4 Simple Steps to Implement the One Thing Rule
If you’re looking for a way to have more intention and ease in your homeschool, introducing one subject or learning area at a time (The One Thing Rule) can help. But HOW do you do it? Where do you begin?
Follow these four simple steps to get started:
STEP 1: Identify What You Want to Add
Are you looking to add more Islamic studies, a creative arts subject, or perhaps a new language? Choose just one thing to focus on for the next few weeks. See if your kids even enjoy it. If they don't let it go and move on. If you see personal connections building, keep it going!
I had my son in an Arabic conversation course all year last year, we decided unexpectedly to go to Lebanon. To his dismay and embarrassment, he could not understand or speak a single word or phrase! When I asked him how this was possible he proceeded to tell me it was because he had no interest in it and never really paid attention. After our trip, however, he was much more motivated to learn the language because he made a personal connection with it and it was given a real purpose.
STEP 2: Plan Small Steps
Instead of diving into a full curriculum right away, break the new subject down into smaller chunks. For example, if you’re adding Qur’an memorization, you can plan for a long-term goal of memorizing a specific Juz but to make it achievable start with one surah or a few ayat each day.
STEP 3: Evaluate After a Month
How is your family adjusting? If your child is progressing well and you’ve managed to fit the new subject into your routine, you can then consider adding something else. If you and your children find yourselves miserable, then you know it's time to change something, by either letting some things go completely or perhaps switching to a new curriculum or subject altogether.
STEP 4: Celebrate Successes
Recognize and reward progress, no matter how small. Every bit of learning is valuable, especially when done consistently. Your kids need to know that their hard work is not in vain. Celebrations can be as simple as a pat on the back, a hug and kiss, or a trip to Dairy Queen. Let them know you care and acknowledge that while learning is fun it can also be challenging and hard work.
Here's a sample schedule using Islamic Studies as the subject.
Week 1-2: Introduce a daily reading of a few pages from “Stories of the Prophets” by Ibn Kathir.
Week 3-4: Add a short daily lesson in du’as or the names of Allah. For example, work through “My First Book of Duas” by The Sincere Seeker for younger children or listen to brief daily explanations of Allah’s names from Bayyinah TV. For teens, you can listen to short podcasts by Omar Sulieman.
Week 5: Review and reflect on how these new lessons are fitting into your daily schedule. If your child has adjusted well, you can start considering the next subject to add—perhaps history or science concepts.
Remember, homeschooling is a marathon, not a sprint.
By following the One Thing Rule, you’ll foster a more peaceful learning environment and allow your children the chance to explore and grow at their own pace, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Each family’s homeschool journey is unique, and this simple approach will help you build a strong and sustainable path for your family.