Homeschool Management





Getting started on homeschooling can be nerve wracking and confusing. Hopefully the following post will be helpful in getting you organized and provide tips on managing your homeschool.


1.     GET ORGANIZED
o   PLAN
§  Invest in a planner.
·         Plan what lessons the children will cover at least one week in advance
·         Teach older kids how to use a planner and to make To-Do Lists
·         My favorite planners
o   Passion Planner: great for personal/daily planning. Breaks down each day by every 30 mins.
http://www.passionplanner.com/
o   Blue Sky Teacher Planner: Ample space for planning out lessons for multiple children.
Available on Amazon. Click here for link.



§  Whiteboard calendar 
·         So everyone in the family can see what the month looks like. Include appointments, practices, field trips, etc.
·         Available on Amazon
·         Also available at Target and Walmart
§  Don’t over plan!
·         Many new homeshoolers pack their year with too many fields trips and attempting to cover too many topics.
·         Leads to quick burnt out.
o   Be Consistent
§  Do not schedule anything else during schooling hours.
§  Taking time off of school for unnecessary outings will give your children the perception that education is of secondary importance.
·         If you need to go somewhere, be sure to still complete the tasks scheduled for the day.

2.      Organize your homeschool space YOUR way
You’ll see thousands of pictures of homeschool rooms on the internet; these rooms are beautiful, large, perfectly furnished, clean, and just perfect!
      • DON’T assume that is necessary at all.
      •  Your homeschool space should be organized in a way that makes it functional and easy for you.

o   Some people prefer having a set space, where all materials and books stay organized. This is optimal but not always attainable for people living in smaller spaces.
o   Many homeschoolers call the family dining table their homeschool space.
§  If you don’t have an extra room, this option is great.
·         It gives mom the chance to complete kitchen or house chores while the kids are do independent work.
§  In this case, it is necessary to still have a set location where all materials and books are kept. A bookshelf, cabinet with doors, roller crates, etc.
§  You can homeschool anywhere, but be organized.
o   Some children may work better sitting outdoors.
§  This works well for families with younger children who stay busy playing in the backyard while mom homeschools the older children.



3.      A Functional Space





  o   Your class doesn’t have to be elaborate and expensive. Functionality is most important.
  o   It takes time to create the perfect homeschool room that suits your family.
                     Take your time.
·         Sometimes it takes a few years to create the perfect space.
 ·         Shop around
  ·         Magazine folders are great organizers
                o   5 pack for $1.99 at IKEA
       o   Cover them with wrapping paper of your choice by brushing watered down glue on the cardboard folder, lay down the wrapping paper,  and cut to size.

o   When homeschooling multiple children, using a large table is the most practical option.

o   The beauty of homeschool is the flexibility. Be flexible
§  If schooling indoors does not work one day, go outside.
§  If you’re travelling, the world is your classroom.
§  Education is infinite, take advantage of every opportunity.
     

We use our old dining table in our school room
The Dollar Store sells a lot of classroom decor like Alphabet Banners.
Whiteboards are widely available second hand.
Wait for Back-to-School items to go on clearance in September for
the best deals.







4.      Managing your Class
o   Have set rules. Take some time and put the rules together with your kids, ask for their input. Then post the rules on the wall of your homeschool area.
§  When rules are set and posted children are more aware and more likely to follow.

"THINK before you speak" was something we heard in a
Friday Sermon by Shaykh Ahmed Billoo.
It stuck with the kids and they asked to put it up in the classroom.

 
5.      Be Punctual
o   Have a daily start time and be punctual.
§  Children thrive on regularity.
§  Although, mornings are the best time for children to retain information, figure out what time suits you and your family and try to school at that time as often as possible.
§  Be realistic when setting time goals, otherwise you will cause yourself unnecessary stress.
·         If you have infants and toddlers to tend to in the morning, set a later start date for your older children.
·         Some families with younger children plan school around the toddlers’ naps.
·         Don’t stress out if you’re off schedule sometimes.

6.      Managing Housework and Homeschool
·         Meal plan
o   Know what you will be cooking throughout the week.
o   Cook and freeze.
o   Cook enough to last two days.
o   Electric pressure cookers have changed cooking. Cuts cooking time by more than half.
§  Check out my previous posts with Instant Pot recipes.
·         Set laundry days
·         Set cleaning days
o   Get children involved in cleaning and laundry.
o   Children 9 and up are capable of putting their clothes in the washer and dryer.
o   Children 6 and up are capable of putting their folded clothes away
o   Sweeping, vacuuming, cleaning windows, etc.
·         Ask for help if needed
o   Husband, parents, in-laws, neighbors, friends
o   Hire help if you can.
·         Put the children to bed a decent time to get some rest and complete any other chores in peace and quiet. 


7.      Homeschool Burnout
·         Homeschool burnout is real and normal
·         Most moms feel this in November, February, and May.
·         Change up the schedule, go on a couple more field trips, put the curriculum on the shelf and do a fun unit study for a few weeks.
·         Create a support group of other homeschoolers.
·         Du’a! 
       YOU'VE GOT THIS!



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