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New Homeschooler Help

Must-Have Best Homeschooling Materials for The New Homeschooler

May 7, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Before curriculum, there are homeschooling materials, especially for the new homeschooler that are essential must-haves to consider. Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter for more tips! You’ll love tips on my page Free Boot Camp for new homeschoolers.

This list is for any type of homeschooler even if you’re deciding what kind of homeschool family you want to be.

Must-Have Best Homeschooling Materials for The New Homeschooler

For example, there is Charlotte Mason, unschoolers, unit study families, eclectic, classic with every subject laid out in a box, or anywhere in between.

Beyond the basics, I like materials that can be used for more than one year by different ages and for more than one purpose.

 I like to get the most bang for my buck, don’t you?

Not included in the list are copious amounts of coffee, bubble baths, and chocolate but they are also helpful.

Additionally, I could continue adding to this list for ages, art supplies, science tools, sewing machines, items for organizing, and others but that is for another post another time.

I wanted to narrow it down to the very basics.

So, we are going to start with the basic must-haves.

And if you already have some of these you are ahead of the game and ready to round out your list with some other useful items on the bonus list that I still consider important for a basic homeschooling foundation.

Must-Haves for New Homeschoolers

Next, besides the materials I list below, here are a few more essential things.

  • Library card. While I do spend plenty on books sometimes if it is a book that you will use just once it is smart to just borrow it from the library, my sagging shelves are always grateful.If you do not already have one head straight to your local library and get everybody a card to check out books for fun and learning. Most libraries offer extras now too like checking out toys, instruments, DVDs, CDs, video games, and other items.
  • Memberships to zoos and museums are a huge part of learning for any age.
  • Annual passes to state parks and national parks.
  • YMCA pass if you have a location near you because some do a homeschooling class.
Must-Have Best Homeschooling Materials for The New Homeschooler

More Homeschooling Materials Resources

  • Day 14 Homeschool Supplies List And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp
  • Big Ol’ List of All-In-One Homeschool Curriculum (a.k.a Boxed)
Must-Have Best Homeschooling Materials for The New Homeschooler

Now, look at some of our favorite homeschooling materials for the new homeschooler.

Homeschooling Materials for The New Homeschooler

Grab some of these resources for new homeschoolers and homeschooling materials.

Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers: When You Don't Know Where to Begin

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. Reading each chapter’s highlights will give you encouragement, knowledge, guidance, and peace of mind to homeschool with confidence. The best part is that you’ll be educating the person who loves your kids the most in this world--YOU! Armed with the knowledge to make better choices in curriculum will empower you to continue the path of home education. Unlike many books based on one family’s experience, Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is also based on Tina’s many years of mentoring hundreds and hundreds of new homeschoolers at live workshops.When you don’t know where to begin Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers equips you to successfully homeschool your children.

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge

A good printer that doesn’t require frequent ink refills is essential. It may be an upfront investment but both you and your children can use it. Digital unit studies will need to be printed and it is expensive at office stores, when your child types a paper, for practice worksheets, photos for a scrapbook, I have the last version of this and just love it. I print with it quite a bit and have only refilled it once in the last year.

2 Pack Wall File Organizer

I know, duh right? But don’t overlook its importance and have a variety on hand. Copy paper for the printer, construction paper, graph paper, cardstock, watercolor paper, and even newspaper. Keep them where they are easy to get to inspire them to get creative as well as use them for everyday assignments.

I use this wall-mounted rack to organize our different types of paper.

World Map Tapestry Wall Hanging for Kids

A good map and or globe is a must-have item. Whether you use a box curriculum, unit studies, unschooling, or anything in between there will be lots of times and situations that you will point out states, countries, and bodies of water.

Geographic USA ScrunchMap, Portable, Easy-to-Store USA Map, Water and Tear-Resistant Map

If you don’t want to invest the wall space or money on a big wall map, these scrunch maps take up very little space and can be used anywhere. Honestly, even if you have a good map this is a great item to have anyway.

