You Can Always Teach a Soccer Mom New Tricks!

     First of all – let's skip the guilt and worry over not knowing – You can’t know everything! OK, now that you’re concentrating on how to teach the subject, let’s get started! One of the best parts about homeschool is that you and your child can solve problems together. Your kids may think you’re “super mom,” but it’s a great learning tool for your child to see you struggle with any problem. Let them learn from participating in the discovery process: Go to the library together; search through internet sites together; watch educational videos together; listen to tapes and even go to the tutor together!

     If you're homeschooling more than one child, be the student alongside your eldest so when the subject comes up again with your youngest, you'll tackle it with ease. One of the greatest gifts you can give your child is the ability to recognize, face, and ultimately overcome problems in their lives. They’ll carry that knowledge and confidence with them forever! You don’t need to give your child all the answers in life – just the confidence to face all the questions!

Let’s Put it into Action . . .

So, how do you begin learning a subject that you hate? One homeschool mom suggested to me that you think of the subject in terms that you can better understand. For example, when studying math, think about balancing your check book, figuring out how much that blouse would be if it were 40% off, refinancing your mortgage rate . . . you know, the everyday stuff! With renewed confidence, present the subject to your kids in terms they’ll understand (how many slices of pizza can we give to each person at the table; if you have to do the dishes on Monday and Thursday, what percentage of the dishes are you responsible for and is this fair; etc) – this is a great way to approach all subjects! Get them thinking about things, shake it up, and make it part of real life - not just something out of a textbook.

Still Need Help?

•   We're Off to See a Tutor!

  If you want to find one-on-one time for your child, a tutor may be the best way to go. Tutors are trained professionals and some even make house calls! It’s a great way to break up your child's school week and to show them that you aren’t the only adult who is interested in their education!




•   Need Lots of Help? Check Out a Learning Center.

  Learning centers can really tackle the big jobs. They're great at assessments and covering all the bases (not just the obvious ones). Here are some of the most popular learning centers: Sylvan Learning Center and Kumon.




•   They're Leaving for College Already?!

  No, not really! But community colleges are a wonderful community resource. They're a great place to tackle those tricky subjects like trigonometry or the ones that are best taught with an entire science lab or music program. Hey! This may be a great way for you to fill in your own learning gaps, too!




•   Don’t Forget: You Have the WORLD at Your Finger Tips!

  Oh, the Wonders of the Internet! Many sites offer tutorials or lesson plans to help you prepare for a subject. And a lot of them are free! Here’s a great example: Having trouble with science? Check out Science Explained for a complete (and updated) free astronomy course for teens. Another possible resource on the internet is Cyber Schools where your child enrolls in a sort of virtual on-line school program. Our Select Resource Guide can point you to hundreds of other great sources on the web – and it's even organized by subject! Also keep your eyes open for videos or computer software to help guide your child.

Didn't You Mention Balancing My Check Book?

     I know – now you’re saying, "Who can afford tutors and college classes? Tutors can charge up to $35 an hour!” If money is an issue (and, let's face it, when is it not?), you still have options:

•   Flatter Your Friends and Family.

  Is there a math-whiz in the family? What about that in-law with the English degree? Ask around! Don’t be shy! Find out if you have any friends or family who will help out by sitting down with your child and going over basic skills once a week or so. You'll probably be surprised at just how many “smart” people you know. Flattery works wonders! You know the trick – “Oh, I’m really having a hard time teaching Michael Algebra and I KNOW you're really talented in math. If you could find the time to go over the basics and help him tackle some of the hard topics that I just can’t grasp he'd be so happy. And I know that it would be easy for you" . . . and so on.




•   Ban together!

  Talk to your homeschool support group and organize a study group. If there are kids all having problems with the same subjects, organize a time when all the kids can meet and work on it together. If it turns into a large group, elect a leader (or a co-op hired tutor), to lead them and then try breaking it up into groups of four. People really work well this way. This is also a great way to pool the costs and get a little group interaction from the kids! (for more ideas on how to encourage your child to interact with other kids, see Kristi's article in this month's issue: Lonely? How About Your Kids?).




•   Work in Trade!

  If there's one subject you're weak in, chances are there's one subject that you're great in. Try setting up a tutor-trade: maybe you know a lot about history and another homeschool mom is great at math; you can tutor her kids in history and she can tutor yours in math. Who knows, if you get enough families involved, you may just end up starting your own co-op homeschool!




•   Barter with Your Tutor.

  Tutors are people too and they have their own bills. One tutor I spoke to says she barters for her services. She tutors a child in math, and the child's mom cleans her house. Everyone's happy! If you can’t afford a tutor, ask them if they're willing to tutor for something other than cash.

Is there really a difference between Math and Soccer?

     Maybe now you're thinking: "I ‘m home schooling, not farming my kids out to someone else to teach them. I might as well be sending them to public school!" Well, let's face it – most of the time you can’t do it alone and you shouldn’t have to; however, even if you aren’t teaching every subject, you still know (and have personally chosen) who is. You’re still in control of and directly involved in your child's education.

    
Think about it: you send your kids for outside instruction in sports, drama, music, and whatever other "extra curricular” activity that they’re into this year. Just as you'd choose a good soccer coach for your child – why shouldn't you also choose the best math coach you can find?

     Remember this: you're job as teacher (and parent) is to both teach and open doors for your children. Finding them help or setting up a tutor or mentor relationship for them is another important part of your teaching responsibility. Homeschoolers are the ultimate “soccer moms:” we don’t just drive the car pool, make snacks, and wash uniforms; we also give our kids the knowledge and resources they need to learn every day!

     You and I both want our kids to be better, stronger, and more successful than we are . . . when our children’s newest subject is our greatest fear, let’s view it as a time to rally the troops and conquer it!

Happy Homeschooling,

Amber Bobnar