HMJ: If I Knew Then What I Know Now part 2

Is summer bursting rays of temptation through the windows of your homeschool this week?  I know it is through mine!  We are due for some fabulous weather during the first half of the week, certainly making even the ONE class we have left difficult to focus on!  However, knowing we are almost-done, drives us forward to finish strong!

As mentioned last week, I'm doing a series this month on lessons I have been reflecting upon as I prepare for Senior year of my last student.  It is hard to believe we have zipped from elementary school, math facts and puppet shows.... to finals, SATs and graduation party planning!  DON'T BLINK!

It was easy to plug-ahead with more 'students' still coming down the pipe.  However, with my last one casting her gaze to the future, I find myself reflecting on the past and remembering how the helpful thoughts of veteran homeschool parents encouraged me over the years... some advice I yielded to and other advice I did not. Discretion... I didn't always use it to my best, but I did my best to use it well!  Which leads me to this week's theme

If I Knew Then What I Know Now... About Homeschool Style

If you homeschool, or are considering homeschooling, than you know there is an overwhelming amount of information out there on the different styles of homeschooling.  From Traditional to Classical... from Charlotte Mason to UnSchooling... from co-op to on-your-own... and variations in-between, including a combination of all the above under "Eclectic".  It can be hard to pick JUST ONE STYLE when so many often sound great and are just as equally billed as the "best" choice for you and your student(s).

Don't despair though.

#1 - Yes, know the different styles of homeschooling.

It doesn't mean you need to follow every.single.one.  And, no, your student will not fail if you pick what you fear is the "wrong" style!  But first, do a simple Internet search and grab a quick synopsis of each style.  Read a little deeper on the ones that interest you most.  As you dig, take note of:

• Style Strengths
• Style Weaknesses
• Teacher requirements (and weigh this out if you are teaching more than one kiddo at a time)
• Student requirements
• Materials necessary
• Cost of Materials necessary (and does it fit your budget)

You don't need to stress about the choice, but you do need to be fair and honest of what is required of you and your kids if you are going to hook into a good fit.

 

#2 - The best way to choose is...

First, prayer!  Pray over how God would have you homeschool.  You may, logically, know what is strategically best... but spiritually, God knows what the future holds for your time to teach and the needs of your children (and your family as a whole).  Invite God to impassion you for His course of action.  Then, secondly, consider your kids' learning styles.  Knowing how they best learn (and being realistic on if they are ready to learn) will help you narrow down a program or programs which will work best for all of you.

#3 - There is no "bad choice" in choosing your homeschooling style!

I will admit, there may be some choices which are better for your family than others.  However, it isn't about what style you stick to in your homeschool... it is about whether or not you and your kids are moving forward in learning! 

#4 - When more than one style of homeschool seems necessary.

Out of 4 kids I have 4 very different types of learners.  This is not uncommon.  This is also why I considered our homeschool style "Eclectic".  There is also the adaptation approach: taking the style you feel Led to use in your homeschool and adapting it for the various ages/grades/learning styles.  My ADHD student may loathe workbooks while my traditional analytical one can't get enough.  I may teach a lesson and set my traditional to task with text while jumping into some hands-on interactive activity with my ADHD.  

#5 - Dash the label.

Others will ask: "What curriculum do you use?" or "What homeschooling style do you follow?"  It is OK to say "Eclectic" or "Classical with some Charlotte Mason thrown in".  It is also OK to say, "We never thought to label our style."  I think we ask this of each other because we are curious... just like the unknowing public... "What does your homeschool day look like?" or "How is that working for you?" ...but that doesn't mean there is anything wrong if you can't 'label' it!

#6 - Own your choice.

I could put that statement on repeat and make that my ONE message to all homeschooling moms out there.  It is easy to feel like we are failing our kids or like, if we don't do this homeschool style thing just right we will be messing up big time: letting our kids down, our husband down, and looking bad to society as a whole.  Box that idea. 

When we first started homeschooling, years of my own public school attendance coupled with the 9 years my kids had collected to that point, made me feel like I HAD to to "School-at-home" complete with circle time, tight schedule, and desk-type settings.  The only good learning, I mistakenly thought, came from text books and work books and pop quizes.

At one point I was turned onto the idea of Charlotte Mason (CM).  After devouring books and articles on the topic I decided  I loved her method of teaching but still couldn't figure out how to mesh it into my starched idea of what school was... or keep-up the image to those around me that we really were learning.  I couldn't understand then how positively valuable and diverse the CM style was so we only adopted certain points.

