Posted in Homeschooling

One of the "school subjects" my children and I have found great delight in over our years of homeschooling is Nature Study.  There is so much to explore and learn about, I have never needed a seperate science textbook.  The wealth of knowledge my children have about many of the wonders of God's creation was not accumulated sitting at a desk with their noses in a textbook.  Rather, much of what they know about science and nature, they have learned through their own observations and by pursuing interests in certain areas through independent study of living books on related topics.  In other words, by watching the world around them and reading about what they are watching, they have learned so much more than they could ever find in some dry textbook.  Science, after all, is really about observation.  What better way to teach children scientific observation than to watch a spider build a web (and then read about different types of spiders, how each spider has different kinds of silk used for different purposes, and the ways in which spiders are useful and helpful to humans and other animals)?  Isn't it more interesting to actually observe and record different types of clouds than to simply read about them and perhaps look at some pictures?  Doesn't is capture the attention more to look closely at a real flower and notice the different parts than to look at a drawing of one?

Summertime provides ample opportunities for homeschooling families to practice nature study.  The world outside is teeming with activity for us to explore.  I find that my children are naturally drawn to observing and learning about different creatures and plants.  They love to find out more about the birds that visit our feeder or the frog they caught this morning or the beavers building the dam in the pond down the road from our house.  The best part of it is, they don't even realize that while they are learning and observing and recording, they are "doing school"!  Better yet, all this delight in nature gives the Christian parent an opportunity to point to the Creator God and praise Him for His mighty works.  Real life, hands on learning is best as it applies not only to science, but especially to learning about the God who made all things.

Posted in Homeschooling

I recently read an article by Kevin Swanson which I found especially encouraging.  The article is entitled "The Second Wave", and if you are a homeschooler, I think you will find it as inspirational as I did.  Here is an excerpt:

"This movement is not over. In fact, it is bound to grow and grow exponentially. For the next ten years, we will see a plateau effect, if not a slight decline due to the huge influx of government-funded school-at-home programs. But somewhere near the year 2017, another huge wave (not unlike the exponential growth we saw in the 1990s), will take the movement towards 6 million. Then, the third generation will advance the movement towards 15 million.

What does this mean for the parents, leaders, and advocates that make up the movement today? For the next ten years, we must continue to stay vigilant to keep home education free. Leaders in the movement must continue to provide strong encouragement and vision to the movement."

As a second generation homeschooler, I have seen the growth of the homeschool movement first-hand.  Like many homeschool graduates, I am committed to continuing the vision of the discipleship of Christian children through homeschooling.  God has, and is continuing to use the homeschool movement to turn the hearts of parents to their children and children to their parents.  Homeschoolers are engaged in culture-changing work.

"It doesn't take a majority to change the direction of history - just a principled minority who lead with generation-deep vision. America will not be the same forty years from now because of the homeschooling movement.

An exciting future awaits the home education movement, with significant generational growth coming in the not-to-distant-future.

Of course, all of this assumes that the vision contained in this movement perpetuates from father to son to grandson - something that will only happen if the vision solidifies in the hearts and minds of the millions in the movement. And that is a function of the conventions, the leaders that lead the movement, and the faith of those that disciple those children in the kitchens and living rooms across this land."

(Read the rest of the article on Kevin Swanson's Generations with Vision blog.)

So, homeschooling moms and dads, as we wrap up another year of educating and discipling our children, let us not be weary in well-doing.  We are a part of something so much bigger than what we do in our homes each day.  We must be vigilant in passing on our vision to the next generation in such a way that they will desire to pass it on to their children, continuing on and on through the generations to come.

Posted in Homeschooling

Attend any event at which several homeschooling mothers gather, and the topic of curriculum will surely come up at some point in the conversation.

"What are you using for Math this year?"  "Oh, I used that, but I didn't like that.  This other program worked much better."  "Have you seen the new spelling program in all the homeschooling catalogs lately?"  "I just ordered it.  I can't wait till it comes and I can try it out."  "Do you use textbooks or unit studies for history?"  "Do you know of a good fourth grade science curriculum?"

