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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

How to Begin Homeschooling A Teen Lagging Behind

November 5, 2019 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

How to begin homeschooling a teen lagging behind is at the tip-top of the list for new homeschooler anxieties. Also, look at my pages How to Successfully Homeschool Middle School and How to Homeschool High School.

Whether your teen is behind because of unplanned happenings in life, sickness, motivation, or natural struggles, I have four solid tips to give you an easy starting point.

One/Why your teen is lagging behind is key to where to begin.

When my husband had a massive heart attack, my first son had just started homeschooling high school. He was going to be behind for a while because our family life mattered more.

How to begin homeschooling a teen lagging behind is at the tip-top of the list for new homeschooler anxieties. Whether your teen is behind because of unplanned happenings in life, sickness, motivation, or natural struggles, CLICK here for four solid tips to give you an easy starting point!!
#homeschool #newhomeschooler #homeschoolingteens #howtohomeschool

Homeschooled Teens Behind

Identifying why your teen is behind will give both of you the right mindset for a starting point. Although my teen didn’t want to be in that situation (who does), he knew that it was going to take him longer to finish than we planned.

Family situations like extended sicknesses can’t be helped and a positive attitude is needed first before moving on.

Practical Tip One: Don’t bring more stress than you have now by setting unrealistic expectations for catching up.

Put aside the regular public school schedule and be determined to school year round to catch him up. Even in states where you have to keep the 180 lesson planning days it doesn’t mean you can’t have make up days.

In homeschool we learn 24/7/365. Think outside of the box as to when your teen can learn and then create a doable schedule.

Practical Tip Two: Is he lacking in motivation? There is a reason for that. Success is tied to motivation and motivation is key to success.

The approach used in public school for teens is completely different than the independent model used in the homeschool approach.

You’ll not gain traction by bringing your teen home and duplicating the same process at home. It won’t work. You’ll get the same results you’re getting now in public school.

Motivation can stem from boredom, lack of freedom, continually focusing on what your teen is not good at instead of his passions and strengths.

What is needed first is dialog with your teen to help him understand why he is lacking in motivation.

Getting a Homeschooled Teen on Track

Instead of telling him what needs to do to succeed, you need to draw him out with questions.

Asking him questions about his future stirs his emotion and feeds his motivation to see that his success is dependent on him.

Benefits spark motivation. You need to draw him out to list how your new homeschooling lifestyle will benefit him.

I always encourage you to have him take notes and write it down. That way it’s not so easy to forget.

Your list of positives for homeschooling your teen can include these:

  • No forced schedule. A teen needs lots of sleep and learning can take place around the need for rest and good healthy food.
  • No constant pressure to take drugs or have sex.
  • A teen can pursue his passions and take alternate courses for subjects he will actually use in life. For example, some kids will not ever be math minded. Having a solid foundation for basic math with two years of math in high school may be good enough. You decide now as a family what will be your course.
  • A teen can take jobs that work around his school schedule.
  • Bullying and labeling are not part of everyday homeschooling.

Practical Tip Three: Make a list of the benefits of homeschooling. This is very important whether your teen agreed with the choice to homeschool or not. Benefits and payoffs for a homeschooled teen are huge.

No, he won’t have all the answers to your questions, but you’re giving him control over his future. You want him to learn how to have internal dialog.

You’re changing his future by changing the way both of you tackle this struggle.

Teaching Gaps in Homeschooled Teens

And yes, I know you want academic pointers and they’re coming, but this fine point is the difference between a homeschooled teen who tackles a set back successfully and one who stays crippled into adulthood.

Control over his future doesn’t mean he has to do it with no guidance from you. That would not be responsible for a child at any age. A teen especially benefits from your guidance – NOW. He needs you more than ever.

TWO/ Core or skill subjects are the framework of all successful education. Trim the fat by focusing ONLY on them.

Simplicity is the key to catching up and that means an easy workload each day is absolutely necessary.

Public school would have you think that 10 or more subjects is normal; it absolutely is not normal. More does not equal more better.

There is a difference between an easy workload and easy courses. I’ll mention some resources in a minute that will help your teen to sharpen his skills.

Core subjects (no this isn’t common core) are the framework or building elements your teen needs to succeed. We normally call this the Three Rs – reading, writing, and arithmetic.

