Have you been in Walmart lately? Or any box store for that matter. All the back to school supplies are out. And I LOVE it. It's really my favorite time of year. Even though my youngest is a senior, I still hit the aisles just yesterday and happily walked out with a bag full of notebooks, pens, and pencils. There is nothing like a fresh notebook in my opinion. I use them for everything - not just school. 

While reading some of the more recent posts in some homeschooling Facebook groups I'm in, I'm seeing a little bit of panic in some newer homeschoolers about getting everything *just so* before they start the year. Let me share what I have done in the past. 

I call it a "Rolling Start." What does that mean? 

There have been years when September 1st rolled around, that I had only a few of my curriculum choices for the year...or none. Or I had everything, but hadn't put together a schedule for my kiddos yet. Here are some of the things I've done over the years when I felt the panic myself. 

1. Schedule a few field trips to start the year. Fall in Maine is the absolutely best time to explore the state. I'm sure the same can be said for many others places as well. Some of our favorite places to visit in Maine are: 

• Maine Wildlife Park
• Fort Knox & Penobscot Narrows Observatory 
  • Here's a list of ALL the Maine Forts for more options
• Leonard's Mills (they used to have Living History Days in early October that are a must do)
• Cole Land Transportation Museum
• Old York (York, ME)
• Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (I really want to go again and see the trolls in person!)

2. Start with what you have. If you don't have all of your curriculum yet, that's okay. Start with what you have adding in the rest as it arrives. When I went with this option, we would typically be fully going within one month. It was a nice gentle start to the year, especially if you take the entire summer off.

3. Spend the first month reading good books and/or playing games. Don't discount the ability to learn through reading or playing games. (For a great list for grades K+, I recommend Ambleside Online - this link will take you to their main page, click on "By Year", then click the year, then click booklist - small box on the right side...CLICK HERE). For a list of some of our favorite learning games, check out this blog post I wrote with a list included. 

You don't need to have it all together to start. Start where you are and just continue to add. My biggest piece of advice is DON'T PANIC! You have enough time. You're child will be just fine. You've got this. 

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Over the last few weeks I've had a few conversations about what "counts" for education. (Read my thoughts on that here.) I've also had a few conversations about what to do with a child, in particular high school age, who doesn't like school. They don't like to read. They despise textbooks. They have struggled to get through classes. They are just putting in the time until they can be done with a capital D!

I'm here today to tell you that your homeschool education doesn't have to tick the boxes that a public school does. You don't need four years of English, four years of math, two years of social studies, three years of science, five electives, and so on in order to convey a diploma on your student. Your head is now exploding, I'm sure. Let me back up for just a moment. 

You may have been told at some point when you decided to homeschool that your child will "never get in to college" or that they will need an "accredited transcript/diploma." I may not have an independent fact checker here, but let me just tell you loudly now, this is FALSE!

What is accreditation? Accreditation is when an outside agency comes in and evaluates how the high school operates. They look at what they are using for curriculum, how they grade, and so on. All of this costs money. Let me take it one step further. There are high schools in the state of Maine (and I'm sure elsewhere) that are not accredited. Again, this costs money that many districts just do not have. However, because they are public schools, they will be treated as if they are accredited. 

So, what does that mean for a homeschooling family? Stop putting pressure on yourself to ensure what you are doing at home is "accredited." It just simply does not matter in this day and age. It can cost upward of $1000 per year to have your transcript accredited by an outside agency. The money is better used paying for college than for a piece of paper to get into a college. 

I often also get asked, "What does my child need to graduate? What kind and how many classes/credits do they need so the state will give them a diploma?"

I answer: "As of this writing, there are no state standards (in Maine) a child must meet in order to receive a diploma. The state does not issue diplomas. Every school district decides. You, as the homeschooling parent will give your child their diploma so you, as the homeschooling parent, decides what they need to do in order to earn it." 

Now, that's the simply answer. Let's dig in to some details. 

I'm sure you have realized at this point that every child is different. I have three sons. My two oldest have graduated my high school and are now in college. My oldest will finish college in a few short months. My youngest is still at home finishing high school. What worked for son one did not work for son two. What worked for sons one and two is not working for son three. Every single one of my boys is different and vastly so. 

