As some of you may know, I was homeschooled as was my husband. We met when we were kids and grew up together attending a home school co-op where we put on plays and studied history, geography, and science. Here are pictures to prove it.
Can you spot us?
Despite this common thing, our home school experiences were very different but I find that I tend to take from both in educating our children.
My husband's experience was more structured and tailored to his needs and interests which greatly benefited him and his personality. Because of his parent's investment he has gone on to have a successful career as a sought-after web designer. In the industry he's a "unicorn" because he can code and design. Many can only do one or the other. His college professor encouraged him to withdraw because he knew more than even she did and so he never even completed his first year of college.
My experience, growing up, was very much an un-schooling one. There wasn't much structure and in the times we weren't left to ourselves we were working right alongside my parents. I may not have gone on to have a great career but I am living out my dream of being a mom and raising our children. And I have implemented all that I learned into motherhood and homeschooling. I am grateful for my un-schooling experience because it allowed me to grow in what I found interesting. I learned how to care for others and a home. It taught me to be a self-starter. I learned many practical skills too. My experience, as a child, gave me a hunger to learn which drives my passion for homeschooling my own children now.
-Schedule-
Our school hours are from 9-3. Electronic devices (such as iPods, TV, and Xbox) are not allowed to be used until after 3 and chores are done. I try and keep that rule myself too. I try not to answer texts or go on social media until after 3 as well. I do allow myself a break over lunch when I am in my "teacher's lounge" and cannot be disturbed. It gives me time to re-group and allows them time to talk excitedly amongst each other over their lunch without my hovering.
-Bible-
We start each morning with Jesus Calling for Kids and a prayer to center our hearts and minds. I find that on days we don't do this, things are a bit chaotic.
-Math-
We begin each day after breakfast usually starting with math. My oldest children use student accounts on Khan Academy that I regulate from my parent account. If there is something they are struggling with, I take to Pinterest to find a hands-on solution to teaching that particular problem.
For my kindergartener, we've been doing a more montessori style of learning. I'll write out basic addition problems for her and she'll build them with manipulatives and write the answer. We're going to start working on writing her numbers because, as you can see, she needs a little help.
During this time I allow my youngest to play educational games on the iPad or I give her special during-school-time-only activities so she won't disturb the others. I also like to include her whenever possible so I'll print off extra activity sheets for her and have her join in games or experiments.
-L.A.-
They all use their own levels of Handwriting Without Tears.
My 2 oldest are using First Language Lessons for grammar and sentence structure.
They are all using All About Spelling. Because my son is more familiar with but needs help in and my kindergartener is just starting out, they are covering level 1 together. My oldest is in level 5.
My son and kindergartener are both doing All About Reading level 1 as well. They are helping each other because in her not knowing, he helps break things down so she can understand which, in turn, helps him fully grasp the concept.
I also read a lot to them all. About 3 books a day or 20 mins. I also make sure my son has reading practice. My oldest daughter always has her head in a book so I never have to prompt her.
My oldest daughter also has a passion for writing so I often give her writing assignments. You can find some great writing prompts on Pinterest.
-History, Geography, and Science-
As I've outlined in my previous post, we're using Five in a Row Volume 3 this year. There is a list of books and you decide how long you want to "row" each one. Within each book there are little trails to many learning opportunities. When, in time, did the story take place? Where are the characters from? What are they eating? What are they doing? And you can just keep building from there. I like to focus on one each day.
-Planning-
I'm not much of a planner so I plan how we're going to row each book as we go. I gather ideas from other moms and make my library/supply lists. I also pencil in what we'll do each day for that row. As my mother-in-law says, "Use pencil because plans always change." I like having an idea of how our week will look so I feel more prepared at the start of each day. I like keeping a simple planning journal. I've tried lots of planners but this is the method I always go back to. I just jot down what each child did that day and what we did together.
-Special Interests-
I try and focus on what each child enjoys and encourage them in that direction. For example: my daughter has spent a couple of years in a theater group. She was in ballet. She also loves to sew so I signed her up for an 8-week sewing course at a local Fashion Camp.
My son was taking a parkour class. He loves to drum so he will be starting drum lessons soon with a private instructor.
We also like to go on hikes with homeschool friends or to the beach.
This is where that crap about un-socialized home schoolers is debunked. My children have each been encouraged to pursue what interests them. All of which have taken place in social settings. They have no trouble socializing and have walked into each situation with confidence and an eagerness to learn. They can talk to anyone of any age and carry a conversation. We treat them as their own individual thus allowing them to be their own persons with their own ideas and personalities. And our constant involvement gives them the confidence and encouragement they need so they're not looking for it elsewhere. *end rant*
-Life Skills-
This is where my own home school experience comes into play. My style is to pull up a chair for my children alongside me and say, "Do as I do." They all help in household chores and tasks. I have at least one child helping me in the kitchen, in someway, at all times.
I think it's vital to teach your children to care for others and their home. It gives them a sense of awareness and self-respect and satisfaction in a job well done. After all, they will have their own families and homes to care for someday.
I bring them along on errands and often prompt them to interact with clerks or make a lesson out of counting change or picking produce. This too is important because I am teaching them skills they will use through adulthood.
-In Conclusion-
I love home schooling. I loved being home schooled. It may not be for everyone but you can carry on the same concept through some aspects of raising your children. Teaching them to be more aware of the world around them and encouraging them to pursue what inspires them.
If you would like any more information about home schooling please don't hesitate to e-mail me at [littlemommy - at - me - dot - com].
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