Won’t my kids miss out?
This question may not be as relevant now as it once was, but it wasn’t so long ago that I asked this very question. Will my girls miss out? In all honesty, yes. But take comfort in knowing that that includes as much of the pros as it does the cons. Homeschooling will be different. It is your job to fill in any perceived gaps. So if you want them to have the opportunity to make friends then you’ll need to join groups. Playdates, sports, and clubs are all things they can still participate in.
Do I need a “classroom?”
You will need a space where your children can comfortably work. This however, doesn’t mean you need to recreating a room in your home that mirrors a traditional classroom. I know the pictures online of these beautiful home made classrooms are adorable, but you need to know what is going to be functional for your family. Not simply instagram ready with no practicality. Again it’s all about knowing what they need. If a bright welcoming room with posters of math facts and book quotes are right up your alley then go for it.
I’ve realize as each year passes that our requirements for a work space is continually changing. With a 6, 11, and 16 year old this isn’t to surprising. So what we need is flexibility rather than theme. Your homeschool is yours to create. So there is no right or wrong here, just what works and what doesn’t. For more details see link below.
https://www.ladydspeaks.com/a-special-space/
How do I separate home and school?
The short answer is, you don’t. And that’s the beauty of homeschooling. If laundry needs to be done it doesn’t have to wait. And the same can be said of homeschool. Learning and exploring aren’t limited to specific days or times. Having your child glued to their desk/computer all day isn’t homeschooling. Each day doesn’t even have to conform to the day before. Allowing flexibility in the way they learn includes changing locations, mixing workbooks with oral presentations, side by side with nature walks and field trips.
What counts as P.E. ?
First and foremost check with your state to see their requirements. We include any time spent outdoors as P.E. That adds up because I can’t stand my kids being cooped up indoors on a lovely sunshiny day. You may choose to allow them free play or teach them a new sport or game. The benefits of homeschool are in the little details like this.
You can also getting involved with organizations for a more formal sports experience. Whether it’s at a community center or with a group affiliated with homeschooling families. Our kids just need to be out in open spaces getting nice and dirty from time to time.
When do I find time to rest?
If you’re one for schedules you may have to pencil yourself in, but in my experience you take breaks whenever you can. Long term you’ll want more then a few minutes here or there, at least I did. So I set my alarm about 30 minutes earlier then my girls. That gives me time to wake up without being in a rush. I can read my morning devotional and have my oh so essential cup of coffee. I repeat this in the evenings, minus the coffee of course. Whether it’s during their showers or after night routine. I grab a book, blanket, and occasionally my phone and head for my closet. If you have no idea what I’m talking about just check out the podcast below.
https://www.ladydspeaks.com/podcast/lds-2-finding-time-to-rest/
What are some questions you may have? Include them in the comments below and who knows you may see them show up in my next post.