I'll admit that we're struggling right now. Perhaps it's the "summer is in sight" jitters, or perhaps it's the "we've been doing this for four years now" blues. Whatever is causing it, I need a reset so I don't feel like yelling every day, and my kids need a little more focus and diligence. This review came at the right time!
What is Homeschool Rescue?
Homeschool Rescue is a video course with printable worksheets to help you plan and execute any new ideas you glean from the videos. It is written specifically to homeschool moms who are feeling overwhelmed or inadequate. The course is organized into five modules, and there are multiple lessons within each module. The author hopes you'll come away from the course feeling encouraged and uplifted.The Course Plan: This is the very first printable you'll find, and it gives a suggested schedule for working through the course. You can follow it exactly, or work through it as fast or slow as you want. There are check boxes for each lesson video and assignment so you'll know exactly what you've completed. I did notice that some of the items listed didn't line up with the lesson they went with, but the author is working on finalizing everything so you probably won't have any problems with that.
The Videos: Usually I cannot tolerate watching videos online because they are full of blank space, "umm...., well....," etc. Not the videos at Homeschool Rescue! Most of the videos show slides with Heather, the lady behind Only Passionate Curiosity, talking about a specific topic. If you prefer not to watch or are hearing impaired, you can download transcripts of the audio. I love this option! You can download just the audio if you prefer to listen rather than watch. There are a few bonus videos in random places that are of Heather. She's encouraging to watch, and doesn't say ummm..., or leave long pauses, or shuffle notes. It was a nice surprise for me to find videos I enjoyed watching.
There are Note Pages to download, which is a page that shows each slide with blank lines to take notes on what inspires you, or thoughts that come to you as you listen. These are awesome for someone like me.
Printables and Links: Each lesson has, in addition to the video, a Downloads and Resources section. You can download the homework mentioned in the video which consists of instructions and worksheets to help you figure out how to use that lesson in your home. Some videos also have a resource page to download, which includes links appropriate to the lesson. For instance, one lesson talks about children's learning styles, and there is a page of links to learn more about this (over what the lesson teaches). Or, when discussing curriculum, there is a resource sheet about Buying and Selling Homeschool Curriculum. Some lessons have specific links to other sites that you'll need, like the learning styles quiz, or books that pertain to that topic.
Bonuses: This is where you will find access to the Facebook Group, a group that is available to Homeschool Rescue members only, for discussing this course and supporting each other. Heather is part of the group and helps as needed! You'll also find more printables such as various styles of planners and student accountability checklists.
How did I use Homeschool Rescue?
You can watch this course from your phone, tablet, or computer. I watched it on my tablet most of the time, since it is portable and I could relax on the couch with it and my worksheets. I didn't follow the course plan as it is written, but I did use it to check off what I completed so I wouldn't forget. I worked through each printable and kept them in a binder so I can refer back to them. The Crew was given lifetime access to this course, and there have already been updates and additions as Heather has prepared to release it to you!The first module offers troubleshooting. There were some ideas about what to do when you NEED a break but still need to do school that I hadn't thought of. This module also helped me put our overall goals into better perspective. And, we finally figured out a homeschool mission statement! I've wanted to do one for a long time, but just couldn't pin one down that I liked.
Module 2 was helpful for understanding the difference between good and best things/activities/curricula. The parts about planning, organization, and cleaning wasn't as helpful because I'm the type of person that had that stuff planned out before we even began homeschooling. I have adjusted as we have progressed, and I'm pretty happy with our systems. But there were still some helpful tips to be found.
Module 3 is all about curriculum. This one wasn't as helpful to me either, but would be extremely helpful to someone who doesn't naturally see lists and charts in their brain and then put them on paper, or to a brand new homeschooler who is overwhelmed with everything they feel they need to do. I did appreciate understanding how someone else plans, and got some ideas from how she does the same things I already do. I know not everyone is a planner, (I know someone who probably gets hives when she's around my homeschool planner) but I feel this course has so much to offer than any personality type can find help in modules 2 and 3.
Module 4 is about how to help students succeed.. It helps mom figure out how each child feels supported by discussing love languages, then helps mom set rules and establish consequences. I wish this gave a few more situations and ideas, but it did give a list of books that may help. I'm nearly finished with this section and will likely find more helpful tips before I move on to the next one.
I'm looking forward to Module 5 about the upper grades, and how to help students with study skills and time management.
Will we continue to use this?
There were plenty of lessons in this course that I found helpful, even if I did glean just a tip or two from some of them. This course helped me realize it's okay to relax on the days I need to. I love the binder full of new ideas that I have, and the fresh look at how our next homeschool year will go! I am thankful for the lifetime access that members of the crew received, I will refer back to this course many times in the future.
I can see this course being VERY helpful for new homeschoolers, so don't think it's just for seasoned homeschool families! This course would also be very helpful for someone who is concerned about the nagging question, "Am I doing enough? Don't I need to do teach ________?"
Homeschool Rescue will be available to a new group of parents every so often, so visit the website and sign up for the email list or purchase your spot. The next class will run June - July, and comes with lifetime access. You will also have an option for VIP access which comes with more support and one-on-one coaching.
Where to find Only Passionate Curiosity:
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