As parents, we all want to do the very best we can for our children. For many of you, this played a huge factor in deciding to homeschool.

As homeschool teachers, we don't have set planning days or teacher development days mandated by the state. Becoming a better teacher is something that we have to intentionally pursue.

So today, I wanted to take a moment and encourage you in your quest to become a better homeschool science teacher. Once you have the right curriculum in place, here are 5 ways you can intentionally pursue science teacher-training.

5 Ways you can become a better Homeschool Science teacher

#1 - Attend a convention.

Conventions are a wonderful support to homeschool moms in the trenches! There are multiple opportunities to see industry leaders present a variety of topics, including science.

You can also check out the various curricula that are available and speak with knowledgeable representatives that can help you tailor your science plans to your unique situation. To see where we will be this year, check out our convention and speaking schedule page. (ETA: In the spring of 2018, we shared 5 free conference sessions that will help you teach science.)

Attending a convention is like having your own teacher-training conference, which will increase your homeschool science teaching skills.

#2 - Read a book about teaching science.

Books can inspire us.  Books can educate us. And we need both as homeschool teachers!

You can read inspirational books about nature study, like A Pocketful of Pine Cones, or more practical books, like the ones we have written.

Either way, reading a book on science will provide tips and tools that will help you to become a better homeschool science teacher.

#3 - Follow several science blogs.

Blogs can also be great resources for tips, tools, and ideas for teaching science. In fact, that is exactly what we seek to do here on this blog!

Here are a few of my other favorites:

• Handbook of Nature Study Blog
• Inspiration Laboratories
• Science Sparks
• The Homeschool Scientist
• Science News for Students

Reading blogs about science will provide food for thought, which will lead to you becoming a better homeschool science teacher.

#4 - Self-educate with YouTube videos.

You can find almost anything on YouTube from how to make cheese to why the sun burns so bright. It's a great way to learn about a topic yourself before you have to teach it to your kids!

I share videos with tips as part of the Teaching Science at Home show. Plus, I find videos on the following channels to be interesting and informative:

• ACS Reactions
• TedEd
• NASA

Watching videos to learn ahead of your students will help to make you a better homeschool science teacher.

#5 - Partner with a friend.

Have you heard the old saying, "Iron sharpens iron?" The same can be said about a friend who is a homeschool mom.

When you get together, you can bounce ideas off each other, encourage each other, and share the burden a bit. Partnering with another homeschooler is a wonderful way you can become a better homeschool science teacher!

Wrapping it Up

Do you do anything else to brush up on your homeschool science teaching abilities? We would love to hear it!  Simply, leave your thoughts in the comments below!