Good reminder from John MacArthur on public education for Christians. It is short.
Showing posts with label EDUCATION. Show all posts
Showing posts with label EDUCATION. Show all posts
Claritas Resources to Help Homeschoolers and Those Suddenly Homeschooling
Here is a list of resource books to help families new to homeschooling. This isn't curriculum but many are finding themselves taking responsibility for their children's education and these books can help.
I loved classical education and would use Claritas today if I was starting afresh.
The memory work is what I'm recommending because it is key to a classical education. The work guide and work audio would be very helpful to a family that wants to educate in this way. Several sets of Timeline cards would be ideal to send along as well.
Various Curriculum Ideas to Help in NC and Address
Christianbook.com and Rainbow Resource have materials at good prices. You could send anything! Here's some starter ideas.
Mail to:
The Gathering Church
370 Mount Jefferson State Park Rd.
West Jefferson, NC 28694
All About Spelling, any level but here are links to a few specific ones:
All About Reading, any level but here are links to a few specific ones:
Math
K-3 Manipulatives Kit (I'm sure many families could use this)
Saxon 54 (3rd grade)
Saxon 65 (4th grade)
Science
PK-6th, great books:
Exploring Creation with Zoology Set (Flying Creatures of the 5th Day text and notebooking journal)
Exploring Creation with Botany Set
Exploring Creation with Astronomy Set
Exploring Creation with Zoology 3 (Land Animals of the 6th Day)
Exploring Creation with Zoology (Flying Creatures of the 5th Day) text
Swimming Creatures of the 5th Day text
Please Remember Our Neighbors in North Carolina Who Need Our Help: Curriculum Distribution Date
Written by Kateland Miller, of West Jefferson, NC
For any and all who have donated curriculum to our area, Thank You! The need is far greater than I anticipated. I am serving the High Country of Western North Carolina and the surrounding area. This consists of Watauga, Ashe, Avery, Wilkes, Allegheny NC, Grayson and Carroll VA, and a Johnson TN.
Many lost some, some lost all is my saying. There are not a ton of existing homeschoolers who lost everything. Those will receive priority. There is a huge amount that have significant home damages, vehicle damages, personal property loss and the sheer fact of dealing with the destruction all around. For those people, receiving donated curriculum means they will not have to worry about next years purchase and they can instead use the money to go towards their other needs, which are great. There is a decent amount of new homeschoolers due to 3 schools completely flooding, two of which are still not back in school and the other holding school in a conference center.
I would love to individually thank every person who is making this possible on every group, but I would never be able to help those in need, nor educate my own children.
I have been personally reaching out to individual families who I know were heavily impacted, homeschool co-ops, and any other avenue of finding those that need help. Please follow along on High Country 21st Century Packhorse Librarian to see updates on where your donations are going and the difference you have made.
We will be hosting our first community wide distribution day on December 19th. This ensures plenty of time to receive donations and distribute to the families that are in the greatest need.
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From Jen Wollschlager
Donations of used curriculum that are sorted by subject and are not written in are needed. Student books without teacher manuals are ok, but please no teacher manuals without needed student texts/workbooks. Many new to homeschooling are receiving these materials. Please bind sets with rubber bands or plastic wrap. Materials of all sorts, even those for parents on how to homeschool, are needed and welcome. Curriculum can be mailed to The Gathering Church 370 Mount Jefferson State Park Rd. West Jefferson, NC 28694 or taken to several locations listed on the HSLDA Used Curriculum for Hurricane Victims site or the above links. You can also connect with me on FB for more address options.
Repentance is Essential for Peace
When we sin it is often tempting to justify what we have done. We can find others who endorse our decision and help us think the situation through in a way that acquits us and casts blame or wrong thinking on others. But there is a wonderful gift the Christian has from God, the opportunity to have a peaceful conscious when we repent fully before God alone.
When our conscience is nagging us, it is often because we are searing it with continued wrong thinking. I even recall, before I was saved by the blood of Jesus Christ, how I felt when others tried to tell me that the sinful positions I felt 'stuck in' were OK. I remember people wanting me to be at peace and they felt sorrow over the turmoil I was in. They were of their father the devil, as was I at that time, and they were doing all they knew to do: help a friend feel better by assuring her that how she was and who she was WAS OK. What else can the world offer when very challenging issues present themselves?
