The Curriculum Choice

Hero Tales: Devotional, Character Study, Church History

Bible, Biblical Principle Approach, Encouragement, History No Responses »

Nov 182009

HeroTales by Dave and Neta Jackson

Homeschooling moms are great multi-taskers and always on the lookout for items that also multi-task. Hero Tales by Dave and Neta Jackson, the authors of Trailblazer Books, is part church history, part devotional, and part character study. This book can be used with various age groups and double as a family devotional. The book is geared for children aged six to twelve, however, with guidance you can engage a younger child. An older child could benefit by using this as an outline for further in depth study into one or more of the featured Christians in the book. However, the text would be too simple for a child above the age of 12 to read on his own. If you have have a vast array of age groups this book is best used as a family devotional.

Hero Tales, compiles the lives of Christian heroes from William Tyndale to Harriet Tubman to Dwight L. Moody. The stories are inspirational and teach valuable character traits which glorify God. Each hero is presented by a brief biography and followed by three true stories each focusing on a particular character trait. At the end of each true story there is a verse linking the trait to the Bible and three study and discussion questions. Martin Luther

For example the book includes Martin Luther as one of the heroes featured. Martin Luther’s life is briefly outlined for background. Following the short biography, the child will focus on vision, courage and joy in each of the stories on Martin Luther.

These heroes will inspire and teach Godly character. Along the way, your child will begin to learn an overview of church history. You can read this book daily or you can take the time to focus on each hero or a character trait you want to instill in your child. I am using this book with my 11, 9, and 4 year old. I will be assigning my 11 year old to choose a person from the book to write a biography. My 9 year old will focus on writing a few short paragraphs on a character trait that he can begin to implement in his life. My 4 year old, will begin to memorize short verses on the character traits studied. As a family, we will use the questions to open up lines of communication and instill values.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to bring church history, devotional time, and character study to their elementary aged children.

Written by Richele, classical and Charlotte Mason inspired, homeschooling mom, to four reflections of God’s love. She blogs at www.underthegoldenappletree.blogspot.com.

Pocketful of Pinecones

Charlotte Mason, Encouragement, Hands On, Living books, New to Homeschooling, Philosophies, Science, Uncategorized 4 Responses »

Oct 232009

51B56Y9JSZL._SL500_AA240_ I am currently reading for the third time a little novel that is such a treat for me and one that I have a difficult time putting down. It’s a delightful story and homeschool idea book all rolled into one. I’m talking about the book Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola, the veteran homeschooling mother who brought to light the works of Charlotte Mason.

The story is set in New England in the 1930′s and is the fictional account of Carol, a first-time homeschooling mother who is learning to apply Charlotte Mason’s methods as she teaches her children. Carol’s journal entries give the reader a window into the daily life of her and her family, as well as her hopes, fears, joys, and dreams, revealing that she is not so different from mothers today.

Mrs. Andreola weaves a heartwarming story of motherhood and family with the main emphasis on Carol’s carrying out nature study with her two children. Without sounding like a “how-to” manual, the story carefully incorporates ideas for nature study topics, nature walks, and keeping a nature journal. The reader can also learn from Carol’s example how to gently share and discuss information about nature with children without merely throwing facts at them.

One of my favorite things about this book is the inclusion of nature-related poems and hymns that would make wonderful additions to your own children’s nature journals. Mrs. Andreola also provides the scientific names of any nature subjects mentioned in the story, as well as thoughtful questions and ideas designed to get your wheels turning about studying nature with your own children. Because the chapters are short, you can enjoy each one in as little as fifteen minutes each day, coming away with a new idea or two to ponder and try out for yourself.

Whether or not you use the methods of Charlotte Mason or incorporate nature study into your own homeschool, this book makes for a welcome escape to a simpler time and place. Carol’s calm and gentle demeanor has a soothing effect on me and is something that I aspire to in my own mothering. Each time I read this story I come away refreshed, rejuvenated, and inspired to continue setting aside time to explore God’s creation with my children.

