Tips for a Fantastic Homeschool Year

We have just entered our 15th year of homeschooling.  I jotted down these ideas this morning as I was thinking about what makes for a good year.

1. Less school, more learning.  Take nature walks and write in journals, read whole books, paint and draw.  Forget what you know about "school" and enjoy learning with your kids.  You will be surprised, I promise!
2. Go to bed early, or at least on time.  The early bird gets the worm and home school mamas really should be in the worm getting business, if you know what I mean.  A good night's rest makes all the difference.
3. Include some protein at breakfast.  An egg, some bacon, even a spoonful of peanut butter will help your learners focus (and will make you a better teacher too!).
4. Find balance.  You can't do it all, all the time, so use the W.I.N. principal - What's Important Now.
5. Make a schedule.  Schedules are not straight jackets.  You will accomplish more if you make a schedule and do your best to follow it.
6. Don't leave the house every day.  Stay home as much as you can.  Carefully consider extra curricular activities before becoming involved.  
7. Simplify.  Combine subjects, plan simple meals, don't take on too much outside your home.
8. Pray.  Make time each day to talk to God.  He loves you and your kids more than you can imagine!  31 Days of Praying for your Homeschool
9. Use your social skills carefully.  Talking, texting, facebook, instagram, blogs, twitter and the like can eat up a lot of valuable time.  You don't have to abstain entirely, but you do have to be careful.
   
10. Remember it's not all about test scores and workbooks and grades.  It's really about hearts.  "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.  And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up."  Deuteronomy 6:5-7  
    
    
    
    
    Happy Homeschooling!