Homeschooling from a homeschooled homeschooler.
This year 1,000’s of new families will begin homeschooling their children for the first time because of COVID- 19. As a fan of homeschooling I wish I could write those beautiful words without the COVID-19 part, but no matter, it is still beautiful to see so many parents take their children's education in hand.
I was homeschooled most of my life and started college full time at 16. I made a vow that if I had children someday they would be homeschooled as well. I am now 33 years old with three kids and I have been homeschooling them for 10 years now.
There is no “right” way to homeschool. Every child is different. You can aggressively homeschool with tutors and have the day planned by the hour, you can unschool, or do middle of the road homeschooling. As long as your child is learning something new every day, you’re doing something right.
I was always middle of the road teaching my children. They do school work almost daily, but we also skip classes some days to take field trips, cook, bake, do chores, or learn basic life skills.
Here are some of my best tips:
- If you don’t know something, wing it and youtube!
- Tired? Go to the library and let the children fall in love with books. (Also counts as a field trip)
- Are your children bored with a topic? switch it up and come back later. I taught my son how to read playing Pokémon. True story.
- Don’t make your children sit all day. Play chess, let them run, go for a hike. Kids learn best with a calm mind.
- Have fun! This does not have to be stressful.
- Remember you know your child better than anyone else, you are more than intelligent enough to teach your children. You got this.
Lew Rockwell once said,
“It isn’t a coincidence that governments everywhere want to educate children. Government education, in turn, is supposed to be evidence of the state’s goodness and its concern for our well-being. The real explanation is less flattering. If the government’s propaganda can take root as children grow up, those kids will be no threat to the state apparatus. They’ll fasten the chains to their own ankles.”
Congratulations to all the parents on removing the chains. You will all do brilliantly
Some of my favorite websites for learning:
- Economics: The Mises Institute just came out with a fantastic mini intro to economics for kids: https://mises.org/economics-beginners
- Ron Paul Curriculum: https://www.ronpaulcurriculum.com/
- Most of my kid's books for the year are pieced together from half-price bookstores. Another option is to find a local homeschooling group in your area and trade books. You can find local homeschooling groups and your state laws here: https://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/local-support/
- We love the Tuttle Twins!: https://tuttletwins.com/products/
Educational games:
Keep in mind also that your children can and will educate you. I will never forget the time when my daughter was 5 and she gave me a full rundown on milkweed because it was a butterfly’s favorite flower. Kids surprise you like that. Best of luck!