You can learn more about the Charlotte Mason method and Karen Andreola’s books by visiting her websites, Homeschool Highlights and the Charlotte Mason Research and Supply Company.

Written by Shannon, who enjoys learning about nature with her own children. She can be found blogging at Song of My Heart.

Finding Support

Encouragement, New to Homeschooling 2 Responses »

Oct 222009

If you are just beginning to homeschool, you need to make it a priority to find outside support. There will be times when you will have questions or concerns that an experienced homeschooler can help you answer. Other times, you will need a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on. Be very careful sharing your struggles with friends and relatives who aren’t supportive of homeschooling. Even those who are well-meaning can hear your problems and use that as ammunition to encourage you to quit.

It’s great to have friends that are going through the same stages of homeschooling as you are. You can swap stories, compare curriculum choices, and fellowship. They can provide daily support and also times of fun for you and children together. But, it is an even greater blessing to find someone who has graduated at least one of her children. I am blessed to know a lady in my church who was among the pioneer homeschoolers in our state. Recently, I was able to speak to her specifically about some discipline problems in my home, and she was able to encourage me. One very specific way was to point to her oldest son and say that he used to act in a similar way! I can’t begin to express how happy that made me. This son is grown with 6 young children of his own. To know that he hadn’t been a “perfect” child made me feel like a weight had been lifted off of me. I was reminded that my hope should be in the Lord, not in my various methods.

So maybe you’re saying, “Thanks for the touching story, but I don’t know anybody else who homeschools. What about me? What should I do?

Seek to meet other homeschoolers:

1. Locally
A good first place to look is at your church. If your church is large, it may even have its own support group. Ask around in your Sunday School class. Ask your children’s Sunday School teachers if they know of any homeschoolers. Call the church or ask the pastor. (Obviously, how to find homeschoolers at church is dependent on the size of the church. At a small church, you would probably already know who was homeschooling, if anyone.)

Ask your friends. Often after you tell people that you’re going to homeschool, they will mention that they know someone else who is homeschooling (unfortunately, it’s not always meant to complimentary). Rather than just nod, you can ask them who it is and whether they could introduce you.

Ask at various places that homeschoolers typically frequent. Ask your librarian if they have any programs for homeschoolers, or call a nearby science museum or YMCA. If they have special homeschooling programs, you can meet homeschoolers there by attending those events.

2. On-line
There are two different ways to use the internet to find homeschoolers.

First, it can aid you in your search for local homeschool groups. Try finding homeschool organizations for your state. They should be able to put you in touch with someone in your region. HSLDA is a good place to start, though you are more likely to find a state group than a local one at this site.

You can also find other homeschoolers on-line. There are numerous blogs that focus on homeschooling. (Like The Curriculum Choice of course!) Each of the writers here also has a personal homeschooling blog. You can “meet” other homeschoolers on message boards or Yahoo groups. Check out Our Lifestyle of Learning. It’s a great and friendly group where you can ask questions. There are many on-line groups that discuss specific curriculum or general homeschool styles.

Though on-line support isn’t an exact substitute for local fellowship, it is amazing how wonderful friendships can develop with people you’ve never even seen in person. Sometimes, you can’t find a local person that you really connect with, but you can on-line. Of course the usual on-line warnings apply. Don’t divulge personal information where anyone could access it. It is also very easy to lose track of time on the computer, so be on your guard.

Finally, if you are a veteran homeschooler, seek to help others. Be accepting of new people at homeschool events. It’s wonderful to see our friends, but when we visit with our friends to the exclusion of others we may be giving a bad impression of homeschool families. I’ve seen way too many posts on-line about unfriendly homeschool groups!

Written by Kristen, relaxed Classical mom of 4. You can find her blogging at A Day in the Life.

