I would consider my wife a seasoned homeschooling mom. We started our homeschooling journey because we needed to, but we have continued our homeschooling journey because we wanted to.

My wife has grown both in experience and knowledge as a homeschool educator, but she still gets butterflies at the beginning of a new school year (or when a new student joins our homeschool academy). I bet all educators feel that way.

Today's post is for people who feel they are being "forced" to homeschool or virtual school because of COVID. For many, COVID has pushed you to make decisions you would not normally make. Instead of just butterflies, I bet these new homeschooling parents are feeling Pterodactyls in the pits of their stomachs.

I hope the following will be encouragement and provide some guidance to those new homeschooling parents as you face this new chapter in your child's education journey.

Disclaimer: I am not a professional educator. I am just happy to be a homeschooling dad.

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Remember the Why

In a few weeks or months (maybe days), you are going to have a bad homeschooling day. That is just life!

In that moment, you need to remember two things.

1. You really do love your little monsters ones
2. You had a good reason for deciding to homeschool/virtual school.

Understanding your WHY is just as important as understanding your HOW and WHAT. If you loose focus on WHY, then everything else will start to crumble. WHY is the vision that guides you.

Consider creating a vision statement, a motto, a stated purpose. Take those words (either write them done or type them out) and then post them in the space where you will teach.

Trust me! You will need to return to your WHY time and time again.

Designate Time and Space

One of the beautiful things about homeschooling is flexibility. One of the most dangerous aspects of homeschooling is flexibility.

Flexibility is more about taking advantage of opportunities, not neglecting responsibilities. When homeschooling, both parents and students need to understand the rules that guide each day.

It might be challenging for your kiddos to respect their study space when that same space has been a playroom in the past. It will be much easier to turn on the TV and watch some afternoon cartoons instead of completing the required lessons.

Set guidelines for your self as the educator and communicate your expectation to your students about when and where school will take place.

Lean into the Role, Not The Title

Most likely, no one has every called you teacher. There are a lot of roles I fulfill in different peoples' lives and sometimes I struggle with accepting a title related to that role. I get where you are coming from! The title never has been and never should be the end goal. What you need to focus on is how to serve your child as the primarily educator. Be amazed that you are being used in your child's present, and the time and effort you are investing today will greatly impact your child's future.

Consider this! As a parent, you have taught your children day-in and day-out without ever claiming a title. Keep doing that! You have modeled and mentored. Don't stop!

I know that being the primary educator for your child (from a schooling perspective) might feel like a daunting and overwhelming task. But I also believe you will experience great joy and rewards for your labor.

Apply the 'Just In Time' Principle

You will need to extensively review your child's curriculum/lessons so that you can pass along knowledge. This will require time and effort on your part. Not gonna lie!

But what I want to encourage your to consider is that you don't have to be a "subject matter expert" to pass along the knowledge you have about a given topic. Learn a little a bit and share. Learn a little bit more the next day and then share again. Rinse and repeat.

Parents who have unrealistic expectations that they must first learn everything before they can teach anything will be in a world of hurt. You inability to share (because you have not mastered the topics) will be a detriment to your child as well.

Consume a little. Teach a little.

Review Your State's Reporting Guidelines

Know your rights as a homeschooling family and know the expectations your state places on homeschooling families. There are many states that are considered homeschool friendly. Other states? Their reputation is not as nice.

Do a quick online search to get an idea of how your state government views home education.

Also make sure that you understand your state's expectations of how you track your teaching and your child's learning:

• How is time tracked? By hours or days? Does time have to be tracked (depends on the state)?
• Are assessment tests required? Starting with what grade?
• Are education portfolios required? Starting with what grade?
• What is the difference between core and non-core subjects?
• How much of schooling can take place away from the family's primary residence?

I don't want to overwhelm you, but those are just a few of the questions I could think of. Start writing down the question you have and go out their and get yourself some answer. The internet is amazing!

And how will virtual school or hybrid school (half traditional/half homes education) play out? I honestly don't know, but your state might have an opinion.

Let me give you a brief description of the expectations placed on our family by our state.

• Assessment tests are not required for any age.
• Portfolios and time tracking are required for students 7 years old and older.
• At least 600 hours of learning must fall under the core subjects. At 400 of those hours must be taught in the homes. Up to 200 hours of core subjects can be logged outside of our homes.
• The remaining 400 hours of learning required each year can be directed towards non-core subjects. There are no location requirements on non-core subjects.

Breath

My goal is not to overwhelm you. I have I have given you a clear launching point. Making the decision to educate your child in your home is an important one, regardless of the reasons why.

Remember to breath:

• Return to your WHY. Breathe a little bit more.
• As you are reviewing the curriculum you picked our or received from your child's teacher, keep breathing.
• When you or your child have a bad day, breathe a lot!
• And when you finish a good day, breathe a sigh of joy. You earned it!

You might not have made this decision without COVID, but I sure hope you will embrace your decision.

Have a blessed day!
@SumatraNate
Homeschooling Principle and Occasional Substitute Teacher for my Wonderful Wife