Thermal Laminator, 1 Laminating Machine, Gray

You can get a really good laminator for under $30. This is something that will last several years and can be used more often than you think. I have used mine to laminate things like flashcards and flat craft projects, awards, etc… It has been used countless times to turn consumable worksheets into reusable practice sheets for new writers, to make playdough mats, and so much more.

Electric Pencil Sharpener

For obvious reasons a good pencil sharpener should be on your list. While the kids should have cheap little manual ones too, an electric pencil sharpener will get a lot of use. For this item I say you don't need to go to the top of the line but don't buy the cheapest either, it won't hold up.

Magnetic Whiteboard/Dry Erase Board, 18 X 12 Inches

It doesn’t have to be a huge board that takes up half your wall, I think a 17”x23” or so size is plenty big enough. You can use it as a fun way to introduce new themes, vocabulary words, “announcements'' like field trips for the week, to demonstrate a new math concept, and so much more. If you do not have a dedicated space, it is still easily tucked behind or under a couch.

I also like to have personal-sized ones, that you can find even at Dollar Tree year-round, for the kids to use for drawing, practicing spelling words, family games, and other times.

Heavy Duty 3 Hole Punch

Go ahead and get a heavy-duty one, the cheap ones only hold a couple of sheets of paper and break quickly. This is another item that both you and your children will use to put together assignments, your yearly records, hole punching manuals for toys, games, and school-related things, and placing them in a binder is a great way to keep them organized and at hand.

Merriam-Webster’s Everyday Language Reference Set: Includes: The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, The Merriam-Webster Thesaurus, and The Merriam-Webster Vocabulary Builder

I know we can just ask our phones and have the answer right at our fingertips and yes I use it often but I still think learning how to look things up in a good old-fashioned dictionary is an important skill for kids to learn.

The Julia Rothman Collection: Farm Anatomy, Nature Anatomy, and Food Anatomy

I love and highly recommend, often, the entire series of Anatomy books by Julia Rothman. They are fantastic for science reference and have the prettiest illustrations with just enough information, while not comprehensive they are a good go-to for art inspiration, and diorama ideas, and make great field guides. One of the best features is that they can be used from preschool through high school in my opinion. There are currently 5 in the series.

Honey-Can-Do Rolling Storage Cart and Organizer with 12 Plastic Drawers

If you have a dedicated homeschool room or space these, come in handy but are especially nice for those that are using the kitchen table or couch to school. Drawers can be used to store school supplies like pens and pencils, paper, small board games, flashcards, manipulatives, and other items like that. or you can label each drawer for a day of the week and put your materials for each child in the drawer. When you're done it can simply be rolled out of the way and put up for the next day.

The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids

Learn practical strategies to make reading aloud an attainable family goal.

The stories we read--and the conversations we have about them--help shape family traditions, create lifelong memories, and become part of our legacy. Many parents can't get their children to become book-lovers. Other parents lose touch with what their child is reading.

Reading aloud with your children not only has the power to change a family--it can help your children grow into thoughtful, intelligent, empathetic adults.

Washable, Neon Colored Egg Chalk for Outdoor Play and Chalkboard Art

Vibrant & Neon Colors: Spice up your and your kids' creativity with our 6-piece multicolored chalk set! This chalk set consists of 6 different colors from yellow to pink. Ideal for games like hopscotch, tic tac toe, writing fun messages, or drawing bright, vibrant pictures.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: New Homeschooler Help Tagged With: new homeschool year, new homeschooler, new homeschooler homeschool curriculum

18 No Nonsense Tips For New Homeschool Moms To Find YOUR Family’s Groove

May 6, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have tips for new homeschool moms. Also, I have a 31 Day Free Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers page.

Welcome to the world of homeschooling.

And in my many years of helping new homeschoolers, the most important point for you to know is that you have to find YOUR family’s groove.

Besides, why do you want to repeat at home what you left behind in public school.

18 No Nonsense Tips For New Homeschool Moms To Find YOUR Family’s Groove

You’ll get a lot of homeschool advice and because I’ve homeschooled well over 20+ years I want you to sort fact versus myth.

Moreover, homeschooling is not just an educational choice.

Beginning to homeschool is a lifestyle choice.

