BookShark

Category: Homeschool Tips

  • Homeschooling to Escape Bullying in Schools

    Homeschooling to Escape Bullying in Schools

    To celebrate going back to school one year, my mom sewed the prettiest pink and purple, paisley bell-bottom pants for me. Because my mom didn’t know bell-bottoms had been out of style for a few years, I was called names and made fun at school that first day back to class. On the outside, I expressed anger and wanted to punch the bullies in the mouth, but on the inside I was crushed.

    When I think about the time and love my mom put into those pants (which we never wore again), I get emotional, yet I’m also grateful that I didn’t resort to fist fighting and that the teasing never went beyond a single occurrence related to the funky pants.

    What is Bullying?

    As a parent, I’ve wrestled with the definition of bullying as I teach my sons the difference between a personality conflict and abuse. The difference is not always obvious to a child or even to an adult, yet understanding the definition of bullying empowers a victim to take a stand if necessary.

    It’s almost impossible to cover every warning sign of a bully, but one simple definition of bullying is intentionally hurting another person or deliberate aggression. As we all know, that definition is still too broad. Other telltale signs of a bullying situation are as follows:

    • continual physical acts and/or verbal abuse over a period of time
    • (on the part of the person being bullied) stressing over not only what just happened but also what may happen in the future
    • the stronger dominating the weaker

    Homeschooling as a Reaction to Bullying

    Bullying immediately brings out that maternal feeling to shield her child from harm. Parents want to do something, and they may consider a huge change—even leaving public school to homeschool.

    So is homeschooling a viable option when a child is facing bullying at school? I say yes! It is a parent’s natural (and good) instinct to shelter her child. If a child is unable to protect himself, it falls to the parents to do so for him. 

    Is homeschooling the easy way out as some critics may say? Should kids be forced to work out their problems on their own, grow a tough hide, learn how to ignore caustic remarks, and fight back when physically confronted? 

    Does homeschooling turn our kids into socially inept sissies who can’t handle the pressures of normal childhood squabbles? 

    No way.

    I homeschooled my boys, and they still learned how to get along with their peers and constructively face relationship problems. My children are now reaching adulthood, and they’re confident, secure, and capable of making decisions that go against the crowd. This didn’t happen because I sent them to public school to duke it out with mean girls or bullies.

    Is Your Child a Victim of Physical or Verbal Bullying?

    When I worked in a lawyer’s office handling divorces, I saw many cases of abuse, and it never got easier to observe. I remember key advice social workers would give an abused spouse—You can never change the person you’re living with. The message was that a victim of abuse has two choices: leave the abuser or live with the abuse.

    When an abused spouse choses to leave, nobody thinks that she is not facing up to real-life problems or trying to escape the real world! In another example, no one thinks poorly of the employee who stands up in the face of workplace bullying to exert his legal right to a safe work environment free from prejudice and abuse.

    Quite the contrary. We applaud victims of abuse when they take a stand to escape a toxic relationship or to assert their rights.

    Bullying is a type of abuse that we don’t tolerate when it happens to adults. Why should a child be forced to stay in an abusive situation that is destroying his sense of safety and confidence? Living in such a fearful situation is no way to build character in a child.

    So, yes, homeschooling is a viable fix for bullying (not an easy fix as homeschooling is a big responsibility and sometimes sacrifice). But homeschooling is good for so much more than merely pulling your children out of a toxic environment of bullying.

    Here are additional ways homeschooling benefits your child socially:

    • When a child studies what interests him and manages his time to do so, he grows in to self-confidence.
    • When a child is focused on his own learning and interacting with others who care for him instead of forced to fend for himself in a doglike pack hierarchy, he can learn true life skills.
    • A child can flourish with social skills when he is involved in public speaking in a co-op setting and focuses on rigorous academics.
    • A warm and loving home is the best place for a child to learn how to build character. School, after all, is an artificial, institutional environment.
    • There are many team building opportunities in homeschooling like 4-H, football, basketball, and volleyball where a child can learn to work out personality conflicts with others.
    • A child has the right to learn in a stress-free environment, supported by adults who love and protect him.

    When I was a student in my paisley bell-bottom pants, homeschooling was not a well-known option to escape bullying at school. Fortunately, what I faced was a one-time episode of teasing and not full blown bullying. So my parents didn’t have the tough decision of handling a toxic learning environment. If you are considering homeschooling because of persistent bullying, don’t listen to the people who accuse you of being too protective or being a helicopter parent. Trust your parental instincts to protect, and know that homeschooling will provide a wealth of positive emotional and social benefits far beyond merely escaping a negative public school environment where bullying is rampant.

    About the Author

    Tina Robertson celebrated the graduation of Mr. Senior in 2013 and Mr. Awesome in 2015. Because of her love for new homeschoolers, she mentors moms through her unique program called New Bee Homeschoolers. She loves all homeschoolers, though, as she shares her free 7 Step Curriculum Planner, unit studies, lapbooks and homeschooling how tos. She can’t sing, dance, or craft, but she counts organizing as a hobby. She is still in the homeschool trenches blogging at Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool Plus.

