get it: weekly homeschool planner

it's homeschool lesson planning, schedule-making, routine-getting into time around here! in years past i've started out the year very strong in the organizational department, but as the weeks go by and we settle into the groove of daily school and chores, my pretty little schedule charts go untouched and left blank.

this year, i have a new tool! the Weekly Homeschool Planner from Homeschool Creations! 

the Weekly Homeschool Planner is a digital file that can be typed in, personalized, edited, and saved again and again on my computer. buy it once and use it year after year! with forms for monthly and weekly planning, menu planning, to-do lists, preschool planning, field trip planning, test result tracking, attendance tracking, evaluations and special events pages, this is the complete homeschool planner. 

today and tomorrow only, the Weekly Homeschool Planner is on sale for just $12. use coupon code BACK2SCHOOL to get this limited time offer. 

i am excited to stay organized with this planner all school year! hurry over to Homeschool Creations to grab your Weekly Homeschool Planner while it's on sale.

happy homeschool planning!

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full disclosure: i was given a copy to review and promote the sale. i blog with integrity and all opinions expressed here are always 100% mine and true. 

6 tips for new homeschooling mamas

in light of the schooling changes many are experiencing lately, i thought i'd offer some encouragement for new homeschooling families. here are six things i've learned in 11 years of homeschooling experience:

1 // you are fully capable. remember, you were your child's first teacher and you are your child's best teacher. you were appointed by God to be your child's parent, and parenting is A LOT of teaching from day 1. you don't have to have a teaching degree, or any special training or education to homeschool your kids. teaching academics might not come naturally to you, but don't underestimate yourself and your ability to teach your children. all textbooks and curricula include teaching guides and answer keys. you don't have to know it all. 

2 // your home is probably already well equipped. you don't need to remodel a room, buy tons of supplies, or set up a "classroom" in your home. in fact, i DO NOT recommend trying to replicate a classroom setting at home - it's not natural. if you have a kitchen table, books, paper, and pencils, you're good to go. homeschooling is best, in my experience, when it's set up as a way of life. learning happens everywhere and all the time. it's not confined to a desk, a classroom, or a time of day.

3 // your homeschool experience will be unique. remember this. no two families homeschool the same. your child's abilities and learning style is unique, and might change from year to year. please do yourself a favor and do not compare your homeschool experience to anyone else's, or to the public school experience.

4 // take your time. ease into it. give yourself - and your kids - grace and PATIENCE as you begin to homeschool. diving in full speed ahead can quickly lead to overwhelm, stress, and burnout. homeschooling is not a race. a stressed out home is not conducive to learning. take your time and enjoy the journey.

5 // be flexible. stay ready to adapt. you might start out using one math book and after a week or so realize it's not a good fit for your child. that's okay! or, you might think starting school work at 9am is a good idea but then find out your child is more attentive later in the day. that's okay! it's a process and a lot of it is trial and error. (another reason not to stock up on supplies or rearrange a bedroom- it might not be what your child needs!) in the meantime, you are going to discover your child's learning styles and get to watch them learn new things -- that was one of my favorite parts about homeschooling!

6 // make the most of it. whether you're planning to homeschool for two weeks, two years, or indefinitely, make the most of it! teach your child a new language, let your child do her school work outside, take a day off when you need to, listen to audiobooks, have fun! take advantage of the opportunities you have to be first-hand involved in your child's learning. go into it with the mindset and heart for your children to look back on this time and remember it with a smile. don't do it begrudgingly.

wherever you are, whatever your circumstances, welcome to the wonderful world of homeschooling! it's a sacrifice and a big responsibility, yes, but it's so incredibly sweet and so wonderfully worth it. 

ps: if you want to know more about our curriculum choices and homeschool schedules, i shared regular updates from 2008 through 2016 here and here. feel free to email me or find me on instagram if you have any homeschool questions! you got this! xo

"And we know that God causes everything to work together 

for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." 