I knew the lack of peace deep inside though. At first it felt like a helpful relief to be assuaged of guilt and sin. There is excitement that moving forward in 'freedom' can happen. But freedom to do things which are only sinful in nature is actually, bondage. And soon enough that happy emotion changes and the deep lack of peace sets back in.
The reality is, only Christ sets us free. Free to NOT sin habitually. Free to live in newness of life and do what pleases the Creator God. Wrong thinking keeps us in bonds. Christians who perpetuate wrong thinking hinder the work of the Lord and they lack the total peace He wants them to have, which is something that enables them to freely serve Him unconstrained.
How often do believers take up causes that do not glorify God, which CANNOT glorify Him by their very nature? Refusing to be conformed to Christ because of decisions they would regret if they'd let themself see the truth, they dig their heels in farther and farther, being sure they will convince others to see it their way, rather than let God help them handle the intense anguish over decisions that cannot be changed and which they regret and loathe the consequences they feel responsible for.
Here's a light example but you will see the point.
Fast Food can be prayed over to give us the nourishment we need but that will not alter the composition of the food and give it nutrients it lacks or remove what is harmful in it. The choice was made to eat the food and there are consequences to eating it. Even Chick Fil A is generally not going to be transformed chemically because of a prayer. God can do that or anything, but does He? The part that really matters is the decision made on the front end to eat it. As followers of Christ we're not to do what we want, where we want, and think a covering of prayer will make it ok. We don't think that right? And yet, how many times do parents act that way with the oversight of the precious children God has entrusted them with? Can parents follow whatever philosophy, and since they claim Christ, live as though the results will glorify Him? What about where those precious children created in the image of God are educated? Can we do whatever suits our fancy and pray over it and leave it at that? Will that fundamentally change something set against God? When we think of what is taught and exemplified in the government run schools (homosexuality, denying being made in God's image through gender denial, believing killing the unborn is OK, people living together with the opposite sex unmarried, the risk of abuse by a teacher or helper, godless curriculum, promoting religions that are contrary to Christianity etc etc), is it unwise to do what I just described, or is it wrong? Another word for wrong in the Christian's life is sin friends.
My conviction regarding government schools is similar to my conviction regarding Roman Catholicism. I wish I found something in Scripture to make me think differently. It is not pleasant to go against so many that hold a different view. But I simply cannot see it differently. Until or unless the government run schools in America completely change and humble themselves before God, I believe Christian parents must do all they can to keep their kids away from them. There is too much at stake. There is not wisdom in the multitude of counselors in godless institutions. Can and will God work when there is a single parent or a communist nation that doesn't allow parents to have their kids in Christian school or homeschool them? Of course, He is a father to the fatherless. His grace is sufficient, but that doesn't mean all I've charged parents to do isn't still true. Mothers are to be the gatekeeper of their home and over the lives of the vulnerable children entrusted to her care, and fathers are to be the priest, provider and protector of the home.
(I believe wisdom and careful discretion are needed if allowing a high school child to take a class in a public college or high school. For some older kids, it might be safe, but for others, it would not be. Let each go to God on that count and determine with their spouse the right course.)
But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 2 Thess 3:3
Image copied from Brett Felton's post on LinkedIn, who this author is not affiliated with in any way personally or professionally.
Homeschool Q&A #10 Creating a Positive Learning Environment
Q: How do you keep students motivated and create a positive learning environment?
A: You will foster a love of learning by having a good attitude toward work, teaching, and learning yourself. Show you enjoy reading to them, going outside together and observing, teaching them how to fold laundry and cooking.... Talk about something you recently learned...homeschooling flows naturally out of day to day teaching that starts as soon as we bring our babies home. We're always teaching our children, particularly with how we respond to our own work.
Practically, honing homemaking skills creates an orderly and peaceful home and as touched on previously, setting a standard of first-time obedience with a good attitude is very helpful. Being able to sit still at the table is very helpful: eating, coloring, painting, doing puzzles... then later you look at A,B,Cs and numbers...
Schedules and routines are great. Plan the eating, chores, playing, reading, schooling, skill time, quiet time etc. Some children need to know what is ahead!
Homemaking is a lost art, but it is an important part of a welcoming, fun homeschool environment. Kids learn a lot watching us practice hospitality. Think of it this way, a wife at home with no children does a lot of important things so her husband is free to advance in his job. She enjoys less stress from the world (and in turn so does he since she's not bringing in more), but she is still very busy with the housework, cooking, laundry, gift buying, maintaining family relationships, car upkeep, whatever else... you want to model joy and enjoyment in those things. It's your work. When school time begins, the good attitude continues.