The homeschool law in your state is your FIRST starting point because they will state which subjects are core.

That is ALL that matters right now. As you have time to catch up after the setback, you can add in other subjects.

More Transition from Public School To Homeschool Resources

  • Transitioning from Public School to Homeschool For a Relaxed Lifestyle
  • How to Cope Successfully With Homeschool Mental Stress
  • How to Begin Homeschooling A Teen Lagging Behind
  • How Early Should I Begin Homeschooling My First Child & Free Checklist
  • 5 Ideas to Kick-Start Your New Homeschool Year By Including Others

In addition, as you can see two of the Three Rs are language arts related. So it’s possible to use one resource to cover two of the basics of any well-rounded education. It’s that easy to catch up.

If you’re looking to begin homeschooling, my online self-paced boot camp may be for you. It will benefit the 1st and 2nd year homeschooler the most.

And of course I always welcome your questions. Click here to read about the self-paced online homeschool boot camp.

Practical Tip Four: The easy starting point for the basic subjects is your state law. Start with the required subjects.

Do not saddle your teen right now with everything to catch him up. He will not quickly progress and it can backfire because it will strip his confidence even more.

Bottom line is that the content information that teens need to learn vary from state to state, but the core or skills subjects are needed for him to succeed across the board.

Three/ Use homeschool resources that are not baby-ish and that equally speed up the body of knowledge needed.

The last thing a homeschooled teen needs is to be reminded daily of his struggle.

And although an all in one homeschool curriculum will get you started homeschooling, it can be better to piece meal the subjects your teens need. You get to the heart of the struggler quicker.

I have found some resources that not only shore up weak areas in the skill subjects, but that are not baby-ish. We have used these when life happens and when we needed to catch up quickly.

This first resource The Language Mechanic: Tuning Up English With Logic, Grades 4-7 is not only a super way to catch up a teen with the basics of English, but it’s fun.

It has short, but challenging lessons.

The best part is that there are examples that illustrate the humor in using English incorrectly.

Your teens will love the witty examples.

As you can see below in one page of the table of contents there are a variety of basic skills reviewed and it’s a multiple grade resource.

Another resource that works well for teens who may have gaps in their learning are the Quick Study Guides.

Organizing your teen so that he can quickly find the skills he needs without tons of time is how to keep the stress level minimal and encourage independence.

How to Fill In Learning Holes

Add these quick study guides to a notebook and your teen can use them as a reference or basic outline for a subject. Look at how to put together a homeschooled high school writer’s notebook.

Writing tips, English Fundamentals, English Grammar and Punctuation, Chemistry, Research Papers, Math Fundamentals and the list just goes on of these wonderful tiny power packs of information.

Also, science and history subjects are available for the Quick Study Guides.

Another quick and no fuss no frills resource to bring up math skills is the Key to series.

Each packet of 10 booklets or so is designated with a specific math topic/skill so that you can zero in on the math skill your teen needs to review or learn.

Four/Use Out of the Box Options – Accelerated high School, dual credit, Online Tutors and Online Videos are otherv options.

Bright teens may be lacking motivation because they may want to get on with their goals.

Dual credit at a community college where a teen earns high school and college credit simultaneously can be a great way to capture any time lost learning.

The student simply moves forward where he is at, but now has greater motivation for learning when he meeting his future goals. Check with your local community college for the criteria for dual credit.

Also, there is an accelerated high school program by Malibu Cove High School that been around for years. A teen can receive their diploma in 6 to 9 months instead of four years from an accredited school if you need that.

Four/Relationship is more important than academics.

Hear my heart when I tell you that when your kids are grown and gone, they’ll never fondly remember the academics. They will remember how you made them feel when you’re going through stressful times.

Whether you’re determining if your teen’s lagging behind is aptitude or attitude or he got behind because of sicknesses or general boredom in public school, your relationship with him matters the most.

Be patient to find the solution and quick to help him gain traction again.

And of course, if you have any questions drop them below or hit REPLY!