-Romans 8:28

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Homeschool Mothers Journal

In my life this week things were quiet and calm. A relaxing and peaceful Mother's Day turned into a relaxing and peaceful week! This was our first official week of no school. Even though I caught a little cold, I was thankful to have plenty of time to rest. If I ever have to catch a cold, this was the perfect week for it to happen. But that's it! No more illnesses in this home for at least the rest of the year! In Jesus' name!! :)

In our homeschool this week BigGirl finished 4 of her second grade Abeka readers and started her Singapore Math Practice book. She is still in "school" mode, and I'm not going to extinguish her love for learning. UMS classes may be completed, but my kids can school year round if they so well please. And they do! Win.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing: I didn't get to go to the Homeschool Book Fair. It just wasn't meant to be. However, my angel friend Candice went and kindly picked up all of my Master Books books for me! (See why I call her my angel friend?!) Candice homeschool's her children, who are just a year or two older than my children, so I feel like she is a homeschooling Mom Mentor to me. She was also super helpful this week as I researched the Workbox System. Thank you, Candice! Do you have a Homeschooling Mom Mentor? 

My favorite thing this week was playing with our neighborhood friends in the front yard after dinner the other night. Between school schedules, inclement weather, nap schedules, and illnesses, we haven't played with our neighborhood friends in quite some time. It was great fun to be out in the beautiful evening weather, catching up with friends and playing until bedtime. That day is definitely going in my journal under Things I'd Miss If We'd Already Moved.

  

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have: Are you finished with "official" schooling this month? Do you school year-round? What kind of schooling calendar are you on? I will be working on our 2011-2012 school year calendar soon and would love to know how yall do things! Join in the conversation at Creation Conversations Homeschoolers and Teach at Home forum: http://www.creationconversations.com/group/homeschool

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Around Here Lately 7.22.11

This week... we made a big decision based on God's direction. Things didn't work out they way I wanted them to, and it was a struggle for me to let go of those feelings and fully realize that God is in control. But I did it. Yes, I cried my face off for an entire day, but then I let God comfort and reassure me, the way He always does. Big turns in life are made easier when I let God take the wheel.

People we're seeing and places we're going... swimming! The kids' both graduated from swimming lessons this week, and I am amazed at the progress they made in just 8 days. Watching both of their little bodies in the water, moving with ease, learning new skills, having no fears, but having a ton of fun, made my heart swell with pride. We also had special lunch plans every day this week with friends, truly making the most of summer!

I'm grateful for... the opportunity to work with a community of women who are committed to Christ and not ashamed of God's word. We were attacked. Mean things were said to us and about us. But all we could do was show love and grace. A community of women committed to Christ spent the night praying for our accusers. I'm so grateful that I know my God. I'm grateful to be part of the Moms of Master Books.

Things I'm working on... in between swim lessons, I have started a few crafty projects inspired by Pinterest. I'll let you know if they turn out cute of course. I've also been helping secure sponsors for the Mamas Write Mini-Con, doing some digital designs and printing for new clients, and making plans for the 2011-2012 school year. And I've been prepping and packing, as I'm taking the kids on a little road trip soon. 


Links I want to share: 
OhAmanda's very helpful How To for posting pictures on your blog.
My post about Facebook's Giveaway Policies, and how I really feel about asking for LIKES.
Heartsy, because etsy-style Christmas shopping in July has been so much fun (and affordable) and I want you in on it.
For homeschoolers starting to think about the upcoming school year, I encourage you to check out The Homeschool Village, Hip Homeschool Moms, and Creation Conversations Homeschool group for support, ideas, resources, and fellowship.
Pioneer Woman's Iced Coffee has become my summer afternoon delight.

I am praying for... the adoption processes many of my friends are going through. For The Mercy House and the first baby born this week. For friends going through stuff. For travel mercies and God's protection on our road trip. And that I'll continue to choose joy. Won't you join me in prayer, friends? 

And that is what has been going on around here lately! I'm linking up with The Homeschool Chick's Summer Version of The Homeschool Mother's Journal. Have a great weekend, yall!

Homeschool Mothers Journal

In my life this week I can feel the seasons changing. Literally, we've had so much rain and when it isn't raining, the days are getting warmer. Figuratively, we are shifting life-seasons. BigGirl is graduating first grade, and Bubba will start Preschool this Fall. We're moving. Our circle of friends is tightening up. I can feel the changes all around us. It is good.