Whatever we set our hands to, we want to do it as unto the Lord.
Moms who resent their home duties create a bad environment....a good school environment starts with the basics.
my first flowers from my daughter's boyfriend
Homeschool Q&A #9 Assessing Progress
Q: How do you assess progress?
A:
Elementary-aged:
You will use materials for a certain grade, so you will be able to see if your student is doing well or struggling. You won't need a test to tell you in the early years. You will be able to see if they are grasping concepts rather fast, normal, or slow. What matters is that your child will be learning, developing a love for learning, and increasing knowledge at their pace. No need to have everything graded. That said, with math, there will be quizzes and tests, even at a young age. Your curriculum will have them. Use grades as a tool to say, "Hey, no problem, let's see where we need to look a little harder or work through this more. " It's not to do great and feel like a boss, or do poorly and feel like you are a failure. Grades at this young age are a tool to help mom teach and understand her student's needs. The tests are helpful to see what needs work, plus it is a skill to be able to work quickly, which shows proficiency. If your student takes Latin starting in 3rd or 4th grade, there will be grades there also.
Middle:
You won't have to grade a lot of material until this point. It's a ramp up time. Science, history, Latin, logic, literature, English, math... all will likely have graded work. The curriculum will include tests and quizzes. We did live online classes at this point. These are typical classes taught be a teacher with normal grading.
High school:
These are the only grades anyone cares about outside your home. This is because of the transcript you'll want to start building. You want your students prepared for real deal academic evaluations before this time.
A word on academic levels:
We had a student who was technically one year ahead academically. We realized that we didn't want our student graduating a year early and then going to college a year early. So in 4th grade it was really 5th grade material being done... but that was "her" 4th grade level. College turned into taking only 3 yrs to finish instead of 4, so she finished early, which we thought was better than starting early.
A story:
I've seen parents take schooling very casually until HS, then suddenly everyone realized school mattered. Unfortunately, the kids weren't prepared for this. Mom wanted things to be fun and heavily prioritized socializing and friends. For the first time, dad started paying attention, and since he understood the real world, expected high school to be what most of us think of as a full load of academic courses. Not surprising, failure ensued because no one had a plan to gradually increase the pressure and discipline harder academics demand. Learning requires mental lifting. You'll see this with math early on. There are tears, kids think it is too hard... mom has a choice. This is one of the challenges. How much to push. Dad is usually a better judge. Kids work on mom and we tend to back down our buckle, worrying we will ruin them if we push and they can't do it. But no one knows what can be done if they aren't pushed. Mental lifting IS work, and their little brains feel it. Help them push through, have a high standard. You'll be glad later. Crying does not necessarily mean you should back off. It might mean more time is needed, you might need to explain more, but to pull back entirely.... you can be clipping wings and creating a dynamic where the child is suddenly in the driver seat, prematurely.
Standardized testing:
If a person homeschools based on having at least a high school diploma, they have to test their children annually using a standardized test. This score is submitted by either Aug 1st or 15th to the Superintendent of your counties public schools. Kids in government run or private schools do not get tested annually. The test is merely to demonstrate incremental improvement from year to year, there is not a required grade to achieve. That said, year-end testing is not difficult. We did it the last week in May each year.
The California Achievement Test (CAT) tests math and English which is all you have to test for in VA. It can be taken online and graded immediately, or you mail in a paper version and receive the score in the mail. The mother can administer this test. The Iowa is another test and Stanford is another. These others have to be administered by someone besides mom. There are always people offering to administer for a small fee.
If a person home schools under the "religious exemption " they do not have to test annually.
I like orchids, despite killing them vapidly.
Homeschool Q&A #8 Common Misconceptions
Q: What are some common misconceptions about homeschooling that you've encountered?
