I know “hate” is a strong word, but it’s hard to come up with another word. Some academic subjects just aren’t beautiful homeschooling moments.
Now, a few years ago I might have dismissed the notion that mom couldn’t or shouldn’t teach every subject, but now that I have high school and jr. high students, I’ve changed my tune.
Just as government schools don’t have one teacher teach everything, homeschool moms need not feel they have to be the one to teach everything.
This is especially true when you yourself struggle with one of the subjects you are needing to teach. Perhaps you even “hate” that subject. This is where outsourcing as a homeschool mom comes in.
Ways to outsource
*Find a local professional – This can come in the form of other parents at the local homeschool co-op who have expertise in a certain area or businessmen and women who are willing to tutor your child or teach them a trade.
Examples from our homeschool:
-We take American Sign Language from a Deaf woman at a local church.
-We are a part of a Keepers of the Faith group where each of the moms take turns leading a certain skill.
*Find an online professional – In this day and age, you can find more and more professionals online willing to help homeschoolers. This would be someone like a music teacher or foreign language teacher, a writing tutor or a speech therapist.
Examples from our homeschool:
-My daughter takes French from a French Canadian living in Nepal via Skype and iTalki.com.
*Use computer programs – You can piece out computer curriculum to fit your needs or buy individual subjects that are taught via computerized lessons. Curriculum like Switched on Schoolhouse and programs like Rosetta Stone are examples of this.
Examples from our homeschool:
-Two of my children have taken Spanish via Rosetta Stone.
*Use online programs – This is similar to computer programs you buy and download except these are online and are continuously being updated.
*Use online classes – Many curriculum companies are now offering online classes based on their textbooks. This is particularly helpful when you know the material is solid, but you aren’t sure you can solidly teach it or answer the questions your child may have.
*Use YouTube – I’ve mentioned before how I am pretty sure everything you need to know can be found on YouTube. If you get stuck or need a less stressful way to teach a subject, look it up on YouTube!
And most importantly…
Don’t let your dislike of a subject affect your child!
My biggest word of caution concerning your distaste of certain subjects is to not let that affect your child’s view of that subject. Before you fall apart, use one of the ways above to lower your stress level and avoid influencing your child’s opinion of that subject.
I’ve also noted how subjects I hated in high school are not nearly so detestable now that I’m a homeschooling mom. I’m getting an education right alongside my children! Don’t be surprised if your “hated” subject suddenly stops being so hateful.
Enjoy the journey!
Mary S says
I need help and hope maybe you or someone you know can help me.My son was in public school until a year ago.The school gave me two options,homeschool or place him in a school for troubled kids.He is high yield autistic with severe anxiety issues which result in “melt downs” when he is overwhelmed.He doesn’t like to read,has never watched a full length movie,his hand cramps when trying to write and is so afraid of failing that he begins to cry within minutes of starting our day.He is 14 and still stuck at 7th grade level.He does like the computer but I can’t find educational (free) games that are age appropriate. I homeschooled his older brother from 6th grade but with this one I am just lost.I pray and read my bible daily but the answers still elude me.
Amy says
I understand what you are going through probably more than you realize. Don’t be discouraged by a “grade level” – he’s not that far off and he may just need to take things really slowly. You can do this, but it will NOT look like it did for his older brother, and you can’t compare him (or yourself) to that experience. Have you ever been to the Special Needs Homeschooling website? Heather might have some good information for you there: http://specialneedshomeschooling.com Praying for you!
Julie B says
Hello Amy!!
I read your blog and thoroughly enjoy it! God Bless you for your sweet encouragement, advice, and humble and honest personality 😉
I know you are super-busy so I’ll get right to the point….. As my husband and I homeschool our 13 yr-old daughter, I am responsible for teaching the Math to her. She is finishing Pre-Algebra now (May 2014) via Alpha Omega Publications Horizons…. a workbook-based curriculum which requires some parent-discussion and instruction. But, as she turns 14 this Fall and heads into more difficult Math, I fear she may need some additional online-based instruction to bring the concepts more to life, so-to-speak. I read on your “homeschooling the Bigs” that your son and oldest daughter liked Kahn Academy. My question is, does KH offer complete courses, i.e. Alg 1, Alg 2, etc, that you can grade and record onto a high-school transcript? Or, is it basically practice-type work to aid in the overall understanding of a regular course such as Saxon Math or such? THANK YOU for any advice you have here for a 13-yr old girl’s studies…be blessed~Julie in MO
Amy says
Hi Julie! I feel that Khan is VERY comprehensive. Very few homeschool moms use it that way, but my son is finally understanding Algebra after going through 2 rounds of Algebra via Teaching Textbooks AND Saxon. I am impressed!
Julie B says
THANK you! That is so encouraging to know. I will check into it for Mia and see how it goes. So far, she has done their pretest and I liked that…so did she. Algebra sure can be tough, can’t it? Thank you again!!