  • Exploring the Effects of Educational Standards on Homeschool Families: Challenges and Benefits

    Exploring the Effects of Educational Standards on Homeschool Families: Challenges and Benefits

    Navigating the Homeschool Landscape in a Standardized World

    As education evolves, homeschooling is becoming a popular choice for families who want a more personalized learning experience. However, this freedom also comes with the challenge of navigating various educational standards that influence homeschooling. In our blog post, “Exploring the Effects of Educational Standards on Homeschool Families: Challenges and Benefits,” we take a closer look at how these regulations, designed to ensure quality education, can both support and complicate the homeschooling journey. From dealing with compliance to exploring creative teaching methods, we explore the balance between meeting standardized expectations and crafting unique learning paths for each family.

    Introduction to Educational Standards in Homeschooling

    Homeschooling offers a unique educational journey, allowing families to tailor learning experiences to their children’s needs. Yet, as the landscape of education evolves, so do the expectations surrounding it. Educational standards in homeschool settings have become a hot topic among parents and educators alike.

    But what exactly are these standards?

    How do they influence homeschooling approaches?

    For many families navigating this path, understanding these dynamics can mean the difference between feeling empowered or overwhelmed.

    In this exploration of educational standards in homeschool contexts, we’ll delve into both challenges and benefits that arise from setting benchmarks for learning. Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler or just starting out, it’s essential to understand how these factors impact your family’s educational experience. Join us on this enlightening journey as we unpack the world of standards in homeschooling!

    Understanding Standards and Accreditation: What’s the Difference?

    Understanding homeschool standards can be tricky. Many families get confused between “standards” and “accreditation,” but they’re not the same thing.

    Standards are educational benchmarks set by various organizations to guide what kids should learn at different stages. They help parents track progress but aren’t mandatory.

    Accreditation is different—it’s a formal recognition given to homeschooling programs that meet specific quality criteria. This involves a thorough evaluation and can add credibility to a program.

    Many homeschool families skip accreditation because it’s demanding and might limit their teaching flexibility. Knowing the difference between standards and accreditation helps parents decide how to best structure their kids’ education, balancing standards with their own learning goals.

    The Impact of Educational Standards on Homeschool Families

    Educational standards can have a big impact on homeschool families. These benchmarks often help parents plan their curriculum and lessons, ensuring kids get a well-rounded education.

    But not all families find these standards helpful. Some feel overwhelmed by the pressure to follow them, which can lead to stress and anxiety. Trying to stick too closely to these guidelines can sometimes limit creativity and personalized learning.

    On the bright side, educational standards can bring accountability, encouraging parents to regularly assess their child’s progress. This structure can lead to more effective learning for some students.

    In the end, while educational standards offer helpful guidance, each family has to find their own balance between structure and flexibility. This balance is key to creating a positive and enriching learning environment at home.

    Challenges Faced by Homeschool Families in Meeting Standards

    Homeschool families often face challenges when trying to meet educational standards. One big issue is the lack of clear guidelines—every state has different rules, which can make it confusing to know what’s required.

    Time management is another struggle. Parents, who are already juggling multiple responsibilities, might find it hard to carve out enough time for lesson planning and making sure they meet the standards. This can add stress to the family

    Resources are also a key factor. Not every family has easy access to the materials or support systems needed to meet these benchmarks. It can be tough for some to afford quality curricula that align with the standards.

    On top of that, many parents wrestle with self-doubt about their teaching abilities. They might wonder if they’re doing enough to prepare their kids for the future while sticking to the guidelines. Finding the right balance between their teaching style and external expectations is a constant challenge on the homeschooling journey.

    Benefits of Implementing Educational Standards in Homeschooling

    Implementing educational standards in homeschooling has several benefits for families. First, it gives a clear framework for learning, helping parents organize their teaching methods and curriculum choices more effectively.

    Sticking to set standards also boosts accountability. Parents are more likely to stay focused and committed when they have clear goals to meet throughout the school year.

    Another big plus is that it helps parents better assess their children’s progress. With established benchmarks, families can track how their kids are doing in core subjects, making sure they’re on the right path academically.

    Educational standards also create consistency across different homeschool settings, which can make it easier for children to transition back into traditional schools without missing a beat.

    Finally, these standards encourage homeschool families to share resources. When everyone’s on the same page, it’s easier to exchange ideas and materials, making the homeschooling experience richer for everyone involved.

    Alternative Approaches to Meeting Standards in Homeschooling

    Homeschooling offers a world of flexibility. Many families look for alternative approaches to meet educational standards without sacrificing creativity.

    Project-based learning is one option that encourages hands-on experiences. Kids can explore subjects through real-life projects, blending various disciplines into practical applications.

    Another approach is the use of online resources and courses tailored to different learning styles. Platforms offer diverse curricula that align with standards while allowing parents to customize their teaching methods.

    Co-op programs provide an excellent opportunity for social interaction and shared teaching responsibilities. Families band together, pooling skills and resources to cover more ground effectively.

    Lastly, integrating life skills into education can also fulfill standards in unique ways. Cooking, budgeting, or gardening teaches valuable lessons beyond textbooks while meeting academic requirements in engaging formats.

    These alternatives empower families to find what works best for them within the framework of standards in homeschool education.

