How long and for what grades have you homeschooled?
This is our second year homeschooling. Last year we began homeschooling the second grade, and are currently in the third grade.
Did you know from the start you would homeschool or did some event point you down this road?
If someone would have told me that I would homeschool, I would have said "No Way, I can't do that!" LOL! Caterpillar was in a private Christian School and doing well. He had great teachers and was excelling. In fact, he was becoming bored and we noticed he was advanced. I was called to teach, and taught French at his school for a year. Once I had a glimpse on the inside, my heart was stirred. By mid year, the Lord had laid it on my heart to homeschool. I was nervous, yet knew it was where He wanted us to be. And now, here we are! What a wonderful journey it has been thus far!
Were you homeschooled?
No. I went to public school... too many years ago to tell! Yet it is one of the many reasons we homeschool now!
What method and materials did you use your first year of homeschooling?
We used a combination of the classical and Charlotte Mason Method. Our "own" version, so to speak! We used My Father's World (Adventures); MCP Phonics and Spelling; Rod and Staff English; Horizons Math; various books for logic and reading comprehension. Many living books!
What method and materials are you currently using?
We are using much of the same methods and materials, just at higher levels. You may see more details in the sidebar under Caterpillar's 3rd Grade Course of Study.
What books, ideas, etc. have helped shape your homeschool?
The Well Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer, Cathy Duffy's Top 100; When You Rise Up by R.C. Sproul, Jr.; Homeschooling With a Meek and Quiet Spirit by Teri Maxwell
What has been the most challenging aspect for you?
Realizing and accepting we can only do so much in a day!
What aspect has come naturally for you?
I love lesson planning and trying to pull it all together. I enjoy planning projects, ideas and books to make the learning come alive!
What are your favorite homeschooling memories thus far?
Teaching Caterpillar to read and develop a love for books and reading. It has been awesome to see the "Aaaahhh!" moments where the light bulb goes off as he learns and discovers!
What is the best advice you've been given?
To BREATHE!!! Yes it is a HUGE responsibility to educate our children; yet my ultimate accountability is to the Lord! Thus, it is more about teaching and building character. The rest will fall into place. I am on my knees daily to Him, for guidance, direction, wisdom and discernment. He is my ROCK!
3 comments:
I loved reading your answers. It is amazing how different we all are and yet share this common bond of homeschooling. Although, honestly, you and I sound entirely too much alike.
I need you to come give me a refresher course in French. ;-)
You are too funny! I have thought about how much alike we are as well! ;0) Amazingly, I was born in SoCal; adopted, and quickly hiked out to the Southeast! Daddy didn't want anyone to come a knockin'! :-0
So I'm a Southern Belle! LOL!
I enjoyed learning more about you. Thanks for sharing. :)
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