At some point, every homeschooler has probably asked, “How do I know if I’m doing enough?” The short answer: “It’s always enough, and conversely, it’s never enough.” Helpful, right? The long answer: According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about one-third of college freshmen take remedial courses. There are no statistics for how that breaks down into public, private, and homeschool graduates, but homeschool students only account for 3-4% of the K-12 student population. Odds are pretty low that those in remedial college courses are all homeschoolers. Continue reading »
Homeschooling
Naming Your Homeschool
Does your homeschool have a name? Does it need one? What makes a good name for a homeschool? Whether you name your homeschool has to do with law, custom, and personal preference. You will want to consider benefits and disadvantages to naming your homeschool, as well as naming ideas, things to avoid, and how you can use a homeschool name to your (and your children’s) advantage. Continue reading »
May Writing Prompts Calendar
The May writing prompts calendar focuses on picnics, moms, and Memorial Day. Each month we are offering writing prompts (you will be able to find them all on the main Homeschool Writing Prompts page), and you can download our May-themed prompts below. Continue reading »
“I Can’t Homeschool – I Have to Work!”
Recently, a visitor commented on a post on TheHomeSchoolMom about educating at home. This visitor expressed sentiments that homeschoolers often hear, including the idea that homeschooling is only for privileged families that can afford for at least one parent to stay home. This Ask Jeanne column is a response to the general notion that homeschooling is out of reach for many families because of finances. Continue reading »
April Writing Prompts Calendar
The April writing prompts calendar focuses on food – lots and lots of fun food. Since April is also National Poetry Month, you may want to have your student answer some of the prompts in the form of poetry. Each month we are offering writing prompts (you will be able to find them all on the main Homeschool Writing Prompts page), and you can download our April-themed prompts below. Continue reading »
Ask Jeanne: Homeschooling and Immunization Law
I have a 4-year-old little girl. We have always wanted to homeschool her. The main reason for this decision is we don’t agree with vaccinations. My fiancé is older than I am. He grew up in the ’70s, so in his mind, this was going to be easy. Well, times have changed. I have been doing research, and it seems so much harder than I was thinking. I’m so overwhelmed with information that I don’t know where to start. My little girl is so smart, and she’s easy to teach, so we’ve got that down, but as far as the law goes we, of course, want to make sure we follow the guidelines so it doesn’t backfire on us. If there is any way of simplifying all of this, I would greatly appreciate any advice. Continue reading »
Ask Jeanne: Homeschool a Prospective Dropout?
I am seriously looking into whether homeschooling would be an appropriate option for my high school student who is failing in the public school system. She’s extremely bright, and excels in honors and higher courses, but is failing everything else. I believe homeschooling might be helpful, but I also know it could backfire too. We desperately need some expert advice! ~ Concerned in Colorado Continue reading »
Ask Jeanne: Homeschooling and Social Anxiety
Our reader Sue asked a question about homeschooling and social anxiety in response to our piece, “What About Socialization?” We thought it was such an important question, we decided to feature it as part of our Ask Jeanne column. Continue reading »
The Online Curriculum Advantage
What’s the capital of Montana? How many teaspoons are in a quarter cup? How long do rhinoceroses live? If your homeschool student asked you one of these questions, you’d most likely answer, “look it up.” Your student would probably sit down at their computer or pull out their tablet or phone to do so. In today’s day and age, the thirst for knowledge is almost unquenchable and going online to learn is as natural as breathing. That’s why it’s a wonder that families balk at the idea of using online curriculum in their homeschool. Continue reading »
Controlling Internet Access While Homeschooling
Is your older child or teen sneaky about using the internet, even though you have rules limiting computer use to online curriculum? Some parents complain of kids straying from school assignments and hiding browser history, especially as kids approach and pass into the teen years when they are more computer savvy and more aware of internet content beyond their curriculum. Continue reading »
Tips to Review Your Homeschool Progress
For many homeschoolers, November marks the midyear. For year-round homeschoolers it may mark the year end. Either way, during this busy season, make certain you set some time aside to review your progress to see if a change in your schedule or curriculum should be on your radar. Continue reading »
Coping with Stress: Simple Strategies for Homeschool Moms
Homeschool moms are busy women who take multitasking to a new level. Even those with a more laid-back personality or approach to homeschooling can still feel stressed. As someone who’s struggled with anxiety for years, I know the effects of stress intimately. Stress can be defeated. Don’t give up! Gather the tools and the knowledge to both prevent and remedy the symptoms of stress with these simple strategies. Continue reading »
Where’s Your Motivation Gone?
So, you’ve been homeschooling a while now… Whether you’re a pro or just starting, a new year of homeschooling always seems to start out like the beginning of a marathon. Yet, after a while it’s easy to lose steam and find your enthusiasm has hit an all time low. Continue reading »
November Writing Prompt Calendar
This month’s calendar is full of autumn- and Thanksgiving-themed writing prompts, including menu planning for Thanksgiving dinner and leftovers. Each month we are offering writing prompts (you will be able to find them all on the main Homeschool Writing Prompts page), and you can download our November-themed starters here. Continue reading »
Helping in the Learning Process
These guidelines from Oak Meadow founders Bonnie and Lawrence Williams are offered to our visitors in the hope that they might give guidance to homeschoolers seeking to improve their children’s learning processes no matter which curriculum they are using. Continue reading »
Homeschooling a High Schooler Who Is Not College-Bound
So you have a high school student who is definitely not college-bound. How do you educate him? What does she REALLY need? Are there alternative training options available? I asked myself these same questions not so very long ago. Here is what I discovered… Continue reading »
October Writing Prompt Calendar
This month’s calendar is full of autumn-themed writing prompts with some creative story-starters included. Each month we are offering writing prompts (you will be able to find them all on the main Homeschool Writing Prompts page), and you can download our October-themed starters here. Continue reading »
How to Raise a “Wild Child” (and Why You Should!)
Research has shown that the simple the act of getting children outside is the most effective way to foster environmental consciousness. As prominent environmental educator David Sobel eloquently stated, “one transcendent experience in nature is worth a thousand nature facts.” It turns out that children who have an immersive experience in nature develop a deep love of the environment that they carry with them their entire lives. Continue reading »
Too Much, Too Fast, and for Too Long
It’s the time of year when families are suffering from Sudden Onset Homeschooling Syndrome. On social media, I’m seeing a lot of questions from new and newer homeschooling parents who are unhappy to find themselves with resistant children. “Please tell me how to make him sit down and do his work,” a mom requests. Continue reading »
Plan Ahead for the Homeschooling Year
As most veteran homeschoolers know, things change from year to year. Aside from your student’s evolving needs, new curriculum is made available, laws get updated, and improved tools in schedule and record keeping flow from various sources. With that in mind, here’s how to start organizing and preparing for the upcoming year. Continue reading »
