Organizing your Homeschool {Blog Hop}

homeschooling

When I first began homeschooling, the most challenging thing for me was figuring out how I was going to do “that” on top of all my other household responsibilities. I saw all those “other moms” who looked like that had it all together—and I felt less than qualified. After all, I didn’t bake my own bread from wheat that I grew and ground into flour.  I didn’t have the uniform. And I didn’t speak the language.

I soon figured out that I was right to be a little nervous.  Homeschoolers, as it turns out, DO have a language all their own.  The trick, though, is to learn to speak your language. And that takes time.

Last month, after much reluctance, I wrote a series on homeschooling. I was reluctant, because I’ve learned that homeschool moms like me are easily guilted into thinking we’re doing it wrong. I don’t want to share our strategies and them have them become someone else’s burden (if that makes any sense.) Truthfully, we’ve tried just about every method and schedule out there from year to year.  Why? Because things move at the speed of life.  And you’ve got to be flexible and move with them if you’re going to stay in the game long term.

Homeschooling is a marathon, not a sprint. You wouldn’t just sign up for a marathon without training and planning, would you? Homeschooling is the same way. It requires some up front planning and thought, but once you get the hang of what generally works for you, you’ll just change it up and essentially repeat the process the next year.

Don’t be afraid to try new things. Don’t worry about failure. Keep trying until you find a rhythm that works for you and your family.  Here are my five “essentials” to getting organized for a new year of homeschooling.  Click on the image to read the entire post.

Five Essentials

Need more encouragement and ideas?  You might like:

You can do this!
signature-heidi

Read all of the posts “Organizing Your Homeschooling” on these blogs! And read all about the Blog Hop going on HERE!

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Heidi St John Guide to Daylight

This entry was posted in Homeschooling and tagged , on by .

About Heidi St. John

Heidi has been married to her husband Jay since 1989. Together they have seven children and three grandchildren! The St. Johns homeschooled their kids all the way through high school. Heidi is the the author of seven books, host of the popular podcast "Off the Bench," and the founder of MomStrong International, an online community of women learning God's Word and how to apply it to every day life. She and her husband Jay are also the founders of Firmly Planted Family and the Firmly Planted Homeschool Resource Center, located in Vancouver, Washington.

13 thoughts on “Organizing your Homeschool {Blog Hop}

  1. Kim Huffman

    In one way or another after 10 years of homeschooling I have come to the same conclusion close to these 5 points. I so appreciate you Heidi for thinking about the burden and “doing it wrong” that is so common in us homeschooling moms. This last year I have really been learning to let go of the “formulas” or seek a new “how to” book but to consult the Holy Spirit asking him when we come up with a glitch by surrendering and asking “what do we do about this?” And the Holy Spirit has been so faithful to gently show me his unique guidance which works for us uniquely. We can share our answers but I find rather than trying to share what works for us unless asked, to pray for my fellow homeschooling moms that they would receive the incredible love of our Savior and the freedom only He brings. Thank You Heidi for presenting what works for you, but they are always presented in a fashion of ideas, not “have tos” Bless You!!

    Reply
    1. Heidi Post author

      Hi Kim 🙂 I have a sister named Holly 🙂 Thanks for posting— I appreciate your perspective! Letting the Lord guide our steps is always better than copying someone else. I don’t know why it took me so long to get to that place! Blessings xoxo h.

      Reply
  2. Caroline Cordle

    Some really great tips and ideas, Heidi. I have just bought your lapbooking ebook, and will read it when I get a moment… some time next century. lol It was YOU who inspired us to think about lapbooking, when you came to the UK last year. Those were works of ART! Thank you for taking the time to join the blog hop this week. x

    Reply
  3. kelly

    Hi Heidi! I just discovered your blog, excited to read more. One thing I noticed that is when there seems there should be an apostrophe, it is showing up as a comma. Just curious if this is something you are intentionally doing or if it is something on my end, I am reading this on a Mac. Just never had this before with other blogs I read.

    Reply
  4. Elaine Mingus

    Hey Busy Mom,

    I just finished a video and a blog about my homeschooling room. It’s quite extensive (with over 25 photos). Both can be found on this link: http://superradchristianwriterchick.com/360-view-homeschooling-room/.

    I encourage moms to 1st PRAY and then give practical ideas for a homeschool room.

    A 360 View of a Homeschooling Room (with Video)

    I would love for you to check it out and tell me what you think.

    I’ve referenced your blog many times on my Facebook page. Thanks for all your wisdom and encouragement (and funny memes!)

    Love,
    Elaine Mingus
    SuperRadChristianWriterChick.com

    Reply
  5. Karen

    Hi Heidi!! Been keeping up with your blog for a few months. Love ALL of your posts and your absolute honesty! I have a question for you that doesn’t really pertain to this post, but I didn’t know how else to ask you, nor where to get the information. I saw on your calendar that you are going to the Institute for Excellence in Writing conference in Williamsburg, VA in October. I wasn’t able to see any conference on their website. Is there somewhere I can go to look at the information for that?? I have been looking at their stuff for some time and haven’t taken the plunge yet. I like to write on our own, but feel that since the kids are getting older we might need to get something more structured. Thank you SO MUCH!

    Reply
    1. Heidi Post author

      Hi Karen!
      I’m happy to hear from you! I’ll be speaking at a special conference for IEW distributors and mentors, so I don’t think it’s “open” like a normal conference would be. However I can totally vouch for IEW’s effectiveness 🙂 I’ve used it with our kids! High school is my favorite time to use IEW but it’s great for youngers too. Welcome to my blog 🙂 and thanks for your encouragement! xoxo -h

      Reply
  6. carrie long

    We’ve homeschooled for 7 years. This year, I was all antsy, feeling unready for the year, though I had prepared for quite awhile. Then, I read your tips above when you posted them before. I had already done everything already! It’s just more natural now, so it felt like steps were missing! Thank you for all of your encouragement. We know few homeschoolers here, so it helps.

    Reply

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