Mrs. Holder's Top 10 Tips for a Successful Homeschooling Year!

1. Choose a Homeschooling Scripture ~ Scripture is filled with tons of encouragement for the homeschooling family. Choose a scripture that fits into your goals and heart’s desires for this upcoming school year. A scripture that I have had in the past is: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap”. ~ Galatians 6:9

2. Write out your Homeschooling Convictions ~ On a recipe card write out your reasons for homeschooling your child. Place the card on your fridge or inside your kitchen cupboard door for easy access on those days when you need a reminder of why you have chosen to homeschool.

3. Pray for Daily Grace ~ Homeschooling is filled with blessings, but can sometimes be challenging and tiring. Thank goodness that God is bigger than all of our weaknesses. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” ~ 2 Cor. 12:9

4. Take Some Time for a Devotional ~ A great way to start your day is with focusing on God, either with a personal or a family devotion. Make it a part of your homeschooling routine.

5. Read Books from Veteran Homeschoolers ~ One of my favourite ways to get inspired is to read a great book from someone who has already travelled the road of parenting and homeschooling before me. Some of the authors that I have enjoyed in the past include: Ruth Beechick, Ted Tripp, Sally Clarkson, and Jessie Wise. Most of these authors also have great websites that can be an encouragement to you throughout the school year.

6. Plan with Flexibility ~ This is one of my biggest challenges – I tend to plan too much and then feel pressured to complete it all. I am learning the art of picking and choosing and letting go.

7. Guide with Gentleness and Encouragement ~ When your levels of frustration and stress start rising, stop whatever you are doing and come alongside your child with a gentle word and a helpful spirit. Nothing can calm a stressful situation quicker than a softly spoken word. “[E]ncourage one another and build each other up”. ~ 1 Thess. 5:11

8. Make Changes – It’s okay! ~ There’s a quotation that says, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” If something in your homeschooling paradigm is not working, then pray about it and make changes. Take time to assess how you and your child are doing and keep your eyes and ears open for ideas and resources that can help make your homeschooling experience the best that it can be for your family.

9. Find some Quiet Time ~ Schedule quiet time into your day. Right after lunch can be a good time for everyone to find a comfy corner and spend some time reading, resting or reflecting – that means mom and dad too!

10. Be Joyful and Have Fun! ~ Homeschooling is a huge blessing. Delight in the specialness of everyday moments that you and your child get to experience together. “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” ~ Psalm 90:12