A: People who do not yet understand homeschooling have a lot of ideas that are erroneous, but that is ok. We're all wrong about something! They might think you need a teaching degree to be a good teacher, they think you aren't actually educating well when you homeschool, they think there are no set grade levels since some homeschoolers act that way, and they think socialization is best done by being around a hoard of same-aged people. Interestingly, at no time in life are adults only around same-aged people, and I'm not sure where the logic is to think being surrounded by mostly immature children one's own age is going to help develop skills for success in life.... Anyway, the more you educate yourself, the more confidence you will have, but honestly, the proof will be in the pudding. We had a LOT of naysaying and at first I felt it was my duty to convince others and educate them, and eventually I was just too busy doing the work I was tasked with (by choice!) and decided I didn't care what anyone else thought. Years later and everyone on both sides of our family have continually praised the result, even my family members extended families. Our children are academically inclined by God, and we did our best to nurture that. People see that plus the godly character He's instilled, and I even have a niece planning to homeschool even though she does not walk with Christ. It is hard to describe what I endured at the start vs. where things are now. I believe Voddie Baucham's The Children of Caesar videos (free on YouTube, part 1 and part 2) give some good statistics that are likely even better now regarding homeschoolers academic prowess v. public schools. Even children homeschooled by parents who didn't finish high school perform better than about 70-75% of their public school peers. The numbers get better with high school graduates doing the teaching, parents who attended college...all those "professional" teachers and same-aged kids are not resulting in better performance academically, and that is the main point of school I thought.
A closing truth to this idea you'll hear:
"Aren't you sheltering your children too much by homeschooling?"
Truth: it is right for parents to shelter their children. This is a wicked world and until they are strong enough and grown, you better believe I'm going to shelter them and train them as best I can. I thank God I was able to stay home and choose what influenced my kids. As the parent, that is the privilege and responsibility. Throwing them to the wolves is a real crap-shoot in today's world.
fall 2025 plantings
Homeschool Q&A #7 Engaged and Motivated
Q: How do you keep your children motivated and engaged in their studies?
A: Bear in mind all of us have things that are a struggle for us to overcome. Labeling generally isn't helpful, and getting a diagnosis of some sort is usually used as an excuse to not push through...as a homeschooling parent you are your kids biggest cheerleader. You are all on Team *****, and you are there to help your kids do the best they can with the tools God has given them. You don't need to know it all or even most of "it". You already know a lot of what motivates your kids and areas they need to improve. Just keep thinking like that day in and day out and love them as you work. Some days are 100%s, and some are not. Each day is a new day. Don't give up and don't be too hard on yourself. Success does not equal perfection. Success is moving in a direction and incrementally improving overall.
the nuts and bolts:
When children are young, keep lessons short 10-15/20 minutes...basically, when they aren't able to keep listening well, you might be going too long. Do some instructing, then switch to them practicing that skill (like 'here is how to add and now we will do some problems'...). Show them the numbers and say them, then trace beans you have glued to index cards to mix it up.
Focus is a habit that needs training, and it is a challenge with today's electronics. We opted to not have TV for a long time but would only watch short videos that were educational or Bible themed.... then on Fri nights we watched a family movie. Listening to classical music from different composers is good for the brain and it is practical for education. I am not a fan of children using screens much at all. The brain needs to develop and grow and learn to focus. Lots of time outside, mom not on her phone (need to model how to focus), and the kids need to be given undivided attention. Adult brains are not the same as children's brains. Children need to see parents focusing on each other and talking, then they need the proper attention and help developing it. Frenetic homes with no order and tons of running around create a lot of the problems we see today with kids, as well as breakfast/lunch/dinner not being given consistently.
Some computer learning games can be helpful, but you want to be deliberate and not use it regularly as a babysitter. Young children can learn to start focusing in the crib with a mobile, then a playpen with a mobile and black and white books, then having playpen time with a few toys they focus on. Focus builds, like discipline in a prayer life.
Reading to children helps them learn to focus, going outside and studying what they find interesting and talking about it (rocks, bugs, plants...). Parenting and focus training go hand in hand. When you work you work, when you play you play. Play is a child's work and there needs to be plenty of it. If they can't focus well right off the bat on any given school day, maybe a few jumping jacks or laps running around the yard are needed first. What will help them succeed? Have a "can do" attitude as mom and be positive. Have a high expectation and minimize distractions where you do school lessons. Put the dog away, have a plan for younger siblings, ignore your phone...self-denial and discipline start early and help with the focus needed to sit and do the hard mental work of learning.
Order in the home is beneficial in many areas--things like striving to greet your husband when he comes home, and then have the kids greet him second. This little routine of order helps many children have more security and alleviates some anxious ways and even sleep issues because they are secure in mom and dad. Good sleep helps kids focus when they need to.