Comparing notes on the tools of the trade is the natural tendency among homeschooling moms.  And for the most part, I think is a very productive activity.  I have found a couple of good products that way.  However, I think the unfortunate result of some of these discussions is discontent or a feeling of competition or even inadequacy.  We homeschooling moms are an insecure lot.  Most of us are plagued by what I call "Homeschooling Mommy Guilt."  We tend to compare ourselves with ourselves (or worse yet, with the "experts" in the public schools), and find ourselves falling short of our own expectations.  We often try to make up for our perceived inadequacies by searching for the perfect curriculum.  We think if only we could find just the right spelling program, our child could win the National Spelling Bee.  Or that the perfect writing program will help our child write the next great American novel.  Or that the Latin program we chose will bring out the hidden genius in our kids, and they will all become doctors, lawyers, and great orators (all at the same time, of course).

Aside from unrealistic expectations, I think the real danger is in all this comparing causing us to become discontent.  Let's face it, most curriculum isn't cheap, and since few of us are alloted the $8,000 (or more) per child per year that the public schools receive, and most homeschooling families operate on one income, we often have to pinch our pennies when it comes to what we choose for school books.  Often, when I have discussed curriculum in the past, I have found myself wishiing I could afford what some other family is using.  I used to wander around at homeschool conventions, longing for unlimited funds (and bookshelf space) to buy whatever caught my fancy.  Realistically, however, I am aware that even in twelve years of schooling, my children could never complete all the excellent curriculum available today.

I once heard a homeschool conference speaker refer to her problem with "curriculum buying disorder".  Many times, we buy something for homeschooling, believing it is the answer to all our homeschooling problems, and then find out that it just wasn't a good fit for our family and all the money we spent on it was wasted.  Often, we go through several different programs before we finally find one we really like.  While some trial and error is necessary in this area, I am finding that the longer I homeschool, the better I am at being able to gauge (before I buy) whether a certain product is right for my children or not.

It is fun to page through homeschool catalogs, dreaming of all the great things you could do with all those wonderful products.  There is a certain relief, though, in finding what works and sticking with it.  I've finally found a math program I really like, I've found a history curriculum I absolutely love (and that I can use with all of my children at the same time) that incorporates language arts and other liberal arts studies.  I've also found my favorite kindergarten program, which I have used successfully with 2 of my children so far.  The library is my best resource for science as I use nature study in the early years.  And I have found that the very best homeschool purchases have been good quality living books, ones that my children will treasure for years to come.  A home library made up of living books is the wisest homeschool investment we can possibly make.  And it doesn't take any special teacher training to snuggle up on the couch and enjoy a good book together.

Posted in Homeschooling

In the nearly eight years that I have been homeschooling my children, I have learned many things.  One of the things I have learned, and at times must re-learn, is that no two school years are the same.  There are no ideal conditions for homeschooling.  Interruptions occur, and sometimes life gets in the way of school work.  New babies come, children hit road-blocks in their learning, there may be a death in the family, or a move, or a sickness.  When these things happen, formal educational studies sometimes have to take a backseat for a short time.  Does this mean that children are not learning at times when school work is put aside for "real life"?  Certainly not.  In fact, I have found that the years that have the most challenges to regular school time are the years when my children grow the most educationally (and often spiritually and in character as well). 

There have been at least two or three of the past seven years when I have come to a point that I despared to think that my children just didn't accomplish as much in school-related activities as I had planned.  And then, I have actually thought through how much they have experienced or what kind of learning they have done on their own.  I then begin to realized that at those times when I think my children are not doing much school, they are still doing plenty of learning.  Often, the "interruptions" (which are ordained by a sovreign God for a specific purpose in our lives) are learning opportunities in and of themselves.  For instance, a new baby being born into the family is a perfect opportunity to teach children a myriad interesting facts.  My children have learned much about pregnancy, childbirth (without going into unneccesary details they may not be mature enough for), and caring for a newborn.  They have seen pictures of babies at different stages of gestation, learned terms like umbilical cord and placenta, and know just what changing a diaper entails.  Aside from all these things, they have also learned what a blessing and pleasure it is to hold and cuddle a brand-new baby.

