We’ve just added a welcome video to our “About” page. It’s a brief, 2 minute video explaining what we are all about and a few tips for brand new homeschoolers! Angela is a homeschool mother of 5, and has been homeschooling from the beginning.
Oct 042009
Sep 252009
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.
Sep 112009
I am excited to tell you about NaturExplorers, a new series of nature-based unit studies written by Cindy West and Melissa Leach. The authors are both veteran homeschooling Moms who are passionate about studying nature with their children and inspiring other Moms to do the same. No matter what type of homeschooler you are, and whether or not you already do nature study with your family, these studies will give you encouragement and ideas for getting outside with your children and exploring God’s beautiful creation.
Here is a sampling of titles in the series:
- Animal Signs
- Peaceful Ponds
- Captivating Clouds
- Delightful Deciduous Trees
- Hard as a Rock
- Creatures of the Night
- Frogs and Toads
One of the things that I really like about these units is their flexibility. They are designed so that you can adapt them to be used in whatever way best meets your needs. A title can be used in its entirety as a complete science-based unit, or you can simply pick up the study and choose an idea to focus on as you head out the door for a nature walk.
However you decide to utilize these studies, you will find that they are jam-packed with plenty of ideas to keep you inspired about that particular nature topic for quite a long time.
Each unit includes the following:
- A section just for you, the teacher, to spark your interest and excitement about the topic
- Suggestions for quality, living books that will inspire your children about the topic
- Background knowledge for the teacher to equip you with some basic information about the topic before beginning the study
- A great number of ideas for nature walks and outdoor activities
- Hands-on activities such as science experiments, art projects, recipes and more
- Writing and research ideas
- Bible lessons
- Poetry
- Artist and Picture study references
- Composer and Music references
- Helpful internet links
- Ideas for including younger and older children
- Suggestions for nature clubs and co-ops
- Nature Notebooking Pages
I found the ideas to be creative and engaging, and as you can see, the units cover a lot of ground. I’d also like to mention that they are available in e-book format and are budget friendly.
I encourage you to head over to Shining Dawn Books where you can check out all of the themes that are available and find a wealth of free helpful nature study ideas, information, and photos as well.
Written by Shannon, who blogs about her family’s homeschooling adventures at Song of My Heart.
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.
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.
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
Aug 262009
Co-ops, are they a good fit for your homeschool? Is it worth the time? Is it worth the money? Do my kids benefit from them? Will they enjoy it? Will they learn anything? These are all good questions we ask ourselves when we consider to join a co-op or not.
First, for any of our newbies out there let me explain what co-ops are all about. Co-ops are basically when homeschool families meet together to teach their kids in a group setting. There are many kinds of co-ops and they can vary greatly. Some co-ops are very structured and will meet on a regular basis, usually once a week. Some co-ops may be a little looser and may meet less regularly. They will offer many types of classes from art to science labs to writing classes. The classes may be divided by ages and/or subject. Most co-ops expect parent participation. Parents are usually the teachers but sometimes you may have a teacher from the community such as an art teacher.
What are my personal experiences with co-ops? Ever since we started homeschooling we have participated in co-ops. At first it was just to meet other homeschool families since we were newbies ourselves. My children were not excited about it at first. So I made sure they took classes that was an interest to them. Then a strange thing happened and my shy children started making friends at co-op. Now they just love it and can’t wait for every Friday. Now I am teaching at the co-op too and I love it! I generally teach science type of classes. In my classes we have dissected worms, sheep brains, frogs and more. We are blessed because our co-op is such a great one!
What are the benefits of co-ops? There are many benefits to co-ops and I will list just a few for you. Whether you join a co-op or not may depend on if it is the right season for your family to participate in a co-op. I believe there are times when a co-op may be a great fit to homeschooling but there are times when home is simply the best place to be.
Benefits of co-ops:
1. A chance for your children to meet other homeschoolers.
2. Your child can take a class that may be more suited to learn in a group setting such as a drama class, band, a debate class, and more.
3. Maybe there is a subject you have not been able to teach at home. With co-op your child can have the opportunity to take it in a structured environment. Such classes would be a science lab with dissections or an art class.
4. An opportunity to take a class taught by an expert such as sign language or a cooking class.
5. An opportunity to take classes that will enhance your own homeschool such as a history class. If your children are learning about medieval history then a class about the vikings would be a great fit.
6. An opportunity for your child to take a class that is an interest to her. My daughter loves animals so any class about animals is something she loves to learn about it.
7. Sometimes co-op is a way for your child to experience some of the “school experiences” without having to go to regular school. One example is at our co-op we had a yearbook class. At the end of co-op the children had the opportunity to purchase a yearbook and then attend a yearbook signing party.
I am sure there are more benefits to participating in a co-op that I have not listed or even thought about. Co-ops can be fun and educational. My children always look forward to co-op days.
There may also be reasons why a co-op may not be beneficial for your family. Sometimes it is the season that your family is going through. If you just had a new baby arrive it may not be the time that you can participate in a co-op. If you have a family member that has required medical care then it may not be the time to join a co-op. It simply may be that your curriculum is so full that there is not any time to fit in a co-op. It could also be that your children have other things they are participating in such as sports or music lessons which may not leave any time for co-op.
