I knew our lives would change when we decided to homeschool this year.
I had no idea how much I would enjoy the change.
We’ve already had a tough day, and it’s only week one. There are no illusions here; it won’t always be easy, but it’s not impossible.
All I need is possible.
I’ve received lots of questions about what we’re doing & how we’ll fit it into our schedule, so I thought I’d give you a glimpse of our new schedule & Gray’s curriculum.
Our days are beginning earlier, and on the mornings I’m disciplined, I’m waking at 5:30, for some quiet time with the One who’s helping me pull this off, slow sips of coffee, & a little blogging. On the mornings I’m not, we manage. We’re beginning at 9 everyday, and honestly, we cover so much that we never “sit to learn” longer than 1 1/2-2 hours.
We’re big believers in learning embraced as an atmosphere…since the kids were babies we have read and read and read to them. Grayson is an avid reader, while Ava could care less.
I’ll get her, though.
We talk about the world, cultures, math, new words, letters and sounds all day…most days. We just love to watch their little brains explode with new ideas. Plus, it is such a creative process…teaching & educating your children, with or without homeschooling. I’m a fan of any creative process.
I haven’t pinpointed our exact philosophy yet, but I know it will continue to reveal itself. As an English minor (and worked on my masters), ex-English teacher, and lover of all things written and read, books & Classical Education will be a huge part of our curriculum.
We’re currently reading a few chapter books with Gray:
Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone
The Magic Tree House (Moonlight on the Magic Flute)
We take our time with these, picking them up as we want…although, he begs to read Harry Potter & the Magic Tree House books all the time! The Wind in the Willows is mom’s addition, if you can imagine that.
Because literature is so important to us, and well read minds generally love to learn, we went with a literature based curriculum this year.
Five in a Row is a wonderful, children’s literature based curriculum that encourages learning in the whole, in context. We have a well-written, beautifully illustrated children’s story book that we read every day of each week. We learn all lessons based around that story. For example, Grayson chose Papa Piccolo this week, so we’ve studied these topics (some conversationally, & some through projects/crafts): Venice, Italy & their culture on the water, Italian food & culture, Italian words–we only tackled 5 Italian words, but that made me happy, vocabulary (including gilding–so I busted out the gilding wax!), finding Venice on our world map, science lessons on cats, and more. We usually read our story everyday and then each day is devoted to one subject (social studies, science, history, etc.).
We also got to talk a lot about our experiences since Matt and I just got back from Venice. We all made homemade spaghetti one night, and we cut out pictures of our story vocabulary words out of my (million) magazines.
I want our lessons and curriculum to be pretty low maintenance and, at the same time, challenging and engaging for Gray. We added in some fun crafts like making an Italian flag out of pasta, and colored, etc., too. I loved working with watercolors (like the illustrations in Papa Piccolo), and teaching him about that medium and a little color theory…plus, it’s just fun to paint anything!
We also supplement math and we’re using Right Start Mathematics, which focuses on learning about quantity and place value as a whole unit of numbers…I’m learning a new way, too. The great thing about it is our lessons are literally lots of games using manipulatives like craft sticks and shapes, and later we’ll use an abacus. It, so far, is Grayson’s favorite part of our morning.
I’ve been amazed at how quickly all this is covered, and we’re done around 10:30 or 11 each morning, leaving the afternoons for work and projects around the house. I can see how flexible homeschooling is, and that’s the really wonderful part. My plan is to truly teach Grayson how to love learning and manage his time, so that one day, I’m more of a supervisor than anything else.
It’s been a crazy, fun, busy week, and I wanted to give you an update.
Because, well, you guys are awesome and I usually update you on everything.
Off to get ready for our Chalk Paint™ workshop in the a.m.!
Sounds like it will be an amazing journey. And, I think your kids will really enjoy all of the fun activities you’re planning.
I am curious about your decision to home school. Why you decided to do it and how much all the materials cost. I have been going back in forth in my mind about homeschooling my girls ages 6, 4, 2, 5 months. How old is Grayson?
