We are entering our 4th year of homeschooling. I have a 7th grader and Freshman this year.
I just finished our class chalkboard, for October, since we were finished with the September board early. I put on the monthly board, the month meaning, special events, historical birthdays, and holidays. I also put up the weekly SAT Vocabulary. They are tested on the vocabulary weekly and have activities that go with them. The bottom of the board has our Group Literature Assignment. This is the book we read together.
They each have their individual literature books, that they pick from a collection of classics.
Then, we have one we read together. The book we are reading right now is a short story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow...getting in the mood for Fall and Halloween. I love letting our literature correspond with our history or season. It makes it more interesting...and FUN!
My 7th grader is doing high school level science, reading, and vocabulary with his older brother, my Freshman. My son, the Freshman, is doing Sophomore or Junior level math, (depending on your school. I did algebra 2 as a Junior, but things have changed), and Senior level English.
Homeschooling means the grade level lines are blurred. Your children can work at "their pace"!
This is probably my favorite thing about homeschooling, and the hardest thing to get used too. But, when they struggle, you go over it until they get it. No one trying to get you to move quickly. And, if you move quickly...well, you can! No rules...you finish when you finish.
I love our curriculum this year. It really is tailored to their interests.
Preston, my Freshman, is REALLY interested in anything having to do with history, financial planning, and politics. He picked a lot of his classes this year...just like "regular" high school. For the last 3 years, I've let them have a lot of input in their studies, but there is still the cores studies, that aren't optional. This year, he has the choice of foreign language, and electives. I have found that this made him more enthusiastic and dedicated to his studies.
Landen, my 7th grader, is so easy going, but he had specific requests this year. He wanted to follow in his brothers studies with foreign language and science. This made my life easier and me one happy mom. Luckily he does really well in science, so this isn't a stretch.
Our daily routine is pretty simple. They have warm-up journaling for 10 minutes, handwriting practice in cursive for 10 minutes, (yes cursive...I believe handwriting is still important), and then they move on to their core subjects. ELA, Math, and Science. They do their electives next, and then we break for lunch. I read history and our group book at this time. They finish the day with guitar practice.
When I get asked about how to homeschool, the answer is "with flexibility". Like I mentioned before, we all learn differently, no one way is better. I do however, keep in line with the public and private schools. My boys want to go to college, and have certain colleges/universities in mind. This means I have to plan accordingly, for what those colleges/universities expect for their applicants, and incoming Freshman.
Research, Research, Research!
I love researching...pretty much anything, (I know, it's weird, but I do), and for me, it's fun to get ideas from other homeschooling parents, and teachers from all over. It really is fun to get new ideas on how to teach literature, history, art, etc. i have found so many inspirations on Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. Homeschooling ideas are everywhere!
I am very hands on, and I love real life stories that relate to our studies. I think it makes our studies more tactile and relatable. Therefore, the more ideas I can gather the better the learning experience.
For example, with our family living on a ranch/farm, it gives us so many opportunities to expand our learning. They have learned so much about financial planning, from how we run the ranch. They have learned how politics effects our ranch too, like the EPA, all the way to the IRS. They have learned animal husbandry, and buying and selling of our animals too.
I guess, what I'm trying to say, is everyday life teaches us so much. The key, is to pull from current events, environmental (ie. where you live, for history of agriculture and industry, and even holidays, (for their traditions and cultural, religious, and political history), etc., and relate them to your studies. It's really fun to watch the "light bulbs" go on. Then, your curriculum always stays interesting, challenging, and fun. Not to mention, if your kids have time to ask questions, they are always stretching their level of understanding. I find that I learn something new too. I LOVE THAT!
Thank you for letting me share our homeschooling adventure...which is always evolving.
One thing I've learned, is how amazing the homeschooling community is. Always sharing, caring, and supportive. So, if you are new to homeschooling, or just thinking about it, don't be afraid to go on-line, find a homeschooling community, and ask questions. They are always willing to help!
Happy Homeschooling!
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