How To Harness the Power of Play to Help Your 2(e) Homeschool Student (Connection Over Curriculum)
As we edge closer to the end of our “Ten Tips for Homeschooling 2(e) Learners” list, I want us to change gears a bit and shift from work mode to play mode.
I want to invite you over for a playdate.
Don’t worry, I asked your mom. She said it’s fine.
C’mon! It will be fun!
The Power of Play
Play is the language of children.
Unfortunately, as adults, we often forget how to play.
With the arrival of adult responsibilities such as bills, deadlines, and fasting bloodwork numbers, pausing to be “silly” can seem like a misuse of our time.
I aim to convince you otherwise.
For children, play is their job.
It is also how they learn best.
Play is a powerful, potent teaching tool and a robust way to bond with your child.
Remember Your Why
Each family has their own reasons for homeschooling.
For our family, it can be summed up in three words: Faith, Family, and Freedom.
In our homeschool, the most important “subject” we teach is the Bible. Cultivating our family’s relationship with the Lord is priority number one. For our son to know God’s Word and learn ways to live in this world while not being of this world is paramount.
Our second reason also has to do with relationship.
We refer to our “triangle” family as a “tight trio.” We genuinely enjoy being in one another’s company. As slightly “older” parents to an only child, we cherish the time we spend with him. My husband and I invest in our family by allocating our most valuable asset, our time, wisely. Homeschooling allows us to maximize our time together as a family.
The final reason is freedom. Why do we homeschool? Because we can.
For some, the thought of being solely responsible for their child’s education can be daunting at best or terrifying at worst. (Believe me, I was quite nervous in the earlier years.)
If this sounds like you, take heart. As a mom, I totally understand. But as a therapist? I am reminded of the power of mindset.
Did you know the body does not know the difference between anxiety and excitement?
It’s true.
Increased heart rate and respiratory rate, sweaty palms, and butterflies in your stomach can happen in both states.
So, how do you tell the difference?
It’s all in how you choose to view it.
You can change your mind by talking back to negative thoughts when they creep into your brain. It may take a little practice, but it is worth it.
Connection Over Curriculum
Difficult days are a part of it, but only one part.
On the more challenging days, I remember my “why.”
I value relationships in my homechool above all else.
We were created for relationship. Relationship with God and others. We were created to love one another as our Father loves us.
Cultivating connection means remembering that “education is a journey, not a destination.” Learning is a lifelong process. On days when lessons seem to fall flat, it is tempting to give in to the enemy’s lie that we are not doing enough. So, we try to squeeze in one more paragraph of reading, or one more math lesson.
Yet, we end up accomplishing nothing more than adding to our growing frustration.
On these days, put the books away.
Play a board game with your child.
Listen to a calming meditation and practice deep breathing.
Bake cookies in your pajamas.
Get outside for a walk or go to a park for some fresh air.
We have our entire lives to learn more “things,” but babies don’t keep. Our children will not be small or with us forever.
Nurture that relationship first.
In the video below, I share our family’s experience:
Coming Up
Join us for Part 8 of our “Ten Tips for Homeschooling Twice-Exceptional 2(e) Learners” where we expand further on the importance of cultivating connection in your homeschool. There is great comfort in community. Find your homeschool village.
Let’s Keep In Touch
Have a heart for service and love podcasts? Check out our It’s Only Homeschooling Podcast presents the Salt & Light SERVE Spotlight. Each month we feature a different community outreach program. We hope to bring awareness to the good works of these amazing organizations and encourage support.
You can listen to podcast episodes on YouTube, Podbean, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Samsung, PlayerFM, or right here on our website.
Are you a homeschool parent looking for encouragement from other homeschool parents in the trenches? Then check out our latest podcast series, Shelf-Indulgence Book Chats. In this series, we chat with some amazing authors who also happen to be homeschool moms of faith. New episodes premier the first Wednesday of every month on the It’s Only Homeschooling YouTube Channel.
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Blessings,
Kimberly
IOH Mom
This website is not a professional counseling website and nothing here should be construed as professional counseling advice. Although Kimberly Bennett, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor, she is not your counselor, and no counselor-client relationship is established unless she has signed an agreement with you. All information provided through this website is for informational and educational purposes only. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure statement. Thanks for visiting!
