Why I Don’t Use As Prescribed: Tailoring Your Homeschooling Experience
Homeschooling is a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and a fair share of overwhelm. As a homeschooling family of four entering our eighth year with a seventh and a third grader, I’ve learned that one of the most crucial aspects of this journey is finding what works best for us. Today, I want to share why I don’t adhere strictly to “as prescribed” guidelines and how this approach can make your homeschooling experience more enjoyable and effective.
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Embracing Flexibility in Homeschooling
Homeschooling can be daunting, especially when faced with an array of teacher manuals, guides, and instructions. The pressure to follow these resources to the letter can sometimes overshadow the true purpose of homeschooling—creating a tailored and effective educational experience for your child.
The reality is, homeschooling is overwhelming enough without adding unnecessary stress by trying to follow every guideline precisely. The key is to recognize that while these guides are helpful, they are just that—guides. They are not set in stone, and it’s perfectly okay to adapt them to fit your family’s needs.
It’s Your Education—Make It Work for You
One of my favorite analogies comes from my background as a licensed cosmetologist. If you’ve ever complimented someone on their hair and they respond with, “Oh, it’s not my natural hair,” my reply is always, “If you paid for it, it’s yours! Rock it!” This analogy perfectly encapsulates how I approach homeschooling resources.
You’ve invested time and money into these materials, so they should serve you, not the other way around. If a specific curriculum or teacher’s guide feels overwhelming, remember that you have the freedom to tailor it to your needs. Just like you own your hairstyle, you own your educational resources.
Understanding the Role of Teacher’s Guides
Teacher’s guides and instructor manuals are designed to offer a structured approach to teaching, but they are not meant to be rigid. For instance, I use the Michael Clay Thompson’s Language Arts curriculum, which comes with extensive teacher’s guides. While these guides provide a comprehensive plan, they can also be overwhelming with their detailed schedules and instructions.
Here’s the thing: these manuals offer a suggestion, not a mandate. They provide a structure, but it’s up to you to decide how closely to follow it. For example, rather than adhering strictly to the weekly schedules, I use the guides as a reference and adapt them to fit our rhythm. This flexibility helps prevent burnout and ensures that the curriculum works for us, not against us.
Tailoring Curriculum to Fit Your Needs
In practice, I adapt materials to what suits our family best. For example, with Michael Clay Thompson’s Language Arts, we tackle one chapter a week instead of the suggested daily exercises. This approach allows us to progress at a comfortable pace without feeling overwhelmed.
Similarly, with Math-U-See, I streamline the process by focusing on alternating core worksheets and unit tests, rather than completing every single lesson test. This method ensures that we cover essential material without getting bogged down by unnecessary tests and activities.
Avoiding the Trap of Overwhelm
The goal is to keep homeschooling manageable and enjoyable. Trying to do everything as prescribed can lead to frustration and burnout. Instead, use the resources you have in a way that aligns with your teaching style and your child’s learning needs.
When you find that a particular approach isn’t working, don’t hesitate to pivot or make changes. It’s important to remain adaptable and responsive to what works best for your family.
Those who have been here for any amount of time, you know I love my Pivot Or Quit It Formula. If you can identify a pain point and how changing it could make your homeschool life better, Pivot! If you can’t fathom how this would ever work for you in any respect, Quit It!
Share Your Thoughts
I would love to hear from fellow homeschooling parents about your experiences. How have you adapted curriculums to better fit your needs? What changes have you made to avoid overwhelm? Share your insights and tips in the comments below!
Remember, homeschooling should be a fulfilling and customized experience. You have the freedom to make it work for you. Don’t let rigid guidelines hold you back—tailor your approach to create a successful and enjoyable educational journey for your family.
I hope this post helps you navigate the complexities of homeschooling with greater ease. If you found this helpful, please consider subscribing for more tips and insights. And as always, you can connect with me on Instagram at Making Everyday Magic.
Happy homeschooling!
