10 Keys to Help You Go the Distance
1. Establish an anchor. Take time to write down your reasons for educating your children at home and when the waters get rough, and they will, go back to your reasons, and continue to press on toward the goals you have for your children.
2. Determine goals. Take time to think about what goals you have for your children. How will having them at home and using the K12 curriculum assist you in achieving those goals? Consider your present family environment, personality, natural abilities, weaknesses, etc. and come up with achievable goals.
3. Promote a team environment. Share the responsibilities of chores, such as, laundry, meals, dusting, vacuuming, etc. These are life long skills that should be a part of every home education program. Remember it is never too early, or too late to start! Assign chores and post them.
4. Plan a schedule. Take time to plan a schedule that works for YOUR family! It is generally not a good idea to try and imitate the brick and mortar setting in your home. Write down everything you want to accomplish in a 24 hour period, how much time each activity takes and then figure out what time you will do those. Create a schedule that works, but don’t forget to be flexible.
5. Create a life-style of learning. Look for teachable moments in all of the things your family learns throughout the day! Provide hands-on opportunity for learning, and go on fieldtrips. Have your students share with friends and family what interest them. Remember….learning is not about checking off the boxes.
6. Remember…Learning is natural. Your children came out of the womb learning, and you didn’t have to do much. You taught them how to talk and walk with little effort. Don’t lose that natural element as you include more structured times of learning.
7. Stay refreshed. Make sure you have plenty of breaks during the day, for not only your children, but you! Carve out at least 30 minutes a day when you can read a book, take a nap, or call a friend… be refreshed.
8. DO NOT DOUBT. Trust in your decision to educate your children at home, and realize that you don’t have to do every activity for your child to succeed. Studies show that a child learns best in the environment he feels most loved, which is your home!
9. Be consistent. Kids enjoy routines and actually operate best when they know what is expected. They also learn best when there is daily review. Consistency will help your family reach your goals.
10. Enjoy the process! Your decision to educate your children at home is kind of like running a marathon, it can feel grueling at times, but once you cross the finish line, you will be thankful for every tear that was shed, every page turned, every lesson learned. SO PRESS ON AND ENJOY THE JOURNEY!
