• Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Activity, Change, Progress

  • HOME
  • How to
    • Preschool
    • Kindergarten
    • Middle School
    • High School
  • Planner
  • Lapbooks
    • Trioramas
    • History Games
  • Shop
  • GET STARTED NOW!
    • Learning Styles
  • 7 Step Planner
    • DIY Best Student Planner
    • Free & Easy DIY Home Management Binder
  • Unit Studies
    • Creation to Ancients
    • Middle Ages to Reform
    • Exploring to Revolution
    • World Wars to Today
    • Science
    • Free Art Curriculum Grades 1 – 8
  • Curriculum
    • More Unit Studies
    • Geography
    • Writing PreK to 12th
    • Geronimo Stilton
  • BootCamp
    • Resources
      • Dynamic Subscriber Freebies
      • Exclusive Subscribers Library
      • Ultimate Unit Study Planner

new homeschool year

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

What is Year Around Homeschooling? Part 2

March 21, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I realized that year around homeschooling for my family meant shorter days, longer breaks, more meaningful lessons, less prep time for teacher to cover things “lost” during a long down time. Also, look on my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter.

And year round homeschooling meant a choice of vacation time that suited my family’s rhythm whether it was summer or otherwise.

What is Year Around Homeschooling? Part 2

Then the next thing I wanted to know is “How does the schedule look?”

What are others doing that makes it successful for them or a good fit for their family?

Next, look at some of these books to help you plan to school year round.

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.

More Homeschooling Year Around Tips

  • What is Year Around Homeschooling? Part 1
  • What is Year Around Homeschooling? Part 2
  • Homeschooling Year Round – Chaos Or Calm?
  • How a Homeschool Planning Calendar is Superior to a Regular Calendar
  • 4 Benefits to Planning Early for the Next Homeschool Year

What is Year Around Homeschooling Part 2

Here are some options for schedules that I have followed and are following:

  • 4 weeks on, one off, until spring or holiday times, then off for a month.

This I found was best for when the kids were younger, and I would get behind on house work and chores.

Too, when I was pregnant or just sick and needed more rest, this was a much more relaxed time since the down time was longer.

You can even take off a month during the holidays or springtime.

  • 4 days schooling, one day off during the week instead of one consecutive week.

(This is the schedule I am presently kind of following. I prefer to have “off” one day during the week that is not school so that I can re-organize, catch up on work, help newbies or just do nothing. I don’t take it off EVERY week but maybe ONCE every three weeks or so)

  • 6 weeks schooling, take off one week.

This will give you more time at any “interval” during the year where you may want to take off 2 weeks.

  • One month off for “travel” for science and history.

Here is the problem – although it’s a nice problem but is this REALLY off or are your children learning while you are going to museums, field trips and visiting Washington D.C?

Summer months we hit school harder because here in Texas, it is too hot to be outside too long.

We save being outside for milder weather.

We can actually swim here in Texas all the way through September. So plenty of time for being outdoors and have a “summer” it’s just not in summer, but in fall.

Keep to the regular school schedule. If this is working for you, no need to change something that your family likes.

Summer months hit lighter. (We did this for this past year as my past year was very busy with school and my husband’s work). So, math and reading only and mostly rest.

Cover only like or two subjects during the summer. I always cover math.

But some homeschoolers prefer language arts, but I do not.

I prefer to do some science or history or craft projects that would be more time consuming during the year. This way we can give almost the whole day to learning about it.

One year I just schooled until we needed a break, like 8 to 10 weeks and then took like 2 weeks.

This is also a GREAT schedule. It is very refreshing, and you feel like you can stay caught up during the year.

What Year Round Homeschooling is NOT

1. Missing making fun summer time memories.

This is plenty of time for that and to keep moving forward in school.

2.No rest for the weary. It is really just the opposite.

My husband can tell when I and the kids are finishing a break. I have way more energy and patience in dealing with the children.

3. Drudgery. Homeschooling is about life; life is about homeschooling.

If our life hits drudgery, and it can at times since we are just human, it just means we need a change.

Drudgery is something that seems to sap long time homeschoolers, so we need to re-focus and realize the blessings that come from a long term relationship.

Change can come with new curriculum, a new routine, less structured work or just getting among other fellow homeschoolers.

The “newness and freshness” of new homeschoolers, the EXCITEMENT that consumes their every waking minutes and passion they have are contagious.

What do you think? Have you given year round homeschooling a try?

What is Year Round Homeschooling Part 2

Leave a CommentFiled Under: How To - - -, My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas}, Plan For & School Year Around, Schedule/Balance Home & School Tagged With: curriculum planner, new homeschool year, planner, planning, yeararoundhomeschool

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

Day 28 Homeschool Mom Burnout And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

December 14, 2022 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, Day 28 is homeschool mom burnout tips and sanity savers. You’ll love the other tips on my 31 Day Free Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers.