    The Role of Parents in Developing and Maintaining Educational Standards for their Children

    Parents are the cornerstone of a child’s education, especially in homeschooling. Their involvement shapes the learning environment and influences educational outcomes.

    Setting standards in homeschool begins with understanding individual needs. Parents must assess their child’s strengths and weaknesses to create a customized curriculum. This personalized approach is often more effective than rigid guidelines.

    Maintaining these standards requires commitment. Regular evaluations help track progress and identify areas needing improvement. Parents can adapt teaching methods or materials to keep pace with their child’s development.

    Collaboration also plays a key role. Engaging with other homeschool families fosters shared resources and ideas, enriching the educational experience for everyone involved.

    Moreover, parents should stay informed about state regulations regarding educational standards in homeschool settings. Being proactive ensures compliance while still allowing for flexibility within their unique framework of learning choices.

    Does My Family Have to Meet State Educational Standards?

    The question of whether or not homeschool families are required to meet state educational standards is a common concern among parents who have chosen to educate their children at home. The answer, however, may vary depending on the state in which the family resides.

    In general, most states do require homeschool families to meet certain educational standards. These standards are put in place to ensure that homeschooled children receive an education that is comparable to what they would receive in a traditional school setting. These standards typically cover subjects such as math, science, English language arts, and social studies.

    One way that homeschool families can demonstrate that they are meeting these standards is by keeping detailed records of their children’s academic progress. This can include samples of coursework, grades or evaluations from standardized tests, and any other relevant documentation. Some states also require homeschool families to submit annual reports or portfolios for review by a certified teacher or education official.

    While adhering to state educational standards may seem daunting for some homeschool families, there are actually several benefits to doing so. One major benefit is that it provides structure and accountability for both the parents and students involved in homeschooling. By having clear goals and expectations set by the state, parents can feel more confident in their ability to provide a quality education for their children.

    Additionally, meeting state educational standards helps ensure that homeschooled students have access to resources and opportunities that may not be available otherwise. For example, many states allow homeschooled students to participate in extracurricular activities at local public schools if they meet certain criteria, such as maintaining good academic standing.

    However, one challenge facing homeschool families when it comes to meeting state educational standards is finding curriculum materials that align with those requirements. This can be especially difficult for families who follow alternative methods of education such as unschooling or Montessori-style learning. In these cases, parents may need to supplement with additional materials or create their own curriculum plans in order to meet the state standards. See your state’s Department of Education website for the latest information.

    Finding a Balance between Standards and Flexibility in Homeschooling

    Navigating the world of homeschooling often requires careful consideration of educational standards. These benchmarks can offer a framework for what children should learn, but they also introduce challenges. Parents may feel pressure to meet these standards while ensuring their child’s unique needs are addressed.

    Flexibility is one of the primary advantages of homeschooling. Families can tailor education to fit individual learning styles and interests. This adaptability can enhance engagement and motivation in students, allowing them to explore subjects deeply rather than superficially ticking boxes.

    However, finding harmony between adhering to standards and maintaining this flexibility is key. Striking that balance enables parents to provide a quality education while still offering personalized experiences that traditional schooling may not allow.

    As families consider implementing educational standards, it helps to remember their purpose: guiding learners toward essential knowledge and skills without stifling creativity or passion for discovery. Embracing both structure and freedom might just be the ideal path forward in the evolving landscape of homeschool education.

    It’s important for homeschool families to research and understand their state’s educational standards in order to ensure compliance. This will not only help them stay in line with legal requirements, but also provide a framework for their children’s academic success. By meeting these standards, homeschooled students can receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for future academic pursuits and beyond.

  • 10 Quick-witted Comebacks About Homeschool Socialization

    10 Quick-witted Comebacks About Homeschool Socialization

    I admit it, verbal sparring is my knee-jerk reaction when I’m asked about homeschool socialization. Even as a seasoned homeschool mom, this topic still puts my emotions into overdrive. To prevent knee-jerk sarcasm or snarky one-liners, I have prepared 10 quick-witted comebacks. Maybe you can use one or two when you get the dreaded socialization question.

    1. “Though my son had good teachers, none of them can provide the love, time, patience, or energy that I can.”

    This answer takes the attention away from socialization and puts it on why I really homeschool, which is the superior one-on-one tutoring.  I emphasize the flexibility and adaptability of homeschooling.

    Homeschooling is all about change. As the child’s needs change, so do the curriculum, teaching methods, and schedules. Most reasonable people will admit that level of flexibility is almost impossible for a public school to achieve.

    2. “Schooling at home builds self-esteem which is the foundation of healthy social skills.”

    Everyone knows the reality of bullying and how it can impact children even well into adulthood. Homeschooling minimizes those negative interactions so that children have a chance to build their own self-worth.

    3. “Public school is a very recent happening. Before public school, everyone, including the founding fathers, was homeschooled or used private teachers.”

    Not every reply has to be short. A well-researched reply explaining the history of public education can help a person appreciate that you’re using a time-tested method of instruction.

    4. “I want my kids educated not entertained.”

    To elaborate, I may explain my exasperation with the notion that every moment of a child’s life has to be planned. Being constantly entertained leaves little room for imagination and intuition.

    5. “The only way my homeschooled kids won’t make friends is if we don’t get out.”