Inspiration from Pilgrim’s Progress

Bible, Biblical Principle Approach, Encouragement, Literature, New to Homeschooling 3 Responses »

Oct 062009

If lessons are meant to be creative, mine fail. This year, lessons are pretty much straight from the book. Commendable plans smolder in my thoughts. Our idea books are perused often, but not by me. My son has taken to finding his own creativity. I applaud his efforts.

Pilgrim's Progress
Pilgrim’s Progress

When I asked him to record the characters in Pilgrim’s Progress, he hunted for Alternatives to Worksheets. Not taking into account my paper-cutting, creative-sketching, engineer-type son, I had traded it on Paperbackswap. Similar books grace our shelves, so I did not think it would be missed.

It was, but only momentarily. Once my son explained his idea, I found another tab book as an example. He finished his lesson with flourish.

Enter guilt. Where is my creativity? I should be adding interesting projects to make school exciting. If I battle laziness, and quit being distracted, maybe my son will not draw incessantly at the bottom of every assignment.

Then again, maybe that isn’t so bad. His mark of individuality is on each page, and every doodle tells a story. I need some of his inspiration. Thus the thoughts clash in my heart. I can choose guilt and despair, or forgiveness and hope.

In Pilgrim’s Progress Hopeful and Christian are captured by Giant Despair. Thrown into the dungeon and tormented the prisoners refuse to die, so the giant plans to kill them. Fearful captives intercede through the night. Then Christian delivers a passionate speech,

What a fool, am I, thus to lie in a stinking dungeon, when I may as well walk at liberty! I have a key in my bosom, called Promise, that will, I am persuaded, open any lock in Doubting Castle.

The key does indeed unlock the doors, and the companions escape, free to continue their path to beloved Celestial City.

Like these two pilgrims, I cannot remain burdened by fear any longer. Wallowing in guilt cripples. There are keys for me to use. They are principles to challenge my negativity.

Promise 1

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. Philippians 1:6

I am unfinished. The grace of God is my hope as I forge ahead on this pilgrim journey.

Promise 2

A battered reed he will not break off, and a smoldering wick he will not put out, until he leads justice to victory. Mathew 12:20

I am not ashes yet. The breath of the Holy Spirit blows on my heart to ignite my soul.

With these promises firmly in my grasp, I hear the chains clatter as they hit the floor. The gate swings open, and the paralyzed giant is no longer a threat. I am free!

Written by Renae Deckard, Biblical Principled mother of 3. Find Renae’s reflections about homeschool and family life at Life Nurturing Education.

Construction Zones and Beautiful Results

Encouragement 1 Response »

Sep 292009

It is my belief that our homeschool adventure is just as much for me as it is for my children. I do not believe that I called myself to homeschool. I only answered the call. I believe it is what has been planned for our family since the blueprints were drawn up.

May I share with you why I believe this? Deut. 6:5-9 says:

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

The summer before we started homeschooling, I came across this scripture again. I am certain I had read it in times past. But that summer it hit me like a demolition ball. You know, the kind they use to tear down a building that is of no use, on a site where a new building will be built in the near future. That summer the Lord spoke to me through this scripture. It was one of the many ways He used to confirm to me that He had indeed spoken. I did not believe I could choose another path. I believe I was being let in on the blueprints of my life, because that is what I was seeking. Of course, I didn’t see the big picture completely, and the same is true today. Yet, I knew enough of Him, to trust Him, even though I didn’t understand completely.

I say homeschool adventure with purpose. Like building a house, there are moments of great excitement. As you see the foundation being laid, and can imagine the beautiful structure, the finished product, standing firm on that foundation. Yet, at other times, there are moments of great dissatisfaction, and grief, as you realize, that wall, the one right before your face shouldn’t be there. Knowing full well, that it is going to hurt to take it down, but it must be done. To accomplish the end result, it must come down.

Life is filled with many of these days, and homeschool can be a great source for both. Yet on either day, we must remember to praise the Great Architect. The One Who designed and sees the whole beautiful picture.