That is something that some new homeschoolers don’t fully appreciate when they start.

Tips for New Homeschool Moms Resources

Also, I’ve rounded up some books which may help you get started homeschooling.

5 BEST How to Homeschool Books

I've rounded up some of the best books to help you get started homeschooling.

Homeschooling for New Homeschoolers: When You Don't Know Where to Begin

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. Reading each chapter’s highlights will give you encouragement, knowledge, guidance, and peace of mind to homeschool with confidence. The best part is that you’ll be educating the person who loves your kids the most in this world--YOU! Armed with the knowledge to make better choices in curriculum will empower you to continue the path of home education. Unlike many books based on one family’s experience, Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is also based on Tina’s many years of mentoring hundreds and hundreds of new homeschoolers at live workshops. When you don’t know where to begin Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers equips you to successfully homeschool your children.

The Unhurried Homeschooler

Homeschooling is a wonderful, worthwhile pursuit, but many homeschool parents struggle with feelings of burnout and frustration. If you have ever felt this way, you’re not alone! Most of us need to be reminded of the “why” of homeschooling from time to time—but "The Unhurried homeschooler" takes parents a step further and lifts the unnecessary burdens that many parents place on themselves.

Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakable Peace

Those who have made the decision to homeschool their children have done so out of great love for their children and a desire to provide them an excellent education in the context of a warm, enriching home.

The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life

Parents who are deeply invested in their children's education can be hard on themselves and their kids. When exhausted parents are living the day-to-day grind, it can seem impossible to muster enough energy to make learning fun or interesting. How do parents nurture a love of learning amid childhood chaos, parental self-doubt, the flu, and state academic standards?

Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom

Education has become synonymous with schooling, but it doesn’t have to be. As schooling becomes increasingly standardized and test driven, occupying more of childhood than ever before, parents and educators are questioning the role of schooling in society. Many are now exploring and creating alternatives.

18 No Nonsense Tips For New Homeschool Moms To Find YOUR Family’s Groove

Also, look at more tips on how to homeschool.

More How to Homeschool Tips

  • How to Plan Your First Homeschool Year When You Don’t Know How To Start
  • The NOT To Do List: 32 Things New Homeschoolers Should Avoid
  • Top 5 Homeschool Approaches New Homeschoolers Need to Know
  • Dear New Homeschooler – Are You Making this BIG Mistake? (I Was)
  • New Homeschooler – Mustering the Courage to Face THE 4 Homeschool Biggies – Part 1.
  • New Homeschooler – Mustering the Courage to Face THE 4 Homeschool Biggies Part 2
  • Top 10 Tips For New Homeschoolers – Curriculum, curriculum, curriculum – Isn’t that how to begin homeschooling? Part 1
  • Top 10 Tips For New Homeschoolers – When You Don’t Know Where to Begin . . . Part 2

Now, look at these tips for new homeschool moms and dads which will help you to succeed your first year.

18 No Nonsense Tips for New Homeschoolers

  • Deschool. Avoid the huge mistake of jumping into homeschool and not doing a detox of sorts.

Watch my video below.

  • Don’t recreate public school at home. You’re a family not a public school.
  • Be patient with your kid and with YOU. Beginning to homeschool is more than an educational choice, it’s a significant lifestyle choice.
  • Finding your own groove means to find what interests your child. Go beyond teaching the basics of learning and make homeschooling fit what your children’s passions and interests are.
  • Learning is a rite of passage, not EVER a race. So, slow your roll girl!

