Starting Your Homeschool Journey

 

Starting Homeschool: A Guide for Moms

By Lila Taylor

Photo Above: (1) My kids at an interactive city where they could experience what it was like "in the old days". (2) My kids at a botanical garden. We just finished a unit on photosynthesis.  

Embarking on the homeschool journey is both exciting and daunting, especially when you're balancing motherhood and education. As a mom, you're already used to juggling various responsibilities, and adding homeschool to the mix might seem overwhelming. But fear not! With the right approach, homeschooling can become a rewarding experience for both you and your children.

Here are the three most important things to keep in mind as you begin:

1. Consistency is Key

One of the biggest challenges in homeschooling is maintaining consistency. Unlike traditional school settings, where schedules are fixed, homeschooling offers flexibility—both a blessing and a curse. Establish a routine that works for your family and stick to it as much as possible. Whether it’s starting school at the same time every day or setting aside specific hours for different subjects, consistency helps children understand expectations and makes learning a habit.

Tips for consistency:

• Create a weekly schedule that includes breaks, extracurricular activities, and family time.
• Set short-term and long-term goals for your child’s progress.
• Use a planner or calendar to track your daily lessons and activities.

2. Create a Dedicated Learning Space

A dedicated learning space can make a huge difference in your homeschool experience. This doesn’t have to be an entire room—just a space where your child can focus on learning without distractions. Having a specific spot for schoolwork helps children mentally shift into “learning mode” and keeps materials organized and accessible. Don't get caught up on the perfect Pinterest space. My children have literally set up forts under the table and worked there for months. You want a space where the kids can just plop down and immediately get to work easily.  

Ideas for a dedicated learning space:

• A small desk in a quiet corner of the house.
• Shelves or bins to store books, supplies, and completed assignments.
• Inspirational posters, a chalkboard, or a whiteboard to make the space feel like a mini-classroom.

3. Balance Real Life and Education

One of the beautiful aspects of homeschooling is the opportunity to blend real life with education. Remember that not all learning happens at a desk or through textbooks. Life skills like cooking, budgeting, gardening, and time management are just as important as academic subjects. Homeschooling allows you to integrate these real-life lessons into your curriculum, making education more holistic and practical.

Ways to balance real life and education:

• Use everyday tasks as teaching moments (e.g., baking to teach measurements and fractions).
• Take field trips to museums, farms, or local businesses to connect lessons to the real world.
• Encourage independent projects where children can explore their interests and apply what they’ve learned in creative ways.

Starting a homeschool journey is a big step, but with consistency, a dedicated space, and a balanced approach, you can create a learning environment that’s both structured and flexible. As you navigate this path, remember to give yourself grace—homeschooling is a learning experience for both you and your children. Embrace the process, and enjoy the unique opportunities that homeschooling offers your family.