That Time of Year!

Here we go around! If you homeschool you may know what I am talking about.

If you haven't ordered curriculum or built your own it is time to get going. For some parents this can be a tricky time of year. Kids are transitioning into new grades and parents are trying to get organized and prepared as much as possible.

If you are new to homeschooling or are just one of those homeschool parents that gets a little stressed out at this time, here are a few hints:

1. Remember why you homeschool. For most of us, part of the reason is to take the frenzy out of the days and to slow things down to enjoy them to the fullest. This time of year should be no different.

2. Get kids to help you. Talk to your kids about what they would like to learn this year. This is an ideal starting point if you get to build your own curriculum. Kids can also be a huge help in getting organized. Even a toddler can help put crayons in their place or put books on a shelf.

3. Don't leave out the rest of the house. Don't be alarmed but schooling at home always goes better when the rest of the house is in order. If you start now and do a little at a time this does not have to be such a daunting task. Again, this is something the whole family can be doing together.

4. Try to think ahead. Prepare as much as you can in advance. Whether it is lesson plans, supplies or activities to keep smaller children entertained, try to have it as far in advance as possible.

This does not have to be a frantic time of year. Just keep in mind why you homeschool and remember to enjoy the preparation just as much as the schooling or unschooling that goes on in your home!

Subject Blitz

Speaking with homeschool parents can be very interesting. It is fun to hear the varied answers to why they chose to homeschool, what curriculum they like or dislike, what their schedules are like and what extracurricular activities they like. It is also fun to know if religion was a factor in their decisions or if they include it in their curriculum.

In our homeschool group we have a wide variety of folks who all homeschool for different reasons and although a lot of us use the same curriculum, we use it in different ways. I recently came upon one family that knocks out a whole year's worth of one subject at a time. For example, they did a "history blitz" last year. They spent about one month and did multiple history lessons per day to knock out the whole year.

This peaked my interest. I asked many questions and was actually pleasantly surprised by the answers. I asked why they did it. The answer was that they had gotten behind in history and really just needed to hit it hard. They did not set out intending to only do history each day but the kids (four of them) all got so engrossed in the lessons and what was happening that they were loved the saturation. It was the topic of many a family discussion (most in fact). They did field trips and experimented with different inventions they learned of in times past.

Because of how this family handled it they were able to focus on one subject, let it be fun for the kids because they couldn't' get enough of the history and having it really become like a live story to them. They were reading for hours a day and loving it. They were excited to write because they loved sharing their thoughts and ideas on what had happened in history. Then they even managed a to throw in some science by reenacting some inventions and trying them on their own or brainstorming on ways to make them better with the tools available at the time.

I was impressed by this family and while my own children have gotten behind in history and science this year I suggested this summer that they do a blitz! They are boys so they love this word and think of football. I challenged them to see how fast they could knock out the lessons but also to see how well they could do at them while being fast about it. I don't want speed to take over quality.

We'll see how it goes and I will keep you updated. In the meantime, remember that it is worth while to talk with other parents and see what works for them, read online about the experiences of others. There simply is not just one right way to homeschool but different techniques and skills can be used as needed to enhance the experience. Enjoy your homeschool day!

Homeschool Abroad

My family is in an interesting situation. My husband has joined the military a little later than everyone else (age 37) and he has just received orders to his duty station in South Korea. The interesting thing is that it is for three years. So, with our four children we are taking this huge leap into the unknown hoping that it will be a grand adventure, help our children educationally and culturally and let them have the best of both worlds.

Naturally, because I have not been to South Korea (or many other places for that matter, I am not normally an adventurous traveller) I am nervous. However, I have told my children that without stretching our limits or comfort zone - no growth comes. I hope I am right that this "adventure" will be what is good for them as a growing experience.

Part of what I find attractive about this experience is learning so much about the country of South Korea, it's people and history. I am also intrigued by the climate and geography of the country. It will be a wonderful place to be for inexpensive travel to so many places on that side of the world that we would normally not have the opportunity to visit. Places like Japan, China, Singapore, Taiwan and more.

I am hoping that at least for a little while I will be able to continue our current homeschool curriculum and lifestyle. I will be enrolling in online classes for myself as well. It will be nice if I have to do a few general education classes (despite my previous college credits) because it will give me a chance to figure out what I would like to focus on with my degree. I can't imagine anything better than getting my education along side my children and showing them that even in your mid thirties it is never to late to have your grand adventure!

Homeschool and Technology - Part 2

Today I read an article online about a homeschooling parent who believes that homeschoolers have access to all of the latest and greatest technology. That same parent believes that these tools of technology are only there to fill the gap of what knowledge we don't have. This person believes that computer programs and Internet are simply for fun and games. I see her point in a certain light but then I see things in another light as well.

