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Homeschooling an Only

Posted in Christian Life, Homeschooling, and Photography

Heart VaseProject 365 – #039

You shall teach them [the commandments] diligently to your children,
and shall talk of them when you sit in your house,
when you walk by the way,
when you lie down,
and when you rise up.

~Deuteronomy 6:7~

Homeschooling an only child holds some unique challenges as well as a different degree of flexibility than homeschooling multiple children.  My observations are based upon our experiences, so they may not hold true for all families who are homeschooling an only.

Curriculum Choices

I often find myself looking differently at curriculum that larger families see as great buys.  If you can use a curriculum for multiple children, then the overall cost of the program is reduced.  When you know that you will only be using that same curriculum only once, you have to determine if the value is still there for your family.

Personalized Attention

Munchkin gets lots of personalized attention.  One-on-one time happens on a regular basis.  This can be a good and a bad thing. I may begin to overlook many of the small successes and start to see the little failures instead.  I have to make sure that I encourage the achievements while gently correcting the weaknesses.

Purposeful Fellowship

Because Munchkin has no siblings, D and I are her constant companions.  We know each other well including things that push each other’s buttons.  There are definitely times that we need to take a break from each other which usually means doing something in different rooms.  We also need to purposefully find fellowship with others outside of our home.

Flexibility

Because I don’t know any other way to homeschool, homeschooling one child just seems natural to me.  I love being able to create the best program of study for my daughter.  I love watching her grow into a beautiful young lady.  I love seeing her sensitive heart want to serve others.  I love the flexibility that we have in our schedule.  I love homeschooling our only.

If you have any specific questions regarding homeschooling an only, please ask, and I’ll do my best to answer.

Homeschooling an Only is part of this week’s TOS Blog Cruise.

11 Comments

  1. I enjoyed reading your thoughts on homeschooling Munchkin. It sounds like she is getting a wonderful education from a dedicated mom! Thanks so much for participating in the BC this week!
    Jodi recently posted..The Homeschool Mother’s JournalMy Profile

    February 9, 2011
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  2. Cute pic

    I can’t relate b/c I have 6, but it definitely seems like it would have its challenges too.
    Candi recently posted..2011365-39My Profile

    February 9, 2011
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  3. I can totally agree with the price of curriculum. I know that I can rationalize purchasing something more expensive because it’s usefulness throughout the years and multiple children will in the end cost less then if I was only going to use it with one child. Thanks for sharing your perspectives for the Cruise!
    Kellyann W. recently posted..Download-N-Go Blog Specials and a Mom Giveaway!My Profile

    February 9, 2011
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  4. Lynda
    Lynda

    Well, mine went to private school but I often wonder what it would have been like to be able to stay home with them…I always feel like I missed out on so much of their lives! I am curious to know does Munchkin ever miss not going to school with other children, probably not as she was I am guessing homeschooled all of her life. I envy you & I admire you! Thank you for sharing 🙂 God Bless!

    February 9, 2011
    |Reply
    • She went to K at our local public school. We started homeschooling in 1st grade. She’s a social butterfly, but no, she doesn’t miss going to school with other kids. Currently, we’re blessed to have neighbors who also homeschool.

      She also sees how much time the other kids spend in school and with homework, so that pretty much does away with any desire to attend school with some of the neighborhood kiddos. lol!

      February 9, 2011
      |Reply
  5. I’m getting ready to start Calvert with my son this fall. For over a year I’ve been researching homeschooling and I’m confident in my ability and that it’s the right choice for us. Do you have any advice for a beginner that you wish someone would have told you before you started?
    Jaime Kiser recently posted..Sleepy stories- sweet dreamsMy Profile

    February 9, 2011
    |Reply
    • There will be good days, and there will be bad days. It’s okay to switch curriculum if your current curriculum isn’t working. There is no such thing as the perfect curriculum. Don’t forget to take teacher work days. Schooling in pjs is just fine. 😉 Don’t hesitate to ask for help if/when you need it. Support groups either online or local are a invaluable.

      I could go on and on, but those are some good ones. 🙂

      February 9, 2011
      |Reply
  6. Loved your thoughts on the curriculum choices… I’m learning SO much about child development and educational styles and putting curricula together, and it seems a shame that it’ll only be used once?

    There are definitely pros and cons – thanks for sharing both…
    Mozi Esmes Mom recently posted..Wordless WednesdayMy Profile

    February 10, 2011
    |Reply
  7. Oh I am so pleased that I have found you 🙂 You made my day. I have just started homeschooling an ‘only’ and am really struggling to adjust. I think it is harder because I have already homeschooled two together and finished with them. It is so different schooling one on their own. I will be adding your blog to my to follow list. Thank you so much for sharing your journey.
    Chareen recently posted..TT – Deaf/Blindness Unit StudyMy Profile

    October 23, 2012
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