A Short List of Pros of Homeschooling:

(There are many more)

-Fosters family closeness and good relationships between siblings

-Enables students to pursue studies of a wide range of topics that may be outside the range of a traditional school's scope and sequence

-Homeschooling can offer extremely individualized education.

-Homeschooling keeps families together instead of family members going off in different directions.

Homeschooling usually prevents peer pressure issues that often have such negative effects on children and especially teens.

Homeschooling usually produces young people that are confident, responsible, socially skilled, and productive.

Cons of Homeschooling:

-There are some opportunities that are readily available in traditional schools that are not available in homeschool. (The opposite is true also- homeschooling offers opportunities that are not available in regular school.) But with homeschool, there is always tremendous freedom because your children can learn however and where ever and from whomever. Parents can find opportunities for their children that totally make up for whatever they miss in regular school.

-Because homeschooling has become more widely accepted, many people drift into homeschooling that are not prepared for the hard work and restructuring of life that homeschooling may require. If the parents can not offer the leadership to help their children thrive in life which includes practical skills, social skills, spiritual training, academic knowledge and skills, then the children will suffer. Every family is different, so homeschooling is very individualized, but it does take effort and work from the parents. It is not a "laid back", do-nothing endeavor.

-I take issue with the often mentioned "con" of homeschooling: Lack of social interaction. I would guess that this is a problem with less than 10 percent of homeschooled children, yet it is always mentioned as a con! My experience with homeschooling is that homeschooled children have much better social skills than traditionally schooled kids. They usually know how to communicate well with people of all ages, not just their peers. This comes from not being segregated by age. They are around adults and children of many different ages every week. Homeschooled children generally have very good manners and learn how to work hard because they pitch in with the family chores so that Mom has time to teach and read aloud. Today, particularly, with the popularity of homeschooling, there are abundant opportunities for social interaction: coops, field trips, park days, church groups, and volunteer work.

-Homeschooling in high school can be difficult for families with unmotivated teens. (as I have discovered first hand with my youngest son). With an unmotivated high school student, you can't go on homeschooling as in the early years with Mom or Dad teaching or leading the child to learn on his own. My son got lazy. We wasted a year of school,  accomplishing very little. This year, we enrolled him in a homeschool tutorial that has classes that meet once a week. He still has the benefits of homeschool, but he has accountability to other teachers in addition to his parents which, in his case, was what he needed. He has become a great student with this tutorial motivation.

-Homeschooling is hard. It takes parents who are committed to giving their children the best education that they can and who continually seek opportunities that suit their children's needs. This means looking all around for those needed  sources -tutors, special classes, lessons, travel, field trips, events, seminars, videos, audios, books.

Our family (with 5 children) has homeschooled for over 20 years with success. Our oldest son is an electrical engineer, second oldest son is a mechanical engineer, third son is a business major in college who hopes to have his own business. Our only daughter is an English major who is a writer (almost finished with her first book).  Our youngest son is still homeschooling (mentioned above) He is thriving this year with the extra motivation of a homeschool tutorial.

The picture below is of me with Jonathan, (youngest son) on Mother's Day this year. He is playing his lute which he made as a project for his humanities study of the Medieval Period. The lute really works!

By Julie Simmons

Homeschool Classroom for Four

Avoid Homeschool Burnout...

I've heard it said that if you are new to homeschooling, and you haven't felt like crying several times in the first few weeks, then you are not really homeschooling. We feel the full impact of our own character flaws as well as the faults in our children.  Part of homeschooling is developing patience. Now is the time to adjust, to find better ways of doing things that aren't working out, and develop good habits while establishing a routine with a flexible schedule.

A plan and a schedule...

is of utmost important for getting homeschool done. Sometimes we plan more than we can possibly do. We must be realistic in our planning, but with creativity, often we can increase productivity in the time that we have.   There are a number of very good homeschool planners available for purchase that can really increase your productivity and help you keep up with the records, your homeschool schedule, and details of your homeschooling experience (No easy task). You can find many helpful ideas, forms, and information that puts your family on the right track.

