What I Learned at the Homeschool Convention
I spent this past weekend at the HEAV homeschool convention in Richmond, Virginia. I had a wonderful time and can’t wait to go again next year! I went to several seminars and heard many new ideas, and some old ones I had forgotten. Since the school year is winding down for many of us, I figured I would pass on some of these tips for the next school year.
1. Obedience matters. If your kids don’t obey you, it is impossible to homeschool. Put away the books and work on obedience for a while.
2. While your kids are young, stay at home during naptime. Running around during a child’s naptime can wreck your day when you return home. Kids have taken mini-naps in the car, so they don’t nap when you return home, or are so overtired, they can’t fall asleep.
3. When a job needs to be done, look around and find the youngest child that is able to do the job, and ask them to do it. Many times in big families, the oldest child is always tasked with the jobs. This creates a very responsible and capable firstborn…and a bunch of lazy kids that follow behind. I realize that the youngest children cannot do the job as quick or as well as the other kids, but they need to practice, or they will never do it well!
4. Do math and reading when your kids are fresh. This is usually in the morning.
5. Give your child nine positive comments before you point out one negative. (This one seems impossible to me!)
6. Spend time with your little ones. Many times in big families, the baby is passed off to the older kids. Teach your older kids to work independently and invest lots of time reading and playing with your younger ones. You can work with your big kids during naptime.
7. Get “face time” with every child. This can be difficult when you have a lot of kids. Turn off the computer or television and spend time without any distractions. Even five or ten minutes can make a big difference.
8. Spend time this summer planning your year. Ask your husband if he can take the kids for a weekend, or even a day, so you can plan for the coming school year.
9. Children in the same family can be very different. Not every child learns the same way. Just because it worked for your oldest doesn’t mean it will work for the rest of them. Don’t be afraid to throw out the curriculum if it is not working.
10. Just because everyone else in your homeschool group loves a certain curriculum doesn’t mean it is the best for your family. You know your kids better than anyone else, you are the best person to choose their curriculum.
11. Homeschool conventions are a blast! You listen to great speakers, spend time with other homeschooling moms, and get your hands on many different curricula. Start saving now for next year’s convention.
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AUTHOR | Toni
Toni, one of the original 3 Moms, is a military wife and stay-at-home(schooling) mom of six, soon to be seven great kids. On her personal blog, The Happy Housewife, she writes about saving money, healthy eating, recycling, homeschooling, life as a mom, and crafting.
Great tips! Sounds like you had a great time at the convention!!
Number 4 (math and reading first thing) has really helped us a lot. We usually do our school work when we wake up. I need to work on Number 5. I have to put myself in their shoes sometimes. Thank you for that reminder.
I loved going to the convention when I was a teen. My boys are still under three so I haven’t been yet for them but probably will next year! Thanks for sharing!
C’mon by Wani’s World and check out my WFMW!
I too love our homeschool conventions. I wish they were twice a year! Sometimes I need that motivational boost in early spring. Great post.
I’ve never been to a homeschool convention and I’ve been schooling for two and a half years now. Maybe because they’re so far to drive…anyway, I’m going to make #5 my goal for each day! I love that!
Wow, great advice. I especially love #3. I recently told my oldest son, almost 6, that as soon as he teaches the youngest one, 20 months, to unload the dishwasher, he (the oldest) can have a new chore. I’ve never seen anyone so excited to teach someone else how to unload a dishwasher!
I really need to work on #5 …
~Brea
These are great tips. Thank you for sharing them. I know I could definately implement a few of these.
Thanks, Toni. I’m not a homeschooling mom (but would be if we didn’t have such a great SMALL school 1/2 a block away!) but enjoyed reading the tips, and I know that some of them apply to my family… especially the first 3.
First time here and I really loved reading your tips. We just went to our first homeschool convention a few weeks ago and found it so encouraging and exciting. Best wishes for a wonderful year!
Thanks for sharing those tips! We’re getting ready to start homeschooling kindergarten in August and I am a little nervous about doing it right. Every bit of advice helps!
Thanks for sharing!