Advice for Accidental Homeschoolers From a Homeschool Graduate

Photo Credit: Jodi Mockabee

Hello friends!

We live in some very interesting times.  Due to the precautions against spreading the Coronavirus (Covid-19), many people have been forced to become "accidental homeschoolers."  I've seen lots of posts across social media from public school parents freaking out and homeschool parents giving great advice.  Mom to mom advice is great, but wouldn't it be nice to hear things from a student's perspective as well?  Once upon a time, I too wrote advice about homeschooling, not as a parent, but as a homeschooled student on my blog which was all about.... you guessed it, my life as a homeschooler!  I also went to Catholic school for 4 years, so I know what it's like to study in a classroom of 27 students and I really did like it!  Then when I was homeschooled, I wanted to make my learning at home a little more structured like a school.  So today, I'm revising this post of advice, which was originally published in 2015 when I was in my sophomore year of high school as a homeschooler.  This advice can be for parents and students alike.

1.  Designate a space specifically for school work.  This could be your dining room table, an office desk, or maybe some other space.  But you do not need a separate room for homeschooling all on its own, so don't worry about an entire home makeover.  The reason I advise setting aside a separate space for schooling though is so that kids don't get distracted by other things going on around them.  If at all possible, don't school on the table at which you eat.  This avoids the extra chore and time of having to clear away all school supplies and books for every meal.

2.  Get up on time!  It really does make a difference.  I am so much more motivated and energized in the morning.  Get up and do Math first (or your hardest, most time involving subject) to get it out of the way.

3. Make a schedule! Know what you have to do and how much time you have to do it. It helps when you are in a curriculum that gives you a syllabus for all of your subjects during the week, but I like assigning all of my subjects to certain time periods during the day. Make time for a one-hour lunch break and make sure you work out each day involving online classes and such. If you cannot complete a subject in the amount of time you gave yourself, stop and go on to the next subject. You can come back and finish it later.  This helps break up your day and limits boredom.

For example:
7:00am - 8:00am - Breakfast, make bed, etc.
8:00am - 9:00am - Math
9:00am - 10:00am - Latin
10:00am - 11:00am - Science
...
(so on and so forth)

4. Alternate between favorite subjects and not so likable subjects.  Again, this helps break up the monotony and cuts down on boredom. 

5.  Listen to music.  My sister could do school while listening to virtually any genre of music whereas I couldn't concentrate on my work while music with lyrics was playing, so I stuck to classical and instrumental.  Listening to music creates a background that helps keep you focused and the house quiet.  Here's a playlist to get you started:

6.  Make motivations for yourself to help push you along and keep you up to date.  Discuss the options of computer time, outdoor time, or time Skyping with friends in exchange for getting so much school done in a certain amount of time.  Do not think of this as bribing though.  It's really just making sure you get the important assignments completed first with a little extra motivation.

7. Watch Blimey Cow!!!  If you don't know what it is, click here.  Blimey Cow is a group of siblings who release YouTube Videos every week about everyday random stuff (and of course homeschooling!)  They were homeschooled too.  (They are also great if you need a laugh for the day.)

PS. If you're not a homeschooler, these videos are sometimes sarcastic and may not make a lot of sense, but after some time in quarantine, maybe you'll understand.

8.  Be flexible.  In public school, kids are used to a full schedule from start to finish but don't feel like you have to replicate that at home.  Each day can be unique and exciting.  Reading, cooking in the kitchen, chores, discovering new hobbies, and family activities are not only good uses of time but also teach valuable life lessons.  Also, don't feel like your kids have to complete every assignment.  Pick some assignments out to do together orally.  Mixing written and oral work can save the student's hand from cramping up in a pencil grip as well. 

9. Pray.  Jesus will help you with all of your struggles, He is there to congratulate your awesome scores and help you with that problem that just doesn't work.  I know from experience.  He is amazing when it comes to this.  God is in control of this entire pandemic scare.  Do not let it take away your peace.  Just trust Him, He will help you.  Say a short prayer.  I really can't stress this enough.

My ultimate advice is, don't stress.  This situation, however bleak it may seem to you, is temporary.  Sooner or later, the world will come back to rights and if homeschooling still isn't your thing, schools will be there for you.  But at least you tried your best and you probably will come out stronger than before.  Take this opportunity to cherish the time spent with your children.  Watch them grow, develop, and learn.  Do not think you have to recreate a public school environment for your children every day.  Be flexible and enjoy every day of life which is a gift.

May God bless you and help you with your studies!  If you're new to the homeschooling way of life, please let me know in the comments below if these tips were helpful!

God love you,

Sarah