The Seasons of Teaching as a Homeschool Mom

When the kids were young, our school time took place gathered around our dining room table. Our family space was our learning space. We spent our time learning about topics together, with each child comprehending the lesson and doing assignments at their level. I felt like I was constantly revolving around that table going from one child to the next, assisting them as needed. My legs told me I was on my feet all day, and I was!

That dining room table is marked and worn now. There are worn spots from cleaning off paint and marker. They are signs that we were productive and creative when we were gathered. As the kids have grown older, there is less group time gathered for school around the table. Those wear marks are a reminder that homeschooling follows seasons, seasons dictated by the kids and their levels of learning.

The Tough Season

My toughest season as a homeschool mom was teaching my youngest two children how to read. (Part of that challenge was made greater because spent too much time comparing their progress to other children their age!) With a solid reading curriculum and simple reading activities, the effort and patience eventually resulted in children who now stay up late to read before bedtime. It is a sign of a win, and a reminder that that tough season is over as well.

There is a peak that is reached when we successfully teach our children to read. It’s like climbing a huge mountain and it ushers in a brand-new teaching season.

Challenging homeschool seasons generally mean mom is teaching more and constantly. Children are not all independent immediately. They need to learn the routine, learn to read, and then they blossom into learners with less time needed for active teaching.

The Independent Learner

The good news is once a child can read independently, they are able to learn more independently as well. I had to be hands-on, glued to the dining room table when my children were not yet reading on their own. Every direction had to be read by me. Every problem had to be clarified. It was a draining, intense season of teaching. In the end, like training to climb a mountain, while the work put in to achieve the goal can be exhausting, the goal is worth the time and effort.

However, now that my children are reading on their own, my efforts as a mom have become more about coaching rather than one on one teaching. The kids can read their assignments and write without me spelling every other word. I can accomplish other household tasks while they are working, so the days feel more in balance.

My older two are mostly self-directed. Academically speaking they work on workbooks, read, and take their tests without me needing to explain a lot. We still have conversations, and I engage with them, but the time I need to spend teaching is different.

In fact, now that my oldest is a junior in high school, I am bringing him back to the dining room table to teach some subjects to the whole group again. He wanted that, and I wanted to have more connection with him alongside the other children this year. He only has two more school years under my wing. I want to maximize that time together.

The Season of Coaching Rather Than Teaching

Encouraging the love of learning is my goal at this point. Every spring I do a mini “interview” with my kids. Each of them shares what they liked about the school year, what they did not like, and what they want to learn about in the next school year. My older ones even chime in on whether they like their curriculum or if they want to try something new. They always give direct feedback.

It is easier to teach children when they are open about what they like and dislike. While some subjects are necessary (and I make sure we keep what is necessary for graduation standards in our state), I allow for latitude on topic or format so they feel encouraged and that their preferences are incorporated

We have values that guide our home and homeschool. While I set boundaries for my kids, I also realize when they are seeking to learn.

For example, graphic novels gave one of my children their first spark for reading. I wanted them to read the books I loved, but they needed a different format for gaining that interest. In time they did develop a love for reading chapter books without illustrations. This is just one example of allowing for personal interests to guide choices and encouragement as homeschool parents! Our role is to facilitate learning in our homes.

I encourage you to remember the idea of seasons as you go through your homeschool journey! My season of constant attention being required and having to read every assignment and question was tiring, but this too shall pass! My current season is much more passive, planning their curricula but not actively teaching much (the beauty of homeschooling: students learn how to learn!).