What I Still Don’t Do: A Homeschooling Journey
Welcome to Making Everyday Magic, where we share our homeschooling journey. It’s been over three years since I created one of my most popular videos, and I thought it would be fun to revisit it and see what has changed. I’m Shanna, and if you’re new here, we’re a homeschooling family of four. As we approach halfway through our seventh year of homeschooling, I wanted to reflect on what I still don’t do as a homeschool mom.
1. Homeschool Room:
I still don’t have a dedicated homeschool room. While we have plenty of space in our house, I prefer having my kids in a common area. Everything they need for their schoolwork can be easily put away, which works for us.
2. Pinterest-Worthy Setup:
I’m not focused on having a Pinterest-worthy setup with laminated posters, fancy decorations, and giant calendars. Our main space serves us well, and I’ve realized that aesthetics aren’t my priority.
3. Replicating a School Day:
Replicating a traditional school day by following a strict schedule is something I still don’t do. We’re typically done with our schoolwork by lunchtime, and I value efficiency over adhering to a rigid schedule.
4. Hovering Over Kids:
I don’t stand right next to my kids, micromanaging their every move. I believe in fostering independence, and they know where to find me if they need help. Mom and Me Mondays help get everyone started on the same page for the week and the bulk of our new instruction happens then.
5. Fancy Planners:
I don’t use beautiful, intricate planners. I prefer a more practical, less fancy approach to planning, and that’s why I love my School Nest planner. You can find it linked over in my Amazon Store Front, and I talk about it more here.
6. Extensive Record Keeping:
I don’t keep extensive records because our state’s homeschool laws in Texas don’t require it. I recognize that we might need to change this approach in the future, but for now, we’re keeping it simple. My goal for this year has been to start keeping records so that I am prepared for High School Transcripts. I am thinking of making a template and if so, I will share.
7. Regular Library Trips:
I still don’t make regular trips to the library. Although I’ve improved on using library resources, it’s not a weekly occurrence for us.
8. Morning Baskets:
Morning baskets, while popular, are still not a part of our homeschool routine. Instead, we prefer focusing on group subjects in one go, making efficient use of our time. Thank You, Mom & Me Monday!
9. Co-Ops:
I’ve maintained my stance against co-ops. Finding a secular group in our area has been challenging, and I don’t want to compromise my beliefs to join a group that doesn’t align with our values. However, we’ve become more active in social and activity groups. I have learned that I do not want a learning group, I want a play social group.
10. A Strict Schedule:
I’m firm but not strict when it comes to our schedule. I’m okay with a more flexible approach and I have started letting my kids play in the morning. My youngest really needs that fun start to the day. We have also started using alarm clocks and have had a firm start time for our day.
11. Nature Walks:
While we enjoy fun outdoor activities, I still don’t prioritize regular nature walks or nature journaling. We go outside for fun and play, that’s enough.
12. Poetry Tea Time:
Poetry tea time hasn’t become a regular feature in our homeschool. We focus on enjoying literature without dissecting it. I really just want my kids to love the written word in all forms. Forced tea parties and memorization, are not required.
13. Avoiding Stress:
Over time, I’ve learned not to stress about our homeschooling journey. I understand that not every day has to look the same, and learning happens everywhere, not just in a traditional classroom setting. With 6 and a half years under our belts, it is easy for me to say not to stress but really, don’t stress!
It’s crucial to embrace what works best for you and your children in your homeschooling journey. Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and it’s perfectly fine not to do everything others recommend. Trust the process, and know that it gets less stressful as you gain experience. Homeschooling should be a joyful, unique experience for your family.
Feel free to share your experiences and any changes you’ve made in your homeschooling journey. We’d love to hear from you!
Thank you for joining us as we revisit the things I still don’t do in our homeschool. We hope you found this reflection valuable, and we encourage you to stay true to what works best for your family. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. You can also follow our journey on Instagram at Making Everyday Magic.
