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Do you long for a better homeschool day? More consistency, better routine? Here are some ways you can be more consistent in homeschooling.
We wake up and are struggling to get through the day. Laundry is piled up, kids are fighting, work is calling my name. So, we push school aside for the day in hopes of catching up in a week or two. But, catching up? It never comes. I know I’m not the only one who deals with this. Recently I had a reader send me this,
Consistency. One day I have all of the printouts, books, and art supplies required for a full fun day of learning. The next we’re both laying on the couch in our underwear watching 37 episodes of Doc McStuffins. I’m not great at self motivating.
This made me laugh out loud because we have ALL been there. I’m sure you’re envisioning a similar day in your own homeschool. It seems like we get into a good routine, and life happens. Or, we just don’t feel like doing school, fighting with the kids, or actually MAKING school happen.
So, our options are giving in and NOT doing school, or pushing through it with a lackluster attitude. There has to be a better way!
How to be more consistent in homeschooling
I had a rough few years where I really struggled in this area. It wasn’t easy, but now, I have found a few ways to ensure we are more consistent on our homeschool journey. Fixing these issues will not happen overnight, but in time, you will become more consistent.
Treat Homeschooling Like a Job
For me, the BEST tip I have for those struggling with consistency is to treat homeschooling like a job. Because guess what? It is! Homeschooling is our full-time job and one we have to go to each and every day.
I recommend setting a start time for your school day each and every day. Just like if you had a job outside of the house, you would have to be there at a certain time right? Homeschooling is no different.
Now, I have a planning sheet that you can download here that will help you get started with this. I also have a free email series that takes that planning sheet a step further. So, check it out as well.
But, by setting a time to start school each day, you are making it a priority. It may be hard at first to get into this routine, but you just have to get moving and do it.
Get Organized!
The next tip is to get organized. Have your school supplies and resources all in one place. This makes it a lot easier to get started because you’re not searching for items. You can read my homeschool organization tips here.
Next is to establish a routine. I go into detail on how to do this in my my presentation on having a successful homeschool day. A good solid routine is KEY to homeschool success. Think about it, when you have a routine in place your days go smoother right? Chances are when you had a job outside the home, or at your spouse’s job, the days tend to have a rhythm to them. You know what to expect. The same should happen for our kids and us in our homeschool.
Learn to Say No
Lastly, learn to say no, once you have a set time for your school, just say no to outside distractions. Turn the phone off. Don’t plan doctor appointments during your school day. Treat your homeschool as the priority that it is. I ask myself “would my husband call off to do this?” and nine times out of ten the answer is no. If we don’t treat school as a priority how will our kids treat it like one? We have to model good behavior, and that starts with being consistent in our homeschool.
Now, I want to have a disclaimer here and say we are NOT drilling sergeants. I don’t set a timer, and sometimes life happens. Like a broken arm that required bi-weekly out of town dr appointments on Tuesdays for 8 weeks. Was that in my plan? No. But, it trumped school. We had to be flexible. And really you have to weigh the pros and cons and know what is more important.
Discuss this with your kids. Let them know how you make the decision. We are modeling real life for them. Let’s do it effectively.
What is one tip you have for being more consistent in homeschooling?
Want a more successful homeschool? This course can help you create a plan and routine that will fit your homeschool. Learn more below!
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