Homeschool Tips To keep You Going!

September 9, 2020

Homeschool Tips To keep You Going!

As times have changed considerably and many people may be considering homeschooling, I thought it a good time share Homeschool tips and ask fellow Homeschool mamas to share their tips from their own journey to share with anyone considering Homeschooling or starting their journey! You can follow along their journey on Instagram for more.

Hafsa – @mamateachesme

Sept 2020 marks the beginning of our 5^th year of Homeschooling! This is no way makes me a super organised experienced Homeschooler but probably one that has found her place in the journey to homeschool my girls. Often people looked up to me as a former teacher with thoughts of she’s got it covered, she knows what she’s doing but in fact that’s not always been the case. Many a time I’ve had to un-train my teacher mindset to be a mum first. And here’s my first tip

1. Be a mum first

No matter what your experience of background, just remember to be a mum first. For your children that’s what matters most. Feel honoured that you can spend all this time with them as many parents cannot afford the luxury of homeschooling if life requires them to work or circumstances mean they cannot homeschool. So consider it a privilege. It may not feel so in the beginning, but as you tread this journey, you will know it’s been totally worth it.

2. Go back to your why

Each time you stumble or fall or find yourself comparing your children to others and feeling sad, remind your self why you began this journey. Write it down. Say it out loud. You need to constantly go back to it. Your why may change over the years, you may have more than one reason but that reason will solidify each day throughout your journey on the good days and tough days too.

3. Make it your OWN Homeschool

I can’t emphasise this one enough! Most people love sharing their homeschool, whether its to share memories, inspiration or ideas. We gravitate towards social media to do so most likely as a way of expression which is great. Along the way subconsciously you may start doubting your own homeschool because someone elses homeschool looks prettier or has access to resources or books and so much that you feel yours may not. But the truth is they (like me) are sharing snippets of all the good and sometimes the not so good but mostly the good that happens in our homeschool. The key is to remind yourself that everyone has tough days in homeschooling even the ones you *think* have it all together! By making it your OWN Homeschooling with your vision and your family values and goals – you can enjoy your journey and be proud of your achievements however small without allowing anyone elses journey to affect yours. There is no one way to homeschool. Everyone’s homeschool is unique to them and their families and that’s the beauty of it!

Asma – @asma_scribendi

Asma Ali is a freelance writing mum of four with an unhealthy obsession of things bookish (…and coffee and cake). You can follow her literary escapades @asma_scribendi and read more https://scribendeen.com/

1. Self-belief is everything

The crippling thoughts of “I’m not qualified” or “Why did I think I could do this?” are not exclusive to parents who are just starting out as I’ve seen it creep in with people who have been doing a great job for years. Always remind yourself (and sincerely believe!) that you are capable, competent and intelligent enough to teach your own child – it’s a strong mindset that can set the tone for the rest of your journey. You do not have to be a teacher in the traditional sense – your qualification is your desire to spend time with your children, to be a role model and to see them succeed. No one will be as dedicated to their education, and more importantly, character, as you.

2. There is no one size fits all

In my first year of homeschooling, I scoured the Internet and quizzed friends about resources, timetables and routines. It is always great to research, but the secret behind it all is to understand one point: what works for others may not work for you. You might buy that one resource that everyone is raving about and find that your child is not responding to it the way you expected. Take this as your opportunity to explore how your child learns best and do not be afraid to play around with curriculum and try something different – especially in the early years. Being part of a homeschooling community is fabulous as long as you accept people and ideas as a way to enhance your own experience rather than as a source of comparison.

3. Play is a subject

I think Ken Robinson, an international advisor on education, said it best when he stated, “Creativity is as important in education as literacy and should be treated with the same status.” Young children love to play; it is their language so learn to communicate with it! Making that effort to be fun and creative is worth everything when you see how the learning process becomes quicker and easier with active engagement. Things don’t have to get incredibly formal after the age of seven either. Yes, there will be a level of sitting down and learning the traditional way, but there is a plethora of blogs, pinterest and instagram accounts to help you inject some imagination to make concepts more enjoyable. Have a google; you will thank yourself in the future, I promise.

Janine – @gentle.art_of_learning

Janine is a Homeschooling mum of four children aged 7, 5, 4 and 22 month old, with a creative background in Graphic Design. “I take inspiration from everywhere but follow the Charlotte Mason philosophy in our homeschool. If you would like to see more on our journey, you can check out my website gentleartoflearning.co.uk or follow us with our regular updates on Instagram.”

1. Work on the Why?

Before you start, set aside some time to really think about your core values and work them out with someone, maybe your spouse. What is most important for your family and what you want your children to achieve. Write those out, putting it down on paper can really help, once you have that clear, then look to how you can input those things into your home education and take steps towards it. For example, if Qur’an is your top priority then you need to work out how many days you are planning to school, whether they will learn all those days, whether it will be online or with a friend/family member or at a Madrasa. Then plan every other subjects around this.

