When parents first consider homeschooling they naturally will seek the guidance of a veteran homeschooler. Those who are debating homeschooling are full of questions but all the questions will boil down to, “Can I do this?” and “How do I structure my day?” While they may ask about curriculum on the market what they really need is to feel confident they can make the right choices. Once they are confident about the prospect of homeschooling and structuring their day making choices will become less overwhelming. However, homeschooling is more than a choice for most it is a lifestyle and a passion. Asking a veteran homeschooler about it homeschooling can make a newbie feel overwhelmed or uncertain. How?
Overwhelm with the Possibilities: When a veteran homeschooler brings up all the possibilities and homeschool methods it can be overwhelming. It is hard enough to make the transition or decision to homeschool much less find a method that fits your family. A homeschooling method is determined by the natural flow of the home and the relationship of the student and teacher. It cannot be forced nor do you just choose from a hate. It is more productive for a veteran homeschooler to listen to the new homeschooler and hear them out on why they chose to homeschool and what they think of traditional schooling and so forth. Then the veteran homeschooler can gently guide and point the new homeschooler in a particular direction.
Curriculum Crazy: There are enough curriculums out there to make any homeschooler’s head spin. Choosing from hands on, unit studies, spiral or mastery approach math, and all the different reading programs can be overwhelming for anyone. A new homeschooler needs to be eased into choosing the right curriculum. She should also be told that we have all picked something that doesn’t work and not all things work for everyone. Curriculum is not a one size fits all. Experimentation is the only way to find the right one. So, a veteran homeschooler is wise to point the new homeschooler in the direction of curriculum reviews or learning styles to determine what is best.
Too Casual: More than a few homeschoolers are a bit dumbfounded by how casual veteran homeschoolers can be about homeschooling. There are times that casual attitude is comforting but there are also times it is confusing. To respond to a new homeschooler as, “You can do it”, “It’s easy”, “Don’t worry about it” does not answer their question and leaves her feeling uncertain about her abilities. Things that come easy to veterans do not come so easy to new homeschoolers. The best approach is to remain casual but offer practical advice or simply giving her a rundown of your day.
Do You Know Your Teaching Style?