Memory work is so good for training the brain to retain information, and it requires focus. Reading to your children is very helpful to teach them to sit still and focus. Having every meal at the table and requiring them to sit down and eat for the duration also does wonders for focus. Parenting with clear expectations and holding them to it will help your school and home life in many ways. In the grocery store, having the kids hold on to the cart as you go through teaches them self-control which is needed for sitting still during learning. But they have to get their energy out! Breaks and running around outside are so needed! Naps are also needed! School keeps kids stuck at desks for far too long, and it doesn't give them the rest they need either. Children require a tremendous amount of sleep. College takes so much out of them---build their bodies well while you can with excellent nutrition and excellent sleep!
Finally, watch their diet. Do food dyes make them more emotional or wiggly? Does sugar bring a fatigue crash 20 min after eating it? Or carbs in the afternoon? You have to be with your kids a lot and observe them to catch this sort of thing of course. Homeschooling allows this close and careful watching. Not all problems are dietary, but lack of solid nutrition or things that bother a child can play a role. We have food and environmental allergies, and the dye thing was real for us. We thought it was high fructose corn syrup, so we avoided that which helped b/c so much of the food with HFCS has dye.....then we had one child on allergy meds that weren't supposed to cause fatigue but this child was SO tired in the morning and that was when math was...we noticed a big change when we switched to a different allergy medicine.
roast venison bones then crock 24 hrs for bone broth, can rub with tomato paste b4 roasting
Homeschool Q&A #6 Socialization
Q: How do you handle socialization and extracurricular activities for your children?
A: Socialization: one of the best things about homeschooling is having high standards that you can enforce. Being able to guide your children toward quality friendships, and help them avoid those that will bring trouble, is one of the best benefits of homeschooling. Do not be afraid to steer away when you or your husband sees trouble ahead. Pray for discernment. I have numerous examples of how this is very important. Friends can make or break a child, and it is better to have no friends than the wrong friends. God will work through this aspect of the growing years more than many other ways if your family is like ours and others I've known.
Places/ways to be with others:
church-3 times a week for us, YMCA homeschool PE class, library programs (but be careful of content these days), local homeschoolers teaching classes like art, there used to be a Nature Days program we did weekly, homeschool groups like REACH that take field trips-- I'm sure on FB there are local groups that can outline what is around these days, volunteering together (assisted living: go visit and take homemade pictures; play piano for them), serve meals with homeless shelter, clean cages at pet shelter and pet puppies, music lessons, dance lessons, Parks and Rec Sports, private sport lessons like tennis and fencing, political opportunities to volunteer and serve together...I had a literature group meet in my home that I taught a few times for just about 4 or 5 weeks and had a friend invite us to her group for years (didn't go, but opportunity was there). If you have a skill you could offer to have a few moms and their kids over to learn it or do a craft together or meet up at a park...you have to make the effort since the kids aren't with others otherwise, but it is not hard, and they really do not need tons of time with other kids. Family time is more important.
We were in a homeschool co-op where we had classes with other kids from the time our kids were very young on up, weekly. Lots do not do this, but it was what we liked. The main concern new homeschoolers need to be aware of is that you can lose a lot of valuable time socializing and not doing sufficient school/training your kids. The opportunities ABOUND and are fun and appealing, but to educate, you do need to be home some ;).
Academics do get to where it is an all day thing, but that is middle and high school, though the work was generally all finished by dinner time, so evenings were free. In high school this changes some depending on what they've got going on (for example we started dual-enrollment in college classes in 11th gr).
Side note to go with this issue:
Stick to a schedule to help yourself not socialize to a fault, and I heartily recommend an early bedtime. Even in middle school and high school we said to go up to bed at 9 pm. They had time to unwind, read, have good hygiene, etc. and my husband and I needed our time together to unwind. Remember, the kids will leave one day and you need to continually work on being close to your husband. Our very young kids went to bed at 7:30, then 8 was the norm for a long long time. I attribute a lot of the anxiety/depression and underperformance academically that I've witnessed to parents letting their kids stay up late, especially as they got to middle/high school. Early good habits stick with children as they age. I'm not a morning person, but we got the kids up and moving and started school no later than 8 am.
laceleaf Japanese maple during the deep freeze Jan 2026
Homeschool Q&A #5 Advice to Someone Just Starting Out
Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out as a homeschooling parent?