    6. “I prefer that my children socialize with others of different ages because I want my kids to accept people of varying backgrounds and ages.”

    7. “We homeschool because if a schedule or curriculum is not working, I don’t have to get the principal’s approval to change it.”

    8. “Homeschooling is the best option for our family.”

    This is another one where it’s hard for people to pick an argument with you when you state that your family benefits best from this type of teaching.

    9. “This year I will need to cut back on our socialization activities because we need to stay home to school.”

    Why do people think we lock away our kids at home? Sometimes the situation is quite the opposite and homeschool families find themselves out and about far too much of the time.

    10.  “Standardized tests are flawed and don’t really measure how well children learn. However, I have some stats here for you if you would like to know how homeschooled kids perform.”

    Stats and facts help naysayers to understand a situation in a way they process information.You can either print out articles from National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) or direct them to that website for their own research.

    Being prepared is part of my nature, but finding humor and being good-natured when asked about homeschooling is something I like doing too. Sometimes you can find humor in a statement and other times you have to give an explanation. 

  • 5 Ways BookShark Virtual Makes Roadschooling Easier

    5 Ways BookShark Virtual Makes Roadschooling Easier

    Ever since my oldest decided to go back to school, I’ve mourned the days when our schedule was our own and we traveled off-season whenever we wanted. I loved the lack of crowds, the discounted pricing, and how spontaneous we could be. I also loved how we could take our learning with us wherever we went. When we visited family or joined my husband on a work trip, we could maintain a familiar structure to our day. 

    BookShark is now making homeschooling on the road a lot easier. BookShark Virtual allows students to tap into their lessons and assignments anywhere with internet access! So whether you’ll be vacationing for a week or traveling for a year, BookShark Virtual makes it easy for students and parents to homeschool. 

    If you are considering an RV adventure this year or are already on the road, BookShark Virtual will help you homeschool wherever your travels take you. Here are some of the awesome features you can use the next time you hit the road. 

    1. Mobile Friendly Browser-Based View

    BookShark’s virtual program is hosted through Buzz which features two main views, allowing parents and students to stay up-to-date with lessons and activities:

    • Teacher view: Parents (or a teacher supervising through a charter school situation) can assign and record grades, track missing assignments, communicate with students, view assignment descriptions, and update due dates. The adult using this view can also see which assignments were submitted and what still needs attention. 
    • Student view: Students can view their grades, post discussions, watch videos, take quizzes, and communicate with their teacher/parent. They can also use embedded links to access their lessons. In addition, they complete Science and Language Arts Activity Sheets directly through the app.  

    The calendar feature in the Buzz apps is especially helpful. The assignments show up in list form, showing the day they are due. In addition, everyone can set reminder notifications. 

    2. A Digital Instructor’s Guide + More

    When I travel, I live by the motto “Less is more.” I don’t want our car or camper packed to the gills. I love my big blue Instructor’s Guide binder, but it is not travel-friendly. 

    Thankfully, everything you and your student needs is now digital and housed in BookShark Virtual. You’ll find the weekly and daily plans, discussion questions, worksheets, and even assessments—all online. Leave the bulky IG at home and just grab the great books you’ll read.

    3. Option to Download

    When we travel, wifi is not always an option, so downloading the Activity Sheets is a huge perk. Once downloaded, students can complete the activities digitally as PDFs. Or print them and fill them in on the road, using the app to keep track of the assignments. Assignments can also be uploaded so students have all of their finished work in one place. 

    4. You Still Set the Pace

    BookShark Virtual lets you set the pace. Weekly lessons are your guide, but it is up to you how fast you work through the curriculum. Your student has access to the virtual curriculum for a year, so there is plenty of time for them to take breaks or spend extra time on a lesson. 

    Traveling can also set our pace. If the weather’s bad, our kids might have extra time for schooling. At other times, school work might need to take a backseat to exploring museums, or nature preserves. It’s nice to know your students aren’t going to fall behind. BookShark curriculum is a flexible four-day-a-week program that meshes well with an RV or roadschooling lifestyle. 

    5. You Still Enjoy Great Books

    I love that BookShark Virtual still includes physical books. Since most of the books BookShark uses are novels, you won’t be lugging around heavy textbooks. And students spend the majority of their learning time away from screens and with a good book in their hands. 

    I love that BookShark Virtual still includes physical books. Since most of the books BookShark uses are novels, you won’t be lugging around heavy textbooks. And students spend the majority of their learning time away from screens and with a good book in their hands. 

    On the road or not, the new virtual option gives us homeschoolers even more flexibility. Take your lessons to the park, study on a field trip, or head to a local coffee shop. Wherever you go, near or far from home, you can now effortlessly take BookShark with you. 

    *This post was updated 02/21/2023 to reflect the current Virtual platform.

    About the Author

    Kelly left teaching middle and high school English to homeschool her children and reclaim how she and her family spent their time. Followers of interest-led learning, her family’s days rarely look the same, but they tend to include a lot of books, art supplies, and time outside.

    Kelly facilitates local writing circles for women and children and blogs about nurturing the love of learning on her blog, Curiosity Encouraged. She loves to journal, read memoirs, hike, and travel. She seeks quiet mornings and good coffee daily.