Some things to ask yourself when you are a considering a co-op:
1. Can your family afford a co-op? Co-ops often cost and that can be a big factor for many homeschool families.
2. Can your family afford to give up the time away from your regular homeschool to attend a co-op?
3. Does a co-op offer any classes that are an interest to your children?
4. Does the co-op offer any classes that will benefit your children’s education?
5. Co-ops generally mean parents must volunteer in some capacity. You need to decide if you want to make this commitment.
6. Co-ops in general are a commitment for your family. Is it a time that your children can make that commitment?
How can you find co-ops in your area? Check with your local support groups. They will often have information about co-ops in your area. You can also check with your state support group.
Co-ops are a great way to enhance your homeschool. There are some ways to make sure a co-op is a good fit for your family. First, talk to the leaders of the co-op. If possible visit the co-op and see what it is like. Talk to the families who attend the co-op. Look at what classes are offered at the co-op. Consider teaching at the co-op some classes that you want your children to participate in.
So hopefully I have not confused you but possibly made it a littler clearer if co-ops are a good fit for your family.
Written by Korey
Aug 182009
This is one of my new favorite books in regards to Biblical reasoning with your children. It is not a Bible program, it is an instructional book on how to attain Biblical wisdom in every area of life. We all know we should instill wisdom in our children but exactly how do we do that day to day?
Freedom & Simplicity R Road to Biblical Wisdom: A “How to” Guide to Biblical Learning in Home Education by Lisa Hodgen is the manual for Biblical reasoning in your lessons. It is called the “R Road” because life is a journey. The R’s are tools that you use to attain wisdom. These are Receive, Record, Ruminate, Release and Revisit/Refresh. She walks you through each of these R’s and shows you how to practically apply these in your school lessons to achieve true Wisdom.
Wisdom is something that we all want but we aren’t sure how to get there. Her R’s do just that. And she’s careful to make sure you understand that all of life is learning–this Wisdom is for all of life and not just relegated to the school hours. This book is like the piece of BPA education I have been missing–the nuts and bolts what “getting wisdom” looks like.
She also gives a brief overview of the Mashal in the appendix. And she shares a large list of her favorite books and resources for different subjects. Her appendices alone are worth the cost of this book. If you are new to BPA this book is an excellent place to start. Her simplification of the 7 Principles is an excellent primer on the foundations of Biblical wisdom and liberty.
Lisa brings over 20 years of home educating experience to this topic and I felt like she was sharing with me the things she has learned so I can be a better mother teacher to my children. Also she offers her unique perspective with her 7 Pillars of Excellence.
Why you might like this book:
- easy reading.
- comprehensive.
- She explains what other home education books do not–how to practically attain Biblical wisdom.
- The resource list.
- Her simplified version of the 7 Principles of America’s Christian history.
Why you might not like this book:
- it’s an ebook.
- Your philosophy does not jibe with Bible centered curriculum.
- You want concrete step by step. Her books is principle based and flexible. It’s intended as a resource not a daily plan.
Click the cover to order. I am giving away a copy of this book on my blog, so maybe you can win a copy!
photo by Andrei Niemimaki
It’s the most commonly asked question about homeschooling. When people who don’t homeschool find out you’re homeschooling, or even thinking about homeschooling, it’s the first thing they ask.
What about socialization?
I find it interesting that socialization seems to be everyone’s number one concern about homeschooling, even though
a. The purpose of school is to receive an education, and
b. There are plenty of people who go to public schools who are socially inept.
But my purpose in this article is not to discuss either the philosophy or inadequacy of the public school system. I would like to help new homeschoolers to think ahead before answering this inevitable question.
OK, so you’ve just been asked THE question. Before you answer, first think about who you are talking to. Is this person someone that you’re likely to see again? Your answer to friends and relatives should probably be more complete than one you give to the grocery checker or the neighbor from down the street. Also, if possible, try to determine if the person is truly interested in having a discussion on the issue, or if they’re just repeating the question because they’ve heard it from someone else.
Here are my suggested responses to the socialization question.
The short and sweet response -
No need to worry about that. The children have lots of opportunities to socialize.
The detailed list response -
Socialization? We socialize all the time. Johnny is chairman of the activities committee for our homeschool group. The children also play soccer, basketball, and tennis. We go to co-op once a week, skating once a month, and a science class. We also volunteer at the nursing home and the homeless shelter as well as teach ESL classes to refugees.
The definition response-
Do you really mean socialization? Socialization means a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position. (dictionary.com) Is it sensible to expect children to learn how to be responsible adults by learning their social skills in a room full of children? They might learn how to act more like typical American children at school, but that’s not one of our family goals. Our children will be much better socialized by being homeschooled.
The “No thanks” response -
Although I’m sure that there are some “good” kids emerging from the public schools, we’ve seen enough of the ungodly attitudes, dress, speech, and behavior prevalent among children today that we’ve determined to follow a different path as God leads us in educating our children.