Children's Chores

In order for a parent to be free to homeschool, many household chores must be delegated to the children. Summer is the best time to establish chore responsibilities and teach children how to do their chores well, but if it is not going well, the only way to fix it is to devote some time each day to teaching your children how to do their chores.  This will pay off in the end, but for right now, it seems to be a heavy burden. Don't feel stressed about the time it takes to get school days going somewhat smoothly. This is just a fact of life.  The whole process is a learning experience.

Help Your Children Develop Life Skills:

Learn to value the living experiences that your children are learning through as well as the academics that you are seeking to teach.  It is all part of a balanced life and preparation for maturity.  Many practical skills are essential for your children to learn and home is such a well equipped training ground for young learners. A favorite resource of mine that is a tremendous help to scheduling in a large family is Managers in Their Homes (MOTH for short).  After more than 20 years of homeschooling, I have never seen another product as helpful for managing homeschool and life for a large family.

Advice to New Homeschool Parents:

My advice to new homeschool parents is to give yourself some slack during the first month or so of school at home. Try to find enjoyment in the process.  Do not allow yourself to be stressed.  Maintain a sense of humor and try to keep the an encouraging atmosphere that has built in rewards for accomplishments. You must establish some sort of accountability program that all the children understand which will encourage hard work and completion of assigned tasks.

Incorporate an Accountability System in Your Homeschool Organization:

That's where an accountability system that includes checklists or charts are needed.  Such a system will have definite, predefined requirements along with planned rewards or planned withholding of privileges to correspond with the child's effort and/or accomplishments.

More than one of my children has expressed dislike for checklists claiming that they can get their work done without it. But Mom knows better. There is some laziness as the heart of every human being and that includes my children. They don't want a checksheet because it makes them have to work hard every day. If a system is used properly, parents are daily aware of what is accomplished by each child and make sure that the privileges or lack of priviledges that in contengent on their work, is delivered. This also teaches the valuable lesson of good  consequences for good behavior or or bad consequences for bad behavior.

One of my favorite verses that I remember when I am feeling stressed and burdened is "Come to Me all of you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest." I receive peace of mind when I leave the outcome to Christ. I must give it my best effort, but He brings the fruit, He accomplishes all good things.

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(Thanks to the Reed family for sharing their homeschool classroom picture above....Thanks, Heather!)

Read about the Simmons family's Year Round Homeschool Schedule.  It has built in time to de-stress and pursue your hobbies and interests.

Read how one family avoids homeschool burnout....a different approach.

And remember to avoid financial burnout by checking Best Homeschool Buys.com for great prices on Used Homeschool Curriculum.

Used Homeschool Curriculum Searches for Textbooks and Workbooks

homeschool classroom, homeschool, Pictures of Homeschool Classrooms, homeschool classroom pictures, classroom organization, pictures of homeschool classroom, photos homeschooling classrooms, homeschooling classroom pictures, homeschool schedule are some of the homeschool curriculum and other resources that homeschool families need. What homeschool books are you looking for? Go to our MASTER MENU or use the SEARCH box in the sidebar.

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The Old Schoolhouse has paired their one-year print subscription with the Schoolhouse Planner to provide you with the ultimate in organization and encouragement. U.S., Canadian, and other international residents can purchase these bundles for only $44--that's a savings of $20!

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I am  very happy to share the latest TOS (The Old Schoolhouse Magazine)  E-Book (about E-Books!) with you . . .
E-Homeschooling: Embracing the E-Book Revolution

This originally $14.95 value is FREE!
You may already know the value of E-Books for homeschool curriculum and records, but if you don't, the information found in this free ebook is invaluable to you.

This unique book will help answer the following questions about E-Books and so much more:
•    Why should I buy E-Books and what are their unique benefits?
•    How can I use E-Books with homeschooling?
•    How am I supposed to read them?
•    Can I get help creating my virtual bookshelf?
•    What can you tell me about storing E-Books on my computer?
•    What are some great organizing tips for E-Books?
•    Can you give me a lot of suggestions and ideas that I can actually use?
•    What can I learn about the E-Book market and The Old Schoolhouse®?
•    What do I need to know to publish my own E-Books?
•    What are some of the legal issues in electronic publishing that I need to know about?