Meditating on this fact gives me strength and peace, even in the chaos and struggle, of what seems to be some days, mundane. Everything in my life has had one sole purpose. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” According to Romans, homeschooling is no exception. The sole purpose of every life is to be more like Jesus. That is… our good. To love the Lord our God with all that is in us, and to enjoy Him every breath we take.

slowconstructionzone Return now for a moment and think back to the previous years of your homeschool adventure. How were you different, where have you grown, in what ways do you look more like Jesus? After all, that is the final outcome of your good, is it not? Of course, we all have areas of struggle. Most days I feel as if I have a neon sign attached to my forehead that reads: Be Careful, Construction Zone. Although I fail day in and day out, it is still my belief this is part of the whole big beautiful picture. 2 Cor. 12:9 says this: “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Today I choose rest in the promise that His strength is made perfect in my weakness. Construction Zone, demolition balls and all, this is the day that He has made, a day your eyes have yet to see. A smile you have yet to give. A breath you have yet to breath. His goodness waiting, which you have yet to taste. Mercy is new this morning, and grace abounds. Draw near to Him, and find out what phase of the blueprints you will be working on today.

And remember, the end result is your good. What a beautiful result that will be. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer. 29:11

Written by Loni, blogging about construction zones, our homeschool adventure, and beautiful results at Hearts in Training.

So You’re Thinking About Homeschooling

Encouragement, New to Homeschooling, Philosophies, Uncategorized 2 Responses »

Sep 252009

Lisa Whelchel When my husband and I decided to homeschool our children, I did what most new homeschooling moms do – I got online and started researching curriculum. Early on in my search I began to realize that there were many different philosophies of homeschooling. Up to that point, I honestly had not heavily pondered my own educational philosophy. I was simply trying to find a reading curriculum that would work well for my five year old son. As I began to read the vast amounts of online information about packaged curriculums, classical education, Charlotte Mason, unschooling, and a dozen other methods and philosophies, I soon became overwhelmed.

Somewhere in my searching I stumbled upon a gem of a book titled, So You’re Thinking About Homeschooling: Fifteen Families Show How You Can Do It. I didn’t know it at the time, but this book would prove to be an incredibly helpful tool in those early months of sorting out my approach to home education. Written by Lisa Whelchel, child star of the hit series Facts of Life and now a veteran homeschooling mom, So You’re Thinking About Homeschooling takes you on a delightful tour of fifteen different families’ homeschools.

Each chapter covers a different type of homeschool or educational philosophy and is written as if you’re having a conversation with another homeschooling parent right in their own home. You’ll meet moms (and at times, dads and grandparents) from almost every approach imaginable – Charlotte Mason, classical, traditional, unit study, delight-directed, and the list goes on. You’ll also hear from families in unique situations, such as grandparents who are homeschooling their grandchildren, a mom whose son has ADHD, a family who lives and travels in their motorhome, a single mom, a large family with children of many ages, a military family, and many others. No matter what their approach to homeschooling, each “character” has a positive, can-do attitude toward your ability to educate your children at home.

Mrs. Whelchel’s writing style is warm and encouraging as well as informative. Each chapter stands alone, so you can pick it up and read one family’s story in just a few minutes. You’ll come away from this book with a good understanding of the many different ways people approach their children’s education. Even now in my fourth year of homeschooling, I occasionally turn to this book to soak in a few moments of encouragement.

So You’re Thinking About Homeschooling is available through many online book distributors and can often be found in public libraries. I hope that you’ll enjoy it and benefit from it as much as I have.

Written by Shannon, who can be found blogging about her own family’s homeschooling adventures at Song of My Heart.

An Unexpected Reassuring Surprise

Encouragement 8 Responses »

Sep 152009

Guest posting today is Loni. You can find her blogging about daily life, her homeschool adventure, and unexpected surprises at Hearts-In-Training.

