Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Activity, Change, Progress

Begin Homeschooling

Day 2: Homeschool Roots Matter and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

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

Homeschool roots matter because without knowing roots, you can’t appreciate how precious your choice is. So in Day 2. of the 31 Day Free Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers savor the homeschool lifestyle by understanding how it got started.

For instance, I did a unit study with my children on the American Civil War or as my grandmother called it The War Between the States,

I added in lesson plans on our family genealogy during the Civil War because we had a family member who fought in the war.

Day 2 Homeschool Roots Matter Free 31 Day Free Boot Camp for New Homeschool Educators at Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus
Civil War Overview Lapbook
Civil War Lapbook

Looking at the war through the eyes of past family members heightened the feelings of my children for the sensitive issues on both sides of the war.

Homeschooling is no different.

Understanding the history and struggle of pioneer homeschoolers builds appreciation for the depth and value of teaching your children at home.

New to Homeschool

Taking time to understand your homeschool roots and heritage gives your journey meaning and richness beyond focusing just on a new math or history program.

When the time comes for struggling, you can take heart that thousands and thousands of homeschoolers have gone before you.

They not only pioneered the way, but in the process homeschooled, nurtured and cared for their family.

You too can do this by taking time to look at some of these homeschooling pioneers, past, and present.

Do you know these homeschool pioneers?

{From left to right, Dr. Ruth Beechick, Dr. Raymond S. Moore, standing: Charlotte Mason, John Holt, Mary Pride.}

JOHN HOLT

One name written large in the history of homeschooling is that of author, relentless education reformer, and respected social critic, John Caldwell Holt.

Certainly, a pioneer in the homeschooling world, he is the author of Growing Without Schooling started in 1977.

It is no longer in print, but several of his articles can be found on-line and are worth poring over for encouragement. But also check out any books he wrote that you can.

Look at this link to grab some homeschooling roots and immerse yourself into the thinking of the past.

Click here to read Growing Without Schooling Resources.

CHARLOTTE MASON/CHARLOTTE MASON APPROACH

An 18th century British educator and a popular method of education that a lot of homeschoolers follow. She believed that education is “an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life.”

Some of her methods include narration, use of living books, short lessons and nature studies.

Click here to read Simple Charlotte Mason

New Homeschooler

DR. RUTH BEECHICK

Dr. Ruth Beechick was a former teacher, professor, and curriculum developer. A respected pioneer in the homeschooling world and now retired.

She writes for homeschoolers whom she sees as the greatest hope for the future of our society.

There are too many excellent books and curriculum to list here. You will want to add most of her books to your homeschool library.

MARY PRIDE

Because there were not many books in the 80’s on homeschooling, Mary Pride’s work is considered pioneering.

She is also considered a curriculum guru in the homeschooling world. Founder of Practical Homeschooling magazine, her books are still considered some of the very most informative. In addition to a long list of books she wrote on homeschooling, we have to mention she did all this with nine children.

RAYMOND MOORE

Often referred to as the “Grandfather of Homeschooling”, he authored Better Late than Early.

The Moore formula of homeschooling can be summed up as follows; high success comes when you pay attention to the individual needs of the student, follow their interest and allow them to mature at their own rate.

This is NOT a complete list by any means of pioneers or those that paved the way. 

Look at the National Home Education Research Institute Left, Right, and Online: A Historic View of Homeschooling.

By avoiding the “I’ll-give-homeschool-a-year ” attitude you are on the road to understanding that homeschooling is so much more than choosing curriculum or taking it for a test run.

Day 2 Homeschool Roots Matter Free 31 Day Free Boot Camp for New Homeschool Educators at Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

It is a lifestyle change and it takes longer than a year to adjust to any major change in your life.

Absorb the gems and pearls of thoughts from the minds of the past and the present and be determined to stay the course by watering your homeschool roots.

Other Resources for New Homeschoolers:

Day 2 Homeschool Roots Matter. 31 Days of New Bee Homeschooler Blog Boot Camp
Day 2: Homeschool Roots Matter {31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers}

Save

Day 1 Learn The Lingo and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp (& free glossary)

| 13 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today is day 1: Learn the Lingo of the homeschool world in the free 31 Day Free Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers.

Congratulations on your new beginnings as a new homeschooler. It’s an exciting journey for sure. I wrote this series well over 9 years ago.

Not only am I updating this free first time homeschoolers series, but I’m sharing some of the best ever homeschool resources.

