Tip 1. Summer break is perfect time to start. We began our homeschooling journey the summer between Little Buddy's first and second grade year. This gives you a great introduction to homeschooling while reducing any of the risks. Our thought was if we can homeschool successfully over the summer, we'll continue into the school year. If not, we'll still have time to enroll him in traditional school without him missing anything.
Tip 2. Don't worry about a school room. Having dedicated space for schooling is nice, but definitely not required. While we do have a school room, on any given week, we use it less frequently than we do the back porch, the barn, the kitchen table, and yes, sometimes even the car or RV. I do like having a space to put books and materials when they aren't in use, but really, our books go where we go.
Tip 3. You'll find a groove. It may take a little while, buy yes, you will find your groove. Not only are you learning how your child learns best, you are also learning how you teach best. The melding of the two is when you find your groove. Don't worry, it took me a while to find mine and there are still days when I wonder if I did. Then, the next day, sure enough, there it is again.
Tip 4. A year at a time. A friend who is a homeschool veteran and has been homeschooling for 13 years gave me this advice, "don't plan to always homeschool. Take it a year at a time. If it works and he's learning, keep going. If not, do something different." This sounds too easy, but honestly, it made my heart stop pounding out of my chest with nervousness over the decision.
Tip 5. Have fun. Yes, it is a serious decision you are making to educate your children, but remember to enjoy it and have fun. Not only will you enjoy it more, you'll be surprised how much more your children learn and retain when the are having fun. Reciting multiplication tables while doing flips or the boogie and reinforcing our grammar with Mad Libs has definitely worked for us.
Above all, pray about your decision. You'll know what is right for you and your family.
Good luck!
This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday.