It came out of nowhere. Hitting me like a sweet warm summer breeze, instantly calming my spirit, slowly I felt the tension fade from my soul. Seriously, it was exactly what I needed at that moment. Isn’t it funny how at any given time, our lives can be interrupted. It is as if our focus has been wrong, and the Lord is saying, let’s readjust and realign it, now. It may come in any number of ways. This is how it came for me today…

Let me set the scene for you. The previous hour and a half, I had tried repeatedly, I might add to get the kids in gear. Today, we were going to a nearby city to pick up the rest of my sons Cub Scout uniform. We needed to leave at a certain time, in order to be home to have lunch with Daddy. It is our custom to leave the house tidy whenever we leave, so it is inviting when we return. This morning, chores seemed to drraaaggg out. We left about 30 minutes later that I had planned to.

Bags were packed up, the tantrum from my youngest subsided, and off we went. The older two brought their individual studies with them. This is not a daily occurrence; however, today was an exception. We had a 45 minute drive in front of us, one way, and I thought we would make good use of it.

loni2 Ten minutes into the drive, my daughter loudly exclaimed “I LOVE Homeschool!” Can you imagine my surprise, as I am rounding a curve? My immediate thought was something was wrong, until my brain had time to process what had been said. Do my ears deceive me? Did I just hear that come from the back seat? I turned around, and asked, “Really?”

The question I posed comes from my interpretation of what has been happening over the last few weeks. It has seemed to me at least, for some reason she and I have been butting heads a little lately. Well, if you must know the truth, it has been a lot. Now, you may understand my surprise. “Did she just say she LOVED homeschool?”

My daughter proceeded to tell me why, as did my oldest son, who just turned 7. I would like to share with you their thoughts. My daughter’s reasoning for her love of homeschool is this: “she gets to spend more time with Mama.” That was her number one reason, at least for today. My heart continues to find comfort in those words, even tonight as I am writing this. Of course, she had other reasons, but none stood out to me as much as that one.

I have often wondered how much damage I had inflicted on her. Debating if my decisions were ruining her. And with the flood of her adolescent emotions, I have questioned many more things, (like is this really MY child?). My greatest fear is that my children would learn all the wrong things from me. And unfortunately the have learned their share of “bad” habits, just by being with me all day long. I have feared that I would prove to be a hypocrite, and that it would somehow taint their relationship with God, each other and me.

I once heard a quote that goes something like this: Our children are monuments of how we spend our time. The thought of any truth to that intimidates me, while at the same time, inspires me. Let me share now, what my son said,

“I love homeschool, because, I get to learn about God, and no one will stop me from praying, and of course, I get to be with Mama.” Wow!

loni3 My reason for homeschooling was not because I thought I could do a better job. It wasn’t because I am a certified teacher, let alone anything else. My only certification is this; I am a sinner, saved by grace. My reason for homeschooling goes beyond cursive Q’s and algebra. Daily, my children have ample opportunity to see one of two things. They observe daily how to sin and how to walk in grace. Understand, my children, as are yours, are watching at all times.

I fail innumerable times a day, and I have an audience, not just of One. Yet, here I am amazed at beautiful grace, at work and evident in my children’s lives, again. My greatest desire for my children is not a dollar amount, collage acceptance, or any other tangible thing. My greatest desire for my children is this: That they know Christ intimately and live a life pleasing to Him. That they learn how to glorify God and enjoy Him. That is why I homeschool. That is why I love and at times really dislike homeschool. I am a sinner, at times receiving grace and walking in it, while other times I sit stubbornly in my sin. Yet, at all times I am teaching, and learning with my children for life.

Today, chaos and all, was a wonderful day. I am thankful for the reassuring words that gently smacked me in the face. I needed that. And without even asking, I was granted it, in a most unexpected way.

