I am going to start my 1st year of HSing in mid-June. I have been looking up curricula, reading HSing books, going on forums, etc for months. I have basically picked out all of my curricula. I have purchased almost all of my curricula. Now I am just waiting.... I have been trying to stay off of these forums because I am driving myself crazy, but I just want to start HSing! :lol: I'm sure a lot of you are starting to burn out since the year is almost done and must think I am crazy. I am just super excited about all of it!
Watch out, as you know homeschooling forums can be addicting. Sometimes, I tell myself that I won't get on the computer and then I just feel like I have to see what everyone is up to. It is great that you are excited. I have no idea what your background is our your child/ren, but I do have some general advice: 1. Expect the unexpected. 2. Don't worry if one curriculum or method doesn't fit-be willing to change. 3. Don't fret if one or more of your children doesn't like doing schoolwork-it is very common. 4. Don't be afraid to let go of some of the "schoolish" things that most of us grew up with. For example-kids don't need to be sitting down to learn all the time. Kids don't need to be in "school" for hours on end. Play time can be just as important as book learning (especially for young ones). 5. Be willing to try a different method and be willing to research other options about learning. Learning and modern day schools are sometimes a world apart. Happy homeschooling!!!
I totally agree with cabsmom as well. For the record- no burnout here. I'm looking forward to summer, but teaching my kids is still exciting. Sunday is my day to get everything ready for the next week, and I look forward to it all weekend
Congrats on the choice to home school. I have been schooling for about 14 years or so and I still get excited and jazzed about the next year when I begin making decisions , generally at this time of year. All that research gets you all fired up but be cautious; sometimes the kids don't get as excited at first but your excitement will wear off on them so keep it going! Anticipation is a great tool! Keep them wanting it ! I make my kids wait till the first day of school to actually start it but let them peek as I do when the boxes begin coming in. This gives them an excitement and something to tell their non hsed friends when they ask what classes they "got" this year.
We're wrapping up our first year, but I can't wait for next year either. Even the kids are looking forward to what we'll be doing. We were looking through unit studies and lap book ideas today and their eyes kept lighting up at the options. The break will be nice, but I like the routine of the school "year" as well.
I chuckled when I read your post because I was exactly the same way when we started HSing last summer I agree with all that cabsmom said. Also, don't get discouraged if you get a couple months into homeschooling and realize you have to cut back a little because you're feeling overwhelmed. In my excitement I "overdid" it a bit with curriculum. (My kids were preschool and kindergarten age at the time...they didn't need four hours of school!) Enjoy homeschooling!
This is the same situation as me. I am really trying to just do the basics and then we can add more if we feel like we can take more on. How do you feel after a year? I know reality is different than the fantasy in my head! :lol: BTW, whoever said that these boards are addicting is so right!!!!!!! That is why (now that I have decided on my curricula), I am trying to limit my time on them! I still have to clean the house and take care of my kids....
Homeschooling in our second year here I can tell you the excitement doesn't wear off. I get a thrill thinking of our next lesson/project. We school year round so there are times when a break is called for. Someone is sick or Mom just needs a break But on the whole it is wonderful and a lot of fun. Enjoy the journey and have fun learning with your kids.
Oh how exciting to hear others who are enthusiastic about teaching/ learning through homeschooling. Just a funny...one day my daughter asked me if my life had turned out the way I expected. LOL ! I told her it had not but one thing I would never regret, that I homeschooled my children and through this opportunity I was able to develop a close relationship with them and instill in them a love for God,a love for learning, and a love for all people. This was an invaluable gift that I would always treasure.
I agree with everyone above. We are coming into our last homeschooling year next year and honestly it makes me sad when I think about it. There have been some awesome days and some hard days and I wouldn't change a thing. I have had the priviledge of teaching my children everything. We are very close and they actually enjoy hanging out with their mom. LOL!! Enjoy every moment you have teaching them have a blessed homeschooling year!
