How I homeschooled often becomes hours-long discussions with moms considering homeschooling or beginning their homeschooling journey. Today and next week, I will share parts of one conversation in hopes that it will answer some of your questions too. While homeschooling, I primarily used the Abeka curriculum, but I did use other curriculums to supplement or…
How many hours did you homeschool is another question I hear. However many hours it takes to get through the lessons for the day was how I did it. Some days were longer than others. Some shorter. It’s not about how much time you spend. It’s about how well the children learn. Some subjects just…
Another question I am often asked is, “Should I have a schedule for my homeschool?” Some homeschoolers are spontaneous, free spirits, but I am the type of person that thrives with order, so when people ask if they need a schedule when they homeschool, my answer is a resounding yes. Have a loose or fluid…
One question I received was whether a homeschool curriculum is needed. Yes, I think one is. How else will you know if what you are teaching is age appropriate or grade level? How will you know for sure that you are going in the right order? Homeschool curriculum offer valued guidance I know how to…
Dear Homeschooling Mom, Quit being so serious—that’s one piece of advice I wish I’d learned earlier in my homeschooling days. You see, I worried constantly about messing up, not doing enough, missing some vital piece in the educational process. I feared not measuring up, letting my kids down, failing them. I let my insecurities rule…
Does your family have any Easter traditions? Good Friday is tomorrow, and Easter Sunday or Resurrection Sunday lands on April 4. Last Easter looked different. In fact as children grow up, celebrations change, but some traditions remain. Easter traditions often involve eggs, candy, flowers, new, spring outfits, church services, and family gatherings. My family incorporates…
A year has passed since my last day as a homeschool teacher, but since March, my children studied at home again due to COVID-19. I’ve heard many discussions about the home-based education measures taken because of the pandemic. Views vary to the extremes. But major differences exist between the two: responsibility and investment. I still…
Ah, books. How I love them. I love the feel, the smell, but most of all, I love the adventures within their pages. Because reading benefits our lives and moods, it is a habit I hope gets instilled in children at a young age. Let’s encourage them to read wholesome books that help them grow…
Reading my cousin’s daughter’s honest assessments on Facebook of parenting triggers my own memories. Sometimes I laugh. Sometimes I cry. This beautiful, young mom stays home to care for her two boys. Whenever I see their cute pictures, I want to catch them up in a snuggle. Ah, yes, I remember that precious time so…
It’s the beginning of another school year, and check lists are everywhere. We have them for school supplies, clothes, extra-curricular activities. Schools even share lists that we can add to our own. Magazine articles are encouraging us to start our school routines early for smooth transitions. I have those lists also, but my most important…