What I Wish I Knew Before I Started Homeschooling
I’ve read posts and watched videos titled “What I Wish I Knew Before I Started Homeschooling ” and at the time I think I was probably looking for tips on scheduling, organzing and planning. Now that I’m 4 years into our homeschooling journey I understand that these were truly things that these moms had wish that they had done more while their children were still little .
As I look back on our experience, there are a few lessons I wish I would have known from the start. These lessons I’ve learned along the way have helped shape our homeschooling approach and made the process more enjoyable and effective for our family.
Here are 7 things I wish I had known before I began homeschooling.
1. Preschoolers and kindergarteners don’t need a formal curriculum
One thing I’ve realized after homeschooling four young children Is that preschoolers and kindergarteners just simply don’t need a structured curriculum. Play based learning is more beneficial and far less rigid than lesson plans.
Activities that naturally engage in their creativity, curiosity and imagination are what help develop essential skills such as handicordination, communication, numbers sense and problem solving.
So feel free to keep letting your little ones build with blocks, explore through nature and get messy with art!
Check out this quick recipe for a Colored Rice Sensory Bin for some fun and messy play-based learning today!
2. Cherish Reading Time Together
Grab your little preschoolers and kindergarteners and plop them on your lap for story time!
I love reading to my older daughters. I enjoy going through the stories and imagining what will happen next. But sometimes I wish I could just shrink them back down to those little four-year-old twins who fit in my lap during story time !
At the time I was more focused on what curriculums we were going to use than what stories we were going to read next. If I could go back, I’d definitely squeeze with them together on our comfy chair and read every day . Thankfully my little ones still fit on my lap for story time !
3. Manage Snack Time Wisely
Your kids will eat your kitchen out of existence If you don’t have a good snack to meal ratio planned out.
Kids are hungry! They’re growing fast and learning lots, so they’re going to eat like crazy- at least mine do ! Setting up a meal plan and snack scedule has helped my girls know when to expect to eat. So instead of asking “Mom, can I have a snack? ” instead they get to ask “When is snack time?” And I love saying ” Check the clock!”
4. Embrace your unique homeschool set up.
Your homeschooling area isn’t going to look like everyone else’s, and that’s okay. Early in our journey, I worried about whether our setup was sufficient compared to others. Since then, I’ve learned that what works for someone else might not work for us, and vice versa.
Being okay with that allows you the freedom to explore your own style of homeschooling and find what suits your family best. In turn, you get to create a homeschooling space that is uniquely yours.
If you enjoy this post, you may also like our post on Your First Year Homeschooling
5. Create a morning routine chart
For families with multiple kids, having a morning routine chart can be a game changer. It sets up a system where each child knows what they need to do—get dressed, eat breakfast, and get ready for the day. This helps the mornings go smoother and fosters independence. In turn, we don’t have to feel like coaches yelling at our children to hurry up, get dressed, brush their teeth, clean their room, and do their chores. Instead, they can just check it off.
6. Limit Morning TV.
I discovered that the way we start our homeschooling day significantly impacts its flow. Limiting morning TV and other distractions helps set a productive tone for the whole day.
Believe me, I know how easily a homeschooling day can veer off course. Starting the day with focused activities or a structured plan definitely helps keep the rest of the day on track.
7. Make your home schooling space inviting
Creating a cozy and welcoming homeschool space makes a big difference. Simple touches like candles, blankets, music, and flowers can personalize the space and make it feel your own. A comfortable environment helps both you and your children feel more relaxed.
Pay attention to, But don’t solely rely on grades standards.
Homeschooling offers flexibility with grades, time frames, and learning styles. The ability to focus on each child’s progress and interests is truly a gift.
We all know that a classroom of 30 students don’t all learn the same way, so while it’s important to be aware of educational standards, they shouldn’t be the sole measure of success. Focus on your child’s interests and progress, and use the standards as a guide rather than a strict rule book.
Homeschooling is a unique journey filled with both challenges and rewards. The insights and experiences I’ve shared are meant to guide you, but remember that every family’s path is different. Stay flexible, focus on what works for your child, and be ready to adjust as needed. And don’t forget to enjoy the journey and the special moments along the way.
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For insights into the benefits of reading aloud and why It’s important, check out this blog post by Heartwood Holler.
To join the 182.5 Reading Challenge ( Reading 30 minutes aloud to our children everyday, adding up to 182.5 hours in a year) visit Homeschool Freebies And Giveaways.
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So many great tips here! Have so much to learn from veteran homeschool mamas and am always looking for wisdom. Thank you for sharing!
Such great tips! As a homeschooler I can attest to all of these. Thanks for sharing!
Interesting! I like your ideas about what you with you knew before you started homeschooling. I hope this post reaches those who are contemplating homeschooling .
This was such a good read for me today, such great reminders as I’m just starting this homeschooling journey!
Great tips! It’s been many years since I was homeschooling and I miss it. I especially like your snack schedule! Good idea!
Hey Jordan,
These are some really good tips, particularly the preschoolers and KG’s needing more of anplay basef learning approach.
Hanaa