A: Some of this one is worked in throughout the other answers, but truly the most important thing to do is be on the same page as your husband. If he doesn't support homeschooling and you, I'm hard pressed to recommend it. It requires two parents pulling in the same direction even though you as Mom will be the head teacher at this stage. It is a lifestyle, and you will need his encouragement. Prayer for wisdom and insight into the best fit for your family and children is the next thing once you and your husband are ready to move forward. God knows your children and their needs, and He has entrusted them to you and your husband. You are equipped to do what is best for them. Ask Him often and realize this is a beautiful journey that isn't based on perfection, but love, sacrifice, and hard work. It is rewarding and a very nice way to live, but it isn't for the lazy or undisciplined. Be careful about who you become friends with and who you let your kids be around a lot. Plenty of people homeschool that aren't serious about it and love to influence others...they will fall off the rails later. Better to have no friends than the wrong friends. God will provide!
For the Children's Sake
After having not read this book for over 15 years, I've been going through it afresh. It's excellent, particularly in the hands of a parent striving to biblically raise their children. I hesitate to recommend it as a first book on parenting if someone isn't yet convinced corporal punishment is effective and biblical, or for someone who might think secular schools are ok. I can see parents who lean toward being child centered missing (though it would take effort to miss... ) the critical importance of quick obedience for this beauty to play out. Being effective with obedience (first time with a good attitude) obviously necessitates an effective method of getting the child trained when very young, and a proper heart attitude of the parent must accompany that method. This shouldn't be missed. Home educators need to understand the importanceof obedience, and if they do, they will truly appreciate the teachings in this book.
Homeschool Q&A #4 Managing Time
Q: How do you manage your time and balance homeschooling with other responsibilities?
A: Homeschooling children in K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd only takes a short time. Lessons are short and subjects need to only be a few. Even 4th/5th graders are done by noon at the latest if you start early enough. We had our kids do a quiet time in the afternoon for about 2 hrs to read/nap/draw/play quietly. They learned to focus their attention (no electronics), love to read, appreciated the alone time etc. It was needed for me to take care of things without them around. They all had chores and we worked together as part of their training (it was on the spreadsheet), so the chores were done. There wasn't homework--we did all the math at one time, then we did all the English...early schooling is delightful and quick. 2 hrs you are finished if in 1st/2nd gr. Paying attention and obeying mom is all part of the discipline (Shepherding A Child's Heart by Ted Tripp; The Heart of Anger by Lou Prioli--excellent parenting helps). Our standard was to obey mom/dad cheerfully the first time. We held them to that, and our home was generally peaceful. I modeled what I wanted them to become, and our view is that what we do, they will push beyond, so that sometimes meant me refraining from what I could handle/want in order to not create appetites in my kids that would possibly cause them to stumble.
Homeschool Q&A #2 and # 3 Deciding on Curriculum and Support
Q: How did you decide on a homeschooling curriculum or approach? What resources or support systems did you find most helpful?
A: We started with simple workbooks when our oldest showed a need for some more educational stimulation. Rainbow Resource had (and has) something called Developing the Early Learner and we loved that. 10-15 min a day added to the playing and little household chores we did together. Shortly after that, we got Mind Bender books for the very young and just started expanding on our daily living together. We moved to VA in Nov when the kids were 4, 2 and <1. The HEAV Convention that June or the following was where I started to learn about curriculum and methods of home educating. I had no idea there were so many options. We joined a co-op at the church we were attending at the time, and had the kids take some classes there. We met our first homeschooling friends by being in that co-op and we joined another couple of groups for field trip/support options. Co-ops abound in this area, or you can easily start one with a few other moms. My guess is that on FB you'll find groups in this area.
We always read a lot to our kids even as babies, and we just kept that up. That sort of thing showed me how I could teach my kids anything. We would talk about the content. When it was time for more structure, we looked at what we could afford and seemed doable. What we started with isn't what we stuck with. As I learned more, I changed things up from time to time. First grade I went with Christian Liberty Press for everything with my oldest, halfway through the year I changed to a more in-depth English program others told me about (The Phonics Road to Spelling and Reading). A few years later I learned about classical education and man, it made so much sense. We started with that method, and I heartily loved it.
Cathy Duffy has good reviews that are helpful, but the Convention in June will be most helpful. All About Reading is popular and looks good, and I loved All About Spelling. In early elementary though we just focused on reading, math and handwriting and I read to them from science and history books. Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Lessons is a good book to start with. Lots of math options to choose from. The key is to memorize math facts and do speed drills, even if your curriculum doesn't do them. You want proficiency and speed--mastery. You can print free math drill sheets online (at least you used to be able to!). My husband is a chemical engineer and had a lot of opinions on our math and he became the math teacher when our oldest reached 3rd grade. For the Children's Sake is a worthwhile book by Susan Schaeffer Macauley--she was the pioneer of the Charlotte Mason style of educating. Little Hands to Heaven is a nice young child Bible story book to go through. I like CHAP, it is a homeschool group in PA with nice posts on Facebook that I've often seen. We always belonged to HSLDA (the Homeschool Legal Defense Association--if you are a member and have legal trouble, they will help you for free) and their website has a lot of info on it. We also joined HEAV annually.