When I started homeschooling, I printed out EVERYTHING and I do mean EVERYTHING that I had found on a topic that we were going to study.

I put it all into huge 3 ring white binders.

Oh, it was organized, but like I have said before my organization skills had nothing to do with knowing how to teach.

Before I knew it, my shelves were overflowing with “unit studies”.

Well that is what I thought anyway. In reality, not the world I was living in at the time, my shelves were full of torturing tools for my toddlers.

Day 28 Homeschool Mom Burnout And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

Over scheduling and over planning are the telltale signs of not just the inexperienced, but of those that do not know how to say no.

We are going to practice how to say no in a minute, but right now, I want to share some questions with you that can be used to evaluate your planning and scheduling when burnout is brewing.

Questions for Homeschool Mom Burnout

Mark this and come back to them anytime you feel tension in your routine.

Have I been home or am I on the road too much?

Have I forgotten how to say no?

Have I taken time to pray, and get spiritual nourishment?

Have I taken time to share my concerns with my husband?

Do I need to switch curriculum or switch out my children with somebody else? Okay okay. Or is it that I don’t need to have my children do ALL of what a curriculum is telling me to do?

Do I need to obtain curriculum that is more structured so I am more accountable?

Do I need to incorporate more fun and relaxing times in my day?

Have I forgotten that curriculum is not magical, accredited or teaches character? I am teaching a child not a curriculum. So a relationship, capturing their heart and a (serving heart) attitude toward my children makes me view them correctly and that is as “individuals or persons”.

Have I forgotten that a child is entitled to a childhood with free time to explore, investigate and have a separate opinion from mine?

I have already shared with you how to realistically plan for your day on Day 8: Organize Your Home – Then School and a simple how to on lesson planning Day 20: Lesson Plan or Lesson Journal.

But I have not explained the secret to maintaining moderation and balance.

It is a simple exercise I do with my newbies in my workshop.

And that is to put your lips together and say NO! Let’s try it now—-say it out loud: NOOOOOOO!!! There, you said it.

I know you may be just the perfect person for heading up the potluck dinner for your friends.

Or, maybe you’re hosting a baby shower, or leading that volunteer group this year, but PLEASE hear my heart when I say: Give Yourself THIS year to learn how to homeschool and do not over commit. 

Think: Are not my children worth the things that I let go this year?

Place a high value on your children’s education and for being there not just in body when they have a question, but with a refreshed mind.

Learn the homeschool ropes and don’t make it extra stressful on yourself by trying to be supermom.

We all try on the supermom cape at various times in our journey and then put it away back in the closet. Some of us try  to wear it constantly and wear ourselves out.

Change your homeschool mood by turning over scheduling, over planning and over load into overjoyed.

New to Homeschooling Start with the Basics

1 – 7 Start with the Homeschool Basics

  • 1 Learn The Lingo (& free glossary)
  • 2: Homeschool Roots Matter
  • 3 What is NOT Homeschooling
  • 4: Confronting Relatives & Naysayers
  • 5: The Wheels on the Bus Go ‘Round & ‘Round
  • 6: Homeschool Hangouts & Socialization Situations
  • 7: Tied Up with Homeschool Testing?

8-14 Homeschool Organization 101 for Beginners

  • 8: Organize Your Home – Then School
  • 9: Carpe Diem: Homeschool Schedule by The Day, Month, & Year
  • 10 Grocery Shopping Cooking Laundry
  • 11: Swoonworthy Learning Spaces & Homeschool Rooms
  • 12: Creative Storage Solutions for Homeschool
  • 13. Streamlined Record Keeping
  • 14 Homeschool Supplies List

15 – 21 Best tips for New Homeschoolers Choosing Curriculum

  • 15: Discovering Learning Styles
  • 16: Practical Tips for Learning Styles
  • 17: How to Choose a Homeschool Curriculum 
  • 18 Teaching Young Children – Elementary Homeschool
  • 19:  Guiding Homeschool Teens 
  • 20: Homeschool Lesson Planning
  • 21 Time Tested Tips For Homeschool

22- 28 Homeschool Preschoolers, Highschoolers, Resistant Learners, Homeschool Mom Burnout

  • 22 Homeschooling Preschoolers
  • 23 When Your Child Hates Homeschooling 
  • 24 Finding Homeschool Curriculum For Unique Learners
  • 25 Homeschool High School 
  • 26: Tips for Resistant Learners
  • 27 10 Homeschool Tips to Break Out of a Homeschool Rut
Day 28 Homeschool Mom Burnout And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp
Day: 28 Over Scheduling + Over Planning = Over load. {31 Day Boot Camp For New Homeschoolers on My Blog}

1 CommentFiled Under: 31 Day Blog Bootcamp for New Homeschoolers, How To - - -, Plan For & School Year Around Tagged With: homeschool, homeschool mistakes, new homeschool year, new homeschooler, newbeehomeschooler

Day 22 Homeschooling Preschoolers And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

November 1, 2022 | 47 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today is day 22 homeschooling preschoolers of the 31 Day Free Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers. 