For day one, I’ll be sharing why it’s important to start with how to find the information you need.

Day 1 Learn The Lingo and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp (& free glossary)

Many new homeschoolers begin their journey thinking the public school world and our homeschool world are similar.

They are not. You’ll need to know how to navigate the homeschool world.

And that begins with knowing new terms to you but that we speak everyday in the homeschooling world.

First, I want to share a story with you which will help you to appreciate that you have to have some skin in the game.

New to Homeschool

Have you ever heard the butterfly story? The short version is that a little boy runs to tenderly cut open a cocoon to help the struggling butterfly emerge.

Even though he had good intentions to assist the butterfly, the butterfly’s fragile wings never expanded.

The butterfly just walked around with a swollen body, shriveled wings and never did learn to fly.

Struggling was part of the empowerment and essential to the development of the butterfly.

As a seasoned veteran, I want to make your beginning less difficult with this 31 day free new homeschooler boot camp.

However, just like the beautiful butterfly which emerges from a struggle, your struggling with various homeschool issues will empower you.

Most people don’t want to hear that, but if you think about your parenting journey it’s similar to that. We do as much as we can to prepare for our first child.

However, nothing compares to the personal experience of raising a family.

As you emerge and face each issue, I want the topics in this series to be a soft place for you to land when you become overwhelmed.

The best way for me to do that is start from the beginning on what I feel you need to know.

Based on my many years of personally helping new homeschoolers and conducting workshops through my new bee program.

Who is Tina Robertson

But before you can appreciate how I can help you here are are a few things about me. Sure, this free new homeschooler boot camp is all about you.

However, you need to know that I’m not new to the homeschool world.

Too, I have 3 homeschooled grads. So I’m well past having my oldest kid being 10 years old.

But the best part is that what I have for you works.

Also, look at a few other things about me.

And I have a detailed self-paced online homeschool Kickstarter course. It is a detailed comprehensive course for first time homeschoolers.

That is enough about me.

This new homeschoolers free boot camp is about you. I’ve not only been helping new homeschoolers in person, but here at my site for years.

Let’s dive in because I know that your questions in the beginning focus mainly on one topic and that is choosing curriculum.

Having curriculum is viewed as the hallmark of homeschooling.

And I have much to tell you on how to select it.

However, I would be doing you a great disservice if I jumped right to that topic without building in you an appreciation of the homeschooling world.

You can’t come to appreciate all the facets of the homeschooling world if you cannot communicate with us and talk the talk.

Key to extracting answers to your questions during your journey is to use and know homeschool lingo.

New Homeschoolers's Glossary of Terms

So, I have a gift for you. It is a printable glossary of homeschool terms.

This will get you well on your way to minimizing the struggle and maximizing your time.

Day 1 Learn The Lingo and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp (& free glossary)

Be sure to grab the download of homeschool terms you will be hearing now and from on. They will help you get on the road to homeschooling and stay on it.

Day 1 Learn The Lingo and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp (& free glossary)

5 Days of a Homeschooling Co-Op
Day 1: Learn the Lingo – Then Go! {31 Day Blog Boot Camp For New Homeschoolers}
Day 1: Learn the Lingo – Then Go! {31 Day Blog Boot Camp For New Homeschoolers}

Save

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination?

| 19 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Anybody that homeschools has probably faced homeschool socialization interrogations. Also, look at more tips on my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter.

Today, I’m sharing about socialization in our homeschool world. Are we as isolated as some think?

First, I want you to hear my story.

Back in the covered wagon days like my kids think or at least LBK (life before kids), I worked with lawyers.

Socialization - A Homeschool Hallucination?

I worked as an assistant to prepare clients for upcoming trials.

See, I’ve always been in preparedness mode.

I took pride in preparing the lawyers for objections from the opposing side.

And I always tried to think outside of the box for one-liners and comebacks when they were needed.

When it comes to homeschool socialization, I feel the same way.

In many ways it is similar to a battle or drama that is always brewing.

Get Those Kids Out of the House

You know what I am talking about.

Maybe you have gotten similar statements  –  ”homeschoolers are a bunch of holy roly weirdos”, “they’re just weird” or “Mom, those kids are gonna have to get out of the house sometimes”. 

I’m sure you have some to add.

Looking back at my LBK days, I probably enjoyed the process of preparing for those far-fetched objections just as much as actually assisting in the courtroom.