Homeschool Q&A #1 Top Challenges
Q: What are the top challenges you faced when you first started homeschooling?
A: I'd say my two biggest challenges were learning to be a good, consistent parent and following a consistent routine. I'm not into routine or schedules by nature, but believe both are essential for an optimal learning environment and household. That aligns with the way my husband is, and my view is that it is my job to try to run things as best I can in a way that honors his desires. Everyone's husband is different; this was what worked best for us. I did not buy into the idea that the housework can wait until the kids are raised. We wanted to live in a clean, orderly home. So I had to learn how to manage it all. It was a learning curve. I used Doorposts charts which were very helpful with consistent discipline, made a schedule in Excel to have all the moving parts laid out for when chores were getting accomplished and when the kids had one on one time with me etc. I used 'days of the week' toy bins to keep the younger kids occupied during schooling times so my attention could be on one child at a time. There was a popular book out called Managers of Their Homes or something like that and it was useful. Before my husband would come home from work, the house got a quick tidy. Home educating was just one more part of the puzzle of child rearing, and I knew very little at first but started small and just kept learning. :)
They Said "Care" When They Meant "Murderous Help"
This map is nice for seeing where states stand after the overturning of Roe v Wade, something I never thought I'd witness. The title of the post is a riddle of sorts, solved when reading the description in the first link.
Here is a map showing the status of states in regard to the damaging and incorrect critical race theory.
Where does your state land on legalizing marijuana?
Legal or Illegal, or Something In Betwixt?
Another Post for My Children-The Premier of 2024
To My Beloved Young Adult Children,
I've been thinking and talking with Dad about young children and a few important things to keep in mind.
It has occurred to me that the memorization work involved with classically educating is very important, no matter how you decide to educate your own children one day. There can always be a memory portion added whether you go traditional, note-booking, Charlotte Mason.... Training the young mind to retain will reap rewards throughout your child's life--the importance can hardly be overstated. Your father and I agree it is a game-changer in the development of children for their education, and when the ripest opportunity ends, it is over, and it cannot be regained. No time is as fertile for memorizing facts as the elementary years. Use them well! Be sober-minded in regard to the responsibility to give your child every opportunity that promotes godly character and excellence in learning.
Along this line, remember that as stewards of the children God gives you, you must feed their minds and bodies protein each morning and each meal. The brain grows so rapidly! Strive to not waste a single meal on trash that is essentially empty calories full of fat or sugar. Being entrusted with the lives of young children who are fully dependent on you is the greatest blessing ever, and you want to do all you can in every respect to give them your best for their betterment. Set them up for success! A child does not know what they are missing if you only give them quality and they gain an appetite for what they are fed. How many children would be better behaved or smarter if they were fed wholesome nutritious meals, particularly at breakfast? A child who is never given sweets does not know they are not getting sweets. Live by a good standard and hold your children to a high standard. You want to look back knowing you were thoughtful, careful and loved them well.
Finally, I've recently solidified a thought that has ruminated around for a while and it is a caution of sorts. This may not be anything more than anecdotal, but it seems to me that those home educators who are drum-beaters for a particular method are most likely to be afflicted with a pride that is woven rather tightly into the fabric of their being. It is a challenge to put into words, but my cautioning will hit the mark by simply stating what I have. As the saying goes, there are many ways to skin a cat and thus, there are many ways to educate. In point 1 above you see that my chief concern is to remind you that memory work is critical. Beyond that, find what you (or your wife) can successfully work with, and what your children respond well to, and do it heartily. No one here expects you to do things exactly as we did. You aren't clones of us and even if you were, your spouses will not be. Your state will have its mandates--Lord willing we will still be free to home educate.
Keep God as your guide and seek Him. We will be here to cheer you on and love you.