If I knew then what I know now, we would have jumped into the CM method with both feet!  But as it is, I was afraid to own my choice.  I worried more about one way of learning and what others thought instead of seeing this great possibility God presented me.

#7 - Keep Moving Forward

Don't regret.  Also, don't be afraid to make changes as you see they are needed.  It is OK to say, "We did Classical last year but we are trying CM this year..." or any other variation which strike your fancy.  Just don't stop... keep on moving and trying and trusting.  You DO got this!  

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Do you have any homeschooling style tips you have found useful over the years (even if you haven't been at it very long)? 

Blessings,

You can click here to see some of the great blogs I am linking up today ...

Are you looking for something to help you organize your curriculum scouting for the next school year?  My newsletter for May contained a FREE downloadable PDF packet of printables designed to help you collect your thoughts!  When you sign up with my FREE e-newsletter I will send you May's issue containing this and other great material attached!  Information below....

*Are you subscribed to my newsletter?  You might want to be.  Why?  Well, the newsletter contains bonus material you won't find on the website... not to mention, in those busy months when I can't get regular blog articles up, you can count on this periodical popping up in your email in-box each last Thursday with all new content!  What exactly does the newsletter contain?

• Encouraging articles on Faith, Home(making), and Homeschool
• Free printables under different themes each month
• Insider info on the latest goings-ons with all things on my blog and writing related

You won't find all this great bonus material on the blog so be sure to sign up so you don't miss out!  It's Ok, hop over real quick, right there to your right, see it on my sidebar where it says, "Subscribe to my Newsletter" with a  picture of the "Faith and Home Times" logo above it?  Ok, now enter your email in the box labeled "email address" then click "Subscribe"....(don't worry, it doesn't hurt and I promise not to spam you!). You should receive a confirmation email from me.  

I look forward to sharing Faith and Home Times with you!!

HMJ: If I Knew Then What I Know Now part 1

Our homeschool year is quickly approaching it's finish.  Yes, we break for summer (should I have bumper stickers made?).  In our early years of homeschooling we would pause because all the public schooled neighborhood kids were out and playing (back when kids played outside all summer) and my kids begged to join... then our added incentive came when realizing how much we all enjoyed a pause from the monotony of daily lessons and schedules.

I believe this year has been quite deserving of a break.  What with all the house problems and repairs on top of the unexpected juggling act Junior year has proven to be: friend woes, finding her way about 16, and now a job working almost 30 hours a week.... break time in-deed, and our last one at that.

The biggest loop for me this year came when Brooke began to talk about starting full-time college in the fall under the "Dual Enrollment" program many districts around the country have.  For those who are not familiar: you enroll in college class as a high schooler and enjoy earning credit for both your high school diploma AND college degree.  An added bonus is that most colleges will give high school students reduced tuition.  I have heard of many students who graduate high school while also collecting an Associates from college in the same month!

We wanted to be supportive and encouraging so, naturally, we led the march toward admissions and prep, all the while my heart was aching.  I had expected to enjoy one more year with her before sending her into the world and/or higher academia.  I looked forward to the lessons we would share and the time to savor those last morsels of teaching after well over 20 years.  Suddenly the scope of time seemed magnified before me: all the years, the lessons, the successes, the failures... knowing I would miss the great times while also lamenting the things I wish I had done differently/better.

Suddenly, this month's Homeschool Mother's Journal series was birthed!

Brooke has since changed her mind and decided to wait and think on the direction she wants to go post-grad.  As it is, she will be collecting her diploma a year sooner than her peers, I think she wants to be certain on where she goes from there.  The scope of homeschooling years past is still before me though and I pray this month's weekly reflections will encourage you as you homeschool (or consider it)....

If I Knew Then What I Know Now... About Curriculum

1. Respect the Basics.
I'm an outside-the-box, blaze my own path, why do twice what you can do just as well once, kind of gal!  If I am raw and honest here: I began homeschooling amidst some bitterness and resentment for the public school system.  Let me explain....

I taught my own kids during their preschool years, mostly, and then volunteered at the elementary school in and out of their classes so much that I was asked to stay and sub.  After a fashion that is just what I did as an interim art teacher for a year!

