Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers

Honest. Quirky. Real. Practical tips, candid reviews, and stereotype-smashing humor for homeschooling families.

Honest. Quirky. Real. Practical tips, candid reviews, and stereotype-smashing humor for homeschooling families.

How to Graduate a Homeschooled Student

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As your child nears high school age, you find yourself wondering how to graduate a homeschooled student. Great news! The following article will show you that it doesn’t have to be difficult or intimidating.

Once your kids hit middle school or so, the Homeschool Inquisition usually shifts from the age-old socialization question to inquiries such as “how are they going to graduate high school?” and “what about college?”.

The big difference is that the socialization question is usually a non-issue, but graduation and secondary education are vital considerations for families homeschooling high school.

So, what do you need to know about how to graduate a homeschooled student? Following are some essentials based on my experience.

How to Graduate a Homeschooled Student

Know the Homeschooling Law

Most importantly, make sure you understand the homeschool laws governing your state. My go-to sites for a breakdown of homeschool laws are HSLDA and the statewide homeschool support website, GHEA, for where I live. If you’re not sure where to find your state’s homeschool support group, HSLDA maintains a listing of homeschool support groups by state.

Most states don’t maintain guidelines for graduating a homeschooled student. In most cases, the homeschooling parent determines the graduation requirements for your student. Upon completion of those requirements, you issue your graduate a high school diploma. [Read more…]

6 Secrets to Slaying the Teacher/Mom Balance in Homeschooling

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How many hats do you feel like you wear as a homeschool parent? Adrienne shares six secrets for discovering a good teacher/mom balance in homeschooling.

Written by Adrienne Bolton of The Mommy Mess.

Finding a comfortable teacher/mom balance in homeschooling has been one of the most significant challenges for me. I’ve spent years trying to juggle the two hats only inevitably to fail because it’s impossible to separate the pair.

Do you struggle with this too?

Teacher/Mom Balance in Homeschooling

Try these six secrets I’ve found for slaying the teacher/mom balance in your homeschool.

1. Be a parent, first and foremost.

Homeschooling is not only your job but a large part of who you are as a parent. When I’m struggling with that teacher/mom balance in homeschooling, I try to remember one rule of thumb: I’m my kids’ mom above all else. I just happened to choose a style of parenting that involves teaching them at home.   [Read more…]

Checking Boxes Without Your Kids Checking Out

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What do you do when homeschool laws force you to teach boring subjects? Get tips for checking boxes without your kids checking out mentally.

One of the biggest homeschooling pros is the fact that we can teach what we want how we want to teach it.

Usually.

Depending on where you homeschool, your state may dictate some of what you have to include in your homeschool. And, if you have a college-bound teen, admissions requirements may play a role in course planning.

Checking Boxes Without Your Kids Checking Out

So, what happens when you have to teach something that is less-than-appealing to your student? How do you satisfy state regulations or college expectations without boring your kids?

I’ve got some tips for checking boxes without your kid checking out. [Read more…]

8 Creative, Simple Ways to Homeschool with LEGO

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Are you homeschooling LEGO fans? Get them excited about a LEGO homeschool with these creative ways to use LEGO bricks in your homeschool lessons.

Written by Chelsea Gonzales of Wonder Wherever We Wander.

LEGO bricks are seriously awesome toys. They encourage creative thinking and problem solving, and they keep my 7-year-old entertained for hours on end. Sure, they hurt like crazy when you step on them, but late-night LEGO landmines aside, they’re well worth keeping around.

Do your kids love LEGO too? If so, you’ll love these ideas for incorporating these nifty little toys into your homeschool. After all, the kids are more willing to sit still for a bit when lessons involve one of their favorite playthings. Capitalize on that fact!

8 Creative, Simple Ways to Homeschool with LEGO

Try these eight creative, simple ways to homeschool with LEGO and make school a little more colorful and engaging for everyone. [Read more…]

How to Maintain Scheduling Boundaries : 6 Simple Solutions

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When you homeschool, it can be difficult to set and maintain scheduling boundaries. Try Sara’s tips to stay focused and avoid derailing your school day.

Written by Sara Dennis of Classically Homeschooling.

Do you know the one skill all homeschooling parents need? The ability to set scheduling boundaries! After all, you need to drive the kids to activities. Your spouse needs you to run an errand. The church is asking for volunteers. Everyone wants a piece of your time.

So how do you maintain scheduling boundaries?

How to Maintain Scheduling Boundaries

Treat Scheduled Time Like an Appointment

Treat your scheduled time (for exercising or homeschooling, for example) like an appointment. You wouldn’t skip a doctor’s appointment just to run a quick errand, would you? Give yourself the same respect you give the doctor and treat your time as an appointment. [Read more…]