2. Start off with the core subjects and build on it.

If you’re still deciding whether to use workbooks, follow a curriculum or a philosophy and you don’t know if you want an unschooling approach etc then I’d suggest don’t make a decision yet. Often until you start you don’t know what you will like and what works for one family might not work for you. Keep it simple. I’d advise if your kids are young, know that education is a way of life, so outdoor play, reading and learning through being present, practical life and having fun with your children are better than any workbook. However, if your children are older and you have worked out already your values and goals then start off with the core subjects; such as; English, Maths and Reading and once you establish a routine then gradually build upon it bit by bit.

3. Don’t try to do it all at once

Habits are formed by small consist actions and building on that repetition. It may not seem like progress and we all try to do it all, as we often get impatient and want to see the fruits of progress but my advice would be to slow down. Once you have some habits in place everything else will flow naturally. This will also able you to add other activities in when you see structure and routines forming. Then you can gradually build on your days to suit you without feeling overwhelmed. This might also be the time to work out who else can help you out, space out the times and days you are teaching and the time you take off. For example; I teach 5 days a week currently; for 36 weeks and take most of my time off in the Summer, Ramadan, Bank Holidays etc. I note it down on a calendar/planner. Weekends are kept free for family time. This doesn’t suit everyone. Do what works for your family and lifestyle. There’s no set way to homeschooling so trust yourself as a Parent, you’ve got this!

Umm Musa – @ilmexplorers_homeschool

Umm Musa is a Homeschooling mum to two under 7, former primary school teacher and youth worker.

“Our homeschool is inspired by faith, nature, books and art. Passionate about connecting Islam to all areas of learning and sharing these project/unit studies on our page.”

1. Love your child, love your life and love your time together.

Take things slow and build yourself up at a steady pace to find the balance that works for you as a family, focus on building a foundation of love and connection with your child and get to know your child’s interests because when you have an environment of love your child will respond and enjoy learning with you.

2. Live your life the way you want and be gentle on yourself.

This journey is yours so don’t be comparing yourself to other homeschoolers and feeling the pressure to be a certain way. Live with your child, explore with your child and enjoy the time together, create an environment that suits your family. Make sure you incorporate time for your own space, hobbies and spiritual needs. Make use of support from the husband, family and friends.

3. Learn as a family, you don’t have to know everything…

…nor feel ashamed if you don’t know something. Use networks, resources and experiences from others to help you where you need it.. Be open to adjustments and change where needed to help you with the learning process. By your child seeing that you don’t know everything you are setting an example for them to become lifelong learners.

Sarah – @sarahijaved

Sarah is a British Pakistani homeschooling mother of three children based in England. She is the author of the children’s Islamic Book “I’m So Angry!” Having homeschooled formally for over 8 years, Sarah is now currently teaching 2 of her children at secondary level. You can find Sarah sharing her journey and offering help and support to other homeschoolers on her instagram page.

“As I prepare to share my three tips for new homeschoolers, I cannot help but feel nostalgic and wish there had been such a strong homeschool community when I set out on my journey. Maybe, just maybe, I would not have made so many mistakes and I would have really slowed down to be present and enjoy the little things. The truth is, time flies! So as I share my thoughts with you, know they come from a place of love and experience.”

1. Always be clear on your objectives; the what? and why?

Why are you homeschooling? What are you hoping to achieve? What are your goals? These objectives will help carry you through the inevitable harder periods of homeschooling.

2. Be patient

It takes time to find a rhythm that works for you and your family. Allow yourself the time, the space and freedom to find what suits you. The beauty of homeschooling is that it is a unique, tailor made approach and this approach is ever evolving.

“Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” -Joyce Meyer.

3. Enjoy the Freedom

Freedom is indeed one of the many benefits of homeschooling that I implore you to remember as you embark on this truly wonderful, albeit testing, journey.

“Homeschooling allows you the freedom to step off the highway of learning and take a more scenic route along a dirt road.” – Tamara L. Chilver.

Sarah’s Book: “I’m So Angry!” Available on Amazon.

UK link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1526204967/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_hqrTAb468JAQ2

US link: https://amzn.to/2juDDE2

Share your Homeschooling tips with us in the comments!

by hafsah

3 Comments

by janine on September 9, 2020

Jazak Allah Khairan for this beneficial blogpost for new homeschoolers. I don’t think hearing these tips ever get old, we all need constant reminders. Thank you for allowing me to be apart of it and share my thoughts.

by hafsah on September 9, 2020

Thank you Janine for your lovely contribution- yes always a great reminder at this time of the year! X

by hafsah on April 28, 2021

Thank you!