6 Essentials For Our Homeschool

It's back to school season and I thought it was a good time to share a few things that are essential to our homeschool. Right now a lot of Mama's may be making the decision to homeschool or you have already made it and aren't sure what you got yourself into. This is for you. :-)

Prayer, Bible, My Faith

That's really more than one item but it is all in the same. I couldn't get through this without my God by my side. I have to have my devotionals each day to give me strength, patience, love and kindness to deal with the tough days. On those days when I go hide myself in the bathroom and cry because it's been ,"one of those days", I can go pray and feel so much better. We do devotionals together and talk about how God wants us to act and how we can do better, ( yes, we). Let's face it, sometimes us Mama's need an attitude adjustment too.

Field Trips

These are a must! It's hard sometimes to figure out how to balance it all, so start small. Take a field trip to a local park site. Take a field trip once a week or a month, whichever fits your schedule. But take field trips. Learning happens outside of a text book. Visit a science museum. Take a trip to the nearest hiking trail for a nature trip. Visit the library. The choices are endless.

Our Library and Good Books

Finding what your child loves to read is the key to opening up their love of reading. Boy have we struggled with this. Or should we say I have struggled. I  have tried giving him all sorts of books I thought he would like. When I let him find what he liked, boy did it change everything! :) The library is a must have essential for all homeschoolers. You can find curriculum there, supplements to what you're studying and so much more. And if you're lucky, you get amazing librarians that work wonders with your children.

Our Homeschool Group

I can't tell you how many times we are having a rough day, visit with our group and all roughness is gone. :) It's a blessing to have homeschool mama's that totally understand what is going on with you and your family because they've been there, done that and got the t-shirt. I can't stress enough the importance of your homeschool group community. If you don't have one, find one that fits your family. Those days can make the rest of your homeschool year so much easier.

Your own setup

What works for some doesn't work for you. What works for your family, may not work for others. That's great! Homeschool is full of freedom and flexibility to help your child get the best education they can. Find out a setup that works for you whether it's school on the road, school at the kitchen table or one of those amazing school rooms you see. Your school is whatever you make it. Be encouraged that many homeschoolers go through their entire school career right at their kitchen table or even in their backyard swing.

Break Times

It's okay to take a break. It's okay if your lesson plans don't go by the book every day. Sickness will happen. Emergencies do happen. Plain old, I don't feel like doing this today, will happen. It's okay. Give yourself grace and mercy just as you do your child. School will get done. Maybe it doesn't get done till the afternoon instead of first thing in the morning. It's ok!!!

What essentials do you need to make your homeschool run smoothly? What helps you get through the day? Share your thoughts and encouragement!