Oh sure, once in a while I may have a quick comeback or I might shock astound folks with my quick wit (shock myself too).

But most of the time preparation is key to giving a good defense to the dreaded socialization issue.

It has been facing homeschoolers from the time they mouth the words: “I’m  homeschooling”.

First, comes the silent strong look from even complete strangers.

Grab My Book on How to Homeschool

Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is a real eye-opener on homeschooling. It will alleviate a lot of the anxieties about getting started homeschooling.

They might as well just say what is on their mind.

It is written all over their face and then comes the blanket statement, which by the way is obvious that they have not researched this topic well.

Each year many new homeschoolers join the ranks with us in homeschooling.

And because we don’t want to be among the ones that are not well-researched,  we need to take the time to get a clear cut picture of the meaning or definition of socialization.

Too, it’s hard to be prepared for something that we are not clear on.

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination

Getting the full flavor of these words, I chose not to use a free definition found online.

Take a glance at these definitions that I took from The New Oxford American Dictionary- Second Edition, which is my dictionary here at my home.

Sociable –  willing to talk and engage in activities with other people: friendly

Socialize – 1. mix socially with others 2. make someone behave in a way that is acceptable to their society 3. organize according to the principles of socialism.

See a problem with the definitions? 

We certainly don’t want to defend something that we are against because we are not using society’s measure on education or values.

However, probably all of us want our children to be willing to engage in friendly activities with other people and be genuine, compassionate, and caring.

For the most part, we have to assume too that most people think we hide under rocks and come out only at night time and that normally is the thinking that we are defending.

From “Catty” to Congenial Comments

So in the spirit of preparation and not condemnation and because I always want to say “it looks like a prison to me” which is probably not the most gracious reply to someone in public school,  I have created a list of one-liners and comebacks.

Here is the question/statement: So why do you homeschool and what about socialization? You are sheltering your children.

  • I homeschool because I want my kids socialized.
  • I want my kids to get along with all kinds of people.
  • We choose to participate in activities with others because we want our kids to accept people of varying backgrounds and ages.
  • My proof is in the pudding- – would you like to see my lesson plans for the week?

How to Answer Others

Also, look at three more

  • I am seriously considering cutting back some activities because our week is bulging with social activities and I need time to be at home.
  • I want my children to be around people who model respect, are considerate and well-spoken. What is learned from an early age will be emulated when they are older and around others that are not respectful or considerate.
  • Yes, you are right.  I am sheltering my children. I won’t be able to do it forever, but I can do it as long as I can and help them to become strong in their faith and values. Seems like what any good parent would do.

And as you can see there is no shortage of ways to reply.

  • Yes, have you heard of the most recent (insert here: bullying charge, teacher misconduct, shooting or drug raid) at public school.
  • Sometimes I think we overthink this, what happened to the days when people just got kids together and they played without worrying if they were socialized or not?
  • Yes, we homeschool because faith matters and I think of this scripture (insert your favorite one here about “dealings with stupid or foolish people” or “training children”).

Homeschool Socialization Situations & Opportunities

  • Each family has to decide what is best for them because even within each family, children are very different.  I have one child that thrives with friends so I can plan sleep overs and lots of meet ups and parties. And I have one child that does not need his emotional tank filled with tons of friends so I can satisfy his need for quiet time and to be with less people.
  • Would you like to come and be a visitor at our school? (Of course this is meant for a well-meaning relative or close friend that you know.)
  • I prefer that my children’s learning time not be interrupted because others do not know how to behave.
  • We homeschool for medical reasons.

Do you see a few you can use?

If you were to ask me before I started homeschooling how much I worried about socialization,  my answer would be zero, zip and none.

The problem with this scenario is that I am not homeschooling somewhere on paradise island by myself.

And because we mix and mingle with other people, like you, I get my fair share of second-guessers, naysayers, and plain ole negative nellies.

Gradually folks like that can chip away at your armor and doubt can set in about your decision.

What you need now is concrete proof that we come out from under our rock and caves and that our children are actually very socially adapted.

Social Activities For Homeschoolers

Dare I say they are friendly and some of us actually like people.

Look at these opportunities for homeschool socialization and how we learned with others.

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

Fall is a great time to be outside and to be with othes.

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

Anytime is great for visiting your local police department.

Early Years – Fall Activities and Community Helpers

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

And studying about Native Americans and making your own leather wear is so fun.

 Native Americans

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

Of course some of the best times are when you can see other family’s pets.