  • Spend more time finding your way than explaining you way or choice to others who do not appreciate your choice to homeschool.
  • Remember there is ALWAYS time for fun. Just because your kids are having fun doesn’t mean they are not having meaningful learning. Fun is part of learning.
  • Don’t compare yourself with others. You have to DO YOU. Homeschooling is about embracing the unique.
  • Curriculum is a help NOT the tutor. You’re the tutor. So, completing a curriculum does not equal mastery. Use what you need to teach and move on.
  • Take time to figure out your child’s learning style. Do not just pick up curriculum and expect it all to turn out well if you don’t know how your child learns best. What Are The 5 Learning Styles to Know to Form a Powerful Homeschool Foundation

18 No Nonsense Tips for New Homeschoolers

  • Unless a child has special needs, there is no behind in homeschooling. There is just beginning where your child is.
  • Find a routine which suits your family. I don’t agree with the bad rap schedules get. The negative part of schedules is when you create them unrealistic. Having a schedule your child can follow is essential to success. Just don’t make it the task master.
  • When you leave public school don’t look back to it to set your learning standard. You homeschool to exceed public school goals NOT meet them.
  • True some subjects you’ll have a weakness in teaching. Embrace it and learn alongside your child. If you still need help, the homeschool world offers plenty of help from videos, to online teachers, to 1:1 teaching by tutors and a homeschool co-op.
  • The only scary part is taking the leap. I promise!

  • Be willing to let go of what you think is education. My confession is that I was quite judgmental thinking educating my children meant strict days. There is a HUGE difference between relaxed and lazy. They are not even close.
  • Your homeschool family and children are one of a kind. Embrace that and be willing to learn from others but make your homeschool journey unique.
  • Read, read, and read. Embrace the challenge to be a well-educated educator. Look at my online courses for new homeschoolers at my sister site How to Homeschool EZ.
18 No Nonsense Tips For New Homeschool Moms To Find YOUR Family’s Groove

Take your first year one day at a time.

Keep in mind, unlike public school you have plenty of time to change what you’re doing and reteach what you don’t think your kids get.

However, you only have one first time.

So make your first year memorable for the right reasons. Get to know your children and savor the freedom of homeschooling.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: New Homeschooler Help Tagged With: how to homeschool, new homeschool year, new homeschooler, new homeschooler homeschool curriculum, newbeehomeschooler, newhomeschoolyear

How to Plan Your First Homeschool Year When You Don’t Know How To Start

July 22, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I’m sharing 4 tried and true ways how to plan your first homeschool year when you don’t know how to start. And having the right homeschool planner for your first-year matters.

You’ve left traditional school and your planning should now reflect your new homeschool life you’ve adopted.

However, your first year of homeschooling can be daunting for many reasons.

At the top of the list of concerns are how to find curriculum and how to plan.

How to Plan Your First Homeschool Year When You Don't Know How To Start

Also, knowing what is important now to plan your new homeschool year and what can wait matters.

In addition, you’ll want to make changes throughout your first year.

Why? Now that you’re 1:1 tutoring you will have an excellent grasp on what your children truly know and don’t know.

Homeschool Planning

First, this is the BEST piece of advice although some do not want to hear it.

How to Plan Your First Homeschool Year When You Don't Know How To Start

Do not buy curriculum – yet.

Not only do I want you to have an incredible start, but want to help you save hundreds if not thousands of dollars too.

So before you can choose curriculum, you need to understand where to find it and how to choose it.

The point I’m making is that it’s just as important to know what not to do.

So, don’t let doubts, fears, and misconceptions keep you from making your first homeschool year memorable for the right reasons.

Too, it will take time to not only learn where homeschoolers hang out at, but to understand the new lingo.

CLICK HERE TO GRAB THE FREE GLOSSARY OF HOMESCHOOL LINGO
BECAUSE YOU WANT TO BE WAY AHEAD AND NOT STRUGGLE

After you grab the lingo to understand terms in the homeschool world, look at these 4 best ways to begin your year.

4 BEST Ways to Plan Your First Homeschool Year

First, know your local law, but also know how to meet it.

It’s one thing to read it but quite another thing to homeschool with the nuts and bolts of it each day.

Too, some homeschool laws are very relaxed and a first-time homeschooler may want more details.

However, know that with relaxed laws comes much homeschool freedom.

1. Know Your Local Law AND How to Meet It.

On the other hand, some states have very strict laws. Again, be familiar first with your local state law.

You can find out your state law in two ways;

  1. Find your state’s laws on this page with HSLDA and/or
  2. ask me right here or email me at tinahomeschools at gmail dot com. I’ve helped HUNDREDS get on the road to homeschooling and stay on it. I can help you too.

