Smrt Lernins

On the Well Trained Mind forums, someone asked what we wished we had known when we started homeschooling. What do I wish I had known before I started homeschooling? What do I want other secular homeschoolers to know before they get started?

1. You don’t have to teach them everything in the first pass. You hit each period of history at least one more time. They don’t have to learn it all by the logic stage! Think 3-4 years ahead, imagine what greater detail you might like to explore, and make sure you’re establishing a firm foundation upon which to build in the future.
2. You probably won’t like every single curriculum you pick out. You might downright hate some that come highly recommended. Ditch it and get a new one that fits your needs better and don’t feel bad about it. Beg, borrow, or copy a friend’s curriculum to try it out. Experiment until you find the curriculum that serves a duel purpose of meeting your child’s learning needs and being adequately rigorous.
3. You’ll vacillate between feeling like you’re not doing enough and feeling like you’re doing waaaay too much. This is probably a good sign that you’re doing the right amount overall. When in doubt, err on the side of rigor, and if your child’s eyes are rolling around in his head, back it down a notch.
4. It’s impossible to be too organized or have too many supplies! You’ll need supplies you didn’t realize you needed — binder rings, hole protectors for notebook paper, endless erasers because your child will wear those down much fast than he wears down the pencils.
5. Have a homeschool buddy to keep you honest, on track, and feeling good about what you’re doing. I’d never make it through without Patchfire, who gave me first-hand advice about her experiences with curricula, supports me when I feel like I’m failing, and gives me honest constructive criticism if I’m screwing something up.
6. Get “teacher” discounts at book stores like Borders and Barnes & Noble. They’ll usually be happy to give it to you if you provide a copy of your Declaration of Intent to homeschool. You’ll save around 20% and it’ll take some of the financial burden off you as you’re buying supplemental books. Don’t expect to find great curricula at mainstream book stores, but you’ll find some wonderful history books, biographys, literature, and even supplemental math stuff.
7. Don’t be afraid to be rigorous. Just because you’re a secular homeschooler, it doesn’t mean you have to be an unschooling slack-ass. Raise the bar a little bit.
8. Secular curriculum exists. You don’t have to pick the Jesus bits out of the books. It’s out there. Don’t be afraid to ask your fellow homeschoolers what they use. Ask me. Ask Patchfire. We’ll be happy to talk your ear off about what we use.
9. You aren’t going to screw this up if you use all the resources available to you. You know your child best. Play to his strengths and yours. If you feel like you’re screwing it up, farm it out. Patchfire does our science. We do extra-curriculars through a co-op. Patchfire’s kids take enrichment classes through various groups. Find out what’s in your community and take advantage of it.Hopefully some of this will be helpful to you as you start your journey. What advice would YOU give a new secular homeschooler?