Home School Open House

Tiany at LESS OF ME, MORE OF HIM is hosting a Homeschool Open House!!! All are invited to participate! Go HERE, to participate!

So here is a little about my homeschooling:

• OUR FAMILY

I am a wife to one and mother to six, going on seven children. My oldest just turned 10 (he is in 5th grade this year). I have been homeschooling him since he was 3-years-old, so I have been homeschooling for 7 years. I also have a 3rd grader, a 1st grader, a kindergartener, two preschoolers (ages 2 & 4) , and a baby on the way due on September 3rd.

• OUR CURRICULUM

At first we used very little curriculum books. I basically taught colors, shapes, letters, writing, and other important skill. I still do this for kindergarten and preschool.

However, we start out with phonics, writing, counting, letter recognition, number recognition, and Bible. I have often used the book How To Tutor: For Parents and Teachers - A Manual That Works, by Samuel L. Blumenfeld. I have also used the book Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. I also use my Bible, lots of paper and crayons, & markers. I will write out the alphabet for the child to copy in pen and then I give them a marker or highlighter to trace the letters, this is a treat for them!

I use the Saxon Math curriculum to teach all levels of math.

We are using Shurley English for grammar.

For science, we are using Apologia Science.

And for history, writing, literature, geography, fine arts and activities, Bible Survey and Church History, government & philosophy (both of these are upper level grades), we are using the Tapestry of Grace curriculum...this is our first year with this curriculum.

For handwriting, we often use scripture and Keach's catechism.

And for physical education....our children get plenty of exercise and eventually we will teach them about sports, I'm sure.

• MY HOMESCHOOL DAY

I am not a "scheduler". I have tried to schedule my day in the past only to get frustrated with the fact that I can't get everything done quickly enough.

My "Schedule" basically looks like this:

• Get up & dressed.
• Breakfast for all (Hubby works at home).
• Clean Up.
• Homeschooling until lunch.
• Lunch for all.
• Clean Up.
• Naptime for littles, and more homeschool for others.
• Finish up school, littles awake.
• Afternoon Chore time.
• Freeplay/Outside for all, except littlest & Dinner prep for mom.
• Dinner for all.
• Clean Up.
• Freeplay/Outside time.
• Devotions/Bedtime.

I have a basic "to-do" list that I have memorized and I do as much of it as I can each day. If it doesn't get done one day, it will be there for me the next!

• WHERE DO WE HOMESCHOOL?

We homeschool at the kitchen table, in the living room, outside on the deck and anywhere we have a quiet place to study.

• MUST SHARE TIPS?

1. Relax! Don't stress if you don't get everything done that you had intended. Your children will learn regardless and they will someday amaze you with all that they have learned.
2. Need a break? Find a video for your children to watch that will teach them a thing or two and give your brain a rest.
3. Make it fun! For crafts you can make cards to send to others. Teach your children about math in the kitchen by making something yummy!
4. If you have something to read to your older children, give the younger children a picture to color while you are reading. Maybe you should purchase a special coloring book for them for such an occasion.

• QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS

I have many of these. I often feel overwhelmed by the task at hand, I guess I need to take my own advice and RELAX!

I often feel unqualified as a teacher, even with a college degree. There are no manuals that teach you how to parent, and homeschooling is much the same with me. No matter how much I read, I am finding that I am learning how to homeschool as I go. It all involves experience. I was not homeschooled myself, so in a sense, I am a pioneer in my family to homeschooling.

Some days go wonderfully, while others are a flop.

My main questions are:

How do you get it all done?

Where do you get the energy to do housework after a full day of school?

I know I probably have more questions, but I must stop for now. I have homeschooling to do!

Blessings!

Heather