| No, we're not talking about immunizations. We are | | | | that you volunteer a bit of your time once in a |
| talking about booster shots for those families that | | | | while, but the change of pace and learning |
| have homeschooled for so long, or so in depth | | | | surroundings can be invaluable to both you and all |
| that they have lost the joy of why they started | | | | students involved! |
| this journey in the first place. | | | | 4. Let the Student Plan - not You! One of my |
| You may be one of those families that has been | | | | children wanted the freedom to plan her own |
| homeschooling for 9 years or so and now are on | | | | Senior year completely. She chose an extra |
| the home stretch, or you may be new to the | | | | science and an extra social studies. She also |
| journey and have gotten in over your head and | | | | planned every weeks' work and is doing so that |
| wondered if this is the right choice. Any and all of | | | | she can be finished WELL before her graduation |
| us could use a Booster Shot at some point. | | | | ceremony date - by her 18th birthday! This has |
| Here my top 10 ideas: | | | | motivated her and also taught her accountability. |
| 10. Field Trip! Just a short one or maybe even a | | | | It has also lightened my load to simply grading! |
| day long adventure - your choice, but there is | | | | 3. Let a Science Experiment 'evolve' into more! |
| nothing like a field trip to break up the week and | | | | This was always one sure fire way for my kids |
| breath life into a student's schedule. | | | | to get a little giggly or off track - but boy it is |
| 9. Read Aloud! If you don't already do this, it's a | | | | memorable and it was worth the side track! Take |
| good time to start when your battery is low. You | | | | the science experiment to any lengths your child's |
| can read to them, or they can take turns reading | | | | questions or curiosity will let it go (but let's be |
| to you and each other. It's a great way to bond | | | | safe about it). Not only do they learn more by |
| and relax. Yes, even high school kids like this still! | | | | not having to fit into a science 'box' - but you will |
| 8. School Outside! The weather is turning warmer | | | | ignite the joy of learning again - and you will LOVE |
| in most parts of the country! Take the books, | | | | to see how their minds work when unhindered by |
| the art, the portable CD player and learn outside. | | | | steps preordained by someone else! |
| Even better, just walk and study what is about to | | | | 2. Talk with others! When you get the chance, |
| bloom and discuss the science of this blessing! | | | | ask other parents for ideas that may be inviting |
| 7. Combining 8 & 9! One booster for us, all | | | | to your homeschool to use. You may also be |
| the way up until mid high school, was to take a | | | | surprised how your kids react when they find out |
| huge blanket out under the sun or shade tree and | | | | what other kids do for their homeschool. My kids |
| read. We would watch clouds, pet new baby | | | | were actually pleasantly pleased when they heard |
| chicks or kitties and just enjoy hearing a good | | | | the schedule and weight of some other |
| story in the fresh air. | | | | homeschooled students their age. I became a |
| 6. Year-round School Schedule! This SOUNDS | | | | 'cool' mom (for a little while anyway). |
| awful to some people, but it doesn't 't really mean | | | | 1. My number 1 favorite! Just take the day off (or |
| school every single day! It means for each month | | | | the week) when you know you've all reached |
| of the year, you have school for 3 weeks and | | | | your limit! Bake a big ole batch of chocolate chip |
| then one week off. These schedules can often be | | | | cookies, play with the pets, make a mess, don't |
| planned around holidays. If you and your student | | | | grade, don't file and don't worry. Mix this in with |
| knew that every three weeks you both got a | | | | prayer and thanksgiving that you have the chance |
| significant break, there is time to plan fun or just | | | | to be home with your kids and I'll guarantee that |
| do NOTHING every month! | | | | an attitude of gratitude will renew that joy to |
| 5. Find a Co-op! Many area support groups have | | | | your homeschool heart! |
| some co-op learning classes. Often it will require | | | | |