In our homeschool this week we talked a lot about how airplanes and kites fly: thrust, gravity and drag. In math, BigGirl is mastering greater than and less than. I made some fun learning games for Bubba using leftover plastic Easter eggs, inspiration from Impress Your Kids. Two more UMS school days left!    

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing: Bubba and I spent a few hours at Half Price Books yesterday, browsing and reading all the books we could find. I even picked up some Abeka readers and a Singapore Math book for BigGirl's 2nd grade year! Score! 

My favorite thing this week was BSF. We hadn't been in two weeks. It was great to be back in a room filled with women worshiping Jesus mid-week. And the chapters we read from Isaiah were exactly what I needed. We talked about waiting for God, with God, because His timing is more perfect than our own. And when BigGirl came out of her Bible class, her teacher told me that when the class was talking about waiting for God to answer prayers, BigGirl asked her class to pray for the sale of our house, "because it's taking too long." What a sweet child.   

What’s working for us: I've been getting to know fellow homeschoolers in the Creation Conversations Homeschoolers forum. It seems like a great place to share ideas and resources and techniques. That's where I learned about the live Bald Eagle cam! *sigh* {I love homeschooling}   

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have: I'll be attending my first homeschool curriculum fair and conference next week! I'm really excited and kind of overwhelmed at the same time. What advice do you have for this newbie?

A photo, video, link, or quote to share… this is Bubba, recorded this week, age 2 and a half:

if you can not play the video above, click here to view the video: http://youtu.be/GUSxD1w9mug 


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this post is linked with love at TheHomeschoolChick.com's The Homeschool Mother's Journal and the Weekly Wrap-Up hosted byWeirdUnsocializedHomeschoolers.com

works for me: our homeschool hybrid

rrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnngggg! school is officially in session here at Hall College Prep Academy! i've been getting asked a lot of questions about our plans for schooling BigGirl this year, because it is a little bit confusing. are we homeschooling? is she going to school? both? 

yes. both. 

it's a homeschool hybrid.

{it's an answer to our prayers.} 

last year, BigGirl was completely homeschooled and she did mostly kindergarten curriculum, and 1st grade math. she flew through it. she loves learning. we worked through the summer, finishing 2 math books and 2 phonics books. she can read, write, add, subtract, divide, comprehend, and then some. she still can't tie her shoe, but she can read music notes! we had a GREAT school year! i thoroughly enjoyed teaching her and watching her teach herself...

and then, maybe you remember when she went to the kindergarten class at the University Model School. this school has been on our radar, a potential supplement to our homeschooling. we checked it out, we studied the ins and outs of the University Model School and liked what we saw: 

blending the best of home with the best of traditional education. parents are the key. character is the goal. education is the means.

at a University Model School, students of elementary age through high school go to classes the way most college students do, receiving professional instruction at school two days a week, then study for their classes at home three days a week under their parent’s guidance. 

a University Model School blends of the most positive aspects from traditional public and private schools as well as home schools, to give students a highly successful, college-preparatory education, set in a Christian environment. the goal of a University Model School is quality, cost-effective, college-preparatory education accomplished in a way that gives parents more time for imparting the faith and values they hold precious, producing wholesome, competent men and women of character who make a positive difference for Christ in the next generation.

it's our homeschool hybrid. we prayed for God to lead us. doors flew open. ways were made. our homeschool puzzle has a new piece, and it fits perfectly.

this school year, BigGirl is attending a Christian University Model School. she is 5 and, because we did kindergarten for the past year and half, she tested into the first grade. takes classes from 8:30am until 3pm two days a week, and has homeschool the other three days each week. there are 8 children in her class, and all of the families in the entire school are homeschooling families. yesterday was her first day...it went great, and we're thanking God for answering our prayers.

have you heard of University Model School? or any other homeschool hybrid? i'd love to hear what kind of schooling works for you this year!

HCPA + University Model School works for us! i'm linking up at WeAreThatFamily's Works For Me Wednesday. 