Many times, the most important learning taking place at these times is character-related.  Children learn by example, and the example we give them in times of stress or change can help them grow and mature in their character.  Having to put others needs before their own, caring for those who are sick, or giving extra help with housework when needed are all opportunities for children to learn and grow.

There may be no such thing as the ideal school year.  Things may not go as we guilt-ridden homeschool moms plan or hope.  But that doesn't mean our children aren't learning.  They may be learning much more than we could have taught them with the best curriculum money can buy.  They are learning about life.

Posted in Homeschooling

Over the eight years I have been homeschooling, I have read many books on home education.  Some were more helpful than others.  I have especially enjoyed and appreciated the books I have read on the subject of homeschooling using Charlotte Mason's method of education.

The Charlotte Mason Method consists mainly of an emphasis on the use of living books and narration, nature study, art and music appreciation, and an overall environment of interest in learning and discovery.  It is often described as a gentle way of learning, and works with the child's God-given desire to know about the world around them.

I have found many resources to be especially useful in educating myself on the use of the Charlotte Mason method of homeschool.  Some of the books I have found most valuable in this endeavor:

A Charlotte Mason Companion  This is the very first book I ever read on the subject of homeschooling, and I am so glad it was.  It held ideas I naturally gravitated toward in working with my son, and I love Karen Andreola's soft and somewhat sentimental style of writing.  This is by far my favorite book on homeschooling in general, and Charlotte Mason's method in particular.

Charlotte Mason's Original Homeschooling Series  (Can also be read online--see the link on my sidebar)  Six books written by Miss Mason herself.  If you really want to know what Charlotte Mason believed and taught about education, go to the original source.

A Charlotte Mason Education and More Charlotte Mason Education  Very practical, helpful guides on how to "do" CM in your own homeschool

When Children Love to Learn  Helpful and informative, though geared toward a more "schoolish" approach

For the Children's Sake  A classic.  Many say this is the book that started the movement back to Charlotte Mason's teachings.

Educating the Wholehearted Child  This is the book I most often recommend to new homeschoolers.  A wonderfully balanced approach to home education by a couple who is passionate about the subject.

I hope this list is helpful to anyone interested in learning more about the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling.  I have found this style of homeschooling to be enjoyable, stimulating, and yet relaxing and natural.  There is much joy in learning, and I desire for my children to be life-long learners.  I find the Charlotte Mason method to be an approach to homeschooling that helps my children to have a passion for learning.  What more could a homeschooling mother ask for?

Posted in Homeschooling

About a month ago, our family entered our eighth official year of homeschooling.  We are not veterans by any means, but we have had a little experience in the area of homeschooling, and I have realized several things about homeschooling in general and our homeschooling family in particular.  One thing I have learned through experience in regards to homeschooling is that there is no such thing as perfect in homeschooling.  There is no perfect curriculum that will meet all the needs of every homeschooling family (other than the Bible, of course!).  There is no such thing as the perfect homeschool year, when we accomplish all our goals to the complete satisfaction of both homeschooling parents and children.  And there really is no such thing as the perfect homeschooling mom, despite how hard many of us strive and long for that ellusive ideal we just know is out there somewhere just beyond our reach.  There is simply no such thing as perfection when it comes to homeschooling.  The reason?  Those of us who homeschool are not perfect.

In seven years of homeschooling, our family has not had one year that has been the same as any other.  Each year brings its own challenges and changes.  Some years (like this one) it's a new baby, other years it's a child who just can't quite grasp a concept I am trying to teach.  We have had years when we have emphasized heart and character issues over academics.  We have also had years when learning happened by leaps and bounds.  As I have added each child one-by-one when they were ready for more "formal" schooling, I have had to learn to work with a variety of learning styles and personalities.  Each year has also had unique blessings and times of joy.  I have found those wonderful moments of "tying heart strings" as we have gone about our daily tasks.  And I have learned that education is actually discipleship, which happens throughout the day, as we lie down and as we rise up and as we go on our way.  Learning has become, for our family, a way of life.

