#1 Find Like-Minded Peeps

These people will become a source of wisdom, support and encouragement. They will help ground you and keep you focused. They will be invaluable through the tough times of doubt and frustration. They will also be the friends you celebrate the milestones you achieve. 

#2  Get Ahead of Your Day

Waking up early makes a huge difference. Perhaps you are like me, a night owl. Another way to say… NOT A MORNING GIRL. However, after 15 plus years of homeschooling my best days are when I get a head start. Waking up before my family, getting my quiet time done, makes the day smoother. After reading numerous books on the subject of success, one thing is clear. They all point to your morning routine. Once you master your morning, your day will be more productive.

#3 Make Everything Count

Field trips, grocery store, grandma’s house, library, chores, you name it, I bet you can find learning hiding in the mist. When we limit school to books and desks, we miss out on natural learning opportunities which are the BEST way to educate. There is a whole world on unschooling which embraces this concept. I am not brave enough for that but I also don’t limit schooling to sitting behind a desk.

#4 Create Contracts 

This idea is basically just a list of subjects your child will cover each day. Depending on the child, I have them work in an order to ensure harder subjects are completed first. The more independent the learner, the more freedom.  Each Monday, I hand out contracts which becomes their guide for the week. It can be created multiple ways. Here is a sample contract we use in our home. School Contract

#5 Group Ages Together

Having six children can stretch any mom but add homeschooling…? Well… This is where you can get creative. I teach reading and math separately but other subject we work together. For instance, US History, we read aloud. Older children have harder assignments while younger children may draw pictures. I adjust according to their abilities. Any subject we can do together is a bonus. Simplify your homeschool whenever possible. There are many curriculums that build this concept right in, such as Sonlight.

#6 Use Screens as Resources

Teaching children to be resourceful is the best thing ever! When possible, I look for help using online options. Spanish classes, Netflix documentaries or YouTube science videos supplement various subjects. Whether watching movies in a different language or editing pictures, using screen time to enhance learning is both smart and efficient.

#7 Plan Your Day, Schedule Teaching Blocks

After birthing my fifth child, I began to sink. The balls I had been juggling suddenly dropped. As I regrouped, readjusted then realigned my schedule, I once again found balance. One thing that made the biggest difference was blocking my teaching day. I kept my schedule fluid but made adjustments to  ensure each child received the best teaching time per designated subjects. They knew what time math was and adjusted their schedule to accommodate. It allowed me the ability to make sure everyone got the time they needed from me.

#8 Read Aloud Daily

All stages and ages!! If there is one area to never skip it is reading, reading, reading. Finding a chapter book that will engage each child has been the challenge but somehow doable. There are lots of ways to make it happen. Have big kids read to younger siblings. Read at bedtime or breakfast. Most experts will agree that this task will enhance vocabulary, comprehension, listening skills and much more. So if you’re going to skip one thing, DO NOT miss reading!

#9 Use Audiobooks

Several years ago I got stretched pretty thin with teaching six kids. Using audiobooks helped. You can get books free from the library.   My daughter actually read along while she listened to a Shakespeare story to gain deeper understanding. We also use long car ride to listen to books.

#10 Meal Plan

This might see out of place but trust me… this is a big deal. Getting your meal planning under control will create a peaceful dinner hour. There are books, blogs and videos to help gain more insight. Go to Meal Planning Tips for a further details.

#11 Create a Desk, Tote, Space for School Supplies

Whether you have a designated homeschooling room or just a kitchen table, either location works. I once had the privilege to devote an entire space to homeschooling, but I have also homeschooled in an RV while living in Mexico. Both work! It doesn’t matter the space as much as the mindset. Where there is a will, there is a way. You can use a desk, file tote or Amazon box to store their supplies. A strategic part of teaching is having the supplies ready. When everything is in one area it makes things easier.

#12  Model Learning

Always be a learner. When you are growing and exploring new things it sets a tone. This atmosphere allows a deep value for education. It also keeps you from becoming stagnant. If you solely focus on your family and not develop  yourself, you will become stale. When you find your passion, whether it is cooking, sewing, painting, blogging, … whatever. It teaches your children to follow their dreams.