Nobody ever said this homeschool journey was going to be easy. Some days, I feel like I’m doing my kids a disservice. I’m short-tempered. I’m tired. It’s all too easy to focus on my failures as a homeschool mom and teacher. It’s more difficult to focus on my successes, because society calls that pride or bragging. But, it’s not. Not always. Sometimes it is if you are focusing on your successes to build yourself up in comparison to others. However, sometimes, it’s necessary in order to stay the course. Remember the things you’ve done well or ‘right’ {whatever right is} as an encouragement to yourself that you can do this homeschool thing.
Measure Homeschool Success
I have three readers.
Yes, I do! They didn’t all learn to read at the same age nor in the same way. One breezed through a “learn to read” program with me. One learned by struggling through a phonics program and reading, reading, and more reading with me. The other basically taught herself to read. They all enjoy reading, and I consider that a success.
All of them know their math facts.
After years of flash cards, file folder games, timed tests, manipulatives, and drills on the computer, they all know their math facts. It wasn’t always easy for any of them, but they know them now. And, I consider that a success.
I’ve laid a firm academic foundation.
Years ago, my mother-in-law was looking at some of the third grade work my daughter was doing. She marveled at how much we were able to cover that her public-school counterparts couldn’t due to testing requirements and classroom sizes. When my middle son transitioned into the local public high school he was amazed at what his peers didn’t know or couldn’t do, because it was never covered in their earlier school years. He has told me that he hopes his wife homeschools their children at least through middle school, because he thinks they’ll learn so much more than in public school. I consider that a success!
I’ve learned right along with them.
This has been surprising to me! I thought I had received a decent public school education. I was a great student, and I didn’t have to push myself very hard to get good grades. However, when I started homeschooling my kids, I realized how much I don’t know. I never took chemistry in school, but I taught it to Emma a few years ago. I hated history in school, but I am thoroughly enjoying it in our homeschool. I had never read books like Anne of Green Gables or A Little Princess when I was younger. I was missing out! I consider that a success!
[bctt tweet=”Focusing on your #homeschool successes could be exactly what you need to have the strength to stay the course – even on your toughest homeschooling days. ” username=”homeschljourney”]
I’ve planted God’s Word in their hearts.
This may be my biggest success. We have spent years memorizing Bible verses. We have used the “What Do We Believe
We’ve read tons of really great books.
As I mentioned above, I’ve been introduced to some really great books through homeschooling. We like to use literature-based curricula when possible. I’ve also been able to introduce my kids to some of my childhood favorites – Little House on the Prairie, Charlotte’s Web, Trumpet of the Swan, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, and more. We’ve discovered new favorites along the way – Mr. Popper’s Penguins, Stone Fox, Poppy, and many more. Some of these books, I’ve saved to read to my grandchildren some day. Great books. Great memories. Great traditions to pass down. That’s success!
I’ve watched my awesome little people grow into more awesome bigger people.
During their most formative years, I have been able to train up my children instead of leaving that job to someone else 8 hours a day. I have watched my kids blossom into some really great young people/teens/adults. I currently have a 13, 18, and 22 year old under my roof. They span the ages, and each age is equally awesome as I watch them continue to grow into people even more awesome than I could have ever dreamed. I choose to believe that my ability to homeschool and personally train them up has a lot to do with who they are becoming. And, I consider that a success!
With those thoughts in my heart, I have the strength to make it through the toughest of homeschool days. I have the courage to stay the course knowing that this too shall pass. Each child presents his or her own unique challenges and successes, and I am blessed to be a part of them all.
On your toughest days, reflect on your own successes. Keep going, momma! You’re doing an incredible job!!
Your turn:
What do you measure success in your homeschool?
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Tara, I LOVED this. I was just telling my husband this week that this past year was our most successful school year ever. And not because we got a lot more “checked off” – it was the biggest “failure” in that respect, actually! But I realized how successful it was because I started asking different questions, started measuring success differently. Started looking for personal growth and relationship growth, rather than lessons completed and workbooks completed. Great post! Thanks!!
I am not a homeschooler, but I have friends who do it and love it and some who have tried it and just could not find a successful way to make it work for them. I really admire all of you who tackle this.
Congrats to all of your successes.
Thank you so much for sharing to the Monday Mish Mash Link Party.
*Hugs*
This is so encouraging. Focus on our successes, yes please!
This is the end of our school year and it is the time to do some reflection and evaluation. This awesome post gives me great materials to do deeper thought measuring the success in our homeschool. Thank you very much for sharing at Family Fun Friday.