Homeschooling 101: A Guide to Getting Started {Review}

I received this product for free in order to write this review.  This is my honest opinion and I was not required to write a positive review.

I’m about to finish up our third year of homeschooling.  Year one and two were honeymoon years; really.  Year three? Not so much.  It’s been a tough one and I seriously began doubting my ability as a homeschooling mom. And I began planning for year three to be my last.  I’m just going to say it: homeschooling isn’t easy.  It’s down-right hard.  From the baby who won’t take that beloved morning nap anymore to the toddler and preschooler who collaborate at plucking keys off our laptop {25 to be exact} while I finish up the work with my 1st grader who claims “I don’t want to do this”…yeah, year three has been anything but a honeymoon. 🙂

So when I saw that Erica of Confessions of a Homeschooler was going to be releasing Homeschooling 101, I just knew I needed to get my hands on it.   And I am so glad I read it…cover to cover-seriously!

 

Here are five things that stood out to me:

1. Her transparency

Erica doesn’t pretend that homeschooling is easy.  She gives glimpses into her thoughts and struggles, which are very similar to mine.   This is such an encouragement to me.  I can keep pressing on.  Bad days {and years} happen to the best homeschooling moms.

2. She covers many of the “what ifs” of homeschooling

There are so many “what ifs” and/or myths with homeschooling {socialization, working parent(s), low budget, homeschool burnout, pulling your child out of public school, naysayers, etc.)  Erica is brave enough to tackle all of these tough topics and she does so with loads of grace.

3. She reminds us that one size does NOT fit all

While Erica gives wonderful advice, she is quick to say that much of how my homeschooling looks depends on my child an on me.  I should not be comparing myself with others {and easy thing to do} nor trying to force something that isn’t working.  Homeschooling is a very flexible thing.  I can embrace that truth!

4. Getting organized and planning ahead

I’ve always loved Erica’s way of planning her homeschool year.  She is open about that on her blog.  But I love the detail she went into; explaining how she plans the entire year for each child and each subject.  I love her quote:  “…having a plan and not sticking to it is far superior to having no plan to start with.” (pg. 120)

5. Practical and godlly advice

Erica doesn’t pretend that homeschooling happens in a bubble.  She shows how her family works in real life…the chores, the complaining, the burn out.  And she provides amazing resources in the appendix alone!

Personally, my biggest take away came in Chapters 7 (Starting School: Day 1) and 8 (Homeschooling and Discipline).  I realize that next year, I need to be more consistent with my schooling.  By consistent, I mean that I need to have clearer expectations and consequences.  I love how she says that she and her kids take a tour of their schoolroom, setting the expectations.  It’s great to start with everyone on the same page!

 

Obviously, five points don’t cover everything that Erica speaks to in her book.  I know it’s a resource that I’ll turn to again and again.  If you’re thinking about homeschooling, read it!  If you already homeschool, read it!  Either way, you are sure to be encouraged.

“We all get discouraged from time to time; we all have good days and bad days.  Homeschooling rewards come in baby steps, but you’ll know them when you see them, and they’ll warm your heart and motivate you to persevere.”

(pg. 130)

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~Becky