      

prayers for our homeschool days

BigGirl's first year of homeschooling, age 2 

when we started homeschooling BigGirl 4 years ago, i had no idea what i was doing or how we were going to do it. but, we made the decision to homeschool her and it felt natural and right from the very beginning. (i think that's how you know it's what God wants.)

over the years i've learned that homeschooling takes a lot of work and a lot of prayer. when we are overwhelmed, worried, stressed out, or just downright tired, we pray. we struggle with time management, staying on task, and sometimes subjects that just aren't any fun. when the going gets tough, we stop what we're doing and look to Jesus. God gives me the strength to continue on this path, and He fills our homeschool days with peace.

i keep this little note tucked in my planner for daily or as-needed reference.  

here are 10 scriptures (NIV or NKJV) that i pray specifically for our homeschool days, my lesson plans, and my children: 

1. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

2. Deuteronomy 6:5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

3. 2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

4. Acts 4:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

5. James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

6. Isaiah 41:10 do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

7. Psalm 23:4 I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

8. Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

9. Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

10. 2 Timothy 2:16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

"i don't know how you do it..." is the response i get most often when i tell people that we homeschool our children. 

and i'm not kidding when i reply: "...with lots of prayer." 

what are your favorite scriptures to pray for homeschooling?

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linked with love @ OhAmanda.com Top Ten Tuesday

Around Here Lately {Homeschool Mother's Journal}

in our homeschool this week...
we are approximately one week away from being finished with our 2011-2012 homeschool curriculum! Big Girl will finish 2nd grade + 3rd grade math. {squee!} i haven't ever set a year-end date for our year, but i do keep a goal in mind of how much i'd like for us to accomplish each season. we are very flexible, and i know how much time Big Girl can take off before she loses momentum. so we've taken our time and enjoyed a few breaks from the books every now and then, but we've kept a good pace. as it turns out, our last week of school coincides with our ISD's last week of school! this is great incentive for Big Girl to keep up (or pick up) the pace so she isn't schooling when her school-going friends are out for summer. all that being said, we will continue to do light school work through the summer months, because learning has become a natural part of our every day life. and we like it.


i'm inspired by...

my (brave and willing) friend and i colored our hair pink and went to the gym to workout for a cause. the pink-themed Zumba dance class was a benefit to support Sharon, who has been battling breast cancer for 8 years. Sharon is almost always at the gym when i'm there. she's small but not weak. she's bald but so beautiful. she wears a bright pink shirt that says "Yes, these are fake. My real ones tried to kill me." i pray for Sharon and her family, and i dance with pink hair to bring a smile to her face. 

i'm reading...

Always There: Reflections for Moms on God's Presence, featuring real-life mothering stories and assurance of God's abiding presence by Ann Voskamp, Alexandra Kuykendall, Kathi Lipp, Tracey Bianchi, Kim Hill, Renee Swope, and others. good stuff. it reads like a devotional, like a book of letters written just for me in this season of motherhood. i recommend it for permanent residency on your nightstand.

i am praying for... 

a fun-filled memorable summer, with lots of family time, time with friends, sunshine, and swimming! and Lord, if it's Your will, i'm praying our summer includes a move closer to Daddy's office. 

our favorite thing this week was...
a field trip to Homeschool Day at Legoland! the timing couldn't have been better on this. if you would have asked me to go to Legoland back in March, i would turn down the invitation. up until a few weeks ago, we didn't play with Legos! just recently, we pulled out a big box of real Legos (the small ones!) that we bought but stored in a closet when we baby-proofed the house in 2008. Big Girl and Bubba have played with Legos almost every single day since! and i discovered using Legos to teach tactile learners! the opportunity to go to Homeschool Day at Legoland fell into my lap and YES! sign me up! it was so much fun - we played there for 6 hours! and we already can't wait to go back.

and that is what's been going on around here lately. how was your week? 

Homeschool Mothers Journal

skipping the empty halls on her last day at school!

In my life this week I'm incredibly proud of my daughter. She has completed a full grade level ahead of her age group, and with flying colors. She earned "Outstanding Student Award" in First Grade Phonics category, and "Self Control Award" in the First Grade Character Traits category. What an honor! She continues to blow me and my husband away.

