I'm Thinking About Homeschooling: Part 1 - Now What?

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If you're reading this post, than I'm assuming you're considering homeschooling as a serious option! If so, congratulations! It's one of the most rewarding things you can do next to being a mother to your kids. They do go hand-in-hand. Both are very difficult and have their own set of challenges and both reap so many blessings and rewards.

When I started homeschooling 16 years ago I honestly didn't know where to begin. I didn't know where to turn to for help. I didn't know anyone who homeschooled, I had no idea how to turn on a computer and there weren't even very many books on the topic. I was lost! I wished I had had someone... anyone to give me a little guidance. If I could go back in time and give myself advice, here's what it would be.

Where to Begin

You might be asking yourself... Where do I begin? My suggestion is educate yourself first about what is the best way to teach your children. The majority of home schools do not look like a public school class room. That doesn't mean we don't have structure, most of us do the best we can in that area. But homeschooling is a way of life. Below's a list of books that I hope will be helpful to you in your search for a teaching method for your children.

As you read through these books, take notes and remember that these books are reference books. They are meant to be referred to over and over again. Once you decide what style will work best for your family, you'll want to start working on a plan and looking for curriculum. I'll discuss planning and curriculum choices in other posts later in this series.

What To Do With the Kids 

If you've already pulled your kids out of school and still don't have a your plan or method worked out... don't stress too much about what to do with your kids while you're preparing to homeschool. Seriously, focus on figuring out how to teach them. It might take you a few months and that's okay! You'll save yourself a lot of grieve in the long run if you take the time to learn what's going to work best for your family first.

In the meantime, keep lots of things on hand for your kids to do. Here's a list of activities to have on hand for kids to do when mom is busy. Please take your child's age into consideration when choosing from the list below. You also don't have to spend a lot of money. Be creative with what you already have on hand!

• First and foremost, READ to your kids often... not sure what to read?
• keep lots of books available for the kids to look through and read as well
• legos
• building blocks
• pick-up sticks
• magnet letters and numbers
• go fish (and other card games)
• abacus
• sidewalk chalk
• paper dolls
• finger puppets
• play doh 
• finger paint
• pipe cleaners
• beads
• flash cards (I know, not a toy, but some kids will pick them up and use them)
• puzzles (geography and other educational puzzles) 
• butterfly net
• habitat kits (ant farm, butterflies, frogs)
• model cars
• Add your ideas to the comments

Stay encouraged! There's a lot of support out there now for new homeschoolers. But first thing, focus on a plan for you and your kids. You will not regret the time you spend investigating all the methods.  

Upcoming posts in this series:

• learning styles
• choosing curriculum
• how to plan a school year