Hold on to the One who brought you here and all will be possible, and amazing too! You are doing a wonderful job. It sounds so fun and exciting that I want to sit in! Your children are so blessed by the decision you have made. Have a great time, and keep the faith!!
Allison
I loved homeschooling. I think it helped my son to learn to actually THINK to learn rather than become a memorizer which as we know will only last so long… And it was during that 6 years that I developed my first business and it was a wonderful time for both of us and he and I (now he’s 17 and in his senior year of HS) are extremely close. It was hard…REALLY hard some days but I wouldn’t change a thing. I am so proud of you for be willing to devote your life to your kids this way. It will make a world of difference in his life. And thanks for your blog. I love it!
Candice
So many homeschooling this year! I wish you much success and enjoy this time with your little one 🙂
Kelli
Congrats on your decision to homeschool! I am a home school mom as well. Will you please tell me about the cabinets/shelves in the background of your photo? I’m working on setting up a more official home school space (our unused formal dining room).
Good luck to you homeschooling . That’s Something I would like to do but don’t think I have it in me to pull it off. Perhaps your updates will persuade me otherwise.
Yea! You found some of our favorites! We LOVED Right Start for the early years but once we got to level C It didn’t fit as well any more & we switched to Math Mammoth which is very similar in the way they group numbers. This year we are going to try Moving Beyond the Page. There will be hard times, just like parenting in general, but the rewards are well worth it. I found with my kids if they are resisting all it usually takes is to switch things up a bit. Do something differently, get out of the rut, try something new like unit studies or lap booking for a bit.
Best wishes!
As a retired teacher I can appreciate the work you are doing with your little ones. Literature-based was always my method of choice and the most fun for me as well as my students. Blessings to you as you strive to do the best for your children.
i am an EA (educational assistant) to a kdg. teacher. i can tell you your child is probably learning much more than the 26 kindergartners in one room all day! i bet they really have 2 hours of learning between lunch, recess, bathroom breaks, getting in line, sitting in rows (which takes 5 min.) the afternoon rest and the 15 min. to pack up!
things i would encourage are reading and writing, some kindergarteners cannot write their name! and calendar to learn numbers, order, days of the week etc! have fun, you can explore so many things!!
What do you do to keep Gray socialized with children his age? I love to home school, but my son needed the interaction with other children. He was very shy so I decided at the age 4 it was time and he went to a private preschool and then onto kindergarten at a public school. Literacy was and will be a big part of his class time. He is now going into 1st grade. I will agree the part I didn’t like was memorizing and cut out words. I agree their is something special and important behind picking up a book and reading and learning new words. I do that with both my kids. If my son is unsure of a word or its meanings we get a dictionary. My only concern is the socialization because we don’t have a lot of family and my friends are not in the same state.
This is so fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing your homeschooling stories with us. Can’t wait to read more.
I’m thrilled for y’all! Homeschooling was one of the best gifts that my parents gave me. 🙂 xoxo
Thank you, friend! It’s certainly been wonderful so far!
🙂
shaunna
Wishing you much success with the homeschooling!
I have no doubt you will do a phenomenal job because of who you are and Whose you are. And if I was anywhere near Grayson, I’d squeeze that boy to death! Soooooo cute!!!!! You are an inspirational person. Thankful to know you.
SO excited for you! We’ve home schooled for 11 years and have wrapped up the elementary leg of the journey. My youngest starts grade 9 in 2 weeks! It’s bitter sweet for me now, because I know it’s almost over. Never regretted it for a moment! My oldest is graduating this year from Culinary School, my middle is beginning University for the first time in a few weeks, but in a neat twist, she’s homeschooling it 🙂 And grade nine begins at home for the youngest. Having the attitude you do will bring you far, and let me tell ya, give yourself plenty of grace. Be good to you and the rest will follow. Sit in your Abba Daddy’s lap daily for a good read, a cuddle and a dose of Holy Spirit lovin. Girl, you so got this! Hugs!
Five in a Row! I may have to go read Mike Mulligan and reminiscence.
