Three mistakes I made my first year homeschooling

Let my mistakes prevent yours.

Three mistakes I made my first year homeschooling:

#1. I started with too much- too soon. I was so eager and wanted to cover every single subject from the first day.
✨My recommendation- Grades K-2 don’t need in-depth science, history, grammar, composition, and geography. Stick to math, phonics, handwriting, nature study, and developing good habits and a love for literature. From there, add other things only if it feels life-giving. Keep your subject load light and your days filled with joy.

#2. I tried to replicate a classroom setting and put all of my prep energy into one space in my home.
✨ My recommendation- Instead of thinking only about your “school space” design, think about how school could be done all around the house and on the go and prepare for that as well. Set up book stations in various places & plan a way for kids to easily take their work to the living room or outside.

#3. I packed our schedule too full with outings.
✨ My recommendation- Especially if you also have babies and toddlers, plan to be home a lot during the week. Between school lessons, nap times, and house work/ meal prep, trying to go on outings during the weekdays became stressful. For a season, try reserving outings to evenings or weekends or choose one day a week to have a lighter school load and go on outings that day. This way, school can be spread throughout the day and long breaks can be taken when needed.