How to begin homeschooling a teen lagging behind is at the tip-top of the list for new homeschooler anxieties. Whether your teen is behind because of unplanned happenings in life, sickness, motivation, or natural struggles, CLICK here for four solid tips to give you an easy starting point!!
#homeschool #newhomeschooler #homeschoolingteens #howtohomeschool

Look at these other ways or tips to help you fill the academic holes:

  • Essential Life Skills – A Homeschooler’s Other Curriculum
  • Online Homeschool High School Poetry (No Teaching Involved)
  • A to Z List: Middle and High School Homeschool Electives
  • Get It Over and Done: How Do Homeschoolers Graduate Early How Does my High School Homeschooled Kid Get a Diploma If I Do This Myself?
  • How to Use Summertime to Put a Foot in Homeschooling
  • Gauging Homeschool Progress – Masters of their Material?

Hugs and love ya,

2 CommentsFiled Under: Be an Exceptional Homeschool Teacher, Begin Homeschooling, Build Character in Homeschooled Kids, Graduate a Homeschooler, Homeschool Teens _ From Teen to Graduation, How To - - - Tagged With: fearless homeschooling, high school, homeschool anxiety, homeschool mistakes, middleschool, teens

What to Expect When You Expect to Homeschool (25 Silliest Questions Ever)

July 9, 2019 | 3 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

When I started homeschooling I wasn’t prepared for the onslaught of questions asked by family, friends, and total strangers. Some questions were harsh and others were down right quite silly to me. Today, in sharing what to expect when you expect to homeschool, I have rounded up some of the silliest homeschool questions that you’ll ever be asked.

Homeschool Critics Want to Know

Hopefully, you can have your answers prepared when you get asked the silliest homeschool questions ever.

Okay, true some people really wonder, but homeschooling today is more popular than ever. So we wonder why folks aren’t informed.

What to Expect When You Expect to Homeschool (Why 25 of the Silliest Homeschool Questions EVER} @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Silly Homeschool Questions

We love talking about our homeschool style, but always find a chuckle in one or two of these questions.

  • How does he socialize?
  • Are they home with you all day?
  • Are they going to go to real school one day?
  • What about prom?
  • You can’t issue a high school diploma, can you?
  • When your kids are grown, won’t they get in trouble because they didn’t know there is real authority?
  • Do you have to wear dresses?
  • Do your kids have to wear uniforms?
  • What about teaching high school math?
  • What about extracurricular activities?
  • Do kids pass to the next grade? How do you know?
  • What qualifications do you have to teach your kids?
  • Are you going to at least put him in high school?
  • When do they start real school?
  • So, are you a teacher?

Don’t forget to grab my book, Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers: When You Don’t Know Where to Begin to be empowered and to be in the know!

  • Is it legal?
  • How will your kids ever make friends?
  • How will your kids learn to be normal?
  • What are you using for your curriculum?
  • When are you going to get him tested?
  • Do they actually do any work?
  • What grade are your kids in?
  • How can you teach your kids if you don’t know everything?
  • Do your kids have friends?
  • Do your kids get out during the day?

I’m sure you can add some more to this list even if you’ve homeschooled for a short amount of time.

Do you think this now adequately prepares new homeschoolers for their start? tee hee hee

What other silly questions have you been asked?

What to Expect When You Expect to Homeschool 25 of the Silliest Questions You May Be Asked as a Homeschooler @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

You’ll also love these other reads:

  • Homeschool Critics: How Do You Know You’re on Track?
  • How to Cope Successfully With Homeschool Mental Stress
  • Deschooling: Step One for the New Homeschooler (the Definitions, the Dangers, and the Delight)
  • Is Homeschooling Making the Grade? It’s in and the Grade is ALL Fs!
  • Transitioning from a Public School Mindset to a Relaxed Homeschooling Lifestyle
  • Blurring the Line Between Living and Learning When Homeschooling
  • Wipe Out Self-Doubt: 13 Ways to Show Homeschool Progress (And How I Know My Sons Got It)

3 CommentsFiled Under: Begin Homeschooling, Homeschool Simply Tagged With: homeschool, homeschool challenges, homeschool joy, homeschool joys, homeschool lifestyle, homeschool mistakes

10 Adorable and Lovely Ideas for Your Homeschool Walls

June 24, 2019 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I’m not saying you can’t homeschool without these 10 completely adorable and lovely things for your homeschool walls, but you may be missing out.

