Welcome to homeschool! I’m glad you’re here.

I’m no third grade teacher, but I’ll do my best.

I might have to stop a few (hundred) times a day to deal with your sibling—he’s learning, too—but we’ll be OK.

You wanna do your work on the trampoline? Go for it. Your education shouldn’t suffer because sitting still is a struggle.

RELATED: You Have the Power To Set the Tone For the Upcoming School Year

You wanna keep your pajamas on? You’re cozy? Sure. What you’re wearing doesn’t dictate the state of your brain waves.

Should we do math first? Better yet, let’s start with recess! We can tackle the wiggles first thing.

Will you fall behind? Fall behind from what, silly? You’re doing more than enough.

Our school doesn’t have to look like “normal” school, as long as we get our lessons done.

I’m done, now what? Well, what do you WANT to learn about? Let’s do more of that. Art? Space? Animals? Robots?

Let’s fit that somewhere in between our culinary lesson (sandwich-making) and life skills (folding laundry).

It’s OK to miss friends and normalcy. It’s not all sunshine. This is different. And new.

You won’t wake up motivated every day. I won’t either. But you’re capable of learning at home and I’m capable of teaching you.

It’s not a fear thing. We’re doing what’s best for us, just like everyone who’s back at school!

How long will we do this? I’m not sure. But I’m proud of you for rolling with it and making the best of what we choose.

There will be times you have to work alone. You see, I have work, too. Some days we’ll have class outside. Some days will be lots of Chromebook. No two days will be the same but I think that’s kind of neat, don’t you think?

I promise we’ll learn some cool stuff, do our best to stay afloat, and try to ditch the pressure.

RELATED: 5 Days of Prayer For Our Nation’s Schools

I want to make this a school year you’ll want to remember.

Love,
Your new teacher

Originally published on Facebook

P.S. We love the five-star reviewed book, The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life.

Recommendations in this post contain affiliate links. Her View From Home may receive a small commission if you choose to purchase.

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Whitney Ballard

Whitney Ballard is a writer and mom advocate from small town Alabama. She owns the Trains and Tantrums blog, where she writes about motherhood, marriage, mental health, and more. Whitney went from becoming a mom at sixteen to holing a Master’s degree; she writes about that journey, along with daily life, through a Christian lens. When she’s not writing while on her porch swing or cheering/yelling at the ballpark, you’ll find her in the backyard with her husband, two boys, and two dogs.

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