So, be encouraged. You may not get reassurance everyday. Sometimes, it comes at the most insignificant times, unexpectedly. Just know this; you are making a difference in the lives of your children. Regardless if you can gauge it today or not, it will be made apparent, and more than likely when you least expect it. More is sinking in, than you may ever know, and not just academically. Just keep on keeping on. One day at a time. Receive your grace for the moment and enjoy today.

Beautiful Grace

Encouragement, New to Homeschooling 2 Responses »

Sep 022009

childfield

I remember my first year as a homeschool mama. We had just pulled my daughter out of public school. She was going into the 4th grade, only because she had been through 3rd grade twice, and she could not do 3rd grade again. My middle son was going to start kindergarten. The summer before we started homeschooling everything changed.

My daughter had had a couple of very rough previous years. At one time, the year before, she was on a ton of medication. It seemed the doctors had diagnosed her with everything from ADHD to OCD. And when one medication gave her an unbearable side affect, they would try and correct the problem with another medication. She was alive, but not living. I knew something had to change. She was overweight from the medication she was on. Most of the time, she looked “glazed over”… just going through the motions. She had attempted suicide both times the doctors had tried to wean her off the medication. My heart felt like it was in shreds.

I cried out to God time after time for the answer. This was not what I believed my family was supposed to be like. We were all suffering, though not as much as my daughter seemed to be. Nonetheless, it was taking a toll on my marriage, and our family.

Before withdrawing her from the public school system, I was torn between excitement, and dread. I was looking forward to having some one on one time with my youngest son. However, I was full of dread at the thought of having two of my children in the same system that seemed to have failed my daughter, not once but twice.

The answer to my out crying came in a most unexpected way. We were on our way to the free movie at our local theater, and the thought hit me again. HOMESCHOOL. I was instantly filled with a plethora of emotions, excuses, and fears. I was also filled with a new excitement, hope, and visions of what our homeschool could be like. I felt it tugging at my heart, and I knew that this was what I was supposed to do. I prayed about it, a lot. I was going back and forth in self dialog, weighing the pros and cons. I believe my caution was from fear. Fear of failing my children, my husband, but most of all, my God. Could this just be some ridiculous idea I had concocted in my head? Or was it something more?

Confirmation came to me in so many ways. In little ways, that would probably mean nothing to anyone else. To me, however, it was exactly what I needed.

mom_child We have now started our third year of homeschool. Whoo-hoo! Not because of anything I have done. Grace, oh, beautiful grace. I am happy to share with you; my daughter has not been on any medication since we started homeschooling! A decision, we made against the advice of the doctors. In case you are counting, this summer was a full two years. Halleluiah! It is amazing the reactions we get from people that used to work with her, old doctors, or teachers, or counselors. They can hardly believe this is the same girl. She is full of life now, and medication free. We started her back in 3rd grade in 2007, and she is now in 6th grade! She has worked very hard to get where she is. She is growing into a beautiful young woman. Now, before you think it is all roses and butterflies, not so… but grace and mercy are evident in all of our lives. And, we are living, in liberty. Loving, laughing, and learning, together, for LIFE.

The first year of our homeschool adventure was one of the toughest things I have ever done. My daughter had to learn a lot of firsts all over again, not just academics. She was learning to live with out the medication she had been on for 6 years. Learning new ways to cope with things. Learning to slow down, and think things through. Slowly, though, I began to see a change. Glimpses that kept me going, because believe me, there were numerous times, I thought I was going to crater. I doubted what I believed God had told me to do. I was fearful I had made the wrong choice, and my children were suffering because of it. But, God has been faithful, and remains my strong-tower.

So be encouraged. If you are a mother or father, questioning the call to homeschool, be encouraged. Your story may be like ours, or it may different. But, you are your child’s parent, by design. It is no accident your children are in your care. In other words, there is no one more equipped, to teach your child, than you. You already have everything you need to accomplish the task you are being called to. Intimidating; Yes. Inadequate; Yes. Doing what I was created for; Yes! Face the new school year with hope and prayer. Enjoy those you have been entrusted with, for they are only yours for a season. Live every moment to the fullest! And remember, grace, beautiful grace.