Besides being beautiful, they’re timeless. I wished I would have invested in more timeless pieces for my homeschool area instead of so many new and modern pieces.

Homeschool Room Favorites

Don’t get me wrong, I love the new and modern, but some of these things just scream childhood celebrations and homeschool memories. Too, learning is timeless; some things never go out of style.

I love, love all of these posters. You can get them either already framed or not.

I prefer the ones not framed because I don’t want the bottom with the text cut off.

10 Adorable and Lovely Ideas for Your Homeschool Walls

It seems like the frame can cut off some of the text. Adding them to a frame you buy when you have the posters in hand is better.

This is the Mineralogie poster and the Dandelion chart poster.

Also, look at the beautiful Mushrooms poster and Ocean Life Illustration poster.

Look at this awesome way to teach U.S. geography with this vintage USA Map poster and teach about Butterflies with this chart from times past.

Homeschool Wall Ideas

I love this perpetual calendar which I just purchased as MunchKing begins his preschool journey.

As he grows, this calendar will still be usable and never turns baby-ish. I wished I had bought something like this when my kids were young. I would have kept it longer. What a timeless and beautiful piece to use for years to come!

Perpetual wooden calendar which is perfect for homeschool!
{pic. attribution: © MirusToys. Please pin from original sources.}

Here are a few more timeless items to make your homeschool walls lovely. Look at this Plumes Feather Illustration and Color Wheel.

And this last thing I love is this huge calendar for the wall which everyone can see.

When homeschool life is busy, putting up a visual and beautiful reminder of your homeschool routine reduces stress.

{pic. attribution: © ShopSimplyPerfect. Please pin from original sources.}

Which ones do you like the best?

10 Adorable and Lovely Ideas for Your Homeschool Walls. Don't get me wrong, I love the new and modern, but some of these things just scream childhood celebrations and homeschool memories. Too, learning is timeless; some things never go out of style.

Add one or two of these beautiful pieces to make your homeschool walls lovely because learning is classic. Your kids will never outgrow these one of a kind pieces!

  • Top 10 Tips for Maximizing Space in (Really) Tiny Homeschool Spaces
  • 100 BEST Ideas to Organize Your Homeschool Area – Storage, Spaces, and Learning Places
  • Homeschool Organization – Why You’re Still Drowning in Clutter
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  • Dedicated Homeschool Room or Dining Room Homeschooler
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Hugs and love ya,

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Homeschool Space, Homeschool Tools, Storage, & Accessories, Homeschooling, Kick Off Your Homeschool Year, Teach Homeschool Preschool Tagged With: homeschool, homeschool lifestyle, homeschool walls, homeschoolorganization, homeschoolstorage, homeschoolstorage. homeschoolroom, new homeschooler homeschool organization, organizedhomeschool, organizedkids

How To Get Your First Homeschooled Child Reading

June 19, 2019 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Nothing is more thrilling than hearing the sweet voice of your first homeschooled child reading. Also, look at my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum for more tips.

That is something only another homeschool educator can fully appreciate.

Teaching my first homeschooled son to read set me up for success in teaching his younger siblings.

Twenty plus years later, I’m here to tell you the reading process is the same as it was then.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the push of the educational word into thinking that teaching reading has to be difficult or overly structured.

How To Get Your First Homeschooled Child Reading

Striking a balance between using play to teach reading to a child and using a developmental approach to curriculum to guide a homeschool educator is absolutely vital.

Here are six solid how-tos for getting your kids to read successfully and quickly.

6 Solid How-Tos Tips for Teaching New Homeschooled Readers

1. Understand the reading program parts. It has at least two parts.

2. Knowing the names of ALL the letters is not necessary.

3. Teach the sound the consonant represents; begin with the short sound for vowels.

4. Introduce consonants and vowels in a strategic order so a child reads sooner than later. Do not introduce letters in ABC order.

5. Multiple letter sounds should be introduced at one time.

6. Search play vs. structured teaching approach for PreK and Kindergarten levels.

I’m diving into this first point which is to understand the vital parts to a balanced reading program.

The Key Parts to a Beginner’s Reading Program

In the past I’ve shared what I did to teach my first son to read which was to purchase Dr. Maggie’s phonic readers from a teacher store.