Homeschool Socialization 

Amphibians and Reptiles

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

Also, heading outdoors for a Westward Ho co-op is really fun with others.

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

 Westward Hoooo

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

And a rainforest co-op is just no fun unless you have all the rainforest food.

Amazon Rain Forest

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

 The European Renaissance

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

Homeschooling and Socialization

 Early American History

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination? You’ve homeschooled for any length of time either yourself or your friends have been posed with the BIG S question. How about socialization? And aren’t we just those homeschooling weirdos. Maybe so. Homeschooling certainly hasn’t been the easiest path, but I’m grateful I did jump on the bandwagon and since then I have since met many really amazing families and have seen the success they have had educating and raising healthy children.

 Ancient Empires/Civilizations

Too, I have never lacked for words when asked about our homeschool socialization opportunities.

However, I have not always been proud of my quick temper.

I know it stems from a place deep down in my heart because homeschooling is a work of the heart and it is hard work on top of that.

Now, I can revisit this post each year and will be armed with gracious speech.

I still miss the drama of the courtroom, but then again I now have homeschooling naysayers, skeptics and Debbie downers to prepare for.

I hope this helps you to be armed for this school year and that others will be astounded at your quick wit and preparation too.

MORE HOMESCHOOL SOCIALIZATION TIPS

Look at my other articles here and grab yourself some more one-liners, comebacks and gracious sayings

How do you handle your reply?

Socialization - A Homeschool Hallucination?

This blog hop is organized by iHomeschool Network.

Hugs and love ya,

Signature T

How To Start Homeschooling the Easy No Stress Way (Maybe)

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

Choosing how to start homeschooling can be easy or like me you may have to have a second chance to get it right. Also, you’ll love tips on my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter.

Your whys that inspired you to start homeschooling are significant.

My mother homeschooled my youngest sister and you’d think I should have learned from her grit. I did – that is until it came time to actually start.

My second chance came over 20+ years ago and after I pulled out my first homeschooled son in Kindergarten, I came away determined to make homeschooling work this time.

Although tears were streaming down my cheeks, I was in fear of messing up my first kid and my younger kids for life.

How To Start Homeschooling the Easy No Stress Way (Maybe)

Turn 3 Homeschool Wrongs to Wins

I knew that having a second chance meant I could try things differently or repeat what I did wrong. Why do we keep repeating what is not working? (no need to answer that)

Look at these three homeschool wrongs you can win your first or second year IF you don’t do what I did:

ONE/

Wrong: I focused first on curriculum. Right: I needed techniques to conquer fear or at least manage it.

As much as I wanted fairy dust of seasoned homeschooling tips to shower down on me, the truth of it is I had to take time to read about homeschooling. I couldn’t just trust that it was the best decision ever for my mom.

I had to OWN it. I had to make it the BEST decision ever for MY family. I took a few months to start reading a whole list of homeschooling how-to books.

TWO/

Wrong: I focused first on friends or socialization for my kid. Right: Finding a support system for myself is the start point.

Another huge mistake was thinking I had to immediately find opportunities for my son to socialize. That has always been important to me.

What I didn’t fully appreciate was that I had my whole homeschool journey to meet my son’s needs. It didn’t have to be done all in the first year.

I needed to focus first on finding a support system for myself so that I could understand how the homeschool world works.

It reminds me of those demonstration you can still see sometimes right after you board a plane. They explain how to put the oxygen mask on yourself FIRST, then assist your kid.

Homeschool For Beginners

Homeschooling is the same way. We have the order reversed by focusing on our kids’ needs instead of the needs of the new homeschool educator.

THIRD/

Wrong: I focused first on homeschooling. Right: Understand what is deschooling, how to do it, and when to do it.

Buying curriculum, setting up a room that looked somewhat school-ish, and doing a workbook is what most new homeschoolers view as homeschooling.

What I learned was that we don’t have to sat at a desk with our nose in a book every day of the week. Deschooling is not just for new homeschoolers whose kids may have never been to public school, but it’s for the parents too.

We can bring our public school-ish ways home and try to mimic a system that we left and wasn’t working for us. We need to know how to step back from that mindset and dig deep to find our why to starting homeschooling.

Online New Homeschooler Boot Camp

After homeschooling over 20+ years and because I struggle so in the beginning, I wrote a program for new homeschoolers. Not only did I write a program, I led a workshop with newbees for years in Texas.

