What Does a Typical Homeschool Look Like?
By Judith Jolma
So what does homeschool look like? That is the exquisite beauty of it. It looks exactly how you make it look. If you have ADHD and don’t want to be cooped up in the house every day, then you can take your children on field trips every day if you want. If you are a bookish introvert, you and your children can stay in your pj’s and read good books all day. If you like life one way but your child likes it another way, you can mix it up, find that compromise and make it work for everyone. Does your child need grades and tests to feel a sense of accomplishment -- then provide that structure for him. You make it what you want it to be and there is no wrong style.
You can travel, teach year-round or in the summer instead of winter, and teach through experience or classical literature. You can give your children exactly what they desire for the very best education they could possibly want. And you can and should, consider your own needs and desires too. I once knew a woman who homeschooled while running a restaurant. She didn’t have to give up her dream and livelihood to provide and protect her child. Her son worked the business with her, learning everything about the kitchen, the register, and customer service. And he was always able to find a quiet table to open his books and complete his lessons, too. Sure it took creativity, but it worked.
But one thing I can tell you is it does not look like -- like every homeschool catalog ever published. Children blissfully walking through a field of daisies with braided hair and clean shoes, magnifying glass in hand and mom and dad walking behind them hand-in-hand smiling in the sunlight. Life with children is messy. Go observe in a preschool someday. Tell me if your home looks less chaotic and less noisy. Tell me if those preschool workers come home less exhausted at the end of the day. If your real-life home is loud, busy, often stressful, and a whole lot of work -- you have a normal home. Embrace the struggle. This job is not easy but it should be joyful. It is difficult, but not impossible. We can struggle but we should always encourage each other.
Plans go sideways, tears will flow, and sometimes you will be so bored with your work that you want to vomit. Is any of that any different than any other work worth doing?
If things are not working out for you, you are using the wrong tools. It may take some time to find the right tools but if you and your child are fighting, change the tools. If there is too much stress in the family, change the tools.
But learning how to identify the need for a new tool vs. the need for a simple break takes a little training. I've got you covered. Take advantage of the Foundations of Homeschooling Masterclass to learn all the tricks and tips of this job. With a little training, You are going to rock this!
Sophia Homeschool teaches parents how to homeschool. Learn more about our training at Sophiahomeschool.com
Learn how to create a homeschool method and environment based on your family's needs so you can thrive. My Foundations of Homeschooling Masterclass teaches parents to work with their budget, schedule, learning style, teaching style, and resources so each member of the family has his or her needs met— including yours! Learn to create a peaceful and joyful learning environment that lasts a lifetime. Identify learning differences and adapt your educational plan accordingly. Unlock the mysteries of teaching multiple grades at once. By knowing what your needs are, you will save thousands of dollars, time, and energy on methods that do not work. We will end homework battles and restore your relationship with your child.