Being the planner that I am, I anticipate this year having adjustments and challenges (especially when the newest member of the family arrives!).  I have tried to plan accordingly, but of course, there is no perfect plan because there is no perfect in homeschooling.  God is soveriegn, even over my little family.  There is great freedom in realizing that there is no perfect and that that is okay.  All we can do is our best, and then trust God with the results of our homeschooling efforts.  Our homeschooling doesn't have to be perfect, we just have to obey the Lord, do our part, and leave the rest to Him.

Posted in Homeschooling

(How's that for a title?)

Yesterday, I took my children (actually, we tagged along withMaine Mommy Deb and her two extremely helpfu daughters) to the Joshua Chamberlain Museum in Topsham, Maine.  Every state has its own historic contributions, and Maine happens to have its own bonified Civil War hero.  The trip to the musuem was very informative, and my children seemed to enjoy it and learn much from it.  I was proud of their good behavior and attentiveness and surprised that they had retained so much of what the guide told us during the tour.  When recounting favorite hightlights of the visit, my sons said they like holding the real lead musket balls used in the Civil War and seeing the actual boots that Gen. Chamberlain wore in battle.  My older son appreciated the chance to view a map of the state made during Joshua Chamberlain's term as governor of Maine.  None of us was very impressed with the tightly winding staircase of the old house, which made me especially nervous  It really was very interesting learning more about the house and its occupants.  The tour guide made an effort to share facts that young children would find interesting, and yet the tour was very informative for us older folks.

My seven year old son, however, had a somewhat tramatic moment during the tour.  When the guide was telling us some of Joshua Chamberlain's family history, she took from the mantle in one of the bedrooms an old photograph.  The photograph was of a young child in long curls and a victorian-style dress.  "What would you say," the tour guide asked my children, " if I told you this is a picture of Joshua Chamberlain's son Harold?"  She went on the explain that both boys and girls  in that time period wore dresses until the age of five, at which time the boys began wearing pants.  Upon hearing this, my younger son's eyes grew wide.  He had a look of utter horror on his face.  To think that if he had lived back then, he would have had to wear a dress less than two years ago!  He did eventually recover from the shock of this revelation, but it made an impression that will not be soon forgotten.

When we first arrived at the musuem, a tour was in progress.  A man waiting outside with us told he was a tour bus company director, and that the more that thirty people on his tour bus were the ones inside the museum.  He was interesting to talk to, very friendly and kind to the children, and interested in and postive towards homeschooling.  A woman waiting with him (I assume she was his assitant--I don't remember if he introduced her) asked the infamous "What about socialization?" question, to which I confindently replied that homeschooling is better for helping children learn proper social skills than an institutional school setting could possibly be.  The tour bus director agreed wholeheartedly, going on to tell us of his days in an all-boys prep school.  Then he began to talk history, and to say that this man was a Civil War buff would be hugely understating his vast knowlege on the subject.  I'm sure he is an absolutely fascination tour guide.

Following our visit to the museum, we ate a picnic lunch in a gazebo at a nearby park.  When we had finished our lunch, we began the trek home (stopping on the way to get some ice cream, of course).  In all, it was a day of interesting learning, fine fellowship (with Maine Mommy Deb and her two lovely daughters who helped chase my two year old for me), and surprising good behavior from my children.  Chalk one up to a successful homeschool field trip.

(I think it's a good thing I took the time to write this out, so I can read it the next time we have a field trip that doesn't go so well.  Then I can remind myself that there really was a time when the kids behaved themselves......)

Posted in Homeschooling

Summer is an ideal time for utilizing the idea of nature study in homeschool.  Charlotte Mason encouraged the use of nature study for children to learn from personal observation about how the world around them works.  Children guided in nature study learn first-hand about various science related aspects of God’s creation.  When allowed ample opportunity, they will investigate, observe, and discover the world around them, learning and making connections with great amounts of scientific information.

