My husband and I began homeschooling our two boys in 2019. My youngest so was not able to thrive in the classroom. So, after prayer and discussion, we took the plunge into the world of homeschooling. It was overwhelming when I first began researching. Then I was advised, "Find what works best for your family and change it as you go." We have changed our schedule so many times since we started our journey. We look each year at what will work for our family and what will not.
The next big step was choosing the correct curriculum. I selected the Bob Jones curriculum. I love it. The layout for the teacher's book makes it so easy to see what you need to teach and what lessons they are on. I also use an online program called Planbook to keep my lesson plans and grades organized. It is user-friendly. We discovered this is what works with both boys. Once that was chosen, I began to doubt that I was smart enough to teach them. Through godly counsel and prayer, I trust God to give me wisdom.
When we started, we told our boys this was the same as if they went to school outside the home. They had to get up, shower, have breakfast, and be dressed for the day. We have maintained this philosophy to this day. We wanted them to prepare themselves, even if it was just another day around the house. Our first class is Bible. We have studied books of the Bible. Recently they have been working on their assignments for their Sunday School class. They are learning how to study the Bible more deeply. We are also going through the curriculum from Bob Jones on doctrine. I enjoy going through this with them; it has created great conversations about the Bible.
We have a schedule, but it can be flexible when needed. I think a schedule is significant. This is helping them prepare for having jobs when they are adults. One of the reasons I love being involved in their learning is the great conversations we have. Another reason is that I am relearning things I have forgotten since I graduated. I discovered that I still am not fond of Math and Science. They are my least favorite so they can be a bit of a struggle. If it is not challenging, you will not learn and grow. So, I have been learning or relearning Algebra this year.
I also try to make Science labs fun by doing the small labs in the textbook. The lab manual with the curriculum is too difficult for a small homeschool class. Plus, the equipment needed is not easily accessible. I like the Mini labs in the textbook, so we do those. With Chemistry this year we tested three biscuit recipes. It was delicious. With Physical Science this year one of the boy's favorite labs was putting mentos in various sodas to see which would shoot the highest. Boy was that exciting. Here are some pictures from other labs that we have done.
Balancing equation lab
Biscuit lab to the right
molecule lab to the left
Recipe #2
Recipe #1
Writing and Grammar is a disliked subject with my two boys. We did Writing and Grammar for the first half of the year. The other half of the year we do literature. They get to choose a book to read. Throughout I will assign them questions they have to write at least a paragraph. At the end of the book, they have to write a book report. Then they choose a biography to read. They will have to draft a report on what they have learned about the person. My oldest son Daniel read War and Peace last year. This was quite the feat for him. He mostly enjoyed it. He said it was action-packed until close to the end He felt it became more like a Jane Austen book with romance and drama.
You will find in homeschooling not one child is the same. My two boys for sure have two different personalities, but they also have two different learning styles. I have to be more direct and involved with my youngest son Joshua. Whereas Daniel the oldest I can give him his assignments and send him to his room to do his work. He works very diligently on his own. My youngest struggles with dyslexia and on some level ADHD. He also has trouble with reading comprehension. These were some things I struggled with when I was younger as well. These are some things we have been working on since we started. I do change things up often for him. It seems to help with his focus better.
There are so many resources out there to help you with homeschooling. There are many different kinds of curriculums. Where I live, they also have a homeschool library where you can get a curriculum for free, and they accept donations. They are a great resource to utilize. Moms who have homeschooled their children are another great resource to utilize. They are more than willing to give ideas. Just remember that not everything will work for you that worked for them. You do what works for you and your family to help your children to be able to thrive out in the world. Find things they are enthusiastic about and incorporate them into your day. Learning is supposed to be about growing but it should also be fun.
I hope this encourages those who are out there homeschooling already or are just starting. Find a good support system to help you. I am thankful to have such a great support system around me to help in my homeschooling journey. Check the laws for your state. Find other homeschooling families in your area. Pray and ask God for strength and wisdom because you will need it. If you have any questions, please email me and if I don't have an answer, I will do some research and find one. Have a blessed day.
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