A Homeschooler's Back-to-School Check List
by Tamara Eaton
Public schools are in session again in our hometown and even though we
homeschool year-round in a relaxed style, our children have been motivated to
create a new fall schedule and get ready for another homeschool year. Perhaps
you're an inexperienced homeschooler and tempted to panic or feel overwhelmed.
Take a look at this check list to see if there is anything you've missed in
preparing for this new year!
* Check your attitudes--both yours and the children's! Attitudes are catching
and we set the atmosphere for our household. Allow time to work on Biblical
child-training principles, if needed. ( See Biblical Child-Training Tips )
* Simplify your lifestyle. No, we can't control the trials and all
circumstances of life, but that's all the more reason to simplify what we DO
have control over. Don't overschedule--plan a basic routine with plenty of room
for flexibility! Make sure your "Homeschool" doesn't end up being "Roadschool"
because you're over committed to too many activities. (See Time Management ;
Priorities )
* EASE into your new routine for this school year. Consider starting just a
couple of your subjects for the first two weeks, gradually adding the others.
* Make sure your homeschool materials are organized and easily accessible. Buy
LOTS of pencils. (Oh the wasted time of searching for pencils!) Choose a place
for each child to keep his materials so they don't get lost. A large covered
box, shelf or drawer for each child is perfect.
* Establish a good routine for keeping the main living areas of your home
relatively neat. Do the children have assigned chores so that all the
responsibility doesn't fall to Mom? (See Homeschool & Housework )
* Plan to cover the basics first--then enjoy the "frills". Give your children
the tools they need to learn and don't worry about missing out on the
extracurricular activities. You'll have time for that later.
* Don't forget to ENJOY your children. Take time to read aloud or research an
interest together. (Even for just 15-20 minutes!) Learning is much more than
textbooks and drills. (See Book Suggestions )
* Be prepared to run into some snags. Each year of homeschooling requires new
adjustments--the children are different ages, the circumstances are different.
It takes time to establish a good working routine. Take a day off when needed
to "regroup".
* Don't lose sight of what's most important--nurturing and discipling your
children in the Lord. And to do this, you must not neglect your own
relationship with the Lord! (See In His Presence )
© Copyright Tamara Eaton 1994-2000, all rights reserved.
Permission is given to reprint any of Tamara's articles in non-profit
publications as long as the article is reprinted in full and contains the
copyright information and website address. Please send a copy of the
publication to :Deeper Life Family Ministries, P.O. Box 909, Killen, AL 35645
