In his book “The Power of Broke,” entrepreneur and Shark Tank star Daymond John introduces his SHARK Points framework – a set of principles he believes are essential for entrepreneurial success. But as it turns out, these same principles can be just as powerful when applied to the world of homeschooling.
As a homeschooling parent, you’re not just an educator – you’re an entrepreneur in your own right, taking on the challenge of providing your child with a comprehensive, personalized education that prepares them for a lifetime of learning and growth. And by embracing the SHARK Points in your approach to home education, you can create a truly exceptional learning experience that sets your child up for success in all areas of life.
So, what are the SHARK Points, and how can you apply them to your homeschooling journey?
Let’s break it down:
1. Set a Goal: Just as entrepreneurs need a clear vision and specific goals to guide their business decisions, homeschooling parents need to have a clear sense of what they want to achieve with their child’s education. Take the time to reflect on your values, priorities, and long-term objectives for your child’s learning and development. What skills, knowledge, and character traits do you want them to develop? What kind of learning environment and experiences do you want to create? By setting clear, measurable goals and regularly assessing your progress, you can ensure that your homeschooling journey stays on track and aligned with your family’s unique needs and aspirations.
2. Homework (Do Yours): In the entrepreneurial world, doing your homework means thoroughly researching your market, your competition, and your own strengths and weaknesses. In the homeschooling context, it means taking the time to explore different educational philosophies, curricula, and resources to find the approach that best fits your family’s needs and learning style. It also means staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in education, and continually seeking out new opportunities for learning and growth. By being proactive and diligent in your educational planning and research, you can create a homeschooling experience that is engaging, effective, and tailored to your child’s unique needs and interests.
3. Adore What You Do: Passion is a key ingredient in both entrepreneurial and educational success. When you genuinely love what you do, you bring an energy and enthusiasm to your work that is contagious and inspiring. As a homeschooling parent, it’s essential to cultivate a deep love for learning and a genuine excitement about the subjects and activities you’re exploring with your child. By modeling a passion for discovery and growth, you’ll help your child develop their own intrinsic motivation and joy in learning. Encourage them to pursue their own interests and curiosities, and create opportunities for them to explore and express their unique talents and abilities. When learning is fueled by passion, there’s no limit to what your child can achieve.
4. Remember, You Are the Brand: In the business world, your personal brand is a powerful asset that can open doors and create opportunities. In the homeschooling world, your family’s unique identity and culture are what set you apart and make your educational experience truly exceptional. Take the time to reflect on your family’s values, strengths, and quirks, and find ways to integrate those into your homeschooling approach. Create a strong sense of family identity and pride, and encourage your child to see themselves as part of a unique and special learning community. By building a strong family brand and culture, you’ll create a sense of belonging and purpose that will serve your child well throughout their life.
5. Keep Swimming: Finally, just as entrepreneurs need to be resilient and persistent in the face of challenges and setbacks, homeschooling parents need to be prepared to adapt and keep moving forward, even when things get tough. Remember that homeschooling is a journey, not a destination, and that there will be ups and downs along the way. Embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, and model a positive, problem-solving attitude for your child. Celebrate the small victories, learn from the mistakes, and keep swimming towards your goals, one day at a time.
By applying the SHARK Points to your homeschooling approach, you can create an educational experience that is not only effective and engaging but also deeply meaningful and transformative. You’ll be nurturing not just your child’s academic skills, but also their creativity, resilience, passion, and sense of purpose – qualities that will serve them well in all areas of life.
At QMAK, we believe that homeschooling is an incredible opportunity to create a truly exceptional learning experience that is tailored to your family’s unique needs, values, and aspirations. By embracing the entrepreneurial spirit and applying the SHARK Points to your educational journey, you can unlock the full potential of home education and set your child up for a lifetime of learning, growth, and success.
So dive in, set your goals, do your homework, adore what you do, be the brand, and keep swimming – the SHARK Points of homeschooling await, and the rewards are truly limitless.
Remember, at QMAK, we don’t just teach; we empower. We don’t just inform; we inspire. We don’t just question; we act. Become a Gold Member, and let’s unlock your child’s full potential, one question at a time.