Obviously each of these are hypothetical responses to the socialization question. Adapt them to use in your specific situation. Remember that with friends and relatives they will have the opportunity to see your kids grow and see if they are “anti-social.”
I should also note that there are some people to whom you will not be able to explain homeschooling. PERIOD. There are occasions where you may have to agree to disagree while remaining gracious. That is why I left out another possible response to the question: sarcasm. I don’t disagree that sarcasm may be useful, not to mention funny, in responding to these questions, but it can make people defensive and provoke them to attack back. For some people, a sarcastic comment may be all that will shut them up. However, I would suggest using sarcasm very sparingly if ever.
So, how do you handle the socialization question? I’d love to hear your comments and suggestions!
Have you ever read an article with glossy photos of the perfect homeschool family?
Older children work on math while little ones build the Eiffel Tower with popsicle sticks. Mother posts the schedule on the refrigerator and everyone follows it. Father stages a play to reinforce the lessons of the day. The whole family always smiles at the camera.
Barbara Frank wrote The Imperfect Homeschooler’s Guide to Homeschooling to combat discouragement that trails these misconceptions of utopia.
The conversational tone of this veteran homeschool mother of four overflows with wisdom. She shares practical tips such as the Top Ten Tools for Homeschooling Parents and 115 Organizing Tips for Homeschoolers. (I am almost convinced to get a filing cabinet.)
In the extremely helpful chapter about overcoming obstacles, Barbara Frank tackles the issue of time management and personal habits.
She also discusses how personality traits can help or a hinder home education. See if you are a teacher, a perfectionist, a follower, etc., and then learn to temper your natural bent with the grace of God.
Other circumstances can strain efforts to teach, and Barbara touches on them all: children with special needs, stresses with finances, and difficulties with relationships.
Chapters include:
- Confessions of an Imperfect Homeschooler
- Homeschooling 101
- Teaching Specific Subjects
- Teaching Techniques and Ideas
- Covering All the Bases
- Overcoming Obstacles to Homeschooling
- Coping with Changes and Challenges
- One the Home Front
It is easy to view a snapshot, but the noise behind the photo is muted. Barbara gives the reality of homeschooling a voice. She teaches her children. She believes you can, too.
Written by Renae Deckard, Biblical Principled mother of 3. Find Renae’s reflections about homeschool and family life at Life Nurturing Education.
Being a mother of five, I am often asked how I manage our homeschooling day. Some are just curious and others are hoping to see if there is anything that we do differently that might help them manage their day. Each family functions differently, and each mother desires a smooth-running home. But the consistant theme that I have seen with unhappy homeschool mothers is that they cant keep up with their work load.
Managers of Their Homes is a time-proven method that helps homeschooling families schedule their God-given priorities so that they can accomplish all that they set out to. It is particularly useful for larger families, but works with families of all sizes.
The first chapter tells you why you should have a schedule and it dispels the myth that you cannot gain a victory over your circumstances and time usage. The next chapter is about how to have a successful schedule by planning a daily devotion and depending on the the Lord, while trying to accomplish the Lord’s agenda, instead of on our own strength. This chapter is followed by insructions on how to schedule:
- children’s days
- school
- babies
- chores
- kitchen
- priorities
After reading through these chapters you will begin to see the light and probably will be ready to get to work setting up a schedule with all the helpful ideas that are provided.
“My initial investment of time making my schedule has paid off with interest.” Lorrie
“When we are on our schedule, there is much more peace; we get more done and I don’t feel stressed by making decisions all day.” Pauline
The next chapter, Planning for the School Year, is especially helpful as it instructs you in prayerfully assessing each child’s strengths, weaknesses, and goals before you put the pieces of the schedule together.
There are a few chapters next on scheduling the summer, challenges you may face in your schedule and what do you do when you have the inevitable interruption. The chapter on implementing the schedule helps you get it all together and encourages you to tweak it as necessary until it is comfortable. Then there is a Question and Answer section where the families that tested this method asked questions and the answers for every question imaginable is provided.
My favorite part of this book is the section of actual schedules that moms have used. I personally used this section immensely when planning our schedule. Also, another helpful component to this book is the worksheets that you fill out in order to visually see the hours in your day and how you are choosing to spend your time. You quickly realize that there ARE enough hours in the day to accomplish everything that God has laid on your heart to implement in your family.
“It’s so pleasant and easy I find myself thinking, ‘What am I doing wrong; this is too easy!” Robyn
“Making and using a schedule has helped me, and there were people who thought I was hopeless!” Sherri
The final step is completing and displaying your family’s schedule and there is paper provided for you to make a chart with 30 – 60 min. time slots to proudly display on your wall in a central location so each child can see what they are expected to do next.
I look forward to creating my new schedule each year, as we add the next child and need major adjustments, or tweak it a little to add different responsibilities. It always helps me begin school with a good attitude instead of beginning with the feeling of defeat before we even start.
Please visit the Titus 2 site to purchase Managers of Their Homes, and see the other products that Steve and Terri Maxwell have written.
Written by Brenda, Classically Eclectic mother of 5. You can find her writing about her homeschooling journey at Tie That Binds Us.
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