Quiet Life Homestead

Simplified Homeschooling

I'm going to attempt to answer a question I was asked on how we homeschool "simplified."  I've tried many different approaches throughout the years and had various successes and failures, but always felt like I had accomplished nothing and would feel pulled to go and try the next new thing, always with the same results.

All this changed when I prayed HARD and read R.C. Sproul's When You Rise Up. 

We begin our homeschool day by reading our Bible (KJV).  Each day we read 5 chapters, if for some reason we are unable to do our schooling, we just pick up right where we left off the day before.  It used to be where I had to have everything SO planned out and if we didn't do something on the list, no matter how insignificant, it would throw me off for weeks.

After Bible, we do Spelling Power.  I don't do it exactly as they describe in the book.  Each child is at their own pace and we take it easy.  Some days the child may do one lesson, do several lessons, or just review what they got wrong the day before.

Next is math.  Dallas (14) is currently in BJU's Algebra 1, Cody's (13) in BJU's 7th grade math, Bethany (11) is doing both Making Math Meaningful Level 4 and Rod & Staff's 4th grade math.  I've had a hard time in the past finding a math program that worked for Bethany but I think this may just be the right combination for her.  The MMM is teaching her concepts she had previously not understood and the R&S is reinforcing them.  In the past, I would be freaking out bigtime about her not being on grade level with math and would just make her struggle so she'd be on level.  I realized that it's much more important for her to understand the concepts than for her to have the correct grade level on her book.  Each child does one lesson per day and for the most part they are able to do the work on their own.  I do allow the boys to use chalkboards and dry erase boards, but require that they copy their problem and solution on paper.  The boys also check their own work (I got that idea from Dr. Robinson) and let me know how they did.  I do have tests for their curriculum, but once again, my focus is on understanding and real life application, not test taking.

Science is done MWF: Dallas - ABeka's Biology, Cody - R&S 7th grade, Bethany - R&S 5th grade.  Let me explain once again Bethany's.  When I purchased her science, she noticed that it was Book 2 (6th grade) and she asked if we could get Book 1 as well.  She really loves these books and does her science everyday.  I do not require that she does it everyday, it is something she wants to do.

The rest of our school is reading our "list books."  I posted them last month in case anyone wants to see what they're reading.  The kids read anywhere from 1-2 hours a day, sometimes more.  After each book they write an one page summary of the book.  Charlie rewards the children for every six books they complete and this is the way he makes sure they understand what they read.

The children also do leatherworking (boys mostly) and sewing (Bethany).  Hope that answers some questions.  If not, let me know.

Vicki

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{ 06:35, Tuesday, February 27, 2007 } { Posted by Rhen }

Your style of homeschooling reminds me a lot of our own. Not rigid and too planned out and most definitely designed around their learning needs and styles. I really enjoyed reading your blog.

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{ 05:52, Wednesday, February 28, 2007 } { Posted by homesteadinthemaking }

As for explaining Bethany's, as homeschoolers, you do not need to explain. We use what we have. My 6th grade DD is in 6th grade but we are using a 5th grade English book because we had one. It's all the same in the end. Although you are ahead in the Math department. My 15 yr. old is just now doing Algebra 1. She has struggled with a Math program and we found Teaching Textbooks and she finally loves it!!! You are doing a great job. Do you have a link back to your book list last month? I must have missed it.

Blessings,
Trixi