Homeschooling is Learning Together

A few years ago I was a former elementary art teacher turned brand spanking new homeschool mom.  I could lesson plan and spout fancy educational acronyms with the best of them.

But, guys, a lot of the tools I used as a teacher just didn’t fit our school at home life.  It’s taken me a while, too long, to realize the magic of homeschooling is learning together.

Learning isn’t confined to a desk, a time of day, or a grade level.  Learning just keeps on going and doing it together is the sweetest part.

Kids working together….

I still remember pouring over those homeschool catalogs.  How in the world could multiple kids use the same textbook?  I literally could not get it through my brain that even my children close together in age could work together.

Those public school ideals die hard.

Specific grade levels learn specific things, right? If we were to vary from that grade level path, even a bit,  they might end up behind. (Gasp.)  If you are a seasoned homeschool mom this may sound like a silly thing to even worry about.  But worry, I did.

A few years and tiny unclenching of my jaw later I realize that my kids learning together, side by side is not only acceptable, it is amazing.  Big kids helping little kids has got to be one of my favorite sights of all time.

The “I’m not smart enough to homeschool” lie…

I can’t tell you how many people respond to the fact that we homeschool with a statement like “I could never homeschool my kids.  I’m not smart enough.”  What??

I’m teaching my kids at four different levels, the oldest of which are college prep high school classes.  People, I do not know everything and I am the first to admit that to my kiddos!  Never will you hear me profess to know it all.

You know what I do have- the answer book.

Just kidding.  The answer book helps of course but I actually love learning new things.  I love sitting down side by side and working through something together.  Mykids seeing me learn new things is a message I want to send.   Learning doesn’t stop just because I’m over (way, way over) age eighteen.

I joke that after homeschooling four kids for four years I’m smarter than I’ve ever been.

And when my kids hit something that is really just not my strength homeschooling allows us to look outside our family for people that are totally experts.  Seeking out mentors and teachers for my kids is part of my job.  Sometimes it can feel like a huge responsibility to help bring those people into the lives of my children.  Because I do believe that kids need other adults as influences in their lives.  But, really, how lucky to have some say in the influences in your child’s life?

Finding expert help…

It can be such a blessing to you and your kiddo to look outside of the family for expert help for those subjects that are just not “your thing.” Sometimes that can be hard to do whether it’s financially, finding transportation, or even finding minutes in the day.

While I’m not claiming to be an “expert art teacher” I did teach for several years and I  served as the Director of Education at our local art center.  Teaching kids and families how to be creative is my thing.  We’ve all got our thing, our gift, and it feels good to share something that you’re good at it.  I love sharing my love of making.

In my talks with other homeschool moms I’ve noticed teaching art is something lots of moms just don’t feel comfortable with or know just where to start,  So I’ve got a crazy idea for you- sit down with your kiddo and make something.  Learn together.  Let me help!

Parents and kids learning together….

Being creative and making something requires letting your guard down.  You might look silly- it could happen.   There may even be fits of giggling.  The beauty of art class is there shouldn’t be too many hard and fast right and wrongs or strict rules.  Art time should be silly, and fun, and free- the perfect subject to share with a parent or sibling!

Start small.

Art class doesn’t have to take an hour or use fancy materials.  Check out my “kids” tab for over one hundred easy art ideas to try with your kids.  The lessons are free and many use household materials you’ve already got!

Make something together, If you’ve tried a free lesson or two at the Kitchen Table Classroom and you and your child have enjoyed then I urge you to take a look at my  Artists and the ELements e-book.  It’s a year long visual arts curriculum designed to connect the elements of art, art history, and hands on fun art projects.  It’s perfect for the homeschool mom looking to provide a top notch art experience without breaking the budget with pricey art classes.

Every step is laid out for you, every printable, every reference artwork, it’s all there!  So you can stop gathering and planning and just relax and learn together!

Hi, I’m Jodi!  I’m a former public school art teacher turned homeschool mama to my four kids.  I blog at the Kitchen Table Classroom as a way to fulfill my own creative passion and help other moms bring a little artistic fun into their own home! Art should be the best part of your homeschool day and I’m here to help that happen!

Come visit me at the Kitchen Table Classroom for over a hundred free art lessons and a Resource Library full of free printable resources!

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