  • 4 Ways to Handle Duplicate Books From Your BookShark Curriculum

    4 Ways to Handle Duplicate Books From Your BookShark Curriculum

    My kids consume books like air, and there are entire homeschool days when we get so lost in a story that we forget to do math. If you’re considering buying any of BookShark’s literature-based programs, then I’m sure you can relate. There is just nothing that beats the feeling of being swept up in words, and my kids respond really well to the time spent cuddled up together, lost in historical fiction. 

    BookShark, naturally, is a perfect fit for voracious and eager readers. Sometimes, though, an issue arises with my order that I know other readers can relate to: We already have some of the books included in the curriculum package. 

    Because we’re big book lovers, our nightstands tower and our shelves sag with lots and lots of books. Given the thought and standards that BookShark uses when selecting titles for their bundles, it’s expected that there will be some crossover now and then. 

    Why Order Duplicates in the First Place?

    When I first started looking into BookShark I fell immediately in love with the model, but hesitated at ordering. It didn’t make a lot of sense to order books I already had—to invest in a box full of goodies that contained duplicates.

    I considered using their book list to search out and purchase titles individually, to order only the books I didn’t have on hand already. I put a few hours into comparing prices, hunting down editions, and building my own mini collection. But I discovered that not only did it save a lot of time to order the pre-made bundle, it actually saved me quite a bit of money to get the BookShark discount. 

    With my savings pocketed and our books added, though, I had to decide what I would do with the extra titles. Knowing we aren’t the only ones finding themselves in this situation, I decided to help you, fellow book-lovers, find uses for duplicates. 

    1. Books on the Go

    As you know by now, education isn’t limited to four walls. Between appointments, field trips, lunch dates, play dates, sports, traffic, or just afternoon drives, we find ourselves away from home quite a bit. Rather than needing to plan the night before to pack up our studies and lug around a heavy bag, we keep some of our extra books in the van, allowing the kids to pick up where they left off without needing to pack. 

    Having extra copies in the car means you never have to feel bad about last-minute rides or unread books. Whether your child reads out loud to you or silently to themselves, they always have quality literature within reach. We’ve even sent a few books over to their grandparent’s home, so Nana and Poppy are able to join the learning! 

    2. Reading Buddies

    Find a friend for your child and give them the extra book so that they can read it together! Set up opportunities for weekly discussions, creating a miniature book club customized just for your family. 

    3. Clean Copies and Marked Copies

    Some book lovers may need to avert their eyes for a bit with this revelation: I sometimes write in books. 

    I know, I know. It’s unimaginable to some. But every now and then, I come across a passage that is particularly moving, inspiring, or beautifully-written. Sometimes there are paragraphs I want to come back to or dialogue I want to discuss with someone. There may even be words or locations I’m not  familiar with, so I take note of them. 

    Some of my kids, though, are distracted by notes on a page. They can’t see past brightly-highlighted conversations or end up focusing on my scribbles more than their reading. Having a second copy means I can take and make all the notes I need while maintaining a crisp, clean copy for the kids who need to read in black and white. 

    Another fun option for writing in your extra copy is black out poetry, where words are marked out and some are left showing, creating new poems or stories with the remaining words. It’s extreme and means a book can’t be re-used, but it’s

    4. Donate

    The easiest, and possibly most obvious, use for a duplicate book is to donate it. 

    Local foster families, tutoring centers, case workers, or counselors are always in need of quality literature to pass on to children in need. Check with your local homeschooling groups to see if there are any families in need who might be studying something similar. Ask your school teacher friends if their classrooms could benefit from a great story, or check in locally-owned bookstores, consignment shops, or your local library to see if they can pass the book to someone who would love it as much as you. 

    There are many reasons to dive into BookShark’s program, and owning two copies of the same book should never stand in the way. There are plenty of options for making use of the extra, so what’s stopping you from doubling up today? 

    About the Author

    Jennifer Vail proudly lives in the great state of Texas with her very handsome husband and three very funny children. All three kids are educated in three very different ways according to their very different needs, which is exhausting but fulfilling. Jen’s hobbies include naps, 90’s pop culture, Netflix binges, buying books with the best of intentions to read them all, photography, and extroverting. She holds a degree in counseling but has found her calling by writing for and spending time with families of differently-wired, outlier kids—the square pegs of the round world.

    She stays up way too late and drinks way too much caffeine, but has no intention of changing either. She is the community manager and contributing author at Raising Lifelong Learners where she writes about homeschooling gifted, anxious, and otherwise different kiddos, but also rambles at This Undeserved Life from time to time. She feels compelled to mention that she still very much loves the Backstreet Boys and rarely folds her laundry.

  • How to Make and Use a Personalized Weekly Homeschool Checklist

    How to Make and Use a Personalized Weekly Homeschool Checklist

    I admit it: I’m a pretty techie girl. If there’s an app for something I do regularly, I’m on it. However, even after trying numerous approaches to I decided it wasn’t for me.

    For one thing, it created extra work when the kids had trouble accessing or viewing the online checklists I created for them. Plus, I have to admit, it wasn’t super helpful for me to be tied to my laptop or tablet all day. I needed to be able to step away from the tech to focus on homeschooling.

