How I Homeschool - Ebook

by The Old Schoolhouse

Have you ever wondered how other homeschoolers arrange their days and fit everything in? I do all the time! How I Homeschool takes a close look as 12 families share about their homeschooling journeys.

Each family is different and in different situations. It is amazing to me how many different ways there are to schedule a day! Finding what works for your family is the key, but it sure is nice to see what others are doing.....maybe you will find something that works BETTER for you.

Some of the contributing families use box curriculums. Some are "relaxed eclectic". Some have one or 2 children....some have 8. There are families that are just beginning their homeschooling journeys and a couple that have one or both parents that were homeschooled themselves! If that isn't "proof in the pudding" I don't know what is!

I always gain something from reading about the schedules of others. It always helps me to tweak mine. I laughed as I read about 2 families that didn't start their day until 10:00 a.m. That wouldn't work for us, but it reminds me that every one is different and there isn't a "wrong" way to homeschool.

As we went through our state-testing this past week I have realized that homeschooling is such a wonderful way to teach your children. Even though I see where I have went wrong with Lee (and learned from my mistakes - I hope) he did fantastic on his tests....above grade level on most things. If I made mistakes (and there were many) and he still did well, what does that say if I manage to get everything right next time? Homeschooling is such a wonderful way to interact and cement information for children. If you feel bogged down by the process or just need some fresh ideas for your school in the fall, head over to the TOS store and check out How I Homeschool. It should be available for purchase soon!

Update

Testing went well. Lee tested at or above grade level for everything. I was worried for nothing. LOL I was a statistic touter for years, but let me tell you, it is different when it is your child being tested. The what-ifs just keep coming. Lee is very excited to be entering Jr. High. I am excited for him, although I will miss him dreadfully while he is gone. We drove by the school today and I am hoping for a meeting with the principal before registration. Many thanks to my commenter.....I appreciate your view and experiences.

Changes

I hate change. However, our family is currently undergoing a very difficult change. It is a change that has been a couple of years in the coming and although I am hesitant to make it, my mother's heart knows that he is ready.

Lee will be going to public school next year. Tomorrow I will take him to be tested (a requirement in our district for any homeschooler entering public school). We will need to meet with the school's principal. Registration is in July. School starts Aug. 18th.

I would homeschool my children all the way through their school years and be blissfully happy. However, I am not able to provide the sports opportunities that my children (all boys) yearn for. Lee loves football so he will be playing in a junior league this fall. I think that he is also interested in playing in the concert band.

Greg and Bear will still be home with me for a few more years :) I can't bear to part with all of them yet. I think that although difficult at first, Greg will benefit by being able to develop his interests without the overbearing presence of his brother.

Lee and I have had some personality conflicts this year. I think we may be too much alike. Norman thinks that I don't like him very much, but that isn't true. I love him very much and I want the very best for him. I will always be here to help and guide him along the way. I am so proud of him and the deliberation he took to make this decision. He didn't make it lightly. He knows what he is giving up by being gone during the day but he is ready to spread his wings a little. It is time.

So, if you think of it, pray for us this summer. I am hopeful that the transition will be smooth. I am praying that we will enjoy this summer together. I am looking forward to what exciting things God has in store for us this year.

Hello!

Don'tcha just wish I would get with the program and post more often? Me too! Our internet has been wacky over the last few days and the weather has been so beautiful that we have been outside most of the time.

I weeded the potatoes and onions yesterday and planted tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, okra and a sweet potato today. Maybe there will be a garden after all!

Poor Norman had to fix the fridge today. We had a terrible water line leak but it was external (looked like a mouse bite - Where's Tiger???) but he got it fixed up quick and was still able to go to the lake this afternoon with the older boys. His PT is going well, although I am beginning to wonder about these people....they keep saying 2 more weeks, 2 more weeks - they started that 4 weeks ago and he is looking at 2 more weeks at least. We are thankful for insurance!

I finished a beautiful wrap that I was knitting on and am making good headway on the lone sock. I found a pattern for a hood that I want to make but first I have some baby knitting to do. My brother and his wife will be having a baby in September. Looks like a boy! No girls around here for the forseeable future.....I was hopeful though! I am gonna make some hats and a blanket I think.

The new diet is ok. I am walking alot. I have lost a total of 15 lbs. so far. I have walked 19 miles of my 100 mile goal (by July 24th). I need to start strength training - maybe today. Bear and I will walk after he wakes from his nap.

Otherwise, we are normal here. That's good, right? Talk later!

Congratulations to......

Lana - the winner of my Vision Forum DVD giveaway! I will be contacting you via email for your address and Vision Forum should contact you when they ship your DVD. Thanks for taking part in my giveaway everyone!

For more information about the new DVD series Reclaiming Our Culture click HERE.

Have a blessed day!

Tot School

With my husband on vacation this past week, we didn't do "real school". The boys were too busy fishing, building rabbit hutches and playing with dad for school work. That's why I love homeschooling so much!

However, the little guy never stops learning! So I thought I would share what he has been up to this week:
Can identify nose and eyes on my face and sometimes on his
We practiced red and blue using full powerade bottles - for some reason he was fascinated with them!
He learned how to say bobber, blue and another word we aren't allowed to repeat (DAD!)
He loves to push his stroller down the driveway
Shopping with grandma can be fun - especially if mom buys you a tractor book
He learned how to climb into the bar stools and turn on the sink water (while mom was at the dentist) - nothing is sacred now

I think that is enough for one week! He loves to tickle mommy and it is so funny that even though he is scratching me, I can't help but laugh. He is also fascinated by toliet paper. And he just woke up - gotta go!

Vision Forum Giveaway

I am offering one of Vision Forum's new DVD titles as a giveaway to one lucky winner. Thanks Vision Forum!!!!
Check out their new titles HERE.
Leave me a comment and let me know which one you would like to receive.
I need your full name and what title as a comment to this post by May 12th. I will contact the winner by email for their address. I will need that information from you on May 15th so check your email (or here) on the 13th to see if you won. Vision Forum requires your name and shipping address by that date (I will forward to them) for the offer to be valid.

Hello!

Welcome spring!
We have finally had some dry sunny days after all the wet cold ones. Would you believe that most of our garden stuff has died? All that is left is the potatoes and onions. We are going to have to buy all new plants, but that's ok. It is still early enough. Last year we did the 2nd planting the 2nd week of June and most everything turned out ok.

Norman is on vacation this week so school is on hold. It is going very well though. I am pleased with the progress that everyone is making.

Mom and I have been shopping a couple of times this week. Kitchen gadgets are the death of me, but I did get some clearanced sheets.....Egyptian cotton is a wonderful thing!

Well, I don't think that we are going to be making that trip to St. Louis (zoo) but I guess thats ok. The guys have been fishing the last 3 days and having a great time. They didn't get home until 1:00 a.m. last night (or this morning!). I assume we are working around the house today. Rain tomorrow.

I hope that all my readers have a good week!