Homeschooling Bliss: Getting Your Child in the Mood for Learning

The first two weeks of homeschooling my son was torture for the both of us. As we were in a new house and as yet had no room or place set aside for what we were embarking upon, it was easier to give in to his excuses and avoid starting, than to actually hold my ground, clear the dining table and make him sit. But, eventually guilt set in and I set about fixing up the well-lighted spare attic bedroom with a long table, an easel, bookcase and couch.

With the walls lined with books and maps, the little room resembled a storybook classroom, yet my son still found ways to avoid going in and sitting down to work. I, on the other hand, could have spent the entire day in there reading and writing. If only I didn't have so much to do! At my wits end, and ready to enroll him in the public school just down the street, I concluded that maybe the fault lay with me. He was still young enough to need some semblance of routine to his school days. I had promised him fun and I was not delivering. That evening I brought all my homeschooling material out and set about completely restructuring his days and activities.

The key to our success was to first apply what appealed from what we had read and turn all we were doing into a learning opportunity. The process of learning became fun. At meal times we learned about the human body and healthy food choices. We made lists of foods to shop for and researched about production processes. When we went shopping we learned problem solving and the value of money. We went on walks daily, both as a form of exercise and as observing nature at work. Once a week we took field trips alternating between the zoo, the beach, the mountain, waterfalls, the art museum, the technology museum and the science museum.

Because I had him enrolled in a swimming class four times a week, a drama club once a week and karate twice a week, he had plenty of chances to socialize with other kids his age, and loved it. Happy child, very happy mom.

Many neighborhoods have their own homeschool associations where mothers and kids get together on a weekly basis and they either form a sport team, a class regarding a specific subject, take field trips, or just for relaxing and fun. The cost is usually minimal, and the time in the company of others refreshing. We took part in a baking one and a science one, and the mothers took turns teaching the class.

Another option to consider is signing up your child with the local school district for their sports and music programs. Although we didn't do this, we did consider it, and I know several mothers who have been doing this for years with happy results.

The key is consistency. Homeschooling requires plenty of involvement and plenty of patience. Kindness, motivation, a sense of humor. Oh yes, the list goes on and on. The outcome though, is priceless, if only for the bond created between mother and child that will stay with them for years to come.