My online self-paced Kick Starter for s a two-pher for you. You not only get my personal experience with three homeschooled grads, but you get my experience in helping hundreds of new homeschoolers successfully navigate the homeschool waters.

The Homeschool KickStarter Taking First-Time Homeschoolers from Fear to Freedom is a 6 to 8 week online course where you view video workshops at your leisure while you receive personal coaching from me via a private facebook group. I know you’ll benefit from taking time first for the new homeschool educator.

How To Start Homeschooling the Easy No Stress Way (Maybe)

You’ll love these other tips to help you stay the homeschool course:

Hugs and love ya,

How to Start Homeschooling the Easy No Stress Way (Maybe)

A 20+ Year Homeschool Mom’s 5 TOP Tips for First Time Homeschoolers

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

Nothing compares to being equally excited and equally needing encouragement than beginning to homeschool. In my 5 top tips for first-time homeschoolers, you’ll get my BEST tips in my 25 years of homeschooling.

Oh sure, I have way more to tell you, but this is about the TOP tips’ you don’t get weighed down with too much information.

Too, in conducting in person workshops with new homeschoolers for 10 years, my set of tips will look different than many you read. Why? They work.

And it’s hard to get all your concerns answered for the next year in one or two conversations with a seasoned veteran.

Don’t miss opportunities to discuss with others, but take time to educate yourself as well.

See, what happens is that first-time homeschoolers can overcomplicate the beginning. How? You can bring rigid standards on you and your kids which are not implemented by your local law.

A 20+ Year Homeschool Mom's 5 TOP Tips for First Time Homeschoolers

First Time Homeschooler

Over scheduling, over buying, over planning can be avoided by know exactly how to meet your state law. After that, it’s freedom to set up your day like you choose. Do NOT begin by buying curriculum just yet but by being familiar with your local law.

Look at my 5 top tips for first-time homeschoolers.

1. Knowing your local law is not enough as many veterans tout.
You need to know how to meet it EASILY.

For example, if you live in a state with less laws and not much record keeping required, you can choose what is best for your children. If you live in a state with more stringent record keeping, then you can easily meet that law by using laid out curriculum.

See, other seasoned veterans may say you don’t need curriculum at all. Eventually, that could be your goal.

However, for your first year when you have so many things to adjust to, it can be less stressful to follow a laid our plain and tweak it to suit you.

HSLD which has a clickable map to explain your local homeschool law is a good place to start.
Too, you can comment here, and I WILL reply and help you understand that part first.

Next, homeschooling is a completely different approach than public school.

You’ll love my video What You REALLY Need to Know When You Begin Homeschooling where I take you through more steps.

2. Do not recreate public school at home and bring unneeded stress on your family.

I made this mistake when I started homeschooling. Although my children were all very young, I tried to run my homeschool like a public school. Remember there is NOTHING you have to prove to anybody.

It will take time to adjust to the freedom you get with homeschooling. There is a line between relaxed and rigid. Relaxed is not lazy.

I failed in learning that and sent my Kindergarten son to public school. A year didn’t even go by before I pulled him out and had to train myself to relax and trust the process.

New Homeschooler Tips

Then, over buying curriculum is the next top mistake to avoid.

3. Do buy JUST a framework of homeschool curriculum like math and language arts or use free online curriculum.

Most new homeschoolers feel more comfortable with laid out curriculum. Buying curriculum can wait until you have time to research it.

I have some ways to help you understand first how to choose curriculum.

My video How To Easily Choose and Distinguish between Homeschool Educational Approaches will help you to narrow down how to homeschool.

My point is do NOT buy a lot of curriculum in the beginning until you have time to get to know your children. Save some of your budget to buy the fun things or do classes your children are interested in taken.

Overbuying curriculum almost seems a rite of passage, but avoid overbuying.

New to Homeschool

Math and language arts are essential subjects needed all the way to high school. However, there are many ways to meet each of the needs of your children. Below I have some posts which will help to give you a starting point.

In addition, you can use free online curriculum until you decide if you want to purchase curriculum. Easy Peasy all in one by Lee Giles was created years ago. It’s a great way to start.

A 20+ Year Homeschool Mom's 5 TOP Tips for First Time Homeschoolers

Another one of my TOP tips for first-time homeschoolers is understanding how to deschool.

4. You ABSOLUTELY have to deschool.

It’s hard to deschool when you don’t what it is or why. Even families whose kids will never go to public school need to deschool. Definitions will vary; here is mine.