Next, it won’t take long to understand what is deschooling.

I know you’re eager to get started, but taking just a few days to make your foundation strong will benefit you your whole journey.

How to Plan Your First Homeschool Year When You Don't Know How To Start

Not only do I have a wonderful video for you, but I have this post

2. Don’t Set Up Your Home Like a Public School Classroom. Deschool Next.

Taking your kids out of public school one day and begin homeschooling the next day is a common rookie mistake.

At this point, take time to change to a relaxed mindset and clearly understand how a homeschool method is VERY different from a traditional public school approach.

If you don’t want to repeat the same mistakes at home that weren’t working in public school, you need to know how to deschool.

Thereafter, you want to move quickly to understand how homeschool curriculum is organized.

3. Save yourself HUNDREDS of dollars by knowing how curriculum is organized in the homeschool world.

Having a basic grasp of the top 5 approaches, new homeschoolers can conquer overwhelm and tame the curriculum beast.

And my post Top 5 Homeschool Approaches New Homeschoolers Need to Know will help you get started.

Also, look at my online self-paced course Teaching the Stages of Homeschool. You’ll learn From PreK to High School, Learn at a Bird’s-Eye View of What Subjects to Teach & When to Teach Them

Finally, the best way to begin with choosing curriculum is to begin with free to inexpensive curriculum.

4. Begin teaching your children with inexpensive curriculum until you know how your children learn best.

As I mentioned the outset, you’ll have a better pulse on how your children learn best, but until you tutor you don’t know their strengths and weaknesses.

Also, I have my first time homeschooler kickstarter course.

Moreover, here are more posts t0 help you.

  • 5 Ideas to Kick-Start Your New Homeschool Year By Including Others
  • BEST Free Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum With A Gentle Approach (List)
  • It’s a New Homeschool Year and My Child Wants to Go Back to Public School
  • Get Organized – Rev Up for the New Homeschool Year
  • Free Middle School Science Curriculum and Magazine,
  • and Free Middle and High School Homeschool Language Arts.
How to Plan Your First Homeschool Year When You Don't Know How To Start
CLICK HERE TO GRAB THE FREE GLOSSARY OF HOMESCHOOL LINGO
BECAUSE YOU WANT TO BE WAY AHEAD AND NOT STRUGGLE

Resources in How to Plan Your First Homeschool Year

  • Top 10 Tips To Getting a New Homeschool Year Rolling
  • When You Don’t Know Where to Begin in Homeschooling. The 3 R’s for New Homeschoolers. Part 2
  • The Ultimate Guide for New Homeschoolers – An Easy Beginning!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Homeschool Planner, Homeschooling, Lesson Plan, New Homeschooler Help, Schedule/Balance Home & School Tagged With: curriculum pages, curriculum planner, homeschool curriculum planner, homeschoolplanner, homeschoolplanning, lesson planner, lessonplanning, new homeschool year, new homeschooler, new homeschooler homeschool organization, newbeehomeschooler, planner, planning

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

April 25, 2022 | 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.

  • How to Build Elementary Homeschool Curriculum Directly From Amazon
  • How to Build Middle School Curriculum Directly From Amazon
  • How to Build High School Curriculum Directly From Amazon

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.

Girl, I want to learn from a homeschool expert instead of taking years to learn the in/out of homeschooling.

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.

Girl, I want to learn from a homeschool expert instead of taking years to learn the in/out of homeschooling.

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:

  • How To Start Homeschooling the Easy No Stress Way (Maybe)
  • Dear New Homeschooler – Are You Making this BIG Mistake? (I Was)
  • New Homeschooler – Mustering the Courage to Face THE 4 Homeschool Biggies – Part 1.
  • Top 10 Tips For New Homeschoolers – Curriculum, curriculum, curriculum – Isn’t that how to begin homeschooling? Part 1
  • When You Don’t Know Where to Begin in Homeschooling. The 3 R’s for New Homeschoolers. Part 2

Hugs and love ya,

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Begin Homeschooling, Choose Curriculum, Homeschool Simply, How To - - -, New Homeschooler Help Tagged With: homeschool, new homeschool year, new homeschooler, new homeschooler homeschool room, newbeehomeschooler, newhomeschoolyear

The NOT To Do List: 32 Things New Homeschoolers Should Avoid

December 13, 2020 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Asking a group of seasoned homeschool moms is the best way to find out 32 things new homeschoolers should avoid.Also, look at more tips on my pages The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter.