What I learned from the Dr. Maggie set of phonics readers was that reading has two parts which are the very basics of any reading program.

One component is a systematic way to teach phonics and the second component is a way for your child to practice reading his new learned skill.

Both of these components I learned while using the phonics readers.

This is what I noticed in the readers and that will help you as a new teacher.

  • Dr. Maggie’s phonic readers had a book devoted to most of the vowel and consonant sounds.
  • The books progressed in order so your kid could start reading right away while learning letter sounds.
  • I learned that not only did a child need the introduction to the sound, but putting the sounds together to form words can happen right away.

A laid out reading program pairs a phonics reader with the sound being introduced. You can easily do that.

Look below at a few choices I listed for the two components.

Best Books to Get Kids Learning to Read

Create Your Own Reading Program
OR
Choose one phonics program AND choose one or more set of phonics readers.

Phonics Programs
Get Ready for the Code.
Explode the Code.
Modern Curriculum Press Phonics: Level A.
Adventures in Phonics Level A Workbook.
Spectrum Early Years: Phonics Readiness, PreK.
Carson-Dellosa Spectrum Phonics Workbook, Grade K.

Phonics Readers
Bob Books.
Alpha Phonics Readers.
Horizon Kindergarten Reader, Set.
Christian Liberty Beginning Readers.
Dr. Maggie’s phonic readers.
Free I See Sam books have been around for a while.
Free Sizzy books by Fun Phonics.
Dick and Jane Level 1 Readers.

Also, you can purchase a curriculum where your reading program is laid out. And be sure you’re subscribed to my YouTube Channel How to Homeschool EZ.

How to Choose a Laid Out Reading Program.

1. Know That Letter Names Are Not Important In the Beginning

The second point is to understand that your child doesn’t need to know the names of letters.

All About Reading Pre-reading

Although I drilled the alphabet and names of the letters with each of my readers, I soon learned that knowing all of the letter names is not necessary to begin reading. Identifying sounds of letters is the first place to start.

Don’t wait until a child knows all of his letters to begin teaching him to read.

Eventually readers learn the letters; they become important when learning to spell.

Besides, learning to spell is a skilled learned later. A child reads long before he can spell.

2. Why Teaching the Sound of Consonants Is First

Pointing to a plastic letter tile like “D” and mouthing the sound /d/, then doing the same with plastic letter tile “o” and plastic letter tile “g” helps your child to begin decoding right away.

By introducing the short sounds of vowels, kids learn to read right away.

3. Create a Strategic Order for Consonant and Vowel Introduction

Reading should be rewarding. Even budding readers understand the concept of intrinsic value.

In the beginning, my mistake was not having a specific order in which to teach the letters.

Teaching the letter sounds in alphabetical order was my mistake.

Teaching the consonants and vowels in a planned order which allows your child right away to blend sounds and make easy CVC (consonant, vowel, consonant) words is how to do it.

I concentrated on consonants used most often and introduced a vowel right away because every word has a vowel in it.

The vowels are a ,e, i, o, u and sometimes y.

At this point, focus only on the short sounds of a,e, i, o, and u.

Easy Reading Lesson Plans

Here is a sample of what I do.

  • introduce /k/ for c, /b/, /m/, /h/, /t/, /r/, /p/, and /s/ sounds;
  • introduce the short sound of the vowel a;
  • introduce the “- at” family; and
  • introduce the sight word “The” (more on this in a minute).

Can you see right away that a child can read the word “at” from blending the sounds?

Next, take each of the consonant letter tiles c, b, m, t, r, h, p and s.

Place each letter tile at the beginning of “at” and say each word.

Finally, tell your new reader that when he knows one word he knows many. Rhyme the words for him.

The last step is taking a word that he can recognize by sight like the word “The” and put that word in front of each word — cat, rat, hat, and bat.

For free lists, look at this page for free lists of sight words.

Because reading does involve recognition of some words without decoding, add the sight words in slowly with each lesson.

Reading easy sentences like “The cat”, “The hat”, and “The rat” gives immediate rewards. You now have a budding reader.

How To Get Your First Homeschooled Child Reading

Reading Pace Matters

Here is another example of a word family.

I choose another short vowel like o and I’m planning intentionally to create CVC words with my consonant choices.