While studying for my degree in Early Childhood Education, Ashley (my second oldest, then in 4th grade) was officially diagnosed as ADHD, ranking rather high on the spectrum.  In the same testing series, Brenden (my second youngest, then 2nd grade) was found to be severely dyslexic and dysgraphic.  I've also since suspected him to have Audio Processing Delay (APD) which gives an added layer of challenges in hearing and processing information, a skill necessary for bustling classrooms.

One would assume the school was going to step up and accommodate their needs... but they didn't.  Instead, even after 4+ years of good behavior in the school system, Ashley was labeled as a "bad kid" and suddenly found herself being bullied... by the teachers and administrators, alongside a few classmates simply because she had trouble sitting still or behaving "normal".  Brenden's newly minted teacher showed her lack of accommodation and compassion when she would punish him for turning his book sideways so he could better read and for not being able to copy  from the board. Both the kids were held in from recess for their inability to conform.  I worked as closely with the teachers as I could but when I refused meds for Ashley, the school counselor YELLED at me and things went form bad to worse!  No exaggeration.  Something had to change.

God had been laying on my heart to begin homeschooling early on.  I didn't really head the call until my oldest was in 8th grade though.  Youngest (Brooke) was preschool age and, amidst the turmoil of the middle two, hubby and I agreed the decision was long over-due.  While my oldest was academically advanced (and the teachers refused to challenge him, another sore spot which added to my frustration with the system), he still desired to stay among friends, band and sports involvement so we allowed it... but the rest came home.

In this climate I began researching curriculum which would best benefit the younger three's learning styles but, what I hated, was sooooo much repetition and the memory of how the public school had been doing things.  Honestly, I fumbled for the first year or two.  As a matter of fact, all through elementary school I felt a bit rebellious against customary avenues and decided not to "force" my kids to be experts at math facts, spelling, or other, what I deemed, starched academics.

We did do some workbooks... sort of.  We had writing projects... kind of.  We did math facts... inconsistently.  Not only was I battling the bitterness against the system, but I was also trying desperately to meet my kids' individual special needs on a shoestring budget when my husband got laid off a month before we started homeschooling.

When I look back on those early years, I see a mixture of fun hands-on projects and depressing mommy moments when I felt like I was failing my kids.  But I know now, I wasn't.

What we did well: We kept moving forward.  Some days it may have been through PBS or Magic School Bus or reading piles of library books together.  Others, we played educational games, built with Kinex, conducted simple science experiments or just went for long explorative walks.  I put together a healthy stash of hands-on activities to help address Brenden and Ashley's needs in the learning process... Brooke loved following behind.  We read A LOT.  We displayed everything: terms, their work, nature walk finds, and other educational materials. We had a system and a schedule, we didn't always stick to it, but we always came back to it. We searched out information whenever we were curious. Simply put, we lived in learning mode.  We were truly eclectic homeschoolers.

What we could have done better: If I knew then how helpful being whizzes at math facts and having a firm understanding of the writing process would make them more readily successful now... I would have prioritized it better.  As it was, with my insecurities and resentment towards institution at the time, we weren't as consistent as we should have been... in a lot of things... and I underestimated the power of these basics.

I also wouldn't have caved to their complaining when they didn't 'feel like' school and pushing through in these often monotonous core tasks.  Yes, elementary years are easy years to make up lost time in... but that time goes fast and, before you know it, there is more make-up needed and not enough time to catch-up in.  Does that make sense?

I feel, ideally, kids should start the Middle School years with the various basics well in place: steady on math facts, effective in spelling deduction, reading as well as they are able and comfortable writing. 

Don't get me wrong, now that they are older my kids are capable in academics and know all the basics, but I feel they would be better rooted in them, more confident and also comfortable sticking to their lessons now if I had held them to the process then... even when it seemed repetitive or like the last thing any of us felt like doing that day!

2. Be consistent
I'm not here to tell you what curriculum is best... that is an individual choice... but I can say, whatever you pick, try to be consistent.  There will be distractions from time to time.  However, there needs to be a spring-back point and a push to keep-at-it.  It was easy to give up on curriculum or be inconsistent when it got hard or boring or they didn't 'feel like it'.  Yet, asking them to follow through and modeling the need to keep-at-it goes beyond curriculum.  It creates a useful habit for all of life!