We have loved Five in a Row in our homeschool journey. There is a wonderful community over on the forums, you can get there from the FIAR website. Blessings on your new little homeschool! :0)
You make it all sound so fantastic! I am really struggling with my son and school right now, as he’s had some not-so-great run-ins with a 1st grade bully in the first week of school and has been so sad when he comes home every day. I just want to keep him home where he’s safe! I’m still really intrigued by home schooling – thanks for sharing it with us!
Home schooling is not popular in our part of the country (NY). I wonder about socializing your son. I also am interested in how you are able to work with him home. Do you have babysitters etc. I am looking forward to my kids going back to school in Sept. so I can tackle some chalk paint projects I have been dreaming of all summer ! Best of luck
Margaret S.
.
Hi:
Congratulations on your new endeavor. Homeschooling is not easy. Around here, its not popular at all, on the contrary, schools, private and public are so advanced and surrounded by Harvard and MIT students all the time.
I’m fascinated that its so popular in the Southern states and not in the NE.
I’m a school teacher and I’m curious as to the reasons a busy mom like you with a shop, paints to sell, and furniture to paint and sell would want a FIrst grader at home.
One of the issues that comes to mind is that childrent don’t learn just to read, write, and math, at school. THere are a lot of skills that teacher’s teach kids that students learn only from each other and by being with each other, thus, the comment about socialization, taking turns, helping each other, discipline, having lunch with your friends,
gymn, music, art, and the memories of school that will stay with you forever.
Personally, I admire your courage to do this, but I would like to know the reasons: did your son not liked his teacher or school? Did they teach in a way that you think you can do a better job than a certified teacher?
Blessings to you
Martha
Hi Martha,
I know what you mean…it is a lot. But, reasons are really about what we feel pulled to do. Grayson (and we) LOVED his teacher, and his school. Because my business and company involves strange hours and working from home, it actually works out well to have him here hanging out & we feel we get to spend more time with him. Secondly, I taught school way before I ever blogged. 🙂 And it makes me laugh about having a first grader at home…he’s our son & we love hanging out with him, so it’s been a lot of fun for all of us! He’s quite happy, and stays busy with sports, play dates, and being involved with our friends from church and neighborhood. We, of course, teach him the same things that a teacher would. It may not be what we do forever, but for now, we needed to try this. 🙂 Thanks for your interest & blessing…we appreciate the support!
🙂
shaunna
Hi Shaunna:
Thank you for responding, I was afraid maybe you got mad or something.
But I see that you have reasons for this. A home business is very demanding and it sounds like you want to spend time with him at home.
This is music to my ears, since so many parents are so involved in blogging and keeping booths, and selling paints that I think the home is like a second
place, since having a business at home takes over your life.
It sounds to me that you have your priorities right: meaning God, family, business. I think children are a gift from God and the more time that you spend with them the more you can teach them.
Again, I wish you lots of blessings while you teach your little one, and also
lots of blessings in your new business.
I wish I lived closer I would love to attend your classes. There are some classes where I live but I’m funny, I have to like to get to know my “teacher”,
love
Martha
Haha, I know what you mean, girl! Thank you for your sweet words–we’re having a wonderful, wonderful time with it already! And hate you can’t make it to the classes–one day, maybe.
🙂
shaunna
Good for you! I was home schooled from 3rd grade on and LOVED it! I honestly feel that I learned so much more than I would have in the public school system, and I have such a great relationship with my parents and siblings that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I’m glad that homeschooling is becoming more “mainstream” because I am totally homeschooling my children when its time. Back in my day, my parents were looked at as being totally crazy. The best part is how flexible it can be. It can easily work into the rest of life, esp with travel, jobs, etc.There will be days you’re frustrated and feel that it’s not worth it, but trust me it is and you can do it. Happy schooling!!! 🙂
P.S. My mom has recently starting blogging about our past home school experiences if you’re interested in reading. She was the district 2 director in Florida for the FPEA organization for many years.