My oldest son did two years at a local community college before transferring to a local state university. My middle son went straight to a four year local university. My youngest will most likely only attend a tech college. This means that the way I did their high school education was a reflection of what there plans were for after high school. 

Look at what your child does like to do and build from there. For example, you may have a child who loves to work on cars. Every spare moment has them tinkering on some engine. Use that as a course. Buy a project car and have them fix it up to sell. Have them work on neighbor cars for reduced rates. Use this time to build their knowledge. Look at doing dual enrollment at a local tech school program in an automotive program. Find a local mechanic who will let them work part-time and teach them along the way (apprenticeship/internship). This idea can be used for anything they may have interest in.

Maybe they have plans to start their own business one day. Have them write up a business plan (that's English). Learn about accounting (that's math). Learn about the history of their chosen field. 

The BEST benefit of homeschooling is you can make it look like anything you want. You can take what they are interested in and use it to get them started on their life goals early. 

When it comes to their education, think outside the box. Way outside the box if you need to. It doesn't need to come from a textbook in order to count as education. Creating hands on courses that work for your child are highly encouraged. Find a way that your child learns and use it!

In the end, we all want our child to become a successful adult. Give them the tools they need to do this and it's a win for everyone.  

As the school year has started, I am seeing a lot of new homeschoolers asking "does XYZ count" towards our learning for the day. 

The simple answer is YES. It ALL counts! 

I have often said, tongue in cheek, that if you are not locking your child in a sensory deprivation room for hours on end, they will learn. We are hardwired to learn new things. Exploring our world and our environment ensures learning. When tools are available, learning happens more readily. 

I have used a number of different unconventional items over the years in our homeschool. I have been creative in my teaching thus my kids have been creative in their learning. 

One thing I love using in our homeschool are games - board games, card games, computer games. There are so many things one can learn from games. The basic skills needed - taking turns, strategy, following directions - are used in many styles of games. 

(These are not affiliate links - just sharing so you can see what I'm talking about...)

Some of my favorites include: 

• Rat-a-Tat-Cat - this is a card game that even I enjoy geared for ages 6 and up. However, once a child can count to 10, they can probably play the game. There are a couple of different versions - one easier than another. The goal is to have the lowest number.
• Sum Swamp - a board game geared to teaching basic addition and subtraction. I enjoyed this one as much as my sons did. It's also quick so you can play multiple games without it taking forever. Geared for ages 5+ (or younger with help)
• Set - a card game that messes with your mind (in a good way). You have to make matches but they can be in multiple ways. You can match color, shapes, or number or any other combo. 
• Ticket to Ride - This is one of my favorites that we still play. You have destinations you must build your train line to gaining points for each destination you succeed in making. The link here is for the American version but they have many other versions. It's a great way to learn geography and strategy also comes in to play. This is geared for ages 8+ but there is also a First Journey version for ages 6+. Younger can play with help.
• Settlers of Catan - This is a family favorite. We started playing this one when our oldest was only seven years old. It is geared for ages 10+ so we did give him some help to start. Note that the version linked is good for 3-4 players. If you want more than that, you'll need to buy the expansion pack as well. There is tons of strategy involved with this game. There is also a junior version geared for ages 6-10. 

Learning can also happen outside of "normal" learning time. I have been known to count Sunday School and BIble club (AWANA) for learning. It can include non-workbook/non-textbooks learning. 

I count field trips as the learning for the day. On field trips day we would listen to audio books while driving there. I talked about the power of audio books earlier. We would then enjoy the field trip taking in all we could. I rarely ever made my kids write up a report but that is another way to ensure they learned something. We would simply talk about it. I would always ask my kids what their favorite part of the day was and why. 

Favorite field trips we have done throughout Maine. I am including all of our favorites, but please ensure these are still operating due to the current climate in the world. 