You’re tough, you’re tough! You have hung in there with me on this series and this is the official 10 day countdown.

Before I started homeschooling I had read an article where it said that the major portion of an individual’s personality is well established before school.

Day 22 Homeschooling Preschoolers And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

Suddenly, my ideas of homeschool preschool learning changed because I realized that those years would form the very attitudes and patterns that would be lasting. WHOA!

And I had thought preschool was all about coloring and ABC’s.

Certainly, homeschooling preschoolers is so important because it’s the very foundation of all future learning.

Homeschooling Preschoolers

I knew that if I didn’t find a balance between easy going and exacting that anxiety, doubt, worry and fear would drive me to the public school. Guess what? It did.

Doubt turned to fear, fear turned to feelings of failure and feeling he was already behind in kindergarten, I sent him to public school for part of that year.

Let me tell you the rest of this story by telling what I did and did not do before I sent him to Kindergarten.

I did

  • teach him how to write and read by Kindergarten.
  • play, do crafts and learn music.
  • keep the roads hot and heavy by traveling to all kinds of field trips and museums.
  • sing nursery rhymes to him.
  • read from beautiful books and cuddle every day.

I did not

  • know, let alone worry about standards because I was blissfully ignorant about any kind of standard.
  • use a formal curriculum program. Brighter Vision Learning Adventures is a box that came each month to my home with a bright colored workbook, a craft, a book and music.  Mr. Senior 2013 loved it and I loved it too. It no longer is in business.
  • worry about socialization because we had music classes and gymnastics.
  • stop worrying about what is coming up in the next grade and this led to me sending him back to public school.

Looking back now and after the first few days of public school Kindergarten, I realized that he was way advanced.

Tips for Homeschooling Preschoolers

It’s true that children are hardy, I just wished that I would have aimed for soaking up cherished moments.

I didn’t know Kindergarten was about learning to read and write. I put extreme pressure on Mr. Senior 2013 to perform.

What I have learned is that preschool is just that!! PRE- means BEFORE school.

That is the time to focus on “readiness” skills. That is NOT the time that our children learn to hold a pencil grip correctly, but that is the time to train them to hold it correctly.

This is NOT done by holding a pencil, but by playing games, being outside and doing crafts that help them learn fine motor skills.

Children are capable of so much more during these years than we sometimes give them credit for.

Burnout out looms in Kindergarten or first grade because “formal school” started way too earlier.

You have to let go of the feeling that your child will be behind because you spent the day doing crafts, playing and reading and that surely there should be something more “serious” that you should be doing.

It is not easy to combat the thinking of the education world that early teaching has to be formal. Children learn by play.

There is a reason we learned all those fun nursery rhymes and that is because memorization and hearing word patterns is a skill set need for reading.

How to Homeschool Preschoolers

Mustering up the courage to take my son back out of school during his Kindergarten year was not easy, but I had learned a VERY valuable lesson.

No longer would I question what I done even in my ignorance.

The struggle empowered me to put faith back into the naturalness of homeschooling. I know not everyone homeschools for faith based reasons and I respect that in my workshops.

For me though it is the very core of my homeschooling.

Parents have been given the responsibility of educating our children and viewing it as the next extension of parenting helps you to meet the challenge.

During their toddler years and preschool years I have rocked, talked and cuddled and read to my sons and it has given them an excellent start to their formal education. Homeschooling with preschoolers is not for the faint hearted, but home is for the brave.

Will you meet the challenge?

Have you missed any of the previous post on this series?

New to Homeschooling Start with the Basics

1 – 7 Start with the Homeschool Basics

  • 1 Learn The Lingo (& free glossary)
  • 2: Homeschool Roots Matter
  • 3 What is NOT Homeschooling
  • 4: Confronting Relatives & Naysayers
  • 5: The Wheels on the Bus Go ‘Round & ‘Round
  • 6: Homeschool Hangouts & Socialization Situations
  • 7: Tied Up with Homeschool Testing?