What we did well: We had a good come-back point.  We weren't so great at it those first two years, but we did improve with time.  I began keeping their lessons in a list format vs. a day-to-day format.  The day-to-day seemed to get thrown off if we missed one subject or one day.  Before we knew it, we couldn't seem to find our place in the hodge-podge of offness and would often digress or give up.  With a list format of each lesson set out for each subject, we could pick up where we left off the last time... even if one subject got done when another subject didn't.  (I keep a binder with separated lesson plan sheets for Math, History, Grammar and so on.  Think of it like having individual shopping lists for grocery, hardware and the craft store.  You don't shop all the items at once in one place, rather, as you get to each place you shop the items on that list.)

What we could have done better: Even with the lists, I was often with the kids on not wanting to push-through.  I should have led the march on consistency in getting the work done... and on sticking with curriculum that was working even when it seemed boring!!

3. What Curriculum to Buy 
I know I said I wasn't going to recommend specifics, and I am not!  As mentioned, we were on a shoestring budget for many of our homeschooling years.  I couldn't afford Teaching Textbooks or the latest greatest microscope.  I became the master of hodge-podge curriculum which was often gifted to me or found in free bins.  Anything I did buy, I was very particular about since money was tight and materials had to meet the eclectic needs of my varied students.  As a result, whatever curriculum you choose, here is my much reflected upon list of dos and don'ts:

DO...

• use any math curriculum that works for your family; new, used, etc.  Mathematics is timeless and older curriculum will not affect your student's learning curve.
• find curriculum or an outline for Language Arts that fits your family; new, used, etc; and follow it (even when it gets boring!) Like math, L.A. is timeless and also lays critical groundwork for later on.  Brand New material is not necessary but consistency in following it will be more academically profitable.
• make good use of YouTube for ALL subjects!  You can learn a new language, study cell biology, get math tutoring tips and so much more... and it is FREE!
• use quality free resources whenever it suits your family because....

DON'T...

• think money = good education.  Studies have shown that the amount of money you spend on curriculum really doesn't make your kid(s) smarter!  In that same note....
• feel like you have to have the latest greatest science (or any other subject) equipment.  Any instruments will do, see the YouTube recommendation above!
• buy used or older than the last 5 years history/geography curriculum.  Archeology is constantly adding deepened value to the historical narrative, not to mention, regular change in modern policy shifts borders and governments quite often.  The big-name players of today are often old news within 5 years when new leaders and policies rise.  We are currently using 1998 BJU Geography and it has made me realize I need to update for next year as I KNOW so much has changed in the last 20 years and, sadly, our dated curriculum on this subject is falling short.
• buy science curriculum that is too dated either.  Like History, even creation science is advancing and revealing so much more depth to our understanding of the world around us at break-neck speed. You can usually get by a little longer on old science books but do keep an eye on their dating and relevance to current scientific topics and advances.

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There is so much more I could draw out from the depth of past years homeschooling eclectically, but here I will pause and plan to return and share more next week... so tune back in!

How has your school week/year been?  Are you taking a summer break? What tips do you have from your experiences in homeschooling (even if you haven't been at it very long!)

Blessings,

You can click here to see some of the great blogs I am linking up today ...

Are you looking for something to help you organize your curriculum scouting for the next school year?  My newsletter for May contained a FREE downloadable PDF packet of printables designed to help you collect your thoughts!  When you sign up with my FREE e-newsletter I will send you May's issue containing this and other great material attached!  Information below....

*Are you subscribed to my newsletter?  You might want to be.  Why?  Well, the newsletter contains bonus material you won't find on the website... not to mention, in those busy months when I can't get regular blog articles up, you can count on this periodical popping up in your email in-box each last Thursday with all new content!  What exactly does the newsletter contain?

• Encouraging articles on Faith, Home(making), and Homeschool
• Free printables under different themes each month
• Insider info on the latest goings-ons with all things on my blog and writing related

You won't find all this great bonus material on the blog so be sure to sign up so you don't miss out!  It's Ok, hop over real quick, right there to your right, see it on my sidebar where it says, "Subscribe to my Newsletter" with a  picture of the "Faith and Home Times" logo above it?  Ok, now enter your email in the box labeled "email address" then click "Subscribe"....(don't worry, it doesn't hurt and I promise not to spam you!). You should receive a confirmation email from me.  

I look forward to sharing Faith and Home Times with you!!

Proverbs 31 and Where Focus Should Be

Life, as a stay-at-home, is a juggling act.  It is comical to me when people snub their noses at the profound job of caring for home and family... as if "wife" and "mom" just don't carry enough weight to justify the air we breathe.  I think this is why Proverbs 31 is so important to women, not as a check-list of all the hard-to-reach places, rather, as inspiration for all the possibility and impact of our 'position'.

