We recently took our 9 year old out of her private Christian school. It was time; however, I was not totally prepared. We are beginning our first home-school day on Monday. I love this apprach, but am overwhelmed by it. I’m going with the suggestion of, “easing into it”. If you have any words of wisdom for me, please do share.
The only advice I have is to be patient with yourself and you dc. I took my first dc out of school years ago, and although it is what I wanted to do, I was very surprised by my impatience with him/myself. Homeschooling is something that can take a long time to get used to, but worth the wait as things begin to work themselves out. Now that my not happen to you, but I was not expecting my dream to become a nightmare in two days. Seven years later, I am very happy with our decision. Hasn’t always been easy but worth the mental/emotional effort necessary.
The overwhelmed feeling will pass eventually, but may creep its way up again, which is normal, so just ease into each subject a bit at a time. I’m still easing into some things and haven’t quite made it to Latin, but I know we will soon.
Just continue to read, ask questions, and pray for guidance. Others will chime in, I’m sure, with great words of wisdom..I just wanted to encourage you and there are plenty of moms here that have taken their dc out of ps/pr.s, as well. Aside from homeschooling, CM has been the best decision I’ve ever made, and I’ve tried many approaches.
We just switched to SCM this year (we’ve been using CM-friendly curriculum for years though). It helped me to read through the Subject by Subject blog articles on here and the free e-books. I also used their Planning Your CM Education E-book when I was getting it all planned out.
We are adding all the extras in slowly. Don’t feel discouraged if you don’t get to everything each week…or even everything this year! I’ve heard that HSing is a marathon, not a race! I agree with my3boys that it can take some time to figure it all out. We’re on our 6th year (not counting preschool) and I’m still trying to figure out what works for us! My DC (and I) are constantly changing which means or HS is constantly changing as well. Our HS will look much different if/when we have high schoolers in the mix. I try to take it day-by-day and focus on one habit or area at a time.
It is a lot of work, but it is also such a joy! Blessings on your year!
I agree…best to ease in slowly! I’d work on good habits like paying attention and first time obedience. I’d probably start w/just reading, writing, math, Bible. Once in a good routine w/those, I’d probably just slowly add in one or two new subjects per week. Try to relax and give yourself and your daughter time to adjust. She’s still young and has plenty of time to learn…I’d focus more on enjoyment of learning than cramming info. in to feel ‘covered.’
I agree w/Holly…..don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get to everything, even this year! I’ve been at this a while and still rarely get nature study in…a CM hallmark (embarrassed to admit that!) But using living books and narrations is a much better way to learn than textbooks and tests and I bet your son will flourish at home:) Blessings, Gina
P.S. And keep coming here w/questions…the ladies on this board are the best and always willing to help.
Your daughter will probably need some time to get out of the habits she had in private school, especially if she had struggles there. Just focus on the relationships and character you want her to develop, and the book education will come along in time.
I agree about time to get out of the habits! I’m two weeks into homeschooling my 8 year old (3rd grade), and I’m finding I have to “untrain” her of habits, attitudes and concerns she had during her 3 years of public school. Character development and finding her confidence is taking a backseat to the schoolwork right now, and that’s okay. Also be sure to take a little time to “de-school” and just get used to spending all that time together. Best of luck!! 🙂
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