In our homeschool this week we Big Girl finished First Grade! We celebrated with a Yearbook Signing Party, an End of School Ice Cream Social, Field Day, and tonight is the graduation ceremony. It was a busy week culminating a wonderful year.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing: we had a lot of fun going to the Planetarium at the University where Daddy takes classes. We saw "Tangled" in the Planetarium for only $2 a seat! Also- way cool- we have a hawk living in the trees in our backyard! He is so fun to watch. His wingspan is incredible.

My favorite thing this week was a lunch playdate after BSF with a kind friend. We're new friends, but instant friends. She homeschools her daughter, who is about the same age as and is friends with BigGirl. It was refreshing and encouraging to spend time with someone who has a mature relationship with the Lord and *true faith* in Him and His Word. {Yeah, we had THAT kind of conversation at McDonald's!}

  

What’s working for us:  Passport to the World by Craig Froman. We got this book in February and we are still loving exploring the world using this book. We will be using this book throughout the summer, studying one country a week or so. The passport stickers are such a great bonus - the kids love to add their country stamps after we've completed the lessons. If you haven't seen it yet here is our vlog review and here is the author's inspiration behind Passport to the World.    

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have: I'd love to know what you think about the workbox system...

A photo to share… BigGirl's school friends signing her class portrait:

this post is linked with love at TheHomeschoolChick.com's The Homeschool Mother's Journal and the Weekly Wrap-Up hosted by WeirdUnsocializedHomeschoolers.com

Homeschool Mothers Journal

In my life this week I'm contemplating Easter. Since BigGirl was a baby we've celebrated the holiday with colorful eggs, baskets, plastic grass, and bunnies. It's pastel and cute and fun, but I've always known the true reason for Easter: we're not celebrating eggs or rabbits at all. And as my children get older, especially BigGirl, I'm wanting to phase out the eggs and rabbits all together. Easter egg hunts are fun, sure, but I don't really see the point of it. Honestly, all I want to do on Easter is celebrate Jesus' resurrection with my family. My goal, my responsibility, is to keep Christ in Easter. 

In our homeschool this week BigGirl was taking the SATs at her UMS, so we had a very light week. We had fun learning some new ASL signs at a Gorbella's playdate, Bubba played a new number matching game, and we had some great discussions about honesty and self-discipline.  

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing: we didn't get out much this week. Between the weather (rain), BigGirl taking the SATs, and recovering from being gone for 7 days, we needed a low-key week! 

My favorite thing this week was Wednesday. BigGirl planned a special "Family Night" for us, complete with her favorite dinner and dessert menu, a movie, and a huge blanket-and-pillow fort. Quality time is her love language, and it fills me with joy to see her love tank overflowing! It was so sweet.

What’s working for us: Fruit of the Spirit. The kids and I are drinking 1 ounce {of this delicious "juice"} every morning. It makes me feel really good knowing we're all starting our day being good to our bodies.     

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have: After watching the trailer and reading reviews, I am really wanting to get my hands on The Case of the Missing Mountain by Kim G. Jones. BigGirl loves mysteries and puzzles, and this book looks like another great one for our science/creation studies. It's on my list of Curriculum to Buy!

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

our Easter surprise, two years ago:

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this post is linked with love at TheHomeschoolChick.com's The Homeschool Mother's Journal and the Weekly Wrap-Up hosted by WeirdUnsocializedHomeschoolers.com

Homeschool Mothers Journal

In my life this week I was very productive. I cleaned off our homeschool bookshelves, made a plan to incorporate modified Workboxes, and have bought almost all of our curriculum for next school year. I also got the kids signed up for summer camp and VBS, picked up a pretty shag area rug for Gorbella's, finally got Bubba's birth certificate, joined Pinterest, cleaned my windows, stayed on top of the 31 Days to Clean challenge, and got a zillion other things crossed off of my to-do list. Now...where did I leave my SuperMom cape?! {wink, ha}

In our homeschool this week BigGirl has started working on her 2nd Grade Math Drills workbook, and she started reading Little Women. For her science next year, we decided to go with The Earth, Energy, Forces and Motion, and Matter, a series by Tom Derosa and Carolyn Reeves. For Bubba, we are going with Before Five in a Row, and A is for Adam by Ken and Mally Ham. 

