I had the privilege to spend some time with a young homeschool mom not long ago. She has one school-age child (8) and two toddlers (2 and 4). As we discussed how her homeschooling was going, she shared what I've come to realize is a common frustration with many homeschoolers. In fact, it is an issue that sometimes keeps folks from homeschooling. It pretty much boils down to ... who's the parent/teacher/boss in your household?

I will be the first to admit that homeschooling is not for everyone. I would never presume to make that decision for another family. However, it distresses me greatly when young moms tell me they could never homeschool because Junior would never listen to me, or Junior would never accept me as his teacher, or My kids aren't disciplined enough to homeschool. May I respectfully submit that I don't believe homeschooling is really the issue here?

The mom I was talking to described how her child breaks into tears whenever asked to do something he/she prefers not to do (like math or spelling!). She also spoke of how much time was consumed each day in "convincing" this child to follow through on instructions given. It immediately brought back a vivid memory of when I first began homeschooling my oldest. My mom was visiting for the day, and witnessed a similar display from her granddaughter. At which point my mom looked at me and said "well that was quite the Academy Award winning performance!"

My point is this ... homeschooling already comes with its own set of challenges ... please don't add a lack of discipline to them! I'm not referring to your approach or method of discipline, but rather of the concept itself. The Latin root of this words means instruction ... with the idea of providing instruction to a disciple. I love this definition ... methods of modeling character and of teaching self-control and acceptable behavior. Whether we homeschool or not, we are called to "disciple" our children. I remember my mother telling me that her one over-riding goal in raising her children was not to set loose adults on society who had no self-control and were unable to have a positive impact on those around them.

So if you are considering homeschooling ... be sure that the issue of discipline in your household is regularly addressed (not conquered ... but addressed). And if you are currently homeschooling ... be sure that in your list of academic priorities, teaching self-control and acceptable behavior are at the top of the list!

Keep on keeping on ...
~Judy

I suppose resolutions are a good thing ... though I will admit that I shudder whenever someone asks if I've made my New Year's resolutions yet. As I was thinking about resolutions today, the thought crossed my mind that homeschool resolutions might be very helpful to make. Especially if it helps me to be more efficient or to gain a better sense of accomplishment throughout the year.

Just recently I encountered a homeschool mom who was asking how she could be certain that she's covering enough material in any given school day. If you share the same concern, please know that you're not alone! The "is it ever enough?" battle is one that most homeschool moms fight ... whether veteran or newbie.

So here's a "planner" of sorts that I've found helpful for myself and those who ask me how to know how much is enough. Perhaps a "resolution" to set these goals for your homeschool in 2009 will be helpful.

ULTIMATE GOAL: 5 "credits" per day

• 1 Math credit
• 2 Language Arts credits
• 1 History OR Science credit
• 1 Music, Art or Physical Education credit

Well, you might ask ... that's all good, but how much is a credit? I'm glad you asked!

Math (1 choice = 1 credit)

• One math lesson
• One math test
• Math review session
• 1/2 hour math game or software

Language Arts/English (3 choices = 2 credits)

• One grammar lesson (3rd grade and up)
• One phonics lesson (age appropriate)
• One writing exercise (i.e. a letter, creative writing, history or science paper, etc...)
• One handwriting lesson
• Minimum of 30 minutes of reading (books approved by mom)

History (1 choice = 1 credit)

• Minimum 30 minutes of reading related to topic (mom approved)
• Field trip (may count as 2 credits or more depending on quality)
• Educational program or video (mom approved)

Science (1 choice = 1 credit)

• A science experiment (to include observation and conclusions)
• A science journal entry
• A 30-minute science-related TV program or video (mom approved)
• Minimum of 30 minutes of reading related to science (mom approved)
• A 30-minute discussion with mom on the science topic

Music or Art (1 choice = 1 credit)

• 15 minutes of uninterrupted instrument practice
• An instrumental lesson
• Faithful work on a craft
• Music practice for a church program
• Minimum of 30 minutes of music listening and discussion
• Field trip (see history)

Physical Education (1 choice = 1 credit)

• 15 minutes of games at AWANA or a scout meeting
• 1 hour of roller skating, ice skating, in-line skating, swimming, etc...
• Combination of running, jumping jacks, sledding, etc... (mom's judgment)

DISCLAIMER: This is my usual, standard disclaimer on any thoughts I share. These are suggestions only, not to be taken as legal advice. Requirements in your state may be very different than in mine. Also ... keep in mind that these are to be used as a tool, not a slave-master! I'm sure that you can come up with many additional "choices" for credits in the various subject areas.

Maybe this will give an encouraging boost and fresh start for your 2009 school year.

Enjoy the journey!
~Judy

Once the busyness of the holidays diminishes, many parents begin to listen to their children complain about returning to school. Some of it is simply the weeping and wailing about education in general that kids are required to do because ... well, because they're kids! But some of it comes from legitimate concerns and complaints and the obvious need for a change.

Here are the top 3 reasons I hear when parents are considering a change to homeschooling mid-year ...

• 1. Academic remediation - Johnny or Susie just isn't "getting it" in one or more of their classes. They are slowly falling behind the rest of their classmates, and for various reasons, their teacher is unable to provide the individualized attention needed to get them "up to speed". Or perhaps Johnny or Susie is miles ahead of their classmates and terribly bored. On the younger end of the spectrum, perhaps a child hasn't yet learned to read confidently, so his/her other subjects are suffering until their reading abilities catch up.
• 2. Control over social issues - Peer pressure is a huge issue for many kids. It could be that your student is succumbing more and more to pressure to become like his/her peers at school. Perhaps you are seeing attitudes or hearing conversation that is concerning to you. Then there are those kids who just never seem to fit in. In my day we would have said they "marched to the beat of a different drummer". And in some cases, bullying and school violence are real concerns.
• 3. Family relationship building - Often the Christmas school break will make it obvious that your child values their peer relationships over those with their siblings. Perhaps it becomes very clear that your child no longer views you as an authority in their life. Or maybe you are wishing for stronger family ties and an opportunity to instill your values and worldview in your child.

I'm sure there are many, many other reasons for a change in venue when it comes to your educational choice for your child. Whatever those reasons may be, let me encourage you to consider homeschooling as a valid educational choice. In the days ahead I plan to share some very practical things to think on when researching homeschooling, but for now, let me simply say that You Can Do It!!

Blessings ...
~Judy