10 Things Every Homeschooling Family Should Know
I’ve recently finished 3 E-books on homeschooling.
I’ve long fell in love with the concept upon getting to know 3 homeschoolers who impressed me with their character at their very young ages of 5, 9 & 10 years old — their understanding of the Word of God & their relationships with Jesus, their parents & their families, their above-par ability to go forward to speak or participate, and the genuine quality of their confidence & attitude in relating to people of different ages, status & nationalities.
I have seen beautiful children who are regular school-goers and I applaud their parents for their evident involvement in their children’s character formation, but I firmly believe that God has led our family to trek the road of homeschooling.
The Rigid Beginnings
Armed with a very few internet literature and some recommendations from other homeschooling moms, we began Pablo’s home schooling at the tender age of 2, primarily to aid him with his language development.
It started as rigid, having grown up in a traditional school set-up (my mom used to own a school) and practically ignorant about home schooling.
Later on, I began to seriously read and study the different approaches and the process involved. As I read more, I gradually eased up on my child and gave him more room to explore, discover, learn and have fun.
Reading helps a whole lot!
I really appreciate all the reading materials on the subject made available for us. They help us remain firm on our choices or prod us to reconsider some of it to better the learning atmosphere for our children.
Even as a preschool homeschooler, I have already encountered many critics and sometimes, a bit of pressure to conform to established standards. I don’t mind the inquiries of curious people who want to understand our whys somehow, but there are also some really annoying, intrusive side-commenting of people who obviously do not know what they are talking about!
Clearly still practicing the art of patience (for myself), I try to veer away from conversations leading to these senseless (and time-wasting!) exchanges. I’m assured that our children will grow up in ways that we have hoped, prayed, believed and lovingly labored for.
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” Hebrews 11:1.
Some of the sound principles that I have personally learned from reading up so far are (not necessarily in order as I’m typing it off the top of my head):
1. Every home school is different. Although families may share the same faith, each family also has its own accepted standards and needs that differ from other families. What applies to many may not apply to some. So know your goals, priorities and have a mission-vision for your home school.
2. Values, Habits & Attitude training is a necessary prerequisite to everything else.Having a good amount of stored biblical values, habits and attitude gives your children a good head start in life.
3. Know the law and what the state requires. There are ways to comply to the requirements set by the educational measurement institutions, in the Philippines, that would be Dep-ed or CHED, without having to sacrifice your priorities & goals as a family and your control over the education of your children. Chapter VII of The Relaxed Home School by Mary Hood gives a good overview of how to go about it.
4. Curriculum is a process and not a standard. Your choice of materials may vary from year to year based on the development and progress of your child. It’s senseless to stubbornly stick to your choice of materials if it’s not working for your child!
5. Be connected to your Center. Always pray, read your bible and never make decisions without seeking the will of God for your children and for your family. Letting God lead guarantees a stress-free home school experience.
6. Don’t stop reading & researching on literature on Home School. And share these materials with your spouse! It’s wise to discuss the ideas with him before you act on it.
7. Focus on the strengths of your children and give all that you’ve got to support their strong interests. Do not be pressured to sign up your children for activities based on a passing whim or external pressure.
8. Every child has a natural learning ability. What he needs are parents who sincerely believe that he is destined for greatness and will lovingly and patiently prepare him for it; not someone breathing down his neck on awards, stars, stickers, contests and other pointless external motivational factors.
9. Lead them to the joy of literature. Learning phonetics is not the ultimate goal (and is not the only way of teaching a child to read!). Let books be readily available and accessible to them. There’s no point in keeping them perfectly intact if they will not be read and enjoyed.
10. In making decisions, always ask yourself “why?” Double check your motivations.
There are still a whole lot more to ponder on but these are the notes that have moved us to re-evaluate & re-assess on our home school plans & activities. I hope that these notes will somehow encourage others who are currently home schooling or are considering it for their families. Happy Homeschooling to us!
