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Homeschool Transitions

by Richele McFarlin | More from this Blogger

18 Nov 2011 11:29 AM

Each transition will in homeschooling turns a veteran into a newbie. When you first decide to homeschool you are full of questions, concerns, and fears. You want to do the best job you can and provide all that is necessary to your child. You tread lightly through the maze of curriculum choices as you find the perfect fit for your child. You learn how to navigate the homeschool waters and simplify your daily routine as time goes on. Then it happens. Just as you settle into a routine and gain your stride you are disrupted by the next transition.

Transitions in homeschooling occur when your child reaches a new phase. The phases run through preschool to Kindergarten then Kindergarten to elementary school then you turn the corner to middle school and finally enter the final phase of high school. Each one rocks your boat and brings about a new set of frayed nerves and insecurities. We look back at our old insecurities and laugh thinking how could we have thought that was so hard compared to this current phase. Each phase is just as important to get to the next and each one had its own set of challenges to master. Simply because we mastered them does not mean the challenge was inferior it means we have the ability to overcome.

Take strength in your past victories. Reflect on what made your transition smooth and what you could have done to make it smoother. Use the tools you used to transition from preschool to Kindergarten to transition from middle school to high school. It may be different but the insecurities and method to succeed will be the same. Do not get overwhelmed. Tackle the hurdles one at a time and plan in advance. Do not plan for middle school a few days before your child becomes a middle school student. You plan for middle school and high school from the beginning. You are educating a child over time. It's a slow burn which finds its kindling from each phase. Set a pace, a theme, and goals that will transition throughout the years. Planning an overall theme to your homeschool will simplify these transitions. It is never too late to plan an overall theme and set goals.