In my eleven years of home schooling I have met so many wonderful and diverse people. We all seem to have a passion for the education of our children, and for the education of ourselves! Life becomes the classroom�..the classroom becomes a lifestyle!
One thing I have found that almost all home schoolers have in common is the need for organization. Now I know that ALL families need to hone this skill, but it really is a completely different animal for the homeschooling family!
When I first entertained the thought of homeschooling my children, I never dreamed that my house would become a reference section that rivaled the public library! Number 2 pencils reproduce like rabbits in every drawer and motivational stickers appear magically on the back pocket of my jeans. Glue sticks and pipe cleaners find their way into my handbag and yet when I need these things they mysteriously disappear!
Things had to change, and I am happy to say that after eleven years the organization in my home has gotten better by doing these things:
Forget Perfectionism Remember your goal: to raise and educate happy children! Do not fret over books on the coffee table and a few crumbs on the carpet. Come to terms with the fact that your house is going to look like someone actually USES the space. Forget the beautiful window treatments and perfect living room suite and remember the important things, like teaching your kids!
Plan your day Before bed each night make out a �to-do� list. Do not overwhelm yourself�.spread chores over the course of the week
The World as Your Classroom LIFE should be part of your curriculum. Shopping and cooking can be a math opportunity. Baking and laundry can reinforce chemistry lessons. Yard work can be artistic landscaping . You get the picture. Take every opportunity to learn!
Housework First Divide the daily chores among your children and do them before starting schoolwork. Dusting, vacuuming, sweeping and meal planning can be done in a short amount of time when everyone does their part.
Stress Free Whenever you start to feel stressed, take a moment and remember why you do what you do. In just a few short years your children will be grown and gone. Stop, breath and rest in the fact that you do what you do because you love your family!
Gina Hobbs has been homeschooling and working in educational co-ops and christian schools for eleven years and helps homeschooling families build curriculum, lesson plans and daily routines to keep their hectic lives liveable.
For a Complete Guide to Home school Organizing