Homeschooling When Life Blows Up

Burn Out

The following is a post by contributing writer Michelle of Raising Cajuns.

Everyone has good days and bad days.  Homeschoolers are no different.  Some days flow with ease, while others sputter and chaos ensues.  At the end of the tough days, you go to bed knowing you can start with a clean slate the next day.  That maybe the kids were just tired, or you had too many commitments that day, or you just plain woke up on the wrong side of the bed.  You know that tomorrow will be better.

But this post isn’t about those days.  This post is about the days, weeks, and even months of your life when everything around you has fallen apart.  You know with a good amount of certainty that external circumstances will not be better the next day.  In fact, they just might get worse. (more…)

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Using Technology in Your Homeschool

Classroom Help, Informative, Technology

teens and technology

Written by contributor Kris Bales of Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers.

A couple of weeks ago, I had finally saved enough money to do something that I’d wanted to do for several months – get my two younger kids laptops. We don’t spend a lot of money on curriculum and, now that they’re both in middle school, I saw a lot of positives to them each having their own computers (rather than using mine or the ancient desktop that’s on its last leg).

The two immediate benefits I saw were math and typing. We use computer-based math programs and both kids are going to be learning typing this year. The fact that the kids are now able to do those things on their own devices is definitely a sanity-saver. However, I’m seeing lots of other benefits as well. (more…)

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3 ways to motivate reluctant learners

Burn Out, Classroom Help, Informative

Written by Jenna
http://www.yarnsoftheheart.com/

I am a big fan of interest-led learning. We found that motivation was rarely a problem because our three kids (all now graduated) were always exploring what interested them.

You can do it too.

For example, if your child loves trains, let him spend time learning all there is to know about trains. As a result, there will be a lot of reading, history, social studies, science and math to conquer, but it won’t feel like school!

What about learning things that don’t connect to a child’s interests?

It’s tempting to say, “Sit down, be quiet, listen and learn,” but if you have a reluctant learner, you know thems fightin’ words!

Here are a few ways to move your child from resistant to motivated.

1. Control your temper.

Kids tend to mirror our emotions. Plus, you’re more likely to say things you don’t mean and damage your relationship.

2. Go on a field trip.

Getting out will be good for everyone.

Your child may have no interest in the Lincoln/Douglas Debates, but we have a great little hands-on museum here in my hometown. I’m sure you have similar things near you.

Check out your local home school group, chamber of commerce, or do an internet search for historic places and museums near you. (more…)

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