Once the husband and I decided we were going to pull the trigger and switch from public school to homeschooling, we had to pick a curriculum.
I was hoping that a magical fairy would just deliver me some books and a lesson plan.
Sadly this didn’t happen.
So I started talking to an online friend who homeschools her kids. I also went to the local Parent Teacher Aid store and talked to the staff.
I was pointed to various full curriculums for each grade, lots of different workbooks, and a book called The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide To Classical Education At Home.
Instead of shelling out a few hundred dollars for a full curriculum, I ordered The Well Trained Mind book on Amazon and started reading.
Reading led to lots of note taking and marking of pages.
The gist of classical education is that it is very language intensive and set up in a three stage process. The first is the “grammar stage” full of learning and memorization to serve as the foundation to build upon later. The second is the “logic stage” where analytical thinking comes into play. The last is the “rhetoric stage” where older children learn to use what they learned in the earlier phases to speak and write with force and originality.
Classical education also tries to link the different subjects together. History with science with literature with music with etc. There are four different parts to the timeline of knowledge that they break up into Ancients, Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation, and Modern Times.
Since starting homeschooling with my oldest going into third grade we were not exactly on the same path as the book lined out. I decided to go back to first grade studies and work from there so that I could find out exactly where my daughter was in her schooling.
I bought the recommended workbooks for first grade and second grade in math, writing, grammar, and spelling. We breezed through first grade as I expected. Second grade went by almost as fast, only a few slow spots with math.
Now we are on third grade and we have added the subjects of history, Latin, art, cursive, and science.
It’s challenging at times to teach all the subjects that I want the kids to learn. Day to day life is full of errands, phone calls, and other obligations as well as making sure that the kids get enough physical activity time.
Also, I’m needed for all of the teaching for both kids who are in completely different stages of learning and sometimes I just need a break.
So, I’m doing my best as a teacher and a mother. I hope the kids are learning what they need and that I’m able to give them the building blocks for success in the future.
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Twitter: bocafrau
says:
Jessica, I’m sure that you are doing a great job and with time all three of you will fall into your own learning routine. I know, that it can’t be easy picking the curriculum that fits you best… there is so much information out there. As always, lots of luck.
Susi recently posted..Silken Webs
There is so, so, so much information out there. We are figuring out our own path slowly and it’s becoming easier.
Thank you for your support, Susi.
Twitter: NorthWestMommy
says:
I admire you. If I was taking the homeschooling route I would chose the same style curriculum. It is very similar to the one I grew up with in Europe.
Stasha recently posted..Monday Listicles
I really like how this curriculum is laid out. Makes more sense than what schools here are using.
I think you’re amazing, doing this. Your girls are going to rock. it. xo
Alison recently posted..I’m Purposely Vague
Thank you for your support, Alison.
Twitter: UniquelyEN
says:
Such an interesting post. I have always been curious about the process taken for homeschooling. Sounds like things are going well. All that you can do is take one step at a time and try your best as you go. You’re doing a great job with that. I think you were wise to start out small and go slowly so that you and your kids do not become overwhelmed.
If you don’t mind me asking, is there anything {like tests or progress reports} that you have to are required to submit to the state to prove that she is enrolled in school?
Erin recently posted..7 Year Old Phineas and Ferb Birthday
In Nevada there is nothing to submit after you get approved to homeschool. I can order the state tests if I want so that I can compare my kids with the schools but it’s not required.
That’s fantastic; I bet you’re doing great!!
Nicole recently posted..Nicole’s Favourite Things; Fall Edition
Thank you, Nicole. I’m trying.
Twitter: corp2domestic
says:
I think you are doing a fantastic job…and I don’t know how you juggle it all!
Natalie recently posted..1…2…3…Focus!
Some days I don’t know either.
I think that’s a great way to structure their educations. No matter where their strengths end up being in terms of academic subjects, you’re giving both of them the language and logic skills needed to thrive in the other areas as well.
angela recently posted..Our Party Scene
I really hope so. I’m doing the best I can but sometimes it’s hard with 2 kids who are at different stages in learning.
Twitter: babspinfrance
says:
I think it is amazing that you are doing this! Your girls are going to get so much out of it!
Barbara recently posted..Halloween a l’Americaine
Thank you, Barbara. I hope so.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
I give you so much credit for doing this. Surely you earn your martinis at the end of the day.
Kimberly recently posted..Essence Of Now: Weddings and Sunshine
You know it.
Twitter: katepantier
says:
Pretty sure if you’re teaching Latin to the girls, you’re doing a damn good job!
I’m beyond impressed with you!
Kate recently posted..Essence of Now: Birthday Gift
Thank you, Kate! I’m trying.
Twitter: ByWordsMusings
says:
Sure you could find them a mixology course for credit …
You are rocking this new gig, love reading your posts and seeing your photos. At the end of the day, homeschooling is a gift all around – and on the bad days at least you don’t have to deal with homework or a miserable teacher
You go girl!
By Word of Mouth Musings recently posted..Friends are like cupcakes …
On the bad days we just get out of the house and do something fun instead.
Thank you for your guidance through this journey.
Twitter: ByWordsMusings
says:
and thank you for the mention
I really admire you taking homeschooling on, it seems as though it is a HUGE (yet extremely important) task with lots of different routes to go and with everything else you do, you’re a hero! And not just to me, but to your girls too. Keep on keeping on. xo
Tonya recently posted..Halloween 2012
Twitter: EverythingEvie
says:
I cannot tell you how much I admire you for taking this leap. My hubby and I have started our son with some “homeschooling” type activities – inspired by you and your girls! He’s doing great and loves to learn. I read your blog daily via email, and sometimes don’t have time to make it here to comment. My job is super demanding, but you should know that your words, your thoughts, and your life inspire others. Thank you.
Eve recently posted..Wordless Wednesday – Halloween 2012
Thank you for those kind words, Eve. I really appreciate them and I’m glad to hear that your son is loving to learn.