The carefree, relaxed days of summer are a wonderful time to implement nature study into the homeschool routine.  Pleasant weather and plenty of free time make studying nature a perfect pastime for the summer months.  Often my children will learn more about science and nature in a few short weeks of summer than they could ever glean from textbook studies during the winter.  Birds, worms, butterflies, plants, rocks, squirrels, turtles, and even bugs all make wonderful subjects for an impromptu nature lesson.  Time spent in observation and a few moments of research in an informative book on the chosen subject (such as Anna Botsford Comstock’s Handbook of Nature Study) make for a well-rounded learning session which children will remember for many years to come.  The process of metamorphosis takes on greater impact after you have found a chrysalis and observed a butterfly light on a flower.  Germination and photosynthesis have more meaning when you have grown a garden, watching the plants pop out of the soil and grow to maturity.

As a homeschooling mother, I know that the kind of educational lifestyle my family leads is only enhanced by the freedom and unstructured nature of the summer months.  The large quantities of time my children spend out of doors at this time of year are often used in highly productive ways to store away information learned from real-life discoveries.  And often, I am learning just as much as my children are.

If you are a homeschooling mother who has never tried nature study with your children, I would encourage you to do so this summer.  Get outside, find some interesting aspect of nature, and start learning.  You and your children will appreciate and enjoy the experience.

Posted in Homeschooling

My sons have spent the last couple of "school days" working on projects for our church's Children's Project Fair.  Each of them chose their own topic of study, and then we went to the library to find books on the subject they chose.  My older son read three books about volcanos in the two days following our trip to the library.  (My younger son chose to do his project on puppies--see the post just before this one to understand why.)  They have both devoured any information they could find.  My ten-year-old now knows more about volcanos than any other person I know.  He has creatively planned out his display board, begun writing a report, and is constructing a very elaborate working model of a volcano (actually, I think he originally chose the topic just so he could blow something up and get away with it!).  He has emersed himself in the study of volcanos.

My younger son has been listening intently as I read his library books aloud to him, and he has copied pictures of puppies to glue into a little book he is making.  He is absorbing all he can about caring for and training puppies, and has been putting his new skills to work on our newest furry friend, whom he chose to name Hunter.  On Wednesday, which I informed the boys would be a "working on projects day", my younger son became very excited.  "Yipee, we get to do fun school today!"

Because my sons have spent the last few days learning about things that interest and even delight them, they have acquired and absorbed much more information than if I had chosen a topic and forced them to study it.  In studying their own chosen topics, they have taken resposibility for their own learning in these topics.  They have become (at least in this particular case) self-directed learners.  It gives me great joy and satisfaction to see this, because one of the main goals I have for my children's education is that they find great delight in learning new things.  When learning is interesting, it is delightful.

Posted in Homeschooling

For far too long, the work and sacrifice of homeschooling mothers has been misunderstood and unappreciated.  But an article by John Mark Reynolds gives hope that there are those that really do "get it".  This is some of what he has to say:

Whenever I feel very bad, I make sure to speak to home school mothers. These women represent something new. They are not feminists, a phrase they most often reject with scorn. Most live in very traditional households where the husband is the head of the family. However, they are certainly not Donna Reed door mats waiting at home in pearls and high heels for their lord and master to arrive home. They are very strong and fiercely opinionated. They are incredibly well read, devouring more books a year, than most U.C. students read in four years. Book a talk with Plato scholar to hear about big ideas and they show up.

....

In one sense, their lives are a bloodless martyrdom. The media mostly forgets them except for the occasional condescending piece in the Times. They fit no stereotypes, being too numerous and too interesting, so they are ignored. They sacrifice for the welfare of their children.

Talents that could vitalize a corporate board room are turned to teaching children to read. Their children, of course, take such sacrifice for granted. Their mothers make it safe for them to be blissfully unaware of their blessings. So these strong women sacrifice everything our culture deems important. They have no resume inflating career. Yet they give new life and meaning to all the Victorian platitudes lodged, because they are true, in the back of all our minds. “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.”

Read the rest here.  If you're a homeschooling mother, it will make your day.  If you're not, it might help you understand what we are all about.