8-14 Homeschool Organization 101 for Beginners

  • 8: Organize Your Home – Then School
  • 9: Carpe Diem: Homeschool Schedule by The Day, Month, & Year
  • 10 Grocery Shopping Cooking Laundry
  • 11: Swoonworthy Learning Spaces & Homeschool Rooms
  • 12: Creative Storage Solutions for Homeschool
  • 13. Streamlined Record Keeping
  • 14 Homeschool Supplies List

15 – 21 Best tips for New Homeschoolers Choosing Curriculum

  • 15: Discovering Learning Styles
  • 16: Practical Tips for Learning Styles
  • 17: How to Choose a Homeschool Curriculum 
  • 18 Teaching Young Children – Elementary Homeschool
  • 19:  Guiding Homeschool Teens 
  • 20: Homeschool Lesson Planning
  • 21 Time Tested Tips For Homeschool

22- 28 Homeschool Preschoolers, Highschoolers, and Unique Learners

In addition look at these other resources for homeschooling preschoolers.

Other Homeschooling Preschoolers Resources

  • A Unique Flexible and Beautiful Preschool Homeschool Planner
  • How to Teach Homeschool Preschool From the Inside Out (And Preschool Skills)
  • Homeschool Organization – Preschool/Kindergarten Free Morning Routine Flip Cards

Finally, look at some of these curriculum resources.

Curriculum For Homeschooling Preschool

12 Homeschooling Preschoolers Resources, Activities, and Curriculum

There is no doubt play-based learning is hands down the best way for preschoolers to learn.

You'll love some of these resources which can help you both teach and schedule if you want to do a bit more formal teaching.

Mommy, Teach Me: Preparing Your Preschool Child for a Lifetime of Learning

n Mommy, Teach Me author Barbara Curtis, a mother of twelve, shares secrets on how to turn everyday experiences into learning opportunities for preschool children. 

Before Five in a Row: Second Edition

Designed to be used with children ages 2 through 4, Before Five in a Row is a rich treasury of creative ideas that help you gently, consistently prepare your children for the lifelong adventure of learning.

Photo Credit: www.goodandbeautiful.com

Preschool Language Arts Course Set

Preschool Course Book, Preschool Folder Activities, Preschool Practice Sheets, Access to Learning Songs and Videos 

Pathways for Preschool

Encourage a love for learning as you engage your child in active, hands-on learning with this BJU Press Homeschool Pathways for Preschool Activity Packet! 

Horizons Preschool Curriculum Set

With the fun, engaging Horizons Preschool Curriculum Set, preschoolers are introduced to social studies, language arts, math, phonics, and science. 

Photo Credit: www.mothergoosetime.com

Toddler – Experience Early Learning

A bit more pricey but they provide themed kits each month.

Photo Credit: ivy-kids.com

Ivy Kids | Subscription Box STEM Kids Children Ivy Kids Kits

We have loved every subscription box we did in the preschool years.

The Montessori Toddler: A Parent's Guide to Raising a Curious and Responsible Human Being

It’s time to change the way we see toddlers. Using the principles developed by the educator Dr. Maria Montessori, Simone Davies shows how to turn life with a “terrible two” into a mutually rich and rewarding time of curiosity, learning, respect, and discovery.

Photo Credit: blossomandroot.com

Early Years Curriculum

Blossom & Root Early Years was designed to provide parents with a preschool (Vol. 1) or Pre-K (Vol. 2) curriculum that focuses on the development of the whole child. Each of the 36 weeks of lesson plans

The Giant Encyclopedia of Lesson Plans for Children 3 to 6

This newest addition to the best-selling GIANT Encyclopedia series expands the scope of the series by offering complete lesson plans. Written and created by teachers, The GIANT Encyclopedia of Lesson Plans has more than 250 complete lesson plans, covering topics from colors and numbers to seasons and nursery rhymes.

Slow And Steady Get Me Ready

Since children don't come with directions, a retired kindergarten teacher with over 25 years of experience wrote this how-to manual which bridges the gap between home & school. It is a money-saving preschool resource which informs parents & caregivers as to what they could & should be doing to teach basic readiness skills that are necessary for a child to achieve success in school.

Photo Credit: shop.busytoddler.com

Playing Preschool Year 1: Homeschool Preschool Program

Looking for a homeschool preschool curriculum for your child? Meet Playing Preschool Year 1: a new way to preschool at home. This is a 190 day program of hands-on, play-based learning. Themed units anchor the learning as children explore math, reading, science, art activities, and much more!

Save

Day 22 Homeschooling Preschoolers And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp
Day 22: Homeschoolers with Preschoolers - Truth or Dare?

47 CommentsFiled Under: 31 Day Blog Bootcamp for New Homeschoolers, Begin Homeschooling Tagged With: homeschool challenges, new homeschool year, new homeschooler, newbeehomeschooler, toddler

  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 7
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Footer

Privacy Policy | About Me | Reviews | Contact | Advertise

Categories

Archives

Tina Robertson is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 · 5 TNT LLC · Log in · Privacy Policy