It was one of the last workshops I gave as a homeschool speaker in the late 2000s.
The workshop title was, “If Only I’d Known.” Today I found the envelope containing my old workshop cards.
My kids were already graduated. This workshop distilled some of the most important lessons I’d learned the hard way through our homeschool journey, and it seems appropriate to share them before I slip them back into my archive file.
1. Be careful what you say.
- Kids remember both the positive and negative things that come out of your mouth. And they will hold you accountable.
- Kids, especially young children, parrot. Don’t say anything you don’t want to hear coming out of their mouths.
2. Have a support system
- Regardless of how independent you are, you need a tribe of likeminded homeschoolers—”real world” or online, you need them.
3. Involve family members (especially older family members)
- They have lived history and can share it
- They can teach sewing, cooking, woodshop, auto mechanics…
- It builds relationships and lets older family members know they still have a lot to offer.
4. Don’t buy it until you need it
- You may never need that widget
- You probably don’t need a school room
5. It is the system-schooled kids who are being protected from the real world!
- Yours are actively learning how to live in it!
6. Worry and fear are destructive
- Concern can motivate
- Worry paralyzes and destroys
- Jesus said, “Fear Not!” That means we can choose to stop worrying
7. Field trips, games, etc., are invaluable
- The very things system schools don’t have time for are the things that often teach the most
8. Teach proper scheduling
- Extra-curricular activities can be both a blessing and a curse.
- Overscheduling causes stress
- Stress causes health issues
- Stress also causes strife, and the Bible says that where there is strife there is every evil thing
9. “Why?” is a reasonable question
- If I, as an adult, understand why a thing is a certain way, I better understand the thing
- Why should they do what you’re asking?
- Strive for significance
- If it matters to them they will put more into it
10. Know what you believe about education
- And know why you believe it
11. Know thyself
- Know what you will and will not do (being realistic)
- This saves you from buying things you’ll never use
12. God designed each person specifically
- Each has his own passions, strengths, talents, skills…
- Bring each child up in the way he should go
- Allow time, and provide resources
13. Every child is different
- Prime Example: Learning styles
- Strengths & Weaknesses
- Don’t expect your child to be strong in every area
14. It is not a crime to toss non-working curriculum
- Let me say it again, it is OK to toss curriculum that isn’t working for your child or family
15. Change is a fact of life
- Don’t feel guilty about changing curriculum, approaches, schedules..
- Where are things written in stone? In the graveyard
16. There are many ways to teach and learn
- Use what works for you and yours
- Don’t assume that what works for you is the only way
17. Few teachers ever finish a book
- Typical Curriculum Book Structure:
- Beginning—refreshes the end of the previous year
- Middle—teaches new material
- End—introduces next year
18. Teach them how to learn and you need never worry about what you missed
- A man who knows how to learn can teach himself almost anything
19. Moments will be remembered
- Don’t be so focused on “doing school” that you miss those moments—Moments that teach special lessons, build character, strengthen relationships…
20. Learning Happens
- You can stop it, but it’s hard
Life Teaches
- Use life’s lessons, work with them rather than trying to force academics to overcome life’s lessons.
21. Even little guys can do laundry
- Life skills are vital
- Teach them how to help carry the load
22. Think REALLY long term
- What will matter 1,000 years from now?
- Relationship with God is paramount
23. Your responsibility is to prepare them for their whole life
- Spiritual walk
- Relationships
- Life skills
- How to learn
- Academics
24. Homeschooling doesn’t need to be expensive
- Get online and do your research. There are many ways to homeschool that don’t require expensive curriculum and supplies
25. “They say” is often proved a great liar
- They say you need to do things a certain way
- They say you must purchase _____
- They say children must read by age _____
- They say everything must be learned in a specific order
- They say you can’t let a child “get ahead” of his peers
- They say you can’t do this. BUT YOU CAN.
Homeschooling was one of the greatest adventures of our family life. Looking back, there are plenty of things I might have done differently—but I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything.
Celebrating Jesus!
Tammy C