In New York a new public school was chartered this year that is strictly based with technology. It covers all subjects but somehow puts it in a game format or a simulated way. From research the test scores show that this method works. That students are willing to sit at a screen and learn when it is well presented.

While I do firmly believe that technology can never replace human interaction but it can also help our human relationships along. For example, those with military parents can often use programs such as Skype or Windows Live to video chat for free! This is astounding. My children have been able to stay in touch with relatives that live across the country, see their cousins whenever they want to and as I write this they are in the other room on Skype with their father.

Technology does need to be monitored. Especially if you have students using the Internet. It's good to have your computer in an open place where you are passing by the desk often and can see what is going on and be involved in what your student is doing. It's great to monitor what games are being played and of course what social networking sites may be in use. Safety is key!

I think the lesson between my liberal attitude and the article author's conservatism is that everything is good in moderation with technology and education. I don't think it replaces text books and worksheets but I think it offers a great alternative. My own children have been on burn out from worksheets from time to time and I have been very glad that there are spelling programs and other helpers at my fingertips.

K12 Curriculum Review

In this post we will look at the K12 curriculum. There are pros and cons to all programs so it is wise to shop around before signing up for any particular school or purchasing any curriculum products.

K12 is an innovative approach to home based learning. They offer curriculum for kindergarten through 12th grades. You can buy this curriculum on your own and pay privately but it is pretty pricey. The elementary grades average about $1200 per year. You do get almost everything you need but you will have to buy certain things for science projects and typical school supplies. What I am getting is that they do not provide your pencils and notebooks. It's like normal public school in that respect.

Another option with K12 is their Virtual Academy programs. Available in most states this is an extraordinary program and most are publicly funded. This means that in the states available there are programs where you student is actually enrolled in the public school system in your district and then they receive K12 curriculum at no cost to you. You just buy the few homeschool supplies that are needed and you do have to have a computer and Internet connection. You then have a teacher assigned to you through your school district that works with you to help you accomplish the educational goals you have for your student.

The great thing about the Virtual Academy programs is that they allow for some great resources like a teacher to contact and there are extra curricular activities, clubs and more. The support of a teacher is a great bonus because no matter the skills you have as a teacher there will be times where you present information in every way that you know how and a particular student still won't understand a concept. A teacher can just step back and give you a fresh look. It should be noted that the teachers in this program are not there to breathe down your neck and be task masters but you are accountable for attendance and you are required to do standardized testing through your state department of education.

Overall K12 is a great company. The math has had a few complaints because the program does not seem fluid and organized but my understanding is that they are building a new curriculum for their math program at this time because the users have spoken up and K12 listened. There is a lot of online support and the online school interface is easier to use than a simple email program. It is wonderful. If you can get the publicly funded version I highly recommend it but it is well worth the money if you have to pay out of pocket.

Homeschool Curriculum

Choosing a homeschool curriculum is a time consuming job. Especially if you are new to homeschooling. A few things that you will want to look for when choosing your homeschool curriculum are:

• Cost - can you afford the curriculum for each student that you are homeschooling. Some boxed curriculums can cost a fortune and some of them are worth what they charge. There are also the options of building your own curriculum or trying free homeschool curriculum using the library, Internet and other resources available to you.
• Learning style of the child - as a parent you are the expert on your child. If this is your first year of homeschooling it may take you a few tried to come up with the right homeschool curriculum for your child's needs.
• Time and schedule - Some curriculums have more rigid guidelines than others. If you build you own, you set the pace and schedule. You do have to keep in mind that your state homeschool laws may have attendance requirements that may include how many hours per day you spend doing instructional course work. Make sure you adhere to the laws in your state.
• Unschooling vs. schooling - Decide if you are unschooling your children or if you like the concept of a traditional school room in you home. Unschooling parents believe that you learn as you go and that the rigidity of school as we have come to know it needs to be taken out of the equation.
• Support - Different curriculum choices offer different levels of support. It is always a good idea to get involved in homeschool support groups. Choose a homeschool support group on your own or if you want to start your own homeschool support group. It is easy to find other parents looking for different alternatives and new support groups.

There are many things to consider when choosing a homeschool curriculum. This time of year parents are frantically putting things together for the year. The important thing to keep in mind is the needs of you and your child. Homeschooling can be an ideal choice for the whole family if you will be flexible, keep your priorities in tact and if something isn't working don't be afraid to change things around.

Homeschooling Program Blog

Welcome! We have put this blog together to help all involved in homeschooling to navigate their way through their homeschool experience.

Here we will review homeschool curriculum, provide free homeschool curriculum ideas, free homeschool resources, homeschool tips, and more.

It's back to school time and we have some wonderful ideas for homeschool organization, homeschool record keeping, help for different subjects and more. So, please check back often. We will always have new and exciting ideas and information.