I am re-producing this article written by author Lorraine Curry of Easy Homeschooling books. It is a timely reminder for me as we plod on the school year. May it also bless you.
My 10 Biggest Mistakes
By Lorraine Curry
Mistake #1
BEING TOO EASY ON OUR BOYS
Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore suggest that boys are not ready for formal learning until they are between 8-12 or 14. I misinterpreted this and required very, very little from my boys when they were younger. It was a mistake! My girls were read to and “taught” more consistently from a younger age, and consequently have a higher degree of literacy and mental ability, although they are not that much older than the boys. (No, I do not believe it is merely a difference of the sexes!)
Boys as well as girls will thrive with much early reading aloud, silent reading and “writing” in the form of narrating, or telling stories that Mom captures on tape or writes down. My girls did not even need a spelling class! See more in my book, Easy Homeschooling Techniques.
Mistake #2
NOT KEEPING A CONSISTENT TIME SCHEDULE
Although schooling does not have to be difficult, we fail our children greatly if we do not teach that there are time demands in life and teach them habits and consistency.
Mistake #3
STARTING A BUSINESS BEFORE HAVING A CONSISTENT SCHEDULE
Too many times my business took priority. Schooling would have received its proper time slot, had a firm schedule been in place. I have a whole chapter on business in my book. More than “go for it,” I recommend waiting!
Mistake #4
ALLOWING “PLAY” AND UNRELATED “TALK” DURING SCHOOL TIME
These activities waste much time. Sure, social time is good, but have it before (or after) you start your school time.
Mistake #5
NOT TEACHING MANNERS DILIGENTLY ENOUGH
Teach the strictest basic manners when your children are young! You can always ease up later. There are only a few that should be diligently trained. I love the Southern tradition of teaching children to say “Yes, Sir, Ma’am.” Table manners include chewing with mouth closed, not speaking while eating and waiting to eat until after prayer. Other manners are not interrupting someone who is speaking, and holding doors for the female members of the family. Some manners, such as standing when a woman comes in a room and tipping one’s hat as a greeting, seem to be obsolete, but the basics will never be obsolete!
Mistake #6
NOT PRAYING ENOUGH
That explains itself! Let’s not take God for granted or limit Him! He is mighty and can do marvelous things in our homeschools to help overcome the struggles and discouragement we all seem to experience.
Mistake #7
FAILING TO REQUIRE BOOKS READ; A SPECIFIC NUMBER OF PAGES PER WEEK.
We are doing this now and it is making a difference in our children’s ability to express themselves, well as in their knowledge store.
Mistake #8
NOT ENCOURAGING (ENABLING) EXTRA-CURRICULAR SUCH AS MUSIC OR VOICE LESSONS, AS INTEREST AND APTITUDE ARE SHOWN.
We live “so far” from lessons and I “hate” to leave my home, so I did not make the sacrifices necessary for this. We have four fabulous voices and one or two that are even potentially opera “material.” I’m glad it’s “never too late”!
Mistake #9
ALLOWING INCOMPLETE OR CARELESS WORK
It is such a temptation to do this! When the child thinks they are done with school for the day, and the mom is already doing something else, it is very difficult to make the child recopy or correct errors! But it is very important. This too is training. Good or bad, the choice is ours.
Mistake #10
ALLOWING DAILY USE OF SUGAR OR SUGAR PRODUCTS
There is such a difference in concentration when sugar is used! What is called ADD is probably no more than this! Minds really don’t work as well when diets are not their best.
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Lorraine Curry is the author of 5 Star Easy Homeschooling books. See more articles, FREE copywork, subscriptions, ebooks and more at her website at http://www.easyhomeschooling.com
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