Homeschool.
Everyone has a different picture in their head of what homeschool looks like. Some people see long denim skirts, others see socially awkward children, others see brilliant teens who are able to graduate college in the time it would take some to graduate high school.
I’ve had a few requests to go into detail how I go about my homeschooling of my four year old. I should first discuss why I’m choosing homeschool at this time. Primarily I want to keep our lives from feeling so busy that I can’t take a breath. The thought of having to get everyone up and out the door by a certain time every day gives me cold sweats. I think we’re all happier being able to just take it slow and get to things whenever we can. I also feel that God gave me my kids so I can raise them, not someone else. Kids ordinarily spend a huge chunk of their day at school, making that, not the parents, the primary influence. All that being said I do not judge anyone harshly for sending their kids to school. I think it is a choice that parents need to make and reassess as time goes on.
While I feel homeschool is right for us at this time, I’ve also been looking into this virtual school as well as considering a local Montessori school or a regular public school (for next year).
I was really overwhelmed when I first started looking into homeschool. I wasn’t sure how we would fit it into our chaotic life or how I would know what to teach. Lola has always been pretty advanced and I’ve just let her pick up knowledge as it comes. However I felt she was ready to start some structured learning, so it was time for me to do some research.
I had heard good things about Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons
At this time we’ve had much greater success. She can handle challenges that arise and is absolutely breezing through most of the book. It has been really rewarding and fun to watch her be able to actually read a story by herself.
I have also been following Easy Peasy Homeschool. It is very brief and fun for this age. It has also sparked interest in a few other subjects that we can research on our own after the lesson is over. While most of the lessons are too advanced for Cas, he is always sitting next to us while we watch the videos or sound out words. I think it will be good for him to get into the routine and learn how to learn. A few times a week we also watch a video more appropriate for his age on something like shapes or colors. We also occasionally seek out videos that teach us about things like geography, weather, or animals.
There are a number of pages on the above website to print off and color or cut and glue. I usually save those for quiet time or if I need to keep them occupied while I’m in the kitchen. I really hate doing crafts or anything involving paint (maybe just anything that requires hands on supervision). While I think it is important for the kids to learn to cut and glue, I’m not sure crafts (that I have to throw away much to their dismay) are a great use of our time.
Once or twice a week we go through Lola’s book from her Wednesday night program at church. There is usually a story and a Bible verse to memorize. I have found that reciting the verses in a funny voice or silly rhythm helps her remember them and have fun with it.
Of course there are always trips across the street to the nature preserve to explore flowers, trees, and wildlife. I also have a handful of educational apps (maybe I use that term liberally) on my iphone and nook. I’m a total cheap-o and refuse to pay for any though, so all the ones I have are free. If you have any must see apps be sure to let me know in the comments below!
iPhone:
PaintSparkle
Kids’ Puzzles
ArtKive (not an educational app but an awesome way to save your kids’ artwork)
Nook:
We try to do school every weekday morning while the baby is sleeping. This minimizes distractions and ensures that learning doesn’t get lost in the shuffle of the day. If something comes up in the morning where we can’t do it, I will do it with just Lola during the boys’ afternoon naps so it is still quiet.
That’s about it for now! I’m sure I will be adding to our curriculum all the time, especially once the reading book runs out. Here are a few other websites that I’ve glanced at but haven’t had the chance to incorporate yet:
1 + 1 + 1 = 1
Spell Outloud
Confessions of a Homeschooler
Mama’s Learning Corner
Are you homeschooling? Let me know in the comments what works for you!
This post covers what has been working for me. It contains affiliate links but I have not been otherwise compensated and all opinions are my own.
We love being a homeschool family. We love the flexibility. We love that the kids are busy with activity during the day leaving our evenings to enjoy dinner and each other as a family. It is amazing how many daytime homeschool groups there are – sports like swimming, basketball, and gymnastics at the Y, 4H, co-ops, and more. There are over 100 homeschooled local 4H kids that meet once a month on Friday mornings. I find this incredible.
Plus, homeschooled kids are different than other kids. I find homeschooled kids to be refreshingly more acceptable and more inclusive. Yup, you’ve heard me right. Because homeschooled kids are not used to being in a class of same aged kids, then the 15 year olds don’t even think about it when the 6 year old asks to play football too. Every one, regardless of age, is included. No one thinks about fashion trends or who brought what for lunch that day, so I don’t see any socio-economic barriers either. Yes, some kids arrive in matching Gymboree outfits, others arrive having just come in from the horse barn and it is not practical (or desirable) for them to be wearing anything other than work boots and the older sibling’s coat (which came from the sibling before that). But the deal is, no one cares or notices who is wearing what. It’s just not a focus. Because every kid learns different and every parent approaches teaching differently, then there are some 4 year olds who are reading and some 2nd graders who are learning to write their ABCs. Homeschooled kids are used to these academic variances and don’t compare – or even care – how smart or “advanced” someone is or is not. In fact, I’ve never even heard of a homeschool kid bullying or being bullied.
I often hear the concern that homeschooled kids run the risk of not being “socialized.” I completely disagree. Homeschooled kids ARE socialized, in a different way. Individuality and acceptance is embraced at a higher level. And as a result, I see kids who are loving, energetic, and well balanced. These observations are taken from my very small world and from my first hand experience only. But this world I describe is also the same world that my kids are growing up in. And if it sounds rather magical, well, that’s because it is.
Thanks for sharing all this Jen! I’d love to hear what kind of curriculum you’ve been following. Everything you mentioned about “socialization” fits with my view of homeschooling, I guess I’m just afraid I won’t be teaching them enough! At 4 years old I don’t know if it’s ok to be skipping all the crafts and busywork for imaginative play and on-the-go activities like the library. I’d also love more info on all these homeschooling groups, I think it would be great to get together with others who are doing it as well!
I don’t currently home school but am thinking about it for my child. I’ll be curious to see how it goes for you good luck!
It’s definitely something that requires careful thought. I’ll try to keep you updated!
Our little guy is almost a year old and we’ve decided he’s going to be homeschooled at least through the elementary school years. It’s exciting and daunting at the same time. It sounds like you’re off to a great start though!
I agree that it is exciting and daunting! Thanks for the encouragement!