Whether you would like to know more  about E-Books, or are already using them as an incredible resource, or maybe you just need  more information to even write and publish your own E-Books, you’ll be delighted by the wealth of information provided.  (After all, ebook publishing allows experienced homeschoolers write and publish curriculum and tips at a minimal cost.  These savings are passed on to the buyer and many times, you will come across helpful ebooks that are absolutely free!)

Here’s what Heidi Strawser, E-Book Reviews Specialist, has to say about it:
“E-Homeschooling: Embracing the E-Book Revolution is the most all-inclusive ‘book about E-Books’ that I have ever seen (and I’m not just saying that because I had a part in writing it)! As the E-Book Reviews Specialist for the Schoolhouse Store, I see a lot of E-Books cross my path each week. Even I was impressed with the ideas and suggestions that are presented here. One of the most valuable aspects of this E-Book, in my opinion, is the legal portion written by TOS’s own legal consultant, Susan Spann. This portion is well-written and informative; and a great place for new E-Book writers to begin. From there, I’d encourage writers to check out my article for all the things we are looking at when screening E-Books for sale in our store. I think you’ll be encouraged to start writing! If not, at least you’ll learn more about E-Books, their value in today’s homeschooling arena, and how you can benefit from them.”

Get your free copy of E-Homeschooling: Embracing the E-Book Revolution

today and enjoy!!

Perhaps,  like me, you need help with record-keeping?    Do you need something that is  easy to set up and that will give you more time with your children while helping to keep things organized.  An extra benefit to being organized today will enable you, at the same time to capture your family's precious memories.  Your homeschool record keeping is actually akin to scrapbooking.  You have the basic framework to flesh-out a wonderfully creative  "scrapbook" of your family's experiences in homeschooling.  This can even be a family project that the children can participate in.  You will start by planning your year and setting goals for your family, yourself, and for each one of your children.
Through trial and error, I developed my own organizational homeschool notebook.  It is because of the work I put into this effort that I realize the value of the Brain in a Binder that Cindy Rushton has developed to help homeschool parents get organized. Since Cindy's Brain in a Binder notebook is in digital format, you can print out exactly the organizing sheets that you need and will use. You will not need to waste ink and paper on notebook pages that don't pertain to your family's needs. The following image is the printout of Cindy's 7 product digital known as the Organized Mom's Super Set. The Brain in a Binder is just one of the 7 products. If you need homeschool inspiration or if you need help in organizing your coming homeschool year, you might want to check out Cindy's set while she has it available for half price.  I'm not sure how long it will be at the reduced price. I heard that it would be through this weekend.

Check out Cindy's New Organized Mom Super Set! It is full of great ebooks and audios that will help take you by the hand and plan the best homeschool year ever! Plus! When you purchase your set you get MORE help with record-keeping, organization, and setting up your home to learn--you also get access to Cindy's Organization 911 Seminar Set and her newest Seminar Set, Let's Get Organized for the New School Year.

Read the rest of this entry

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We all have bad homeschooling days sometimes. I've even had bad weeks, or bad months, and even some bad years. Now years later, it doesn't seem to matter that every homeschooling day wasn't rosy. Life is just not a bed of roses and neither is homeschooling.  So we just have to expect that there will be those hard homeschooling times when nothing seems to be accomplished or when Mom is sick, when there is crisis in the family that must come before the school schedule,  or when there is no time to "do school".  When those times come, remember these seven tips to help you make the best of the situation:

1. Don’t give up. I truly believe a month or so of unproductive “schooltime” is better than being in public school for a whole year. Children continue to learn during these times.

2. Take time out. If you can’t handle things the way they are, take the pressure off for awhile. Do different types of things. For example, get outside more to enjoy nature, take walks, play music, dance, make things, bake together, play games, read aloud just for fun. All of these things are very beneficial and may be just what everyone needs to make the structured learning fresher.

