Aug. 30, 2006 - Share with me a Day in your Homeschool life, Moms.
- Do you use a particular "style" of homeschooling?
- We use a classical line-up with a Charlotte Mason twist. We are pretty relaxed homeschoolers.
- How long have you been homeschooling?
- We have been homeschooling from scratch. We are entering our 8th year...WOW it doesn't feel like it has been that long!
- Why did you decide to homeschool?
- It wasn't my first choice, but the Lord knew we needed it. It has really helped me to not be so self-focused in life, first off. Our homeschooling choice was directed completely and totally by the Lord.
- How would you describe a typical homeschool day at your house?
- We live to learn. Sometimes we just get in the bare basics because the Lord really moved in our devotion/worship time and sometimes we get in a full day.
- Do you have a set schedule that you follow?
- I have read Managers of Thier Homes and even set up a schedule by it. I do this each year before school starts and before we start summer (as our schedule is different). I do not live by it religously, it is a guideline for us. It really helps me to see where we need more focus and where I may be wasting time. It also, I have heard, good to have a plan. However, although I plan I try to stay more opportunity focused.
- How do you stay organized and on track?
- I have color coded all the kids school supplies. Each child has a color and their pencils, scissors, ruler, pencil box, etc. is in that color or we use a sharpie marker to write their name or mark it some way in that color. This lets me know who left what out and those invisible children (I am sure they visit your house too... you know the ones "Idunno" and "Notme") do not visit too often. I also do 9 weeks of planning at a time (this way if we get off track it doesn't mess too much up in my system). I use color coded file folders or you could use a color coded lable. Each child has a hanging file folder with 9 color folders in it, one for each week. Then on Mondays they are to pull out any worksheets in there and their assignment sheets for the week and place each day's work into the slash pocket folders in their 3 ring binder. They know that when all the work in that pocket folder is complete and the assignment sheet too, they are free for the day.
- How much do you spend on homeschool supplies per year?
- On school supplies, only what we don't have left over from the year before. Probably around $25 - $30 for all four kids
- On currciulum, Well it took me the first four years to figure out my style as I just didn't have anyone to mentor me in this area. Now I have learned about each of my boys learning styles and found that some of what I was using worked for some of my boys and others need something different. This year I am thinking I will spend the most at $600 for the year. Next year I am thinking I should be back to my normal $200 - $300 with each year there after being less as I have found curriculum that is good for all my kids (Classical style unit study) and a math curriculum that is NOT consumable.
- Is your extended family supportive?
- Yes for the most part. I do not have any family that is constantly on me, however I do not have family that will help, out at the drop of a hat, when I need a helping hand either.
- What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
- It depends on their situation. If they are pulling children out of a school system (public or private) then Take it easy, Unschool for a while and learn to just live together.
- For everyone no matter the situation, Do NOT rush into ANY curriculum! PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! Seek the Lord, don't just ask Him, SEEK HIM, for a vision for your homeschool. What does He see your homeschool looking like? Remember that He will be strong in your areas of weakness, yes even in schooling your children. Learn together, and have LOTS of fun! Above all academics teach your children to Love the Lord with all their hearts, mind, soul and strength and teach them how to love to learn.
- What are your thoughts about socialization?
- This isn't one I think about much. I am a somewhat social person myself. I understand the need of the social homeschool kid out there. Personally my definition of socialization is "To teach my children how to relate to others of all ages and walks of life so that they can be an effective evangelistic tool in the hand of God."
- What are the top 3 homeschool supplies that you couldn't live without?
- 1. My bible. My quiet time with God sets my day. I am not naturally a morning person, but I have learned to be one so that I can start my day in the lap of my Daddy, my Heavenly Father. I have noticed that when I do this my day doesn't always run smoother, but my attitude does.
- 2. My Internet connection. There are soooooo many free resources out there!
- 3. My Magic Bullet Blender..."WHAT?" you say. YUP! My oldest boy has hit 11 and he can run that blend on his own therefore making a quick, healthy and simple snack (smoothy) on his own. AND he can drink a smoothy WHILE he is doing school work. No more interuptions every 10 min. with "Mom I'm hungry, what can I eat???"
- Do you have a favourite/favorite book about homeschooling?
- No but I do have a favorite website which has a TONE of articles for every homeschooler at everywalk of their homeschooling life.
- http://www.homeschooloasis.com/article_chart.htm
- Where do you go for support?
- Other than God? My Hubby. He is my biggest supporter and fan. Without him I do not think I would ever make it thru. I also have a couple of friends who homeschool or have homeschooled who can deal out a little insite now and again.
