Homeschool Help Part 1

From time to time moms approach me with questions about homeschooling. They are interested in starting it for their family but are unsure what it entails. The questions are usually all the same, just as their concerns and doubts are the same, too. I feel flattered that they seek my opinion, and I always tell them that this is just my own opinion and point of view because there are so many ways to go about educating your children. I decided to start a few blog posts on this topic since the questions come up so often.

The first thing important to mention is that homeschooling is a very personal, family decision. In the end it will be as successful as your family can make it. Have a meeting with your spouse and talk about why you want to start this and what kind of compromises you are both willing to make. The shift in lifestyle will affect your current routine, so it's a good idea to talk about some the possible changes. I don't recommend anyone choose homeschooling out of fear of what's "out there". Let's make our reason to homeschool an empowered and positive one rather than a fearful one, know what I mean?

Because you have to pick what works for you, I encourage you to read up on homeschooling from various library books. When I first thought about homeschooling I came home with about ten library books on the subject. I read through almost all of them and started to get an idea of what it actually was. Once I read The Well Trained Mind I knew I could do it. Still now, five years later, I am following their method. The book is a blueprint for teaching preschool through high school, so I recommend you focus on the grade levels you are interested in rather than try to read the whole thing at once!

I have 4 children. I started homeschooling when I had a 4th grader, 3rd grader, and KG. My baby was 20 months old. I ordered a starter kit from Rainbow Resource (they will send you a free catalog) which is what they recommend for new homeschoolers. I didn’t care so much about curriculum at that time and I didn’t even know about any of the different ones out there. I just wanted a proper work load to start. I bought the 4th grade, 3rd grade, and KG kits (like this one for 3rd Grade). And it worked very well to get me started, to see how to pace myself, and then to determine what I would like to change for the following year.  Three months into the year I changed the Language Arts because I realized it was too easy and I wanted more for the kids. I researched from The Well Trained Mind and found a good solution.

The toddlers and preschoolers are challenging. They get into trouble and don’t understand you need to focus time with the older ones. Google “homeschooling with toddlers” and you will find sooo much advice! I used to have a box with toys only for homeschool time. The baby would play with them only during school time. I also bought her things to keep her busy especially for her according to her age from educational websites or stores. Some moms wait until nap time to get the hard things done like grammar or math, and then the whole family can do things like history, reading, science together.

The part about religious studies: I think we all have a hard time fitting in all the deen (religion) things we want. You could set some simple goals and just aim for getting something done. You can find links to fabulous Muslim homeschooling websites on the main page of my blog. You can make a simple outline for your year by month and print out worksheets and do them once a week or whatever you like. I’m thinking of printing things out by the subject matter (Islamic) and making one theme a month to learn (salah, wudu, seerah, etc..). It might be a good time to see what your goals are, actually, for your kids' Islamic education.

Before I end, I would like to mention one of the main things that keeps things flowing, and that is a routine. It doesn't have to be set to a clock, but if you have a rhythm in your home, then everyone knows what they should be doing at a certain time. My kids know there is a time for school work, for electronics, for chores. This rhythm will change slightly as seasons and activities change, and that's good, too. Just keep things flowing. I found a lot of good advice from some home management books such as Large Family Logistics.

One final thing worth mentioning is that I keep praying and asking God for patience, wisdom, and guidance. When I started this journey, I made my intention to please God and to raise children who feel comfortable in their faith and are strong in it. When things get crazy I have to sit down and renew my intention and ask for more help. Without the grace and mercy of Allah we could not have gotten as far as we have.

“And if Allah touches you with affliction, none can remove it but He: But if He bestows upon you a favor, remember that He is the Possessor of every power to do all that He wills.” ——— The Holy Quran, Chapter 6, Verse 17.