Well folks, we.are.crazy.
“Are you guys crazy?” That’s the question we’ve been asked more than once. With three kids—ages 10, 6, and 9 months—we’ve decided to homeschool the big kids this year.
The truth is, I’m not one of those moms who can’t wait for the school bus each August. I’m the mom who thanks God for one more day with my children.
A few years ago, I went through some unexplained health struggles and honestly thought I might not live much longer. I even had funeral plans written out—dramatic, I know. But that season shaped me. It gave me the perspective to live each day as if it could be my last. And on those last days, I want to be with my family.
I’m grateful for a husband who provides for us so that I can stay home. We prayed over whether we could afford homeschooling, it can be more expensive up front than public school, and God has provided in unexpected ways.
To be honest, I’ve been researching and training through different classes and seminars for years. I’ve dug deep into learning how to best support my daughter with dyslexia, but I was too hesitant to take the leap into full-time homeschooling. In the meantime, she has been blessed with a kind and patient teacher who has poured into her. For that, I’m so thankful.
For the last three years, God has been nudging me. Each time I’ve prayed, “Lord, I can’t do this,” or “Lord, let me be at peace with sending them to school so I can finally enjoy quiet days at home,” I’ve felt Him reply:
“Quit making excuses. I’ve got your back.”
And you know what? He’s never let me down before, and I don’t believe He will now.
This week I met with two dear friends who gave me insight and encouragement on curriculum choices, and it feels like confirmation that the time is now.
So, here we go! Here’s our plan for this school year (with links to the resources we’re using).
our Thankful Journals. Just jotting down
a few things that we’re thankful for in a notebook or planner.
(I cannot say enough about this book, very low distraction, and the lessons are simple and clear), Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, 1986 Fireside Edition, ISBN 0671631985
(sometimes we use this one too, just to reinforce a little).
. This boy is great at math! The reason I’m starting with the Kindergarten
B is that I want to review with him, before
pushing him on to 1st grade math.
I am confident that he could go right to the first grade level and do
just fine, but math is nothing to mess around with.
although we may give it a try for fun.
Grade
& First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind: Level 4 Instructor Guide
You do need both the workbook and instructor text, but don’t fret, the cost is worth it (and not too high, in my opinion). It is very detailed and no additional planning is required, just open the text and go!
her writing will be in the First Language Lessons as well, but this is one more way to encourage her to write and have fun doing it).
Tears Level 5. This girl loves cursive
so she will be doing both the print and the cursive this year.
Language Lessons as well. That said, I highly encourage more reading than just what is required in the book. We will be supplementing her reading curriculum with books from the library, magazines, & really
anything I can get her to read. Right now she’s really into the American Girl books. We will do unit studies as well as read books that also have a movie we can watch afterwards, because that’s pretty fun momma-daughter stuff!
It never hurts to review anyway.
She will just progress at a much quicker rate than her younger brother
with this subject.
Learning isn’t about being at some certain level, but about making
progress and gaining knowledge. Because of her dyslexia spelling is more difficult, but certainly not impossible by any means.
will supplement with Xtramath.com, Learning Wrap-Ups Introductory Math Kit
, flash cards, Math War Multiplication Game Cards
, and practical real-life math any time we can.
Here’s a peek at what we’ll be working on together this year:
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Bible – We’ll continue doing Dinner Time Devotions as a family. Each child has their own Bible, and I’ll encourage them to read it daily (at their own level). Between that, weekly Promiseland at church, and fun activities or online Bible games at home, I’m excited to see how God’s Word grows in their hearts.
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Geography – We’ll be using Road Trip USA to learn about the United States and study the presidents. I love that we’ll be able to weave in history and culture as we travel “state to state” through our lessons.
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Music, Art & PE – These are such natural parts of our family life. My oldest daughter adores art, my husband keeps us active, and music seems to fill our home every day. These subjects (and even some science!) will also be covered through the homeschool co-op we’ve joined. At home, we’ll still sprinkle in hands-on projects and experiments, because we love learning through doing.
I’ll be honest—the part that feels the most uncertain for me is creating a daily rhythm. I want to balance one-on-one time with each child while also helping them learn independence. I know it may take a little time to find our groove, but I trust we’ll settle into a rhythm that works for our family.
If you’re just starting out too, take heart—you don’t have to have it all figured out on day one. We’ll learn, adjust, and grow together.
Thanks for stopping by, and if you have questions or tips, I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
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