Advice To a New Homeschool Mother


Dear Judy,
I'm a new homeschool mother. We're going to start homeschooling this coming August. What advice can you give me and how do I get started? " A New Homeschool Mother"


Dear New Homeschool Mother,
I have homeschooled since 1985, and I have a completely different perspective now, than I did at the beginning, and I'm thrilled to share some thoughts and ideas with you. They are just thoughts, as each family is unique and will discover their own individual style of homeschooling.

First of all, Jesus is the center of your home and He should also be the center of your homeschool. Ask Him for guidance and wisdom and you will receive it. Make the Bible a big part of your homeschool curriculum all through your children's lives. Use the Bible for memorization, handwriting, grammar, spelling, literature, story time and every other subject you can.

Next, you must believe in yourself. There will be many who will try to discourage you. In those times, Satan will whisper "See I told you you couldn't do it." Your family might tell you  "it can't be done." School officials will tell you "it isn't legal." Your friends will say "how can you stand your kids all day long?" And neighbors will ask you "what about socialization?" Just remember, "With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

Research the many resources that are available and don't let them overwhelm you. It doesn't take a lot of money or lots of textbooks to homeschool. Your money is better spent on building a good home library than the latest and greatest set of phonics tapes, workbooks and videos. There are many curriculum suppliers who have discovered that homeschoolers are a new, gullible and open market for their "new" (really only renamed) curriculums. When I first started homeschooling we couldn't buy curriculum from the major companies because at that time they only sold to schools. Don't be in a hurry to choose and research what is available. Use Philippians 4:8 as your guide for choosing materials. The Adventist Home Educator Handbook  will be invaluable to help you choose your homeschooling resources.

Remember that homeschool is comprehensive. Your children don't just learn from books and workbooks. In fact they learn more from home economics, hobbies, learning projects, balancing the check book, business skills learned from lemonade or produce stands, caring for younger siblings or grandma and so many other ways. Be flexible enough in your teaching to know your child's learning styles, as no two children learn the same. Remember that the math books will still be there after the rainbow, new family of birds, or latest discovery in the back yard is gone.

Include the whole family in your learning endeavors. This is a family affair. Learning Projects are great ways to teach several children at a time. Grandparents or elderly neighbors can teach skills such as wood carving, knitting, cooking and bird watching. Dad can teach Bible and sometimes even math or science. Keep a year book or portfolio of your child's growth, learning and accomplishments. Have an open house where you share your portfolios, collections, handwriting samples, have a spelling bee or talent show and offer refreshments. Grandparents and other family or church members who told you it couldn't be done will be pleasantly surprised.

Relax and enjoy your children and their discoveries. Time passes quickly and all too soon they will graduate from your homeschool. Don't regret not having spent more time just being with your children and learning together.

Pray, pray, pray. Intercede daily for your children. Seek wisdom with all aspects of parenting. Cast all your cares on Jesus. He has promised "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee." Isaiah 26:3.

~Judy

© 1999 ~ Judy Shewmake

 

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