    I know some moms love writing out daily checklists on post-it notes or in a spiral notebook. More power to ‘em. But as a tech-happy person, it really bothered me to repetitively complete work that can be automated.

    Enter the checklist templates.

    Make Your Homeschool Checklist Template

    Even if you prefer to use paper planners or checklists for your children’s chore and homeschool assignments, that doesn’t mean that you can’t automate the process a bit by creating a template for your weekly homeschool checklists.

    Use any word processing program like Google Docs or Microsoft Word. Follow these steps to create your checklist:

    • Put your document in landscape mode.
    • Create a page for each student.
    • Add a column for each day of the week you need to track, plus one additional column. (I used the span Monday through Saturday because I wanted to include some Saturday chores.) 
    • Add enough rows for the different subjects/categories you want to include, plus one extra row.
    • Leave the top left box empty and then fill in the remaining top row cells with the days of the week.
    • Fill in the cells in the left-hand column with the categories/subjects such as history, chores, math, science, language arts.
    • In each cell, fill in as many details as you can, but only the things that do not change from week to week. For example, instead of typing in actual math assignments or reading pages, type Math-U-See, Lesson ___ . Or Read __________ p. __ – ___.
    • If you want to have a box to tick, add each item as a part of a square bullet-point list.

    Fill in Your Weekly Homeschool Checklists

    Each weekend when you do your planning for the week, print out one (only one!) weekly checklist per student. Then go through and fill in the details. Add the pages or lessons to be completed each day for each subject.

    If you want, add extra notes below each column about specific events such as Poetry Teatime or Ryan’s birthday.

    Once you’ve added the week-specific details to each checklist, photocopy it. You keep the original and give your child the copy. 

    The checklist can help students have reasonable expectations for the week. Then each day, the checklist will remind students of what they need to complete. Mom keeps the master copies in a binder or folder so that she can check off school work that is done, corrected, and mom-approved!

    Apply It to Long-Term Homeschool Planning

    The printable checklist system also helps to create a framework for long-term homeschool planning. You don’t really need to know the date you will give each particular assignment for the entire year. You just need a list of future assignments to pull from.

    Have you ever seen those caddies that go into a cabinet or refrigerator to hold and dispense canned goods or soft drinks? You load new items into the top and they roll down to the front. Grab the first available item and a new one rolls into its place, ready to go. You can work your homeschool planning in the same way. Instead of putting assignments on a calendar, just write them in a list. For example, you could list the chapters or page sections in a reading book in one-day chunks. Or make a list of math lessons interspersed with quizzes and tests at the appropriate places.

    If you use a curriculum like BookShark, a great deal of this work is already done for you. All you have to do each weekend is to pull the next five assignments and customize the checklist accordingly.

    If a student gets further ahead in one subject than another, or two siblings are going through the same material at different speeds, no big deal. Each person’s weekly checklist can still represent the next five assignments in each subject.

    This is another great reason to write up only one week at a time. If your child only completes, say, four math assignments instead of five, no big deal. Next weekend, you can write that fifth assignment down for Monday and go from there! There’s no need to do a lot of erasing and rewriting.

    Apply It to Homeschool Record Keeping

    If you need to keep lesson plans or records of attendance, simple archive your weekly checklist master copies. If not, toss out those old sheets and start each new week fresh!

    This printable template system has reduced the amount of repetitive writing I was doing each week. I love it! Use or adapt this idea as you wish to fit the needs of your home and homeschool!

    About the Author

    Lynna is a former homeschooler, then classroom teacher, now homeschool mom of eight crazy (and lovable) hooligans from middle school down to bouncing baby.

    She calls her blog Homeschooling without Training Wheels because she loves to encourage families to embrace the freedom and flexibility that come with homeschooling and let go of the things that are holding them back! You can read more in her free eBook 5 Myths that are Killing Your Multi-Age Homeschool

  • How BookShark’s Four-day Week Taught Me to Relax into a Flexible Homeschool Schedule

    How BookShark’s Four-day Week Taught Me to Relax into a Flexible Homeschool Schedule

    When we first started homeschooling, we picked a classical curriculum that required five days of schoolwork. Since I had just pulled my son out of a parochial school, I took the the five-day school model as an assumed standard. My son must do five full days of schoolwork to learn just as he had in school.

    However, that plan didn’t work for long. I quickly discovered that my son was behind in math and couldn’t keep up with the schedule for the classical homeschool curriculum. Soon we were both frustrated.

    When we switched to BookShark a few years later, I was a little bothered that BookShark had lessons planned for only four days a week because I was still clinging to the five-day-a-week brick-and-mortar school standard.

    The Joys of a Four-day Schedule

    However, about 10 weeks into our BookShark year, I started savoring this four-day school week. We used the fifth day at first as a catch up day or a day to run errands. Later, we used it as a field trip day. Then, when we joined a co-op, we loved having only four days of scheduled homeschool work so that the fifth day was free for co-op.

    I also noticed that on that fifth day (whenever we took it during the week)—those days when formal school wasn’t scheduled—my son spent a lot of his free time reading for enjoyment. He was still learning even on our off days!

    Each year I give my son a standardized test to check my progress as a homeschool parent as much as my son’s progress as a student. Each year his score has been well above grade level, but when we switched to BookShark and schooled formally for only four days each week, his score jumped even more.