For instance with the vowel o, choose the following consonant letters to introduce.

  • /l/, /g/, /d/, /p/ and “Go” as a sight word.

Review the consonants your child learned in earlier lessons and put with these new consonant sounds to work on the sound /o/.

You can now create these words: log, dog, top, hog, got, pot, rot, mop, dot, bog, and hot.

Can you create more? Make sentences like “Go dog”, “Go hog”, and “Go rat”.

Using the word rat from your previous lessons reinforces what he was introduced to.

Keep using CVC words previously introduced as you build his reading vocabulary.

Keep Your Reading Pace Moving

The next seasoned veteran tip I want you to know is that there is no need to study a letter a week.

A child can move a bit faster, but you don’t want to overwhelm a budding reader.

Each child is different in how fast you want to introduce sounds.

For example, when my son was four years old, he learned to read.

However, our reading time was in short spurts throughout the day.

Fifteen minutes here and there throughout the day are normal. Introducing at least two sounds a week is fine. Go slower as needed.

If a child is closer to six or seven years old which is still right on target for learning to read, you may be able to spend closer to thirty minutes before he is ready for a break.

As you’re introducing new consonant sounds, review letter sounds you previously taught.

Don’t be discouraged if a child seems to remember the sounds one week and forget them the next. Constant review and interaction with the sounds will help him to master them.

20 Best Tips for Teaching Reading and Spelling

Teaching at this age is like putting together a puzzle.

You’re constantly looking over new pieces and adding them to your framework.

Developmentally Appropriate Means Making A Child’s Development Priority

For many years, I’ve read dialogue back and forth between the camp of overly structured teachers and teachers who feel this age should be play all day.

I’ve learned that a combination of both approaches is needed.

First, understanding the natural inclination children have to play should have you include ideas for teaching reading that are play.

Too, the structured curriculum is for the teacher, NOT the child. Most new homeschooling teachers want a direction in how to introduce reading to their child.

Reading aloud is the single most important thing I did with all my children.

It teaches them to love words and by the inflection of your voice they learn to let their imaginations soar.

Forcing a child that age to sit at a table for long hours or do worksheet after worksheet does not recognize a child’s development.

Use teaching skills where a child learns through play while developing fine and gross motor skills is imperative.

The bottom line is that using a formal curriculum with PreK and Kindergarten is excellent as long the curriculum recognizes the child’s need to learn through play.

Learning Through Play Resources

Huge letters work great and you want to be sure you have lots of lowercase letters too.

Learning CVC words should be hands-on too.

Although these letter tubs are more pricey, if you have multiple budding readers you get your money’s worth. Using these tubs for two or more years with each reader saved my sanity.

I ordered these tubs and they’re perfect for teaching each new reader a letter along with corresponding objects which represent the letter sound.

More Tips for Beginner Readers

  • 12 of the Best Books For Beginner Readers Being Homeschooled
  • How To Determine The Best Beginner Reading Books For Kindergarten & Recommendations
  • 6 Boy Approved Books Which Spark the Love of Reading
  • How To Get Your First Homeschooled Child Reading
  • 10 Best Homeschool Phonics Curriculum For Kindergarten

I have more tips to share with you on learning through play, but wanted to be sure you understood how the reading process unfolds. Does this make sense?

Look at these other tips:

  • Awesome Reading Aloud Tracking Time Homeschool Form
  • What You’ve Got To Know About Teaching Reading Comprehension
  • 5 Easy Steps to Putting Together Your Own Homeschool Phonics Program
  • How to Know What A Homeschooled Child Should Learn Yearly?
  • How Early Should I Begin Homeschooling My First Child? (and checklist)
  • Homeschool Colorful Reading Journal to Motivate Kids
  • Teaching Homeschooled Boys How to Read – When to Panic!
How to Get Your First Homeschooled Child Reading. CLICK here to grab these AWESOME tips from a seasoned veteran and grab free phonics readers too.
How to Get Your First Homeschooled Child Reading. CLICK here to grab these AWESOME tips from a seasoned veteran and grab free phonics readers too.

1 CommentFiled Under: Teach Homeschool Language Arts, Teach Homeschool Preschool Tagged With: homeschoolreading, preschool, preschool skills, read aloud, reading, readingcomprehension

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