Five Biggest Mistakes Homeschoolers Make and How YOU Can Avoid Them

By Gloria J. Sumpter

Five Mistakes Homeschoolers Make and How YOU Can Avoid Them defines challenges which often turn into problems some may call unbearables, frustrations, or hairpullers. The author's style of showing the scenarios along with strategies and  true life experiences is not only fun and refreshing, they are much needed in a society seeking common homelife experiences. Parents comtemplating homeschooling will find this a gem. Building community is vital to a successful homeschool and the author shows the way to it. Scenarios throughout the book will help any at home parent and other involved with the child. Many ways to connect with other homeschoolers are in the book. There are many different ways the author is opening up to stay connected with herself as well. We know switching from public spaces to home is doable because it's been done successfully. The author has 40 years of working with families at home and within the public spaces (tutoring, mentoring, alternative educating). Homeschoolers are parents who are the first teachers. The author gives many strategies, space for questions, quotes and encouragement from others, and many other connections avenue. Her chapter collaboration in EDUCATORS WHO KNOW WHAT TO DO...made her offer this most needed book. The chapters from being underprepared to a look into natural teaching will be the valued piece of educational material in your home.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gloria J. Sumpter
• Release date: Jun 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223318507

Book preview

Foreword

Dear Reader,

Are you a parent with children at home expecting some type of teaching or learning direction? Maybe a frustrated parent or guardian who just would like to try homeschooling?

Perhaps, you are not the parents/guardian (first teachers), but a relative, friend, or interested citizen just wanting to gather information to pass to them. Whatever the case, or whatever your interest, you have come to the right place.

Ms. Sumpter has four children who have benefited from schooling at home.  She has learned incredible approaches to schooling at home. Her strategies are sure to ease anxiety and frustration. She makes you laugh out loud while encouraging the best methods of building lifelong learners. 

Her suggestions and strategies will cause you to rethink how your homeschooling experience can be. Use this material to support your efforts as a First Teacher, because you are the EXPERT.

This will be your best year if you pledge to being committed to your child. To those doing the supporting, words of encouragement should not be taken lightly. The first year can be the most challenging and your support system is vital. Everyone should become engaged in the process and revisit this book on a weekly basis to have Ms. Sumpter’s support as well.  She looks forward to hearing from you.

Jae Carter

Founder of Homeschool Yo Kids Organization

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I WOULD FIRST LIKE to thank my mother Laura and father Henry. They were being their best they could under their circumstances. To God be the Glory. Those experiences partially shaped me into desiring to teach my own children and to assist, tutor and mentor others as well.

I am extremely grateful for my children (Life Rejoicing, Christ-like, Courteous, White Dove) and those who dared to call me mom, momma, or Ms. Glo over the years and at present. They do not know and might not even understand how their hugs, kind notes, texts, emails, questions or advice, kisses on my forehead, touches on my shoulder, winks, and so many small gestures of love and admiration kept me going. There is nothing more powerful than one’s sense of appreciation. Truth.

I would like to thank my siblings for supporting me in ways unimaginable: Patricia, John, Edna, Carolyn, Loretta, and Joseph.  Their children gave me inspiration to continue pursuing my dream, as did other members of the Sweat tribe, of which I give much gratitude and love. The Tribe and community supported me.

I especially thank my young and nontraditional college friends, the staff (CAT), and professors at Palo Alto College of San Antonio, Texas. The BIGGEST one in mind, body, soul, and spirit is Charles "Charlie" Garcia.

I would like to acknowledge my dear Friends from my homeschool journey and especially Sister Knudsen. Only she and I know the God Things that happened daily from Augsburg, Germany to San Antonio, Texas. She has been a bouquet of love and inspiration to and for me over thirty years, but who’s counting.

I would like to thank Wanida and her (my) dear brothers for grafting me into such a dynamic family of Believers, friends, and musicians when I needed a place to experience as home. I only had hands and a tambourine, but they were enough. When my love for children showed I began to expand. The Williams’ and Pritchett’s were my family who kept me in check as a military spouse and I so appreciated that. To Mrs. Shlo, Ms. Wo, Mrs. Bro and our Billy much love and gratitude. Truth.

To Princess Addy and the three Princes’ Gray, Ry, Zeke, and the others to come for abundant love for appearing  to me every day in one form or another. They were my center when my mind began to wander or when negative energy tried to creep into my writing space. Every writer should have such positive images to rely on. No writer’s block here.

I give much thanks and gratitude to the many movers and shakers in my life over the years like my Women’s and Gender Studies cohort. They know who they are. I think of these each spring and winter: Kristen, Kamlesh, and I put the D in Diversity. Yet, Professors Schrage, Kirkland-Holmes, Clayton, and McClain I hear more often than others. They linger whispering in my mind to do it and you can if you want to. Because of them, herstory was made over and over. What a journey! Those words were and are so empowering for a nontraditional student. I love them dearly for knowing I needed to hear positive affirmations.

My Housemates were the best at helping me maintain a healthy writing environment. They paid extra attention respecting the WORKING sign on the door, almost on a daily basis.  I could always count on them to water plants and slide my mail under the door or hold for me when packages were too large. Then making sure I ate and asking how it was going with my project. Much love and appreciation. The Computer Lab Staff at OCL who put up with my face daily, Rock!

In addition, thanks to Raymond Aaron and the entire staff for their support. Last, but not least, thank you Wiser than most ,Woman of Faith, for your guidance and patience. I am looking forward to the upcoming projects together.

Content

Chapter 1   The Being of Unpreparedness

●  Scenario #1

●  Wise and Happy Homeschooler

●  Learning Styles

●  Quote to Encourage

●  Your Pain

●  Our Passion

●  Fears of the Unknown

●  Teaching and Learning

●  Thoughts, Questions, Answers

Chapter 2   The Being of Over-Preparedness

●  Scenario #2

●  A Friend Overprepared

●  Telling You a Secret

●  Being Intentional

●  Traveling Homeschoolers

●  Quote of Encouragement

●  Break Up Your Day

●  Warmth and Gratitude

●  Thoughts, Questions, Answers

Chapter 3   The Being of Following the Crowd

●  Scenario