    A Four-day School Week Leads to More Flexibility

    BookShark’s four-day curriculum freed my mind to be open to more flexibility. Now, I’m even more flexible than before.  

    If I haven’t completed all of my younger girls’ scheduled reading during the day, we finish our read aloud as a bedtime story. Sure, we didn’t fit the work in during traditional school hours, but I’ve finally realized that as homeschoolers, we don’t need to fit all of our work in the traditional school hours.

    If my kids need to go outside and do a scavenger hunt for science, I now have my husband do it on the weekend. This is especially helpful when we’ve had a busy week and couldn’t get to some of the hands-on activities.

    Homeschooling offers families amazing flexibility. We simply have to be open to embracing that flexibility. For me, BookShark’s four-day schedule was a great way to free myself from the confines of a traditional brick-and-mortar school schedule and find what works for our family.

    About the Author

    Melissa is a homeschool mom to three kids. BookShark is her primary curriculum, and she and her kids love it! When she’s not homeschooling, she’s either shuttling kids from one activity to another or working from home as a freelance writer. You can read more about Melissa’s homeschool journey at her blog Moms Plans.

  • Why We Love BookShark’s Read-Alouds

    Why We Love BookShark’s Read-Alouds

    My son is in fifth grade this year. He’s at that age where he’s growing up fast but he still loves to snuggle on the couch with his mom occasionally. One of the things he loves the most is reading together.

    We have a long-standing tradition of reading a book together each night, usually one that has a movie coming out that we’d like to see.

    This year with BookShark as our curriculum, that nighttime reading tradition has become part of our homeschool day, too! Since he’s an independent reader, we haven’t included Read-Alouds in our homeschool for several years. I admit that it’s something we let slide while we were using other curriculums. But now that we’re on the BookShark bandwagon, I’m realizing how wonderful it is to use reading aloud with a middle schooler! 

    I’m Reading What He’s Reading

    I make an effort to read almost everything my son reads, but it gets difficult especially during busy times in our lives. With Read-Alouds, we are reading together, and that means I’m sharing the story with him.

    We had an awesome experience this year with our first Read-Aloud, Pablo’s Journey (from Level 3), a story about a young boy aboard Columbus’ ship. What we learned in the novel was made even clearer when we toured replicas of the Nina and the Pinta. Our field trip took on so much more meaning because we were able to discuss aspects of the book and relate it to what we were seeing!

    If we hadn’t shared the experience of Pablo’s Journey, our field trip would have not been as rich of an experience.

    It’s a Soothing Part of Our Homeschool Day

    Between math problems and writing activities, it is great to have part of the day when we savor a little quiet and connection.

    During Read-Aloud time, my son can enjoy a snack, and the dog joins us on the couch. It is a reminder of why we homeschool in the first place—to nurture and enjoy our family relationships!

    Reading aloud is a part of our day that my son looks forward to the most. He asks when we’ll be reading together and will happily sit to hear more than what the lesson plan calls for that day! It is great to have at least one thing each day that I can count on to be enjoyable for everyone.  

    BookShark Has Chosen Great Books

    BookShark has curated such an awesome collection of books for reading aloud that it makes it pleasant as a parent to share in the adventure with your child. These living books bring history to life in a way that is enjoyable and fun. They open up conversations about the time periods and spark interest in aspects of history that may not have interested your child before. The books you read make all the difference in an successful lesson, and so far we have loved all of our books this year.

    There comes a point in homeschooling when your child is older and capable of reading silently. That’s when you may ditch the Read-Alouds. But that might not be the best choice! BookShark has reminded me why Read-Alouds are such a great part of learning. I’m thankful for how the books have helped me connect us with my son this year! 

    About the Author

    Krista is the homeschooling mom of 3 boys. After 13 years she has learned the value of chilling out, going with the flow and keeping homeschooling fun! She is the blogger behind Far From Normal where she hopes to encourage parents and homeschoolers, and inspire a life lived happily outside the box! 

  • You Need to Know These Wonderful Benefits of Boxed Curriculum

    You Need to Know These Wonderful Benefits of Boxed Curriculum

    In homeschooling circles, boxed curriculum is also known as an all-in-one educational program. One company provides the materials you need for all core subjects for an entire school year, often in one large box.

    When you purchase a package like this, you receive the necessary student books, an in-depth teacher’s guide and schedule and, frequently, any additional readers and supplies you’ll need to complete all of the lessons throughout the year.

    Many parents find that the teacher’s manual included in this type of curriculum is worth its weight in gold. Typically, an instructor’s guide includes detailed lesson plans, sample schedules, support materials, suggested student responses, tips for grading assignments, extension ideas, and more.

    Everything is laid out for you when you use a boxed curriculum. That makes a complete curriculum a great way to build confidence, especially if you’re new to homeschooling. But it’s not just for newbies either. A lot of veteran homeschoolers use an all-in-one curriculum because of the many benefits it provides.

    Why should families consider using a boxed curriculum in their homeschool?

    Boxed Curriculum Packages Save Time

    Since this type of curriculum comes with everything you need to complete a year of homeschooling, you won’t have to spend your valuable time researching and purchasing separate materials for each core subject. Not only will it save you time, but buying everything together in one package can also save you money.