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing: Granny is here! That is the secret to my productivity this week. We went out for sushi and the waitress insisted we celebrate Bubba's birthday (a month+ early) with singing and drum beating and ice cream and candles, which was way fun. We went to the county courthouse and saw 4! police cars, and the office of the constable. We went to the park and saw 3! school buses, and tons of big kids playing on the playground. We went to Gorbella's and played fun musical instruments and sang silly songs with our friends. What a fun week! 

My favorite thing this week was by far the Master Books #teachthetruth Twitter Party on Thursday night. The Moms for Master Books did a fantastic job reviewing and sharing the Marvels of Creation series, a powerful resource for teaching about God's creation to children at home. Were you there? Did you win? What do you think about the Marvels of Creation series?

On my refrigerator:

31 Days to Clean calendar from Joyful Mothering

and 10+ Real Helps for Really Busy Moms from Ann Voskamp

I hope your week was just as productive and fun-filled! 

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Around Here Lately {Homeschool Mother's Journal}

This week…was busy and hot and fun. We have made a small dent in our summer calendar already!

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…we went to the Fort Worth Zoo this week with some MamaChiks (MOPS) friends! It was my first time to take the kids to the zoo without the stroller! And we survived! Both of my kids had a great time and both say the monkeys were the best! The Fort Worth Zoo has a dinosaur exhibit right now which was a special treat for us. Big, animated model dinosaurs were around every corner. I was crazy thankful that we had read Dinosaurs for Kids by Ken Ham so that I could teach my little ones the biblical truth about these creatures!  

My favorite thing this week was…a playdate with some very special friends! My kids and I had a blast with the MamasWrite group- Dallas-area Christian Mom Bloggers. One of my favorite things ever is when blogging friends cross the border and become IRL friends. That, and the Nutella Rice Krispie Treats that I made. Oh my gracious.

I am praying…for this house to sell in God's perfect timing. For the healing and recovery of my husband's brother. For the healing of my neighbor's Father-in-Law, Scotty. For my blogging friends with broken hearts. For the unspoken needs of my family and friends. God knows. For Kristen, her family, and the Mercy House family. I'll be wearing my Love Mercy necklace and praying for specific needs each day while they are working in Africa. Use this printable prayer calendar and join me? 

Things I am working on…tackling many creative projects from my Pinterest boards! My kids are participating in The Homeschool Village Homeschool Summer Reading Program, are yours?

I am reading…the Book of Acts in the Bible. I just started reading and studying it, using this free printable Bible study guide. I've read Acts in bits, pieces, and chunks, but never studied it in-depth before. I am excited about what God will reveal!

And that's what's been going on around here lately! I hope your summer is off to a fun start, too!

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back to (home)school! '13-'14 curriculum

one hot July night, in that precious time after dinner but before the kids' bedtime, i was folding laundry and listening to a podcast. usually, the kids use this time to play or read or both, but on this particular night, they wouldn't leave my side. they were bouncing around me vying for my attention with silly antics. of course, i couldn't hear them with my earbuds in, so i just smiled and they continued being goofy in my face and all around my personal space. it was cute. at first. finally, i pulled the earbuds off and asked, "what is going on? it's playtime!?"

practically in unison, they answered:

"we want to do school work."  

it was 7:20. PM. i was stunned. they were serious. and? they were excited. bless their sweet little hearts. so we went to the school room and cracked open the books and they willingly dove into their 2013-2014 school books that night. and the next night. and almost every night after that. and that's how we started our homeschool year this year.

it's been light, only one or two subjects each day, and waaaaaay off schedule, (night school!?) we officially start our morning routine and full school load TODAY.

this year at Hall College Prep Academy (HCPA) my 8yo daughter is doing 4th grade work and my 5yo son is starting 1st grade. this is our 5th year of homeschooling. both kids are enrolled in 3 classes that meet once a week at a local homeschool co-op. we will continue using many resources from Master Books, reference books on our bookshelves, and Khan Academy on their new tablets. we are still using our modified workbox system!

