot do, but how to pursue what he can do.
100 Reasons Why Homeschooling is a SUPERIOR Education

Why You Homeschool

  • Home is the best place to prepare children for adulthood which is the true meaning of education.
  • Special needs children can learn in a safe environment instead of being made fun of by both teachers and children.
  • Extracurricular activities can be increased or limited to the needs of each family.
  • Common sense is used as a measure of what to teach and not common core.
  • There is less pressure on young children at an early age.

  • Parents want the say over what to teach their children.
  • One approach or curriculum can be used for one child and a completely different curriculum and approach for another child.
  • Teens don’t have to spend four years in high school and waste time on subjects they’ve mastered. They can move on to college level work in high school or sooner if they’re ready.
  • Mistakes by a child are viewed as learning experiences. Failure is a good teacher. Learning that early on teaches a child to try again and critical thinking skills.
  • Getting children out of their comfort zone teaches them to take charge of their learning.

  • Unless you plan to homeschool under a rock, children have frequent socialization with adults and children. They learn the true meaning of socialization which is how to behave in a mixed aged group.
  • Children learn compassion and kindness when they take care of family members who have become sick. Waiting to teach children how to be kind when they’re adults could be turning out self-centered people. Children learn early to put their needs on the back burner while caring for those hit with sickness.
  • Religion or lack of it is the SOLE responsibility of the parent.
  • Being at home allows children to dig deeper and not have to move on until their curiosity has piqued.
  • Parents are the ones enjoying the best times with their children instead of someone else. That love fosters a strong desire to learn because children know they’re in a secure and safe environment

Individualized Homeschool Education

  • When a child has medical issues, his learning is not delayed.
  • Children do have to have a substitute teacher who may care little to none about a child.
  • Parents want their children to enjoy learning as long as possible.
  • While being educated, children have the flexibility to run a family-based business.
  • Time spent with children is superior quality.

  • Field trips in the homeschool world can happen every week if the family chooses to and not just while children are in Kindergarten.
  • It’s just a better education tailored to each child.
  • Parents don’t want their children away from them for so many hours.
  • Families aren’t locked into school calendars of when children should learn.
  • Children want to be outside a lot and play.
100 Reasons Why Homeschooling is a SUPERIOR Education
  • Some children choose a career or college track and can pursue their objectives better at home with the freedom they need.
  • The pace in Kindergarten has gone to ridiculous for little kids. Standardized tests in Kindergarten is becoming the norm.
  • Children can travel the world and learn about it instead of inside a crowded classroom.
  • Families teach children about being a member of society by being in it and getting children involved it.
  • There are not tons of useless meetings with teachers or administrators who may care little about the success of your children.

More Posts on Why Homeschooling is a Superior Educational Approach

  • Why My Homeschooled Kids Are Not Given the Choice to Go to Public School
  • Transitioning from Public School to Homeschool For a Relaxed Lifestyle
  • It’s a New Homeschool Year and My Child Wants to Go Back to Public School
  • Deschool – Get off the Public School Treadmill!

Top Reasons to Homeschool

  • Families can address immediately any perceived gaps in a child’s education.
  • Testing is not used as the gauge of what children know and do not know.
  • A school setting is arbitrary and unnatural.
  • Families can allow humor and grace to meet in the day which aids children to be emotionally sound.
  • More time is spent reading together as a family.
  • Children are valued instead of demeaned by being told to raise their hand to go to the bathroom, eat, or drink. That is very opposite of the real world.
  • It is the right of a parent to pick associates or peers instead of children being poorly influenced in a classroom.
  • Nobody knows children better than the parents. Nobody.
  • College tuition is overpriced and homeschool parents have options like CLEP and dual credit.
  • Public schools cannot simply meet the needs of all children.
100 Reasons Why Homeschooling is a SUPERIOR Education. I don't think homeschooling is for everyone.  

There are valid reasons why folks can't homeschool, but not having favorable circumstances doesn't negate the superior value of the homeschool approach. CLICK HERE! #homeschool #homeschooling #newhomeschooler

I don’t EVER talk folks into homeschooling because some days are flat out hard, but in the end it’s been worth every bit of stress.

Nothing beats the unique journey which each of my children have had. They’ve all had a private and elite education with less then half the cost of public education.

In the process, they have formed lifelong friends; we constantly have had to cut back on time spent in 4 H club, art classes, foreign language classes and ballroom dance classes to name a few so we could be at home.

What else will I add to my list in the next 10 years?

What questions do you have about homeschooling?

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Begin Homeschooling, Homeschool Simply, Homeschooling, Kick Off Your Homeschool Year Tagged With: deschooling, homeschool, homeschool challenges, homeschool joy, homeschool lifestyle, homeschoolplanning, newbeehomeschooler, reasonstohomeschool

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