I’m reminded of what my homeschooling mother used to say. You learn new things one of two ways. One is by example and other is by experience.

The NOT To Do List: 32 Things New Homeschoolers Should Avoid

Instead of learning the homeschooling ropes the hard way by having to experiment on your kids, learn how to homeschool from those who’ve gone ahead of you or from their example.

Besides, nobody wants to experiment on their kids, but it happens.

Hoping to lessen your stress of beginning new to homeschool, look at these 32 things new homeschoolers should avoid.

Mistakes New Homeschoolers Should Avoid

  • 1. Remember your WHY or what brought you to homeschooling. Write it down somewhere so you don’t forget when times are tough.

  • 2. Do not worry if the shiny new curriculum is not working. You can change anytime, even mid-year. Look at my posts How to Build Elementary Homeschool Curriculum Directly From Amazon, How to Build Middle School Curriculum Directly From Amazon and You’ve Pitched the Homeschool Curriculum – Now What?.

  • 3. Do not recreate public school at home.

  • 4. Do not overbuy curriculum. Use inexpensive or free curriculum until you know how your children learn best. Look at my posts Free Middle School Science Curriculum and Magazine, Free Middle and High School Homeschool Language Arts, and BEST Digital Homeschool Curriculum – Big Ol’ List.

  • 5. Comparing your children, your home, and your spouse to other homeschooling families is a huge joy sucking trap. Your family is unique and homeschooling needs to fit your family’s needs.

Beginning to homeschool with unrealistic expectations is joy zapping and it’s huge among things new homeschoolers should avoid.

Homeschooling Mistakes

  • 6. You don’t have to run your homeschool day like other homeschool moms although they may tout only one way works.

  • 7. Keep pushing curriculum which isn’t working is another big do not do.

  • 8. Thinking your kids will all learn the same way is another hurdle. It’s okay to use various programs to meet each child’s needs.

  • 9. Curriculum is a tool, not the boss. You are the boss.

  • 10. Do not jump into a rigid schedule. Give yourself AND your kids time to adjust to homeschooling. Look at my post The Sticking Power of a Solid Homeschool Schedule.

Mistakes to Avoid When Homeschooling for the First Time

  • 12. Thinking your school needs to look like public school with tons of worksheets and textbooks is another mistake. Your school doesn’t have to look like public school. Look at my post The Great Homeschool Hoax – Public School At Home.

  • 13. Don’t stress over the small stuff. Learning doesn’t just happen with a book in a kid’s face. Learning happens through everyday interaction and meaningful conversations. Take time to deschool and understand what it means for your family.

  • 14. Do not think you have to cram everything a child needs to learn in a day. Take it one day at a time.

  • 15. You’re not a one act entertaining committee. Sometimes learning is not always fun, it’s just learning. Constantly feeling like everyday has to be over the top fun is exhausting and can zap the joy out of the day.

  • 16. Don’t forget to ask your kids what they want to learn. It’s their education. When you have a willing participant in homeschooling, kids work harder and retain what they’re learning. That makes your job easier.

Homeschooling Potholes to Avoid

  • 17. Do not skip field trips. They are essential to bringing learning to life. Kids learn by being out in the world.

The NOT To Do List: 32 Things New Homeschoolers Should Avoid
  • 18. Don’t underestimate the value of play. Playing is the first introduction to self-education.

  • 19. Assuming homeschooling will be expensive is another mistake. You can spend as little or as much as you want depending on your needs.

  • 20. Know the difference between homeschooling and public school at home. Don’t assume you have to purchase a government based online public school. Look at my post Transitioning from a Public School Mindset to a Relaxed Homeschooling Lifestyle.

