How to Homeschool: A Step-by-Step Guide with Kristi Clover
In a world where the "traditional" educational model has devolved to the point of abject danger and degeneracy, millions of families are seeking alternatives and homeschooling has reemerged as the gold-standard in education. In the latest episode of the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast, host Yvette Hampton sat down with homeschooling expert, author, and speaker Kristi Clover to delve into the ins and outs of homeschooling. With valuable insights and practical tips, Kristi empowers parents to embark on this impactful journey. Let's explore some key takeaways from this illuminating conversation.
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"The first thing you need to do is establish your purpose. Figure out why you're homeschooling, what your goals are, and what you're trying to accomplish."
Kristi Clover
Establishing Purpose and Motivation:
Kristi emphasizes the importance of knowing the "why" behind homeschooling. She guides parents to solidify their purpose as the foundation for their homeschooling journey. As she explains, "The first thing you need to do is establish your purpose. Figure out why you're homeschooling, what your goals are, and what you're trying to accomplish." This clarity enables parents to navigate challenges with determination and resilience - even when you experience the inevitable setbacks associated with parenting and teaching your kids at home.
Embracing Flexibility and Personalized Learning:
One of the primary advantages of homeschooling is the ability to tailor education to each child's unique needs and interests. Kristi emphasizes the importance of incorporating children's passions into the curriculum, stating, "Find out what subjects and activities really inspire your children... Let them dig deep into those interests." By doing so, parents tap into their children's natural curiosity, encouraging enthusiasm for learning and empowering them to become experts in their chosen fields.
Creating a Customized Homeschool Experience:
Homeschooling need not follow a rigid, conventional model. Kristi encourages parents to design their own homeschool experience, emphasizing that it doesn't have to (and shouldn't) replicate the public school system. She states, "You don't have to re-create a mini public school in your home. You can really tailor it to your own family and your own goals." This flexibility allows parents to develop a curriculum that aligns with their family's values and creates an inspiring learning environment.
Prioritizing Discipleship:
For Kristi, homeschooling extends beyond academics. It is an opportunity for parents to disciple their children's hearts and instill a Christian worldview. "Whoever spends the most time with the children is the one truly parenting and discipling them," she asserts. Homeschooling allows parents to prioritize character development, Biblical values, and Christ-centered teaching while providing a high-quality education.
Seeking Support and Resources:
Homeschooling can be an enriching and rewarding journey, but it also comes with challenges. Kristi emphasizes the value of seeking support from the homeschool community and attending conventions to connect with like-minded individuals and gather valuable resources. She also recommends the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) as a crucial resource for legal support.
Adapting Curriculum to Suit Learning Styles:
Another crucial aspect of homeschooling is tailoring the curriculum to meet the unique needs and learning styles of children. Kristi encourages parents to evaluate themselves as teachers and create a curriculum that aligns with their children's learning preferences. She remarks, "As I observed my children, I paid attention to their tactile and visual learning preferences, and adapted our curriculum accordingly." Kristi shares her experience of initially using a hands-on curriculum for her two close-aged children and then transitioning to more video-based learning materials as her family grew.
Organizing with the Crate System:
One of the key highlights of the podcast is Kristi's discussion on the crate system, an effective method she uses to organize homeschool materials. Kristi explains how this system promotes independence and provides a manageable view of the week's workload for students. She shares, "The crate system allows you to put homeschooling on autopilot. It helps you navigate emergencies or personal situations with ease." Kristi has expanded on the crate system and other helpful tips for homeschool organization in her book, M.O.M. – Master Organizer of Mayhem.
Finding Success in Homeschooling:
While homeschooling can feel overwhelming at times, Kristi encourages parents to remember that it is a calling and a journey of faith. She compares homeschooling to a scene from an Indiana Jones movie, where taking a step of faith leads to finding solid ground. Kristi advises, "Keep your faith in Christ at the center of your homeschooling journey. There may be hard days and challenges, but it is all worth it in the end."
More on this subject: How to Homeschool: My Original Roadmap
Conclusion:
In this series, Kristi Clover provides parents with a wealth of insights and guidance on how to embark on a successful homeschooling journey. By uncovering the "why" behind homeschooling, embracing flexibility, and prioritizing discipleship, parents can empower themselves to create a tailor-made educational experience for their children. With determination, resourcefulness, and a supportive network, homeschooling families can embrace the incredible opportunity to shape their children's hearts and minds.
"Teaching children to love the Lord with their whole being is challenging, but my hope is that my actions and life will have a stronger impact on their learning than any curriculum." Homeschooling is not just about academics—it's about creating an atmosphere of love, care, and growth within the family.
Recommended Resources:
"How to Homeschool" the original document that my friend, Holly Learner gave me as a roadmap for homeschooling.
M.O.M. – Master Organizer of Mayhem, by Kristi Clover
More from Kristi Clover on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast
Education: The Key to Saving Our Nation – Alex Newman on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast
Getting Started in Homeschooling - Israel Wayne on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast
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Discussion Questions:
1. In what ways can homeschooling provide flexibility and fewer restrictions, as compared to traditional schooling?
2. What are Kristi and Yvette's primary goals for homeschooling and why are they important? How do they align with your goals?
3. How does Kristi approach the idea of children making their own choices regarding faith, and what is the role of the parent in this process?
4. What are some alternative teaching methods mentioned in the episode, and how can they be implemented in homeschooling?
5. What are some potential benefits and challenges of homeschooling, and how can parents address the challenges and maximize the benefits?
6. Have you ever tried organizing your homeschool materials using a crate system or any other system? What worked well for you and what challenges did you face?
7. How do you prioritize and choose curriculum materials for your homeschool? Do you follow a specific approach, such as Charlotte Mason or unit studies, or do you customize your curriculum based on your child's needs?
8. What are some practical ways you incorporate character development into your homeschooling? Have you found any resources or methods particularly helpful in teaching character traits?
9. How do you handle the pressure to create a perfect homeschool image on social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram? Have you ever felt overwhelmed or discouraged seeing other homeschooling families' seemingly perfect setups?
10. Have you ever tried incorporating video-based learning materials, such as the ones recommended by the speaker? How has it impacted your teaching and your child's learning experience?
11. How do you adapt your homeschooling approach as your family grows and the needs of your children change? Have you found any specific strategies or methods helpful in teaching different grade levels simultaneously?
12. How do you handle the challenges of teaching children who may have different learning styles or preferences? Do you customize their curriculum or adjust your teaching methods to accommodate their needs?
13. How do you find and evaluate homeschooling methods and curricula? Do you rely on recommendations from friends, online resources, or attending homeschooling conferences and seminars?
14. How do you balance the desire for academic achievement with the importance of character development in your homeschooling? How do you prioritize one over the other or find a balance between the two?