Our current playroom (ready to be reorganized for our classroom)
When I wrote my first homeschooling article in January, I was overwhelmed with the response here and in emails. So many of you were homeschool veterans offering encouragement or moms like me who were just getting started. There were many others who were just exploring the option. Now that summer is here and fall is approaching, I thought I would share the first steps we’ve taken in our homeschooling journey. The good news is that I am MUCH more relaxed about our decision. Not only have I embraced the idea completely, we can’t wait to get started.
1. Research. I’ve talked with countless homeschooling mamas and teachers and maximized the homeschooling resources at our local library. I’ve learned about teaching styles, learning styles and the varying curriculum options (there are countless varieties!).
2. We joined a homeschooling co-op last spring and are slated to participate in another one this fall. Not only did my son have the chance to interact with other homeschooling families, I used the time to make connections with women and men in my community who are educating their little ones at home and have years of experience doing so.
3. We attended one of our state’s homeschool conventions. We listened to veteran homeschoolers address the benefits and challenges of the lifestyle as well as offer creative solutions for teaching our kids at home. We were able to speak with representatives from nearly every curriculum we were interested in–and learned about many that we never knew existed. We also picked up great bargains on used materials.
4. I’ve joined local homeschool groups on Facebook. It’s wonderful to have such a wealth of resources at my fingertips. If I have a question, chances are that somebody knows the answer.
5. We selected the coursework we will be using for Kindergarten based on my son’s aptitude and interests. And, I’ve made a plan for incorporating/engaging my toddler. In case you’re wondering, these are the curricula we have chosen (more on why I chose them and how we will implement them in a future post):
Summer fun work: The Ordinary Parent’s Guide to Teaching Reading
Sonlight Core A + Language Arts, Science, Bible Supplement
Handwriting Without Tears
RightStart Mathematics Level A
Artistic Pursuits Intro to Art
Next, I’ll be working on our day-to-day scheduling, trying to establish a rough outline of what our weeks will look like. I’m organizing our materials/learning spaces and reading up on general home school ideas. I’m setting goals for the year that answer this core question: why are we homeschooling and what do we want to achieve? I’ll also be working on a very basic booklist for my toddler. We’ll be reading book selections from Before Five In A Row and doing preschool art activities from Artistic Pursuits.
For beginners, where are you in your homeschooling journey? How are you feeling as fall is approaching? And veterans, please pop in and offer your advice! It’s always welcome here.
Co-editor Stephanie Beaty is a blessed mama of three children and military spouse. After a 10-year career as a professional writer/PR pro she began Lifeography, a modern child + family portrait studio where she focuses on capturing relationships and connections. Although her growing family currently resides in Virginia Beach, Va., home is wherever the Navy sends them. Write to her at hello@lifeographer.com.
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