our curriculum & books for 2013-2014

Big Girl's 4th Grade Year:

Math- Singapore Math 3B and 4A
Language-
Reading- Wordly Wise 3000 Book 4, independent reading chapter books, Pages in My Head Reading 5
Writing- EIW All Things Fun & Fascinating
Science- Elementary Earth Science, Physical Science, Physics, and Chemistry (Tom DeRosa and Carolyn Reeves), Science Sluths co-op class
Bible- Awana Homeschool, daily devotionals, GEMS club
History/Geography- Story of the World Vol. 1, American Girl co-op class, Texas History co-op class
Health/Fitness- weekly dance class
Art & Music- interest-based weekly studies

Bubba's 1st Grade Year:

Math- Saxon 1
Reading- Explode the Code 3 & 4, FIAR at co-op, Abeka Handbook for Reading
Writing- various resources for handwriting practice
Science- BJU Science 1
History- BJU Heritage Studies 1, My America My World
Health/PE- martial arts 3x/week, Fun with Food & Nutrition at co-op, Sports class at co-op
Bible- Awana Homeschool, Adventure Bible devotionals and memory verses
Art & Music- interest-based weekly studies

happy first day of school, everyone! 

children set apart

45 children. 15 moms. 5 classrooms. 12 subjects. 4 hours. 4 giant bags of pretzel sticks. 6 jugs of apple juice.

put it all together on one rainy Friday morning, and you get today. our first day of the homeschool co-op. i taught 2 classes, Big Girl was enrolled in 3, and Bubba was in the nursery.

our co-op is made up of Christian homeschool families, formed on Matthew 22:36-40 and John 13:34-35. the children are offered classes with fun activities and social interaction, lead and taught by the moms, all the while instilling a love of Christ and servanthood.

for being the first day of the first semester of this newly established co-op, i have to say it went well. the children were eager to learn in an environment with other children. before classes started, the kids were jumping around, meeting new friends, saying hi to old friends, showing off new backpacks, being shy at first, then playing tag.

and while this group of homeschooled kids didn't appear to be any different from any another group of kids their ages at first, the more i looked, the more clear it became that something set these kids apart. i can't quite put my finger on it, but these kids were special. they had happy demeanors, they were obedient, they had self-control, they used their manners, they are smart little kids. they were listening, waiting for instructions and happy to demonstrate what they knew. they wanted to learn. they wanted to teach. they wanted to be there.

something else i noticed: in between classes, the 3 year olds were playing with the 7 year olds, the 14 year olds were mingling with the 11 year olds. 4 year olds were holding the doors open for moms pushing strollers. 9 year olds were helping carry diaper bags and put shoes back on toddlers. i didn't see any fussing, teasing or rivalry. no ugly behavior, bragging, or name calling. i saw sharing. i heard "may i, please?" and "yes ma'am." it was more like a big family. even though most of these kids were meeting one another for the 1st time today, it was almost as if we were having a reunion of cousins.

45 children ages 6 weeks up to 16 years could have been chaotic.

but you know what? it wasn't.

(loud, yes. chaotic, no.)

was what i saw today typical of homeschooled children? is the 'something special' that i saw plainly that these kids are homeschooled? as much as i don't want to check any boxes or stereotype homeschoolers, i am going to say YES.

i've been out and about with other non-homeschooled children and i've seen chaos and questionable behavior (from both the parents and the children). i'm not saying that all schooled children are crazy bad or anything, please don't accuse me of that. i'm simply saying that this group of homeschool children - because they are homeschooled in loving, Christian homes - had really awesome behavior. curious, i did some research and found dozens of behavioral studies that found homeschooled children have superior socialization skills and are more mature.

all that aside, what i witnessed today was peaceful. it was children being children, but also being loving, respectful, helpful, and quietly intelligent. they were good and gentle and kind. their mamas, and their heavenly Father, should be proud of them today. this group of children had the fruit of the Spirit!

being able to homeschool my children gives me such joy, because i know that, like the kids at the co-op today, even when they are out in the world, they are not of the world.