    Many parents love the fact that you can open up the box and get started immediately. You’ll most likely want to do some preparation and research on your own; however, it will take you far less time than building your own curriculum plan.

    Boxed Curriculum Packages are Seamless

    With everything coming from one company, all of the subjects tie together. The writing shares a similar perspective and tone. All of this makes the lessons easier for kids to understand and for mom to implement.

    Plus, since you won’t be jumping around from curriculum to curriculum, there will be less chance of having gaps in your child’s learning. The publishers work hard to make sure key points are covered for each subject.

    Take a look at the packages offered by BookShark for examples of the well-planned curriculum choices a full package can bring you.

    Boxed Curriculum Packages are Less Stressful

    Designing your child’s entire school year can cause many tense moments for even the most seasoned homeschool parent. Wading through the wide variety of choices available for each subject can make your head spin. And after you make your decisions and purchase your books, you still have to create the lesson plans and schedules.

    When you choose to go with a boxed curriculum, all of that work has already been done for you, effectively removing any additional burdens and stress.

    Families who use this all-in-one option love the benefits it provides. Boxed curriculum is a straightforward and extremely effective way to complete a school year at home with your child. It’s easy to see why so many parents choose this way to homeschool.

  • 4 Ways to Develop a Growth Mindset in Your Homeschool

    4 Ways to Develop a Growth Mindset in Your Homeschool

    When I was in graduate school, one of my literature professors assigned a text called The Elements (and Pleasures) of Difficulty (2004). It arrived from Amazon in a tiny box, a thin volume with an 80s-inspired cover. Irritated, I flipped through the pages and tossed it aside. I had weighty selections from the Victorian canon awaiting my time and attention. Why did I have to wade through fluff?

    Probably that attitude, for starters. With the exception of the aforementioned book, the reading list for this course was challenging. I had begun to rue the day I decided to pursue this path and was contemplating withdrawing from the program.

    Fortunately for me and my graduate career, I finally picked up the little book on difficulty. What a change it made in my attitude! The book not only taught me how to conquer the challenge of a difficult text, but how to recognize and appreciate the beauty of that challenge as well. The more I viewed difficulty as opportunity, the more successful I became in my academic endeavors. Challenge had become a stepping stone, not a stumbling block, and it showed.

    The Growth Mindset Philosophy

    Several years later, I stumbled upon the research of psychologist Carol Dweck. Her work with thousands of elementary students reflected what I discovered in graduate school: certain behaviors and habits of mind can support or suppress intellectual growth. Dweck called these habits mindsets, noting the crucial role of a positive attitude in rebounding from setback and failure.

    In 2007, Dweck compiled her research and analysis into Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. In it, Dweck outlines how students learn and succeed when they move from a fixed mindset (“I’ll never be good at that.”) to a growth mindset (“I’m struggling with this topic. What do I do next?”). According to Dweck,

    “When students believe they can get smarter, they understand that effort makes them stronger. Therefore they put in extra time and effort, and that leads to higher achievement.”

    Dweck’s title received immediate acclaim. Educators and parents sought to implement the ideology in their classrooms and homes. Students and teachers who exhibited a growth mindset saw an increase in achievement across the board, regardless of age or ability level.

    Cultivating a Growth Mindset in Your Homeschool

    As parents, we are the primary influence on our children’s mindsets. Children can’t challenge negative internal dialogue or attitudes effectively until external forces are neutralized. Take some of the fixed mindset phrases we often say without thinking:

    • “It’s okay, honey. Math is hard.”
    • “Don’t worry. I’m not much of a reader, either.”
    • “Don’t compare yourself to your sister. Not everyone’s an expert in the arts.”

    There may well be truth to these sentiments. Math is hard, not everyone enjoys reading, and we all have our own talents and interests. But if we want our children to change the way they look at challenge and difficulty, we must change the way we see it as well. It isn’t easy, but putting the next four tips into practice will put you well on your way.

    Growth Mindset Tip #1: Practice Purposeful Effort

    Doing your best is commendable. Doing your best with the intent to move mountains is admirable and more helpful in the long run.

    Growth Mindset Tip #2: Find Joy in the Process

    Great minds are curious, not ambitious. Embrace learning for the sake of learning and let go of the desire for accolades.

    Growth Mindset Tip #3: Encourage Reflection

    Take time to evaluate the progress you have made. Ask these questions:How have we grown?What have we conquered?What lessons have we learned that we can apply going forward?

    Growth Mindset Tip #4: See Weakness as an Area for Growth

    Remember: Challenges are stepping stones, not stumbling blocks. We all have weaknesses, but they neither define us nor dictate our actions.

    Preparing for the Future

    Looking back on my own academic career, I’m struck by the number of opportunities I let slip by because I was afraid of the challenge. I don’t want that for my own children. We’re working on developing a growth mindset in our own homeschool, and we’re closing in on the day when all of us view challenges as stepping stones. There’s great pleasure to be found in difficulty, as long as you know where to look.

    About the Author

    Ginny Kochis is a former high school English teacher and adjunct professor of English turned homeschooling mom and business owner. She writes about faith, motherhood, homeschooling and family literacy at Not So Formulaic