Why You’re Not FAILING at Homeschooling
This is always the time of year when new homeschoolers start feeling concerned that they’re failing at homeschooling. The honeymoon period has finished and now the material is starting to get dense. The time crunch of learning all of these things by the end of the year can feel very real and overwhelming. Well, I’m hear to tell you that this stress does not mean that you’re failing at homeschooling!
Somewhere along the line, the education system became obsessed with perfection. Though not everyone will achieve a perfect score, it still somehow seems to be the ultimate goal. Those who are the closest to perfection are championed and rewarded, and those who receive a lower grade are somehow labeled as unworthy of praise no matter how hard they worked.
Though this competitiveness can help some people, it alienates others.
I challenge you to view your education in another way. Instead of boiling education down to memorizing a list a facts, focus on its original purpose: learning.
Here’s Why You’re Not Failing
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Did you learn something you didn’t know before?
If the answer is YES, then, congratulations - you’re not failing! In education, the chief goal is to LEARN, so clearly you’re doing something right.
Keep in mind that “something” isn’t necessarily the “thing” you were “supposed” to learn. Perhaps you learned that hearing information isn’t as useful to you as reading it. Maybe what you learned is that the given explanation doesn’t make sense to you, and you need to seek out another one.
I will ask again: did you learn something you didn’t know before?
Maybe NOW the answer is YES. Congratulations - you’re not failing homeschooling!
If the answer is NO, read on.
Did you try?
If the answer is YES, then, congratulations - you’re not failing homeschooling! Effort is the key to getting anywhere in life…at least getting anywhere that’s worth getting to. Whether or not the effort is matched with a quantifiable result, effort should always be rewarded and met with praise.
If the answer is NO, read on.
Did you ask for help?
If the answer is YES, then, congratulations - you’re not failing homeschooling! Sometimes you’ll need a little extra help. This happens whether or not you’re homeschooling, so never take this as a defeat. Admitting you need help and learning how to receive it is an essential skill, and if this was your path, you are certainly winning at homeschooling!
If the answer is NO, read on.
So you’re telling me you didn’t LEARN anything, you didn’t TRY, and you didn’t ask for HELP?
If the answer is YES, then, congratulations - you’re STILL not failing homeschooling! Everyone learns at their own pace, and sometimes taking a breather is important.
If something is really frustrating to the point of feeling like a failure, put it down and come back to it in a few days. The glory of homeschooling is that you CAN do this, and you can do this as many times as necessary.
If a two-day break doesn’t make things magically make sense (believe it or not, it sometimes does), ask for help and/or find a different source for the information. Very often, a break and a different explanation is all that’s needed.
The most important thing to remember about homeschooling is that it gives you the chance to focus on the process instead of the result. Yes, the result is one of the things that will help get you into post-secondary education (if that’s your goal), so I’m not saying that high marks don’t necessarily matter on things like standardized tests. BUT, high marks certainly aren’t everything. Learning how to approach learning independently will be one of the most important skills you will acquire for your future.
Once you learn HOW you learn, and you develop the self-motivation to continue through any bumpy patches, you will become UNSTOPPABLE.
Remember: as long as you’re LEARNING, you can’t be FAILING.
If you’re looking for a quick start guide of tips and tricks for setting up your space and approaching this independent style of learning, check out my book below. As a former home learner, I understand the struggles and responsibility that comes with being given the reigns of your education. I’m telling you, though - it was one of the best things that happened to m! Whether you find it challenging or thrive, there’s no reason it can’t have a fantastic, positive influence on your education. The skills you develop will be useful in both higher education and any job you’ll ever have. Let me help you make this one of the best learning experiences of your life!