The year is underway, and hopefully you are getting in the groove of home education. After having the privilege of talking to many home educators in person and virtually through the years, I have found that I am not alone in believing some homeschool myths. Though none of us believe them every day, it is easy to let them slip in.
Fact: Sometimes his/her day is better than yours, but sometimes yours day is better than theirs. That sounds so simple, but when you are alone at your house and watching chaos ensue it is easy to believe that myth.
Myth: When others homeschool, their children sit around the table and smile up at them, complete their work without complaint, and do what they are supposed to do.
Fact: Most families' kids are probably like yours and occasionally argue, act stubborn, and maybe even cry about doing their work. (Of course, I have only heard about other children doing this.☺) Homeschooling is hard and that is okay!
Myth: Other people do so many amazing things with their kids all day long, while I am just trying to get through the day!
Fact: You do amazing things with your kids. I have looked at thousands of portfolios and talked to many homeschoolers over the years. I have never looked at a family that did not do at least one thing amazingly well. I never cease to be amazed at the creativity and ideas that flow from people. If you are home educating each day, you are doing something amazing!
Myth: Home Educated Children are always very grateful that you are home educating them, and regularly tell you.
Fact: You care about your children and are pouring out your life for them. They occasionally will say something nice, but they are kids. How many of us were that grateful to our parents until we left home? Hopefully we can help cultivate grateful hearts, but know that kids are kids.
Myth: There is a enough time in your day or week to do everything you want to do plus join a co-op, take a field trip, play a sport, or do a service project.
Fact: I never ceased to be amazed at the many curriculums, opportunities, and activities that there are to choose from. You can not do everything. I challenge families to choose wisely what is most important and make sure there is time for your student to be, read, and learn new things independently.
Myth: Students working online at Kahn Academy, an online math program, or "Researching" are doing what they are suppose to do and not just telling you they are.
Fact: They are not always doing what they are suppose to do. Really. I have learned checking in, having students show you their work, and getting a report is the best way to monitor this.
The reason I share the last one is almost every veteran homeschooler I talk to has had this happen at least one time with their student.
PS This last one is for those of use with older students.
Happy Home Educating! Do any of these resonate with you?
Becky
No comments:
Post a Comment