But January also holds the Virtual Curriculum Fair which I have had the privilege of participating in as well. For a homeschoolers, there are no teacher's workshops or in-house training sessions to revive us and give us new ideas. But the 2017 VCF is kind of like that. With just the click of your mouse you get to peek into fellow homeschoolers' lives, get some new ideas, be inspired, and be refreshed.
Trust me, come January, I need ALL of those things!
From Jan 2- Jan 30th we are going to get to do just that! Each week will have a specific theme to explore. You can visit all the links that are provided for you as well as have a chance to write your own post and link up with us if you wish!
Consider it your in-house workshop and enjoy!
So let me introduce myself to you this week if you are new here!
We have been homeschooling for 18 years! Nope, that is not a misprint- 18 years! Our oldest (in the red dress) graduated from college two years ago and owns Ashton's Attic, a customized t-shirt quilt business. Our 19 year old (in the green dress) is a sophomore in college in Mississippi. Both girls duel-credited their last two years of high school via online classes, and entered college as sophomores, therefore graduating early. Our oldest son is a freshman in high school, and the "baby" of the family is a 4th grader.
We are pretty eclectic when it comes to curriculum. Because I am a reviewer with Homeschool Review Crew for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, we are blessed with many different products and end up using most of them. The problem is usually that there is not enough time and not enough children to use it all! ;)
We school year round most of the time, typically schooling for 6 weeks and then taking a week off, 6 weeks and then a week off, etc. We enjoy several weeks off in December and school on a lighter schedule in the summer months. With our one daughter away at school, we now take breaks when she has them.
Most days you will find me snuggled on the couch with the 9 year old, Colby, doing school, with Salem at a nearby table working independently. Quite a different environment from when I was schooling four kids at the same time, but I am trying to embrace this phase of our lives. In the blink of an eye, I know they will all be off in different directions!
The glory of homeschooling?
There is no right or wrong way to school.
There is no right or wrong curriculum.
There is no right or wrong schedule.
Just a lot of moms and dads, doing their best to love their children and educate them to the best of their ability. Not all days are easy, but all days are worth it!
Want to read more?
Your lovely VCF host is Susan @ Homeschooling Hearts & Minds!
I invite you to see how my fellow bloggers learn in their homeschools (note: all posts will be live by noon EST, Jan. 2nd):
The Evolution of Our Homeschool by Susan @ Homeschooling Hearts & MindsLaura @ Four Little Penguins
Setting the Stage- the 2017 Virtual Curriculum Fair! by Lisa N. @ Golden Grasses
New Year, New Goals, New School! by Amanda H @ Hopkins Homeschool
Homeschooling - A Glimpse into How We Do it by Joelle @ Homeschooling for His Glory
Spotlight on How We Learn in Our Homeschool by Laura @ Day by Day in Our World
Our Unique Eclectic Homeschool by Jennifer @ A Glimpse of Our Life
How We Learn on the Go by Jacquelin @ A Stable Beginning
Home Education - 10 Ways We Make It Work by Lizzy @ Peaches At Home
Kim @ Good Sweet Love
Education at Our House by Shecki @ Greatly Blessed
Starting the Day Well by Sarah @ Delivering Grace
Making a Change - Accountability and Responsibility Through Routine by Lori H @ At Home: where life happens
A time to be encouraged is coming.. the Virtual Curriculum Fair by Annette @ A Net in Time
Loving the Moment! by Jen K @ A Peace of Mind
Keeping Our Homeschool Organized by Christy @ Unexpected Homeschool
Homeschool Goal Setting – Looking Forward, Looking Back by Kristen @ Sunrise to Sunset
How We Choose Curriculum by Brittney @ Mom's Heart
This Is How We Homeschool by Kym @ Homeschool Coffee Break
How we don't learn in our homeschool & how I don't plan {2017 Virtual Homeschool Curriculum Fair} by Meghan @ Quiet in the Chaos
Learning Our Way by Lisa @ McClanahan 7
Limping Along: Our Semi-Eclectic Approach to Homeschooling by Debra @Footprints in the Butter
2017 Virtual Curriculum Fair: See How We Learn by Dana L @ Luv'N Lambert Life
An InLinkz Link-up
Join us next week, Jan. 9th for Playing with Words- The Language Arts!
Blessings!
Join us next week, Jan. 9th for Playing with Words- The Language Arts!
Blessings!
Welcome! Follow our family of 6 on our military moving, God loving, homeschool adventure! We are honored you have joined us and look forward to hearing from you.
Michele I can't wait to get advice from a trusted, experienced homeschool mama!
ReplyDeleteI just checked out Ashton's Attic . . . love her work!!
What a beautiful picture of your family! I hear you on the "no wrong way" but I still question if I'm homeschooling the right way. We are also down to two in our homeschool now.
ReplyDeleteLove this, "Just a lot of moms and dads, doing their best to love their children and educate them to the best of their ability. Not all days are easy, but all days are worth it!" It's so true. Thank you for joining the VCF, Michele! :)
ReplyDeleteThe years do go by so fast and it is sad to think about the day when our homeschool will be finished.
ReplyDeleteYou have such a beautiful family. <3
ReplyDelete