• Maine State Museum - We have done focused field trips here but just going and exploring is also fun. Admission is free for educators including homeschoolers. Simply fill out a form at the front desk when checking in. Note they are currently closed for extensive renovations. 
• Maine Wildlife Park - I normally coordinate a large field trip here either in the spring or the fall. There is an admission fee. If you do a field trip, it is usually $5/person. They are currently open by reservations only. It's a great outdoor space with lots of animals native to the state of Maine. It's always a highlight of our year.
• Leonard's Mills - This is a great living history museum. They typically hold a two day event in October that is full with reenactors running the village as it would have been in days of long ago. The last few times I have attended there were Civil War reenactors camped out as well. This is located above Brewer in the town of Bradley. It is part of the Maine Forest and Logging Museum. You can check their Facebook page for their current policies. 
• Orono Bog Boardwalk - This is part of the Bangor City Forest. We were able to go with a guide quite a few years ago. I would recommend it even if you just go to explore on your own. This is free.
• Fort Knox - We love exploring Fort Knox. They used to do a medieval fair on Labor Day weekend but I don't think they have held that event for the last few years. This fort is in excellent shape and a great place to go run around and imagine what life would have been like all those years ago. The Penobscot Narrows Observatory is also there and, if you don't mind heights, a great place to check out as well. There is a small fee to enter, more if you are not a Maine resident. 
• DEW Animal Haven - A great place to see exotic animals in Maine (tigers and lions!). They also have wild animals and domesticated animals. From now until October 11th, they are only open on the weekends. We have done field trips here in the past which makes it a little less expensive. I am unsure if they are currently doing field trips. 
• Apple Orchards - This is a great time to explore local apple orchards. While we have often done field trips, you can do these without one. I have to say though, we did a tour one year at Ricker Hill in Turner. That was fun as they showed us what it's like "behind the scenes" to sort apples and make cider. They also have a wonderful playground with fun activities to explore. 

This is a very, VERY small snapshot of the field trips we have done in the state. There are too many to list here, but maybe one day soon I'll put together a more comprehensive list. 

Homeschooling doesn't have to look like your child sitting behind a desk filling in worksheets to count as education. It can just as easily be taking a hike up the mountain exploring nature (science and PE). It can look like visiting grandparents and listening to them talk about what life was like when they were little (history). It can look like helping mom and dad do home improvements or even chores around the house (life skills). It can look like going along on errands and learning to interact with the world around them (social skills). It can look like a day spent on the couch reading (all the subjects!). 

I hope this gives you an idea of what learning can look like. It ALL counts. Anything you do where your child is learning, is educational and worthy of their time and effort. Count. It. All. 

Homeschoolers across the nation are starting back to school this week. Many have a few days or even weeks already under their belt. Then there are others (like me) who have yet to start even planning. Given this is my 18th year, I'm okay with that. 

Here is some of my tried and true advice for those just starting out. There are a lot of you out there. While some of this is Maine specific, some will work no matter where you live.