http://evelo-family.blogspot.com/2012/08/your-kids-market-days-entrepeneurs.html
Oh and one more comment for your readers if that’s okay. The socialization is really not an issue as long as the parents make sure that their kids are involved in the community. I played city league sports, was in gymnastics, art classes, ballet, girl scouts, very involved in church, and part of a home school group. With our home school group, we would have classes taught by different parents in their specialties, had a soccer and kickball league and went on field trips. I volunteered at our local library and museum. When I was older, I was part of my churches youth group and had part time jobs. I was able to start at the local community college when I was 16. I went to HS football games with friends and 3 proms by the time I graduated. I took part in the FPEA home school graduation, which was awesome. I honestly do not feel that I missed out by not going to public school. It’s not saying the public school system is wrong, it works well for so many, but by homeschooling you can tailor your children’s learning to the child. When people find out that I was home schooled, they’re shocked that I’m so “normal”. Homeschooling is definitely not easy, but if the entire family is committed, it can be a wonderful way to learn and grow,
God bless on the homeschooling choice. I’ve been doing it for 16 years. There’s ups and downs and adjustments to make. At one point I called it my hobby. It sounds like you are enjoying it and cut out for it. Now I’m really at the stage where I can see that it was really worth all that trouble. My kids are now involved with all non-homeschooled kids in their outside activities and I can just say they really stand out in a crowd (in a good way) and mine are not the “weird” ones! I’m thrilled! Enjoy it and don’t let those “off” days get you down. It goes by WAY too fast.
Good luck to you. I home schooled my two girls through high school. Jokingly, I always say, “Homeschooling is for people with no grasp of reality.” Truly, I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s the hardest best thing I ever did. Now, my youngest is homeschooling her two boys. My best advice. “The worst day of home schooling is the better than the best day of ANY other schooingl. One day you will know what I’m talking about.
Hi Shaunna,
I met you briefly at Haven. I took your painting class! Anyway, I wanted to say that your son is very lucky to have a mom who will take the time from her own busy life to teach him. I’ve been homeschooling my sons for the past couple of years and we love it! We also do RightStart math and are involved in a local Classical Conversations homeschool group. I feel like it’s taken me the last couple of years to really find out what works best for us and to get the schedule down well. And now I’ve decided to start a blog, so I’m muddling through and trying to figure that out! Best of luck on your homeschooling journey. Love your blog!
I am new to your blog, and was so happy to stumble upon this entry. I am also a former teacher, and I decided to begin homeschooling my son last year. My 9 year old daughter is still in public school, but I have a feeling she will be joining us at home before long. I felt so inspired to read about your day, and particularly that you also manage to run a business! Wow! I look forward to reading more about your activities and adventure in homeschooling. I’ll be taking notes! : )
I just want to say that my parents homeschooled my sister and I our whole lives, but recently I gave up the charade and started referring to it as “unschooling”, just because it was so relaxed and flexible. My Mom doesn’t do well with time management! But she is really creative, like you, and I think that was a great part of our learning experience.
Good luck!
I’m a little behind on my blog reading, but I was so excited to see that you are homeschooling. We taught our children at home all the way through, and graduated my oldest this past spring. His sister will graduate next spring. There were hard days here and there,but over all it was a _wonderful_ thing for our family. We have a great relationship with our children and I can’t imagine anything “out there” that I would rather have had instead of this time with my children. I hope it is just such a blessing for you.
I’m so very happy for you guys! I am homeschooling my son as well. It is such a blessing! It wasn’t on my mind that I would be doing that at first either,but the Lord led me to it and I wouldn’t have it any other way! My son was begging me to start school early-he just loves it! I used to teach as well which I think opened my eyes up to some things. We have done FIAR as well and are currently doing the Charlotte Mason approach. Which is all about living books,narration,habit training,and having your education be part of your life and for it be rich and full. Ambleside online is a great resource for this. Just thought I’d mention it in case you had any interest in it.
Hi Shaunna. Good luck with everything, it sounds like a great start. My son has some right-brain delays, and I continue to think about homeschooling him as he grows. Right now, the “specials” at school make it worthwhile to go, but being able to teach him one on one and let him learn at his own pace may be necessary in the future. All the best to you and your family!