| Leading a disciplined life is not one of my strong | | | | minutes, hours, or even the rest of the day. Hit |
| suits. I am a creative type with bursts of energy, | | | | the books again once you have prayed and taken |
| spontaneous ideas, and routines rather than | | | | time to get clarity on the matter. |
| schedules. In answering God's call to homeschool, I | | | | 3. Have fun. No matter what method of |
| am learning the value of planning, organization, and | | | | homeschooling you adhere to, there is always |
| follow through. Here are five ways to help make | | | | room for fun. You get to teach your child at |
| the most of your homeschool day. | | | | home, why not enjoy it! Be creative. Make a point |
| 1. Start out your day with quiet time in God's | | | | to laugh together. Plan lessons and activities your |
| word. For me that isn't first thing when I wake up. | | | | child enjoys. |
| It is after I get my middle child off to Christian | | | | 4. Keep a record. This may be as simple as a |
| school and my toddler fed and onto his morning | | | | handwritten journal. Many states require |
| play time. Then, I can sit down and spend a few | | | | somewhat detailed record keeping. I belong to an |
| minutes of time filling my tank. Washing my mind | | | | ISP (Independent Study Program) that helps me |
| with God's word helps me to have the strength, | | | | with this aspect by providing simple worksheets |
| energy, and motivation, not to mention the spirit, | | | | to follow. Take the time to jot down a few notes |
| to tackle homeschool. | | | | about what you covered and areas your child has |
| 2. Take breaks. Homeschooling isn't the same as | | | | mastered or needs work in. If you're like me, I |
| formal schooling. So, why not take full advantage | | | | have trouble remembering details. It's best to |
| of its perks. Hammering through a curriculum is | | | | chronicle as you go so when the time comes to |
| not the approach you have to take. No school | | | | present formal paperwork you are not left |
| bells are going to ring saying its time to move on | | | | scrambling to validate the lessons your child has |
| to the next thing. If you hit a snag, you or your | | | | learned. |
| child get frustrated, or the material is just not | | | | 5. Love your child and appreciate this precious |
| sinking in, take a break. Walk away for a few | | | | time you have together. Life is a vapor. |