3. Make a list of things that your older children can do independently. Let them work from this list when you are not able to be involved for awhile.

4. Spend time helping your children learn and do more chores. This will eventually ease your time crunch and is so GOOD for your children.

5. Rent educational films from the library.

6. Emphasize training of character, Bible teaching, prayer, and worship even at the expense of other subjects. Seek to instruct spiritually first and the academics will come along nicely after. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.” Don’t stress over the academics.

7. Talk to your husband (or close friend) about problems and enlist his help.

8. Adjust the school schedule to the needs of your family. The flexibility of learning at home is one of great merit. Feel free to make changes and adjust.

photo credit: juhansonin

I wrote last year about our success with  our Year Round Homeschool Schedule.  If you haven't settled on a good schedule for your family, you might want to read here about what Cindy Rushton is offering that you can help you (Free for you). It concerns developing a good schedule for your family. This is the story:

Cindy was telling me all about her Ultimate Homeschool Expo.  She has just finished adding all of the resources into the Ultimate Homeschool Expo virtual library where everything is ONLINE for your convenience. Cindy builds a  exclusive Membership Site that includes everything from the UHSE in one place--it has audios (from all of the sessions and from the bonus gifts that her speakers give to us), ebooks, complete unit study guides, articles, printable notebooking pages, cookbooks, on and on. I can't believe all of the things that we receive for only $39.95. But she is offering a sampler FREE...

I am so excited that Cindy has given me permission to give my readers a sampler of one of her free gifts that is part of the Membership Site. This gift is an ebook and audio set that Cindy normally sells on her website.

I just listened to this and it is so practical and helpful, just what what I need to help me set priorities and set up the routines that will help us accomplish our goals.

Listen to.....

Scheduling ABC’s Audio Workshop with Cindy Rushton

Let Cindy show you her secrets to developing a homeschool schedule that works for your family!
Download by Mp3
http://tinyurl.com/2cpsb9  (you may have to copy this url and paste into your browser

As a  picture captures a thousand words, a gift like this lets you see the value of the Homeschool Expo Library.  And, just think...this is only ONE of the homeschooling helpful gifts included on the Homeschool Expo Membership Site. There are hundreds more!
New homeschooling ideas and classic homeschooling ideas are ready and waiting to encourage homeschool families.  Join today and get set your next homeschool year.

Nathan Making a Yellow Dog with Play Dough

Play dough is an art medium for homeschool with multiple uses.  I always kept a supply of play dough for my preschooler's "school" acitivity time.  Making things with play dough was an activity that was often on their school time list. It would keep my 4 year old occupied for a while while I worked one on one with my older children who needed help with reading or math.

I often made playdough with items I already had available in the kitchen. I stored it in a freezer bag and placed that bag in a plastic container with a lid. The container also stored cookie cutters, a child's rolling pin, plastic knives, and other home tools for playing with play dough.

Keep some plastic placemats to lay down for a playdough work surface on the table. There are wonderful learning placemats available at Walmart and other stores that feature world map, US map, the presidents, fractions, and many other facts that children will pick up over time, just by having the information on the placemat and talking about it with them from time to time.

You can color your homemade playdough with food coloring, but many children will prefer the uncolored since it looks more like real cookie dough.

Our playdough kit was put up and we only brought it out once every couple of weeks. By making play items available only at certain times, makes the children more excited about them.

When the playdough started to get old and dry, we would just whip up a batch of new dough!

Here is one recipe for it:

Playdough Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups flour
• ½ cups salt
• 1 tablespoon alum
• 3 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 ½ cups hot water
• food coloring

Combine oil, water, and food coloring. Combine dry ingredients and mix thoroughly and knead.

Lane Concentrating on His Creation

Used Homeschool Curriculum Searches for Textbooks and Workbooks

usborne playdough recipe are some of the homeschool curriculum and other resources that homeschool families need. What homeschool books are you looking for? Go to our MASTER MENU or use the SEARCH box in the sidebar.