• No one at the state level (up to this point) is checking off and making sure you submit your Letter of Intent (or Subsequent Letter with assessment) by September 1st. They don't have the capacity to track the almost 6,000 homeschooling student (the Maine DOE reported 5,963 home education students in April 2019) and I'm absolutely sure that number is much higher this year.
• If you are contacted about a missing Letter of Intent, simply send in a copy (you should have kept one) or submit one. They have 10 days from notifying you to start truancy proceedings (which actually take much longer to do). You have time to make it right. 
• You are not required by law to use the online portal set up by the Maine Department of Education that is now on their website. It is not a new requirement. The law has not changed. A paper copy is still acceptable. 
• You are submitting a Letter of Intent. You are not submitting an application. You do not need approval. You simply need to state your intention to homeschool. 
• Know the law and follow it. Do what is required (do not do more). Homeschoolers that came before you fought long and hard for the freedom we enjoy today to homeschool as we do. In fact, I have another post planned about the history of homeschooling in Maine.
• Relax. Just relax. You are not going to mess up your child. I promise. In fact, the opposite will likely be true - your child will do better than previously. 
• Relax and breathe. It needs to be on here twice. Enjoy this time at home with your children. I LOVE being with my kids. Do they drive me bonkers? Absolutely. Do I enjoy being home every day with them? Most of the time. Just like anything, it can take time to get used to a normal routine. If you aren't used to having your kids around you 24/7, know that it will take time for everyone to adjust. Give it time. 
• Routines are your friend. I'm not a strict routine follower, but when my kids were younger, I had schedules posted EVERYWHERE. I had eating schedules (it helped cut down on the "can I have a snack" 50,000 times a day question). Nap time was sacred at my house (mamma needed a break!). 
• Don't be a slave to your schedule. Go on the fun field trip that pops up. Take a day and just go explore your area. Don't let the textbooks and lessons take over your life.
• Making your five year old sit at a desk/table/flat surface for more than 15-30 minutes at a stretch is torture for both you and them. Little ones need to move more than they need to learn to read and write. Yes, I said it. Do not force learning on a child who is resistant and unwilling. If teaching them to read leaves one or both of you in tears, don't do it! When your child is ready to learn, it will click and be much easier for everyone involved. This is true times ten for little boys (of which I have raised three). My youngest son was not ready to learn to read until he was almost ten. You would never know that now. 
• No one will ever ask your child how old they were when they _______________ fill in the blank. It will never come up on a job application. It will not impact their future life UNLESS it was forced on them before they were ready. Let kids enjoy being kids. Make learning fun. Let them enjoy life.
• Spend time exploring outside every day especially for those in the younger grades (and it's good for older ones too). Doing some type of nature study every single day will be a nice reprieve from book learning, but have a far more reaching impact. Nature is calming. Enjoy it. We live in a great state to get out and explore. 
• Read good literature. Spend time reading aloud to your children (no matter how old they are). Read classics. Read above their grade level. Read things they wouldn't normally pick for themselves. Read. Read. Read. If you'd like to see a great book list of "living books," check out this list from Ambleside Online.
• Find someone you trust who has been homeschooling longer than you have and listen to their advice. Go to them for help. We veterans love to help those just starting out. 

These are just a few of my rambling thoughts on homeschooling on this crisp fall-like day. I hope it helps you just a little bit. 

The most important part in all of it? Relax. You can do this.

Welcome to Freedom Academy's blog! I'm adding a blog this year (2018) in order to share some of my thoughts and things I have learned about homeschooling over the past 17 years. It's hard to believe that my journey is actually nearing its end. When I first started way back in 2001,  I had no idea what I was doing or how I was every going to manage this whole "educate your child at home thing." Some of my family thought I was nuts. I'm pretty sure my husband thought I was nuts. I even thought I was nuts to try it! 

Fast forward now to 2018. My oldest son, the "guinea pig child" graduated from home in 2015. He took a gap year to gain some more knowledge and take some time to figure a few things out. He started community college in 2016. He's just completed two years but will do an extra semester this fall in order to transfer full credits to a four year college to finish his degree. Community college is less expensive, smaller classes, and a great fit for him. He's aiming for a degree in creative writing. He's done well and is thriving. 

My middle son will graduate from our homeschool in 2019. This past year he took two college level classes for full credit. He will be taking two classes a semester this coming year. He's already signed up for the fall semester. He's going to a local four year college. This child of mine wants to be a pilot. He'll be going to a local university and this degree program is one of the most expensive in the state and the most expensive at the college. By taking these early college credits, he will be saving time and, more importantly, money for his degree. His classes this fall include his private pilot's ground school. He will be doing his flight school in the spring (on our dime - yikes!). He will enter college with 19 college credits already done. We've navigated this program at three different colleges so far. It's not as scary as it sounds and I'm so glad we jumped in to it!

By now I hope you see how different education can be for each child. My youngest starts high school at home this fall. We will continue to take advantage of a phenomenal online homeschool co-op for some of his classes like math and science. I will continue to teach the rest here at home. We've started to consider the possibility of trying out the local technical classes at the nearby high school once he's a bit older in order to allow him to "try on" some potential careers. 

This is the thing I love the most about homeschooling. It's not a "one-size-fits-all" education. It can be tailored to meet the individual needs of each child in order to help them thrive and grow. That's the best type of education in my opinion. 

Be watching the blog for more information on some of the things I've mentioned about (ex. the Maine Aspirations early college program and the online homeschool co-op). I'll be sharing how they work soon!