Keeping our Homeschool Alive- New Curriculum and Resources

Welcome to day three of our 5 Days of Homeschooling Blog!  We are so glad you joined us.  It is my prayer that you will be blessed by the posts of all of those participating.  They are homeschooling moms just like you who have a heart for what they do.  Pull up a seat and stay a while- you might just make a new friend!

Yesterday we talked about the value of breaks but today we want to talk about the heart of homeschooling- Curriculum.  It's the one thing that can excite me and bring out dread all at the same time.  When I see moms posting in late July about choosing new curriculum I giggle because, I admit it, I started planning a year ago.  About two weeks after I have just begun the current year.  Yes, I am one of those people.

I love curriculum.  And I have a lot to prove it!  19 years worth and counting to be exact!

Unfortunately things I loved way back then are not always the best choices for the kids I am schooling now, and some things just get techno'ed out. (yes, I made that word up!)  But you get the point, I have disks that won't even run on newer computers and math instruction alone has changed a lot in the past 19 years!


We have to keep up in some ways!

How do I do it?

Appreciate what you have!
There are just some things that will never grow old.  I am saving my teddy bear counters and tangrams for my grand-kids someday.  Seriously!  Those manipulatives are worth their weight in gold and still teach just the same.  There are reading programs that have worked for us with all four kids and there are books that we will continue to read even if the cover has been taped back on for the umpteenth time.  Sometimes new and shiny just doesn't matter.  If you have something tried and true, keep it, use it, and appreciate it.

Keep an open mind!
Yes, some things are just easier to use because we have before and there is no learning curve involved.  BUT... in this day and time technology can be helpful.  While my first instinct is to run from all kinds of technology, I have to remember that is MY instinct, not that of my children.  In addition, I would be doing them a disservice if I did not at least expose them to new things.

Think outside the box!
There was a day in time where taking college classes before you were in college was unheard of.  Or doing an internship at age 16.  Or CLEPing college classes for credit or even taking a GAP year.  But nowadays, those ideas and many more are a normal thing for students, homeschooled and public alike.  There is no one set way to teach or to learn.  Find what works for your family and pave the way to your child's success!

Re-evaluate each year!
We pray about our decision to homeschool every year.  We do not take this decision for granted or lightly.  I expect you do not either.  We also do not take lightly our curriculum choices.  Yes, I am blessed because my job is now working under The Old Schoolhouse Magazine with their Homeschool Review Crew, and because of that I see a lot of curriculum go across my desk.  But there are other ways for you to do the same.  Attend a conference, browse homechool magazines, or find veteran homeschoolers like me who love to have the opportunity to share what we have!  If you see something works better than others don't be afraid to change.  Even if it is in the middle of the year.  Don't waste your time on what doesn't work- it's not worth it.  Re-evaluate your needs and move on.

There is no shortage of curriculum and resources out there for homeschoolers.  When you keep an open mind, think outside the box and re-evaluate each year, you are bound to find the perfect fit for your family!  Got questions?  Ask!  If I haven't used it, I bet I know someone who has! ;)


Blessings,

Keeping Your Homeschool Alive- The Value of Taking a Break

Welcome back to day two of our 5 Days of Homeschooling Blog Hop.  If you missed yesterday's introduction, we would love for you to take a minute to catch up!

Today, let's chat for a minute or two about taking breaks.  I am ALL about breaks.  I mean, after 19 years I deserve a break, right?

Let's start with what a break is.  One definition I found was "A pause in work or during an activity."  The pause part kind of got me hung up for a while, and I had to really think about that wording.  I was going to talk to you about BIG breaks, not just a pause.  It also got me thinking that there are several kinds of breaks, and we homeschooling moms probably need them all at one time or another.

HOURLY BREAKS- You know, those times that tensions are high, tears are bound to happen at any moment (yours, not theirs), and mom just needs to cry uncle for a few minutes.  Sometimes we just need to take a few minutes to stop and regroup.  Through the years I have found those are the times I need to push back from the table, maybe grab a hand of a little one and pray.  When we get frustrated, when things don't go the way the lesson plan shows, or when kids just are not behaving the way we think they should, the best break we can have is a quick time of prayer.  Not only does it re-position our heart, but it is a good visual reminder to our kids that we are human and that we too need God and His guidance.

MONTHLY BREAKS- I think public school teacher conferences are ingeniously and strategically placed in between holidays!  Have you ever noticed they seem to automatically have at least a day or two off each month for something?   That is just smart planning.  We all need time to rest, play, and recharge!  Over the past few years we adopted a Sabbath Week Schooling Schedule in which we aim to school for 6 weeks and then take a week off.  Sometimes I have to fudge the exact timing with holidays or a college child's plans, but the point is, we do take some time off every so often to rest and lesson plan.  The kids need it and I need it.

YEARLY BREAKS- Sometimes we just need to celebrate and enjoy family.  However that looks to you.  Whether it is a stay-cation with popcorn and movie nights or a lavish vacation to a deserted island (please sign me up) your family needs you!  They need one-on-one parenting time, love, and attention outside of tests and quizzes.  Years ago we made the decision to save money each month towards a yearly family vacation.  Best. Decision. Ever!  Some years are quieter than others, but all have been opportunities to make memories and to rest from the pressures of school and everyday life.

No matter what kind of break you need today, rest assured they are all needed at some point.  The opportunity to come back and start fresh, whether after a minute of prayer, a week to lesson plan,  or a time to just relax and have some fun, is an opportunity worth taking!

Go ahead, give yourself a break!

Blessings,