Lately I have cycled back to a place of struggling.  My home isn't as nice as hers... my kids aren't learning the awesome things those kids are... my voice doesn't matter in the din of so many others... my work as a wife and mother caring for her home doesn't make a difference... you know the mantra, don't you?

I want to say I have broken the Comparison Trap but, truth is, I don't think that trap is ever broken.  We may tip-toe around it or ignore it for a season, however, the cycle always comes back around to that place where we find ourselves caged in comparison again. This past week, though, God was merciful in helping me see truth...

First, I stumbled upon a woman whose house had been featured in a favorite magazine of mine.  She was giving a virtual tour of her vintage abode... with some side remodel projects going on, missing thresholds, messy piles and all!  I barely recognized her videoed home compared to the one the magazine had colorfully featured.  Suddenly my eyes were wide open: we aren't that different!  Her house may be bigger but the walls were filled the same as mine: with carefully curated heart-felt belongings, life, and the people we love.  Matching furniture and perfectly placed trinkets on every surface were NOT her main-stay, but her house looked like a HOME I would love visiting. I felt tremendously encouraged watching her comfortably take viewers through her less-than-perfect yet still beautiful rooms and halls and realizing how my home had it's own flow and beauty, in it's own right!!

Then, while linking up last week's Homeschool Mother's Journal article I 'met' a homeschool high school mom doing things much the same as we do.  Not the big, fancy, curriculum I see so many devouring with enjoyment... but rather the simple little things which go a bit off the beaten path while still accomplishing the same goals.  I had NEVER seen another homeschool high school family take this particular approach before and the inspiration lifted my heart beyond measure!  I quit lamenting over what wouldn't work for us and, instead, kept plugging forward with all that did!

At this point I had to sit back on my heals and really take it all in... SEE the comparison I was slipping into and then remembering the Proverbs 31 Wife and a very particular passage which began to speak deeply to me:

She looks well to the ways of her household 

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Proverbs 31:27

Who's household does she look to the ways of?  HERS... not her neighbor's or the woman at market, nor was she concerned about the household of the leader's wife.  Nope... just hers... and not that she wasn't benevolent towards others, Proverbs 31 also teaches about her compassion towards those around her.  What I am pointing out is how she isn't wrapped up in comparison, rather,  she is focused on her own sphere of influence and ability... not other's.

From this sphere, Proverbs 31 chronicles a great many things she dabbles in and, as mentioned, while it is not about a laundry list of to-dos, it is about her dedication to get things done well.  How do we know they are done well?

Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

Proverbs 31:28

While it isn't about the accolades of mankind when we set to doing the work God has for us, I do believe the response of our family is a small treasure God gives us here on earth for a job well done.  Our husbands aren't going to praise us for keeping house like our dearest friend... nor are our children going to call us "blessed" because we hit the mark like Jimmy's mom.  No, our families feel our love and hard work when we are focused on our own household and the God who rules over it all... they know it is not a competition, rather, it is the joyful surrounding of the bubble we call HOME.  Our family blesses and praises because our eyes are on them and our household, not others.

I pray, wherever you are today, whether standing in the comparison trap or happily walking away from it, that you are able to confidently and joyfully keep your eyes on your household as you care for the hearts of the ones you love.

Blessings,

All this month I will be doing a series, in honor of Mother's Day and all the hard-working women out there, covering verses from Proverbs 31.  If you are interested in studying this well-known section of scripture with me, sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter and I will send you May's edition with the P31 study attached!  Info below....

*Are you subscribed to my FREE monthly newsletter?  You might want to be.  Why?  Well, the newsletter contains bonus material you won't find on the website... not to mention, in those busy months when I can't get regular blog articles up, you can count on this periodical popping up in your email in-box each last Thursday with all new content!  What exactly does the newsletter contain?

• Encouraging articles on Faith, Home(making), and Homeschool
• Free printables under different themes each month
• Insider info on the latest goings-ons with all things on my blog and writing related

You won't find all this great bonus material on the blog so be sure to sign up so you don't miss out!  It's Ok, hop over real quick, right there to your right, see it on my sidebar where it says, "Subscribe to my Newsletter" with a  picture of the "Faith and Home Times" logo above it?  Ok, now enter your email in the box labeled "email address" then click "Subscribe"....(don't worry, it doesn't hurt and I promise not to spam you!). You should receive a confirmation email from me.  

I look forward to sharing Faith and Home Times with you!!