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25 Comments
Michi
I agree that “Every child has a natural learning ability.” It is really hard if you are in traditional school because they expect kids to understand the lessons immediately, kawawa pag di makasunod agad. I’m not sure if I can do homeschooling. 🙂
Michi
I agree that “Every child has a natural learning ability.” It is really hard if you are in traditional school because they expect kids to understand the lessons immediately, kawawa pag di makasunod agad. I’m not sure if I can do homeschooling.
Renz
I have high regards to Moms who homeschool. I long to be one but I realized my focus gets derailed because I do have my own businesses to run and finding time or making time for the homeschool isn’t always going to be OKAY. And I’m scared I’ll fail.
I do after school study with my daughter where we learn and read together or if she wants to learn something she’s interested with.
May De Jesus-Palacpac
You can make your homeschool follow your schedule, Renz. In fact, you can expose your child to your business as you do work and it’s still homeschooling. 🙂
But it is indeed not for everyone and if it is, best to weigh the pros and cons first before getting into it. 🙂
Louisa
Homeschooling was a serious consideration and if my situation were different I would have probably continued. I have a lot of respect for moms who homeschool.
Pearliza Paguio
Sometimes I feel like crying whenever I’m teaching my eldest boy. Thank you for sharing some of this tips.
Nilyn Matugas
I salute all homeschooling moms! I am hoping I can do that to my son as well but for now that is something my husband and I needs to talk about.
Charley's Mommy
Im really curious about homeschooling but simce my roommate and i both have full time jobs, it’s kinda next to impossible for us. I admire your dedications. 🙂
May De Jesus-Palacpac
While I do not advise parents who both have full time jobs to homeschool their children, it’s being done. It’s a bit more difficult to accomplish, having worked full time from home for two years while homeschooling my 3 children, I would know, haha. 🙂
mhaan.a-ds
I admire those parents who were able to homeschool their children. I have been contemplating to homeschool my son since I learned about this last year. But I work full time so does it mean I have to resign from work?
May De Jesus-Palacpac
Not really. There are many homeschooling families where both parents work. The beauty of homeschooling is that you can make it fit into your current lifestyle. I have to warn you though that it’s more difficult esp if you have a young homeschooler because he’s going to still need you to guide him in his lessons.
But as they get older, since one of the goals of homeschooling is to nurture the love of learning and independent learning, they can usually get by without much of your help. So all you’re going to need to do is to discuss stuff just to gauge where your child is in terms ofhow much he’s absorbing and the accuracy of what he’s absorbed.
Maan Laxa
I know this is an old post but how very timely! I was just thinking about informal homeschooling and all the things I need to consider to fully commit to it. However, after a year of “trying” to homeschool, we think we want to try a physical school for Yuri. We’ll see!
Lei
I have high respect to mothers who decided to homeschool their child/children. This entails dedication and lots of love. Looks like it is not only your kid who’s learning, you are as well 😉
EINz
I’m definitely sure that I wasn’t made for this, I only set our ‘study time’ and that alone can drive me crazy! LOL
That is why I also have high regards for homeschooling parents, kudos to a tough job, well-done.
Lady Anne Louise Barrun
Since I heard many moms are homeschooling their children, I’ve been thinking if I can commit to this. Thanks for sharing your tips.
Meikah Ybañez-Delid
“Every child has a natural learning ability.” Agree with this! Wish you all the best sis!
Ma.Me.Mi.Mommy
I really salute you for homeschooling your boys. It’s always a battle with mine whenever studying is concerned.
Jem Alvarado (@esupermommy)
I admire moms who are homeschooling their children. I see so much love and devotion. I agree on #2 about values that we should read or give them biblical books with moral lessons.
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen
I also admire moms who homeschool because I know how hard it can be. I wish I can also do it but I can’t.
Cris Lato-Ruffolo
Because we frequently move countries of residence, my husband and I have started talking about options when our kids start to go to school. We have twin toddlers. I considered homeschooling as an option. Thank you for posting your views on this matter. More to think about. Cris Ruffolo of Reading Ruffolos
Gracie
These tips are helpful for newbie homeschooling families, like us.
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