It’s the time to unlearn what you think education should be as taught from a public-school mindset and to be open to new, natural, and creative ways to teach your kids.

It’s realizing that taking your kids out of school one day and doing the exact thing at home the next day which wasn’t working in public-school is the definition of insanity (ouch).

It’s letting go and letting in something new in your life; it’s accepting the homeschool lifestyle which is opposite of the public-school lifestyle.

In short, deschooling is a tool both for the first-time homeschooler and long-term homeschooler. When you first begin to homeschool, you need to rethink your view of education. As you homeschool longer, you are subject to burn out and need to return to your deschooling habits.

As I mentioned even if your children will never go to public school, you still need to adopt your view of what is homeschooling. That takes time. The amount of time each family deschools will be different.

How to Deschool – Are You Doomed If You’ve Never Deschooled is another video I have for you.

If your kids have been in public school, you need to take time to educate yourself to what is available in the homeschooling world.

Sure, you can research, but through my many years of teaching new homeschoolers in person I created a course focused just on the unique needs of first-time homeschoolers.

If you don’t want to wait on the ins/outs of how to homeschool, look at my online self-paced KickStarter course. You’ll be in the KNOW NOW.

What Is Included in the Homeschool Kickstarter Course for
First-Time Homeschoolers

MODULE 1

 What I DIDN’T Learn From My Homeschooling Mother, But Should Have
(1 workshop & Printables)

Support is important and you should trust your ability to teach. You’ll walk away from this workshop knowing you’re capable of teaching your kids and why you’re capable. The nuggets in this workshop are golden for the beginner.MODULE 3

How to Choose Curriculum (Wisely)
(9 workshops & printables)

The BIGGEST mistake new homeschoolers make is buying curriculum without knowing how to buy it other than the looks good method. Avoid stress two or three months into your journey by knowing EXACTLY what to choose for your children.MODULE 5

How to Organize it ALL 
( 5 workshops & printables)

Finding balance with all the new hats you’ll be wearing and time management are not easy. Using the AWESOME sample schedules in this module and the step by step plan, I walk you through creating a routine or schedule UNIQUE to your family. Beginning homeschooling by stuffing it into an already busy life is not the way to begin. Did I mention as an organized person I have many tidbits of organization help sprinkled throughout the workshops?MODULE 2

Diving In (Leave Your Public School Mindset Here)
(3 workshops & printables)

If you’re struggling with your public school mindset or that there is one right way to succeed you’ll understand what it means to homeschool and why it’s not public school at home. Homeschooling is a superior approach for a reason.MODULE 4

Teaching the Stages of Homeschool 
(8 workshops & printables)

Jammed packed with great information on understanding the transitions children go through from PreK to High School prepares you to homeschool for the long run. Each learning stage is broken down for you so that you gain the best tips for how to teach and what to teach.MODULE 6

Facing Your BIGGEST Fears Not If But WHEN They Happen 
(1 workshop & printables)

There is a GREAT BIG list of wrong things you’re focusing on in your first or second year which will suck the life out of your homeschool journey.
Begin your journey with the wisdom of the past which has worked successfully for thousands of homeschool families who have gone before you.

Lastly, my fifth top tip for new homeschoolers is learning when to say yes and when to say no.

5. When to say NO and when to say YES is a must learn quickly your first year.

And it’s not easy to know when to say yes and when to say no. So, here a few tips to help you use your time wisely and focus on what is important.

  • When completely curriculum suddenly becomes the focus instead of your child’s needs, it’s time to say no.
  • Trying to right all the wrongs of public school by putting your children in every enrichment activity available is a huge no. You will have time to understand the homeschool world, but you need time with your children to heal. Especially if your child was bullied, has anxiety, or is flat out exhausted, your healing time should come first.
  • Say yes to seizing unplanned moments in your year to learn like packing up the books and heading to the park for a beautiful day outside.
  • Another yes is when your significant other has off from work, savor that time because it’s family time.
  • Taking time to educate YOURSELF is another huge yes. It’s easier and smoother your first year when you know how to schedule more efficiently, learn how to choose curriculum, and know how to teach to your children’s learning style. There is no need to take years doing that. If you want the fasttrack, I am here to help you through my Kickstarter program for first-time homeschoolers.

IF you have any questions email me at tinahomeschools at gmail dot com. I am here for you!

Look at these other tips you’ll love:

Hugs and love ya,