Once we find something that works – or HEAR that something is great and we use it – sometimes its difficult to remember that trying something new might be JUST what our kids need. If you are in a rut, or just not having good luck with a curriculum, don’t be afraid to try something new.
Maybe it’s your schedule that isn’t working – try a new schedule. Start earlier, do school in the afternoon, take a day off in the middle of the week and school on Saturday, or change up the order. Try something different and see if it works better for your schedule.
You have heard that a particular science course is great. Everyone you know uses it and they all rave about it so you purchase it year after year and muscle through it as your children dread it. Don’t get sucked in. Try a new science approach (or whatever subject this is for you). Maybe your kids need a video science course or more experiments. There are so many choices you are sure to find something that will work.
Online courses are one that some love and some stay away from at all costs. If you haven’t tried them, you might find them to be a good option for your school. There are many advantages. The child gets to learn from someone else with a different teaching style, there is a different type of ownership that your child will take in an online class, your child has “classmates” and maybe “homework,” and it can free up some of your time to either work at home, work around the house, or work one-on-one with another child. Online courses can be a great way to help you with subjects that you don’t feel as proficient in as well so don’t be afraid to check them out.
Learning games are fun. You can add these to your repertoire and find that this is a great way to keep the learning going without having to do something formal. Kids having trouble with math facts? Add some math fact games? Want to add some critical thinking to your week? Use games to work on these. You may find that a game can give a new love for learning to your day.
No matter what you try, don’t be afraid to give it a try for a few days or weeks to see how it works for you. Like anything new, it could take some adjustment time but you may find it to be a great fit to your schedule, your kids learning style, or just a give a new life to your school.
Have you tried something new recently? What benefits did it have for you and your kids?

I try to remember that tip often! However we love games during our normal school day!!
I know – i have to make a concerted effort at times but we always enjoy the games when we do them and I definitely know the kids are learning. Thanks for stopping by.
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We are trying something new this year! I am not planning our lessons out in advance. We are going to use a logbook and journal our assignments when we are done. I’m hoping I don’t have to spend time in planning and I won’t be frustrated when we get off track.
And this summer we tried something new! Our oldest went to a day camp and she has loved it! Next year I’ll be sending two of my kids to camp!
Those are some good new things. Sounds like you are definitely changing up some things for the fall. We did a major change last year and were happy with the results. Hope your changes are great for you and your homeschool!
Tawnee recently posted…Tuesday’s Dish – Pasta with Creamy Lemon Butter Caper Sauce
We switch things up off and on all the time. My husband works the weekend shift so sometimes we do schoolwork on Friday and Saturday then take a couple of days off during the week while he is home. Also my daughter is not a morning person so many days we don’t start until after lunch.
Blessings
Diane
My husband’s schedule has us changing schedules frequently as well. (One of the advantages of homeschooling in my opinion.) So i understand. Glad it works for your family too. Thanks for stopping by.
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What a great reminder! I am a fly by the seat of my pants kind of girl. So I have no problem trying new things. I rather like it actually. Being on The Crew has made that even more possible! 🙂
I like to try new things and we do frequently, but sometimes the new things I think of are outside my comfort zone so I have to remind myself that these are important too. Thanks for stopping by.
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