Homeschool Challenges Archives - Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers

5 Reasons You Should Consider Homeschooling at Night

September 10, 2019 By Bethany Ishee

If a packed or unusual daytime schedule is derailing your homeschool, try homeschooling at night to maximize your schedule. Bethany has five reasons why a schedule change may be just what you need!

Written by Bethany Ishee of BethanyIshee.com.

So often we embark on this homeschool life with the idea that learning happens between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. We make our beautiful, color-coded schedule and set the alarms. Then, we don’t understand the disappointment when things don’t go as planned.

Life gets in the way of that perfectly timed schedule.

5 Reasons You Should Consider Homeschooling at Night

Before you get discouraged and flag down the school bus, remember, this is your homeschool and learning happens all the time. Sure, it can happen at 9 a.m. if that suits your family, but 9 p.m. is okay, too. And for those of you with teenagers, I see you already nodding your head because you know how difficult life can be with a 15-year-old at 9 in the morning.

5 Benefits to Homeschooling at Night

Have you ever thought about homeschooling at night? Consider these benefits. [Read more…]

The Best Way to Choose Curriculum for Kids Who Learn Differently

August 22, 2019 By Shawna Wingert

If your children have learning differences, choosing homeschool curriculum can be a challenge. But Shawna shares one simple way to ensure you get it right.

Written by Shawna Wingert of Not the Former Things.

Nine years ago this month, I ordered my very first homeschool curriculum. It was an all-in-one, everything-you-need-in-these-boxes type of curriculum and I was so excited. I unpacked the boxes with the enthusiasm of a kid opening presents on Christmas morning.

I carefully put together my lesson plan binders and organized my bookshelves. Every once in a while, I would glance through a workbook or two, excited to get started.

Then, we began homeschooling.

The Best Way to Choose Curriculum for Kids Who Learn Differently

It didn’t take long for my children to rebel. To their credit, they tried. Their little five- and eight-year-old faces looked up at me with an expression that showed they knew I really, really wanted to do all the things. They tried to appease me.

But within a week, it was clear me that they both needed a different approach. I felt like a total failure, only five days in.

Almost a decade later, I have to smile looking back on those early days. Back then, I didn’t know about any of my boys’ learning differences. I didn’t realize that recreating school at home would have the same outcome as school itself had for them. (Not a good fit, to say the least.)

I didn’t know that I could take advantage of the freedom homeschool offers. That I could help my boys learn in ways that worked best for their strengths and differences.

I only knew that the only person this amazing, beautiful curriculum was working for was me. [Read more…]

How to Find Homeschool Community and Support

June 6, 2019 By Erin Vincent

Homeschooling can be lonely without a strong support system. That’s why it’s so important to find your homeschool community. If you’ve ever struggled to find your tribe, you’ll appreciate the tips Erin shares.

Written by Erin Vincent of Nourishing My Scholars.

Have you had trouble finding a supportive homeschool community? You are not alone! I am right there with you! Finding supportive homeschool groups can be hard, especially if you’re an introverted homeschool mom like me.

We homeschool parents carry loads of pressure to be perfect and to do this homeschool thing right. We need allies, cheerleaders, and friends to support us on this educational journey. But finding our homeschool community and support system is frequently easier said than done.

How to Find Homeschool Community and Support

Finding A Homeschool Community

To find your homeschool tribe, you’ve got to put yourself out there. Repeatedly! That’s hard. So is rejection or feeling like you don’t belong. It may take a while to find your tribe, but when you do, it is so worth it! [Read more…]

Yes, You Can Homeschool Your Child With Special Needs

May 16, 2019 By Shawna Wingert

If your child has learning challenges, homeschooling may seem intimidating, but you can homeschool special needs! In fact, it may be the ideal setting.

Written by Shawna Wingert of Not the Former Things.

Seven years ago, my son was diagnosed with autism. We had already been homeschooling for more than a year. That was a decision that we made based on many of the same reasons that ultimately led to his diagnosis.

As a former special education teacher, I was confident in our decision to withdraw him from public school. So, I was surprised that almost everyone else saw it differently.

“When will you be putting him back in school?” his doctor asked as if it were a given.

“You’ll need the services only the school system provides,” a well-meaning therapist repeatedly told me.

“Maybe this is just too much for you to take on,” my family said, worried about my son and me.

Seven years later, I am grateful to say that homeschooling was one of the best decisions we ever made for my son’s development and education. [Read more…]

15-Minute Homeschool Lessons: The Perfect Busy Day Solution

May 9, 2019 By Chelsea Gonzales

Even when life gets busy, school doesn’t have to suffer with these quick and easy 15-minute homeschool lessons. They’re perfect for busy days.

Written by Chelsea Gonzales of Wonder Wherever We Wander.

In a perfect world, we would all be on our A-game 24/7. We would always have fun ideas to keep our homeschools fresh and exciting. We would spend several hours a day engaged in active learning with our kids.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the reality for most of us. Life gets busy. We get wrapped up in trying to survive each day, and sometimes homeschooling falls by the wayside for a bit.

When this happens, many homeschool parents are quick to assume they’re no good at this homeschooling thing. While it’s easy to feel that way, it just isn’t true. Believe it or not, your kids will keep learning even when you aren’t actively engaging them.

Still stressing? Take heart! There are some super-short, simple educational activities you can use to keep your learning momentum going. [Read more…]