Home Education: My Answers To Some of The Top Questions

Is it hard to homeschool with a little one?

Honestly, Yes!  But it hasn't been that hard up until NOW.  We have always had a routine that has worked for us.  We weren't necessarily on a time crunch, but on a work crunch.  They knew what they had to get done, and that helps them accomplish more when they are not always waiting on me.  Sometimes the baby calls me out of the room, or the tea boils over.  They can just keep working.  But my little one has grown into a new stage of taking less naps and getting into everything.  As long as I have the bathroom doors closed and the dog food and water bowls blockaded...we do great.  I'm convinced Ol' Roy Complete Nutrition dog food is Eli's favorite food!

Summer is almost here and I am glad about that in the sense that Eli will most likely be at an even newer stage when we start school back next year.  It may be an even harder stage, but I always find a way to make it work.  Having a childproof home helps.  As you can see, this cabinet is not locked and he likes to open the drawers and pull things out.

My older boys are so much help.  Their free time is their motivation.  We have a break mid morning...and then they come back finish their school, then chores, then FUN!


(My personal favorite...)
Are your kids socialized?

Um...A Big Ol' Yes!
Just last week, we were at the skate park with a few of my other mom friends and their kids.  As we pulled up, we noticed several skaters doing some awesome tricks.  I was a little intimidated by their appearance and slightly worried about letting my kids out to ride their bikes and scooters.  But I decided to make a go of it when I noticed one of the skaters had brought their own wife and little boy.  With their shirts off, covered in tattoos and piercings, I unloaded my stroller and the kids' bikes.  The other moms came soon after and soon the skate park was flooded with small children.  I didn't have judgemental thoughts, just wondered if there was room for all of us to safely play within this small area.  We told our kids to stay on one side and we gave them the more complicated side with all of the props.

After two hours of playing and sharing the park, it was time to load up.  I had all of my kids except Isaac.  I turned to call him to get in the truck and noticed he was at the top of the hill with a really tall, skater dude.  He was looking up to him and asked him, "Do you wanna race?"  He then bent down to Isaac's level and sat down on his skateboard.  Isaac climbed on his bike.  "Okay! Ready...On Your Mark! Get Set! Go!", Isaac shouted.  They both came wheelin' down the winding concreted turn yelling, "Whoooohoooo!" I was so proud.  Isaac was not intimidated by the man's tall stature or the piercings in his lips, eyebrows, and nose.  But walked right up to him in love and asked him to race.

If anything, homeschooling encourages younger kids to really communicate with older people.  Most public school students treat adults with disrespect and avoid conversing with them.  So, yes...My child is socialized.  I have endless stories of my kids walking up to complete strangers and befriending people quickly.

They never meet a stranger; however they understand that safety comes first when meeting new people. Isaac is my most outgoing little guy. Everyone is his "friend".



What kind of curriculum do you use? 

I don't use just one publisher or brand.  I pull from all kinds of resources.  But I will give you a list of what I am using right now for my oldest child.

Math- Bob Jones (2nd Grade)

Language Arts- Harcourt Textbook (2nd Grade)

Spelling- A Beka Spelling (2nd Grade)

Science- Online resources

Bible- Rod and Staff Publishers - Chapter reader (2nd grade)

Reading- (Book of choice)

There are so many options to choose from, and I have been blessed to have been given all the curriculum I have needed.  Also, I inherited a lot from my mother.  So it works great.

Choosing a curriculum can be overwhelming when you are new to what is out there.  Get feedback from those you know, but also keep in mind that your child is different and may learn  better from the very thing you were told to turn down.