Ready for a new homeschool year? It’s exciting to open up the new school supplies, set new goals, and begin a fresh year. But there are some common homeschooling mistakes that you may encounter. The good news is that there are effective solutions so that you can navigate these challenges successfully!
So as you dive into a new homeschool year, whether you’re a brand new homeschooling parent or an experienced one, by understanding these pitfalls and finding solutions, you’ll be able to have a smoother and more rewarding year with your kids.
Listen to the Podcast!
On episode 228 of the Homeschool with Moxie Podcast, we’ll talk through these 5 homeschooling mistakes and solutions.
Trying to do School at Home
Remember – you have the freedom to be able to homeschool your kids in the BEST way for them! You don’t have to compare yourself or your kids or your curriculum to traditional schooling. And you don’t need to feel inadequate if you’re “just a parent” without a professional teaching degree. YOU are the best teacher for your child, hands down.
Mistake: Trying to do school at home
Solution: Focus on your child’s individual progress and growth. Embrace the flexibility and customize their education as needed.
6 Ways You’re Making Homeschooling Harder Than It Needs to Be
Overloading the Curriculum
You have to keep in mind that the curriculum is just a guide, but you are in charge. And don’t ever feel like you have to completely finish a curriculum or that you can never ditch it if it’s not working for you or your child. Finding the right curriculum can make a huge difference in your homeschool! But so can having the right mindset and not feeling like you’re a slave to a clunky teacher’s manual.
Mistake: Using overly complex curriculum or trying to do too much
Solution: Use homeschool-friendly curriculum, open & go resources, teach multiple ages together, try notebooking
Skipping Hands-On and Practical Learning
Remember mistake #1? Your homeschool style doesn’t have to mimic a public school classroom. You really can embrace a hands-on approach and encourage a love of learning through engaging your kids on a daily basis. Your younger children can do formal learning in such a short period each day that they can embrace their childhood with plenty of wild + free time. Your older kids can learn life skills that you wished you had learned at their age!
Mistake: Relying solely on textbooks and worksheets
Solution: Using hands-on activities and real-world experiences like experiments, field trips, cooking, gardening, playtime, entrepreneurship, life skills and more
Insufficient Resources & Support
You don’t have to homeschool alone! Attempting to homeschool without adequate resources, materials, and support can result in burnout and throwing in the towel.
Mistake: Trying to homeschool without support
Solution: Find your tribe, preferably an in-person co-op or homeschool support group. If you can’t find local support or a mentor, then look online. You can join our Homeschool Mom Collective to find that support, structure, and help.
Ignoring Learning Styles and Individual Needs
Remember that every child is unique and learns differently. Homeschooling allows you to customize the teaching methods for each child so they can excel. Be willing to make adjustments as needed.
Mistake: Treating every kid like they’re all the same
Solution: Learn about the different ways children learn and how to adapt your homeschooling. Check out episode 133 of the Homeschool with Moxie Podcast where we talked to Dr. Kathy Koch about the 8 Great Smarts and how to customize your homeschooling.
Final Thoughts on Homeschooling Mistakes + Solutions
Don’t forget that YOU are your child’s best teacher and you can navigate these challenges! Just keep an eye on your homeschooling WHY and your family’s goals and priorities and you’ll be just fine. Your kids are getting the best education ever when they’re taught by a committed and engaged parent.
Free Homeschool Resources
Have you checked out our resource library recently? There’s some new great resources in there for the fall.