I would have never imagined in a thousand years I would be living life like this. But, I can’t imagine it any other way now. Beautiful Grace. Where would I be without it?

Written by Loni, blogging about evident grace, daily life, and our homes-cool adventure at Hearts-In-Training.

How To Make An Overall Plan for The Year

Encouragement, High School, Mom Helps, New to Homeschooling, Organization, Philosophies 5 Responses »

Aug 292009

Often I am asked by new homeschoolers about how to make an overall plan for the school year. They are looking for the nuts and bolts of putting lots of great ideas together because they tend to get overwhelmed by whole process. I shared the following ideas with a friend and I hope they help and encourage readers here at Curriculum Choice.

I try to emphasis to new homeschoolers that your “school day” extends far beyond the usual school hours. By making good use of that concept you can fit some school related learning into every day of the week and move some of your ideas and projects into the evenings or over the weekends so your whole family can participate.

My Steps to Pulling it All Together

1. Consider what you want to teach. What are the main points of the lessons? What are my goals for this particular year? The process of putting these thoughts on paper in a simple form gives a touchstone when considering what books, resources, and other options to use.

Take an inventory of what materials you have on hand

2. Gather your materials to see what you have and what you might need:

Textbooks or workbooks (if you are going to use these)
Library books (look on your local library website and browse their catalog of books)
Games and Kits
Online activities (Google the topic with “lesson plan” after it or “activities” or “unit study”)
Field trip ideas
DVDs from Netflix

I usually keep a notebook page for each subject as I am planning and record my ideas on paper as I go.

3. Decide which materials best suit your child. Try to figure out which aspect of what you are learning is going to be most interesting to them.

Active learner-Short activities, lots of movement, limited table time.

Some Children Thrive on Reading Lots of Books

Visual Learner-Picture books, videos, lots of art activities.
Avid Reader-Keep a list of books that can fill in your schedule and don’t forget books for subjects like science, history, and biographies of artists and musicians.
Project Learner-Kits, models, lapbooks, and notebook pages are great for this kind of learner.

4. Divide the text, books, activities, and field trips into the desired amount of time. I prefer to move slowly through a book and have them give an oral or written narration every day. When your children are young, working up to one paragraph per book selection per day is enough along with a drawing or a map or something that is interesting to them. I never try to do it all. (see #6)

Combine writing, art, and science into one project

5. Look for ways to connect subjects:

History and literature (historical fiction)
History and art and music (learn about artists and composers from the history time period)
Science and art (drawing diagrams or labs, drawing animals found in your neighborhood)
Math and science (measuring things for labs, cooking)
PE and math (times tables while jump roping, counting repetitions, count as you bounce a ball)

6. Have an overall plan but be flexible.
Decide if any areas are needing extra attention for this school year, make those a priority and perhaps complete them earlier in the day.

Off Season Traveling is a Great Experience

Take the opportunity for field trips-This is one reason for home schooling in the first place. Taking field trips when everyone else is back in school is so enjoyable and far less crowded.

Plan for interruptions-Divide your books into 34 or 35 weeks instead of 38 so you have some wiggle room.

7. Have a plan for things to do when your child is sick:
Educational videos while laying on the couch.
Read out loud to your child.
Listen to classical music while they rest.
Play quiet games.

8. Make use of your time spent traveling in the car:
Listen to books on tape.
Listen to folk music or classical music.
Have a box of books they can read to themselves.
Have a stack of math facts flashcards (keep in a Ziploc.)
Have a stack of sight words to read (keep in a Ziploc.)

Hopefully this post has helped you in some way, either with a few ideas to get started with or a some new ideas to try in your homeschool.

Written by Barb-Harmony Art mom. She also blogs at http://www.harmonyartmom.blogspot.com