  • 21. Using curriculum because somebody else uses it is a costly mistake.

What NOT to Do When You Begin Homeschooling

Also, why do we focus only our kids’ needs when beginning to homeschool? When you focus on your education which doesn’t have to take long you truly can help each child meet his potential.

  • 22. Forcing socialization is another mistake to avoid. Over worrying how to socialize your kids is consuming. It’s like saying after kids graduate they’ll never make friends. Kids make friends through their whole journey and on into adulthood. Look at my posts Is Homeschooling Right for Your Family? Hear From the Kids and Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination.

  • 23. Don’t be a perfectionist. You’ll mess up, your kids will mess up. Tomorrow starts a new and fresh day.

  • 24. Homeschooled kids don’t need to be in class the same amount of time as public schooled kids. We simply do not have the same distractions.

  • 25. You don’t have to follow state educational standards. Knowing your state homeschool laws is the first place to start.

  • 26. Don’t give up in February because the winter slump is real. Spring will come soon. Hang in there. Look at my post 10 Biggest Homeschool Burnout Triggers (and how to cope).

New to Homeschooling

  • 27. Instead of jumping to buy curriculum, take time to know how your child learns best. Look at my post How to Choose the BEST Homeschool Curriculum to Fit a Child’s Natural Abilities.

  • 28. Don’t rush. Get outdoors and go to the library. Nothing has to be timed.

  • 29 Don’t be put off when it takes you longer than a year for you or your child to adjust to homeschooling.

Mistakes New Homeschoolers Should Avoid

  • 30. There is no need to rush out and buy curriculum. Do your research and if you can try your friend’s curriculum before you buy. Look at my post BEST Curriculum by Homeschoolers for Homeschoolers.

  • 31. Do not think it’s not okay to step away and take a break.
  • 32. Don’t write your lesson plans in pen. The first sick day and you’re feeling behind. Plan just a few weeks out.

And finally, do NOT think you can’t do this. You absolutely one hundred percent can.

You’ll love my book, Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers: When You Don’t Know Where to Begin.

You’ll experience one or two mistakes, but they can be minimized.

There seems to only be two mindsets when new homeschoolers start.

There seems to only be two mindsets when new homeschoolers start.
There are over achievers who are looking to right all the wrongs in a few months or under achievers who feel a rich learning environment just happens with no intentional effort of the parent. Avoid these two mindsets!

Neither mindset works, but it can set you for failure. Achieving balance is absolutely key in your first year of homeschooling.

Do you find you’re making some of these mistakes already?

You’ll love some more tips below about how to start homeschooling:

  • Transitioning from Public School to Homeschool For a Relaxed Lifestyle
  • When Homeschooling is Sucking the Life Out of You
  • Why My Homeschooled Kids Are Not Given the Choice to Go to Public School
  • 26 of the BIGGEST Gripes about the Homeschooling Lifestyle!
  • The NOT To Do List: 32 Things New Homeschoolers Should Avoid
  • Homeschool Confession – My Homeschool Mistakes
  • When Homeschooling is a Mistake
  • 5 Top Mistakes of New or Struggling Homeschoolers
  • Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination?
  • How To Start Homeschooling the Easy No Stress Way (Maybe)
  • First Time Homeschool Mom: Am I Doing This Right?
  • Is Homeschooling Right for Your Family? Hear From the Kids!
  • What to Expect When You Expect to Homeschool (25 Silliest Questions Ever)
  • Homeschool Critics: How Do You Know You’re on Track?
  • 100 Ways to Silence the Homeschool Naysayers (Maybe!)
  • 12 Easy Ways Homeschooled Teens and Tweens Socialize
  • Deschooling: Step One for the New Homeschooler (the Definitions, the Dangers, and the Delight)

Hugs and love ya,

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Begin Homeschooling, Homeschool Simply, Kick Off Your Homeschool Year, New Homeschooler Help Tagged With: homeschool challenges, homeschool joy, homeschool joys, homeschoolchallenges, homeschoolplanning, new homeschool year, new homeschooler, new homeschooler homeschool organization, newbeehomeschooler, newhomeschoolyear

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