When we first began this journey of "learning at home", I was full of overwhelming emotions....fear, excitement, joy. Homeschooling....mothering in general is the hardest most rewarding job!
In the beginning, I wanted to know what everyone else was using for "curriculum", and how they managed their days. I've learned so much since those first days. But..truth is, I still love hearing how families homeschool their children! So if you're curious, like me, continue on - enjoy a taste of our crazy days.
We have a schedule, but it is more of a flow than a set time of events; because in reality, babysitting a toddler, managing a home, and homeschooling four children requires flexibility and patience (from all of us).
Our Flow......
- Wake Up Routines...Noah goes around and checks off basic morning routines that are completed by each child: bed made, teeth brushed, hair brushed etc.
- Animal Care: Outdoor animals get fed and cared for.
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| Morning Chores |
-Breakfast and Clean up
-Bible Study
-School Lessons
-Lunch and Clean up
-Finish Lessons/Quiet Time
-Monthly/Weekly Chore
-15 Minute Quick Clean: We set the timer for 15 minutes and everyone cleans our mess from the day. We have a list of everything that must be orderly. This has been the biggest help in keeping the house in order.
-Free Time
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| Eli "Can we study mushrooms today?" |
-Check Outdoor Animals at 4:30
-Dinner and then clear table
-Bible Lesson at the dinner table with Daddy. We are currently going through Ecclessiastes.
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| Special place for Bible Study Books |
-Kitchen Clean up
-Evening Animal Care
-Shower/Bedtime Routines
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| Enjoying Learning Together |
Each of our children has their own unique learning style, so we try to choose materials to meet those needs.
Hannah: 7th Grade: 2nd half of year: Our Outdoor Charlotte Mason Learner
Math: Teaching Textbooks and Life of Fred
History: Notgrass, America the Beautiful
Language: Queen's Language Lessons, Apple's Spelling, Easy Writing
Science: The Science of Horses, J. Anne Huss, Queen's Homeschool: Mary's Meadow
Noah: 6th Grade: Our Hands-On/Traditional Learner
Math: Teaching Textbooks and Life of Fred
History: Notgrass, America the Beautiful
Language: WordSmith Apprentice, Apple's Spelling
Science: Exploring God's Creation: Botany
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| Thinking |
Writing and vocabulary are incorporated with history and language. We supplement with lots of other materials. Notgrass includes a list of required novels to read throughout the year. Language, History and Science all require the children to research and write.
Samuel: 2nd/3rd Grade: Our UnSchooler/Workbook Learner
Math: Teaching Textbooks and supplements
History: Queen's America's Story v. 1
Language: Wordly Wise 3, Easy Grammar 3, Handwriting Without Tears, copy work
Science: Queen's All Nature Sings
Eli: Kindergarten: Our Engineer/ Charlotte Mason Learner
Math: Math U See, Queen's: Math for a Living Education
Language: Queen's:Language Lessons for Little Ones v 2, Modern Curriculum Press Phonics, Handwriting Without Tears
Science: Christian Liberty Nature Reader -K
History: Books and listening to Samuel's lessons
We also use Internet resources, the library, the Bible and Netflix to delve into subjects.
I'm having a lot of fun lately, witnessing Eli learning to read and excel in math. Samuel is learning to be independent with some encouragement from Ma. Hannah and Noah are becoming more and more independent in their studies and personalities.
This is our fifth year homeschooling. Two positives I noticed immediately when the children stopped attending public school were: the bond they shared grew stronger and our discussion and study of scripture became more grounded. There simply is more time in the day to focus.
I enjoy having the children home each day. It is the most challenging and rewarding experience I've ever been a part of. I am blessed.
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Science: Making Laundry Soap
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