Thankful for each of you, my pride and joy,
Mom
Parental Rights in Hernando County, Florida
I'll keep this short. It is absolutely shocking how liberal, agenda-driven public teachers in Florida want to pretend that the LGBTQ issue isn't an ideology issue which plenty of good parents have a problem with. Are these so-called educators truly of such low IQ that they think parents are THAT dumb? This is not an issue over educating rightly, or using all of the wonderful resources to broaden their student's minds. Nope, anyone with half a brain sees right through the comments of these 'educators'. They can't find something more educationally rich or stimulating than a controversial PG movie (and yes, folks, it is a controversial movie!) to reinforce the Earth Science lesson? C'mon, son, how uneducated do these so-called intellectuals think people are?
Parents, it is all over this blog: take responsibility for your children and their education and get them out of the government-run schools. Run, don't walk.
Building a Car and Home Library for Your Kids
Being in the car is a great time to impart truth and information. Here are a few ideas that we enjoyed with our kids. Buying used is fantastic if you can. At this point I wish we could have held on to all of this stuff, but I've always sold what we're finished with to fund what is coming next.
These items are also great if you do a quiet time for your kids who are finished with naps, or if you set up 'stations' as part of keeping an ordered, well-planned day for your children. A story listening time/station is a fun thing to add to the mix!
Check homeschool groups and websites for deals, and if your area has an annual Convention, that is a terrific place to look for used materials. In Virginia we have the Home Educators Association of Virginia and the annual Convention is very encouraging and full of resources.
Birthdays and Christmas are good opportunities to get the library built up! Who needs more toys?!
Cedarmont Kids Bible CDs (we had some DVDs as well)
Lyrical Life Science CDs (mom should listen to see if all is age appropriate, though listening to things above one's level is good--just want to watch for introducing content before it is time)
The Singing Bible (We still enjoy this today, it is a beloved family fav! Just one or 2 songs we opted to skip due to musical style or if it was scary to very young kids.)
Jonathan Park (adventure, Creation, very enjoyable)
Jim Weiss (so many quality stories to listen to--this is a terrific way to boost your child's vocabulary)
Moody Science DVDs (If you want to treat your child to screen time, there are few things better than these! Give them an appetite for truth and learning early on and it will reap dividends their whole life.) Solid creation viewpoint
Buddy Davis' Amazing Adventures solid creation viewpoint, from Answers in Genesis
Mystery of History This is a history curriculum that we used for several years. The books are good to work through with multiple ages. The CDs are helpful for just packing in more information and reading through the material for you. It is a good way for mom and the kids to learn. Solid creation viewpoint.
When my kids were very young we enjoyed being in Classical Conversations. The group changed through the years to be less of what we wanted, so we went a different direction. We are Bible believing Christians who attend a Baptist church because we believe it aligns most closely with Scripture. There are other good Protestant churches out there, but we're members of a Baptist church and have been for over 25 years. That said, I'm a fan of memory work for elementary-aged students and if you can get an old guide and the CDs that go with the same edition, it is a good way to do memory work. You can Google it and lots of materials show up on ebay. I owned the first 3 editions of the Foundations guide I think. The CDs are enjoyable and we had fun doing hand motions and singing along. There are 3 cycles that CC goes through. The CDs should be no more than $25, far less used.
I have a friend who prefers Claritas for memory work, after also having done CC. I've never used it but have seen it, so I am comfortable recommending it based on these things. Whatever you do, find memory work that you will use, and then use it! :)
A timeline that starts with Creation and goes to the modern day is great. We used Veritas Press for this since that is what CC used at the time. Then CC made their own timeline. I'm not sure what all is out there now...just realize this, there are many good resources available. Some may be better than others, but do not spend too much time splitting those hairs. Your students will get a far better education if you just pick something and DO IT. Who really cares if you stumble upon a more thorough timeline a couple of years after you've chosen one and started teaching it? Unless it is earth-shatteringly better, just stay the course. And that is my suggestion for all subjects. Love your kids, pick quality, DO IT DAILY, and stay the course. You will finish well ahead of your peers if you can just do that.
Creating an Appetite for Excellence
Often as parents we don't think about how to instill an appetite for excellence in our children. But we can start at any time! Each day is a fresh opportunity to do better than its predecessor!
With meals, we feed children processed foods, fast food, and whatever salty and sugary snacks are out there. We give them sugary tea, lemonade, soda or juices, and they develop an appetite for that type of drink. Conversely if we feed them fresh fruits and vegetables, whole wheat bread, milk and water they will learn to appreciate the actual flavor of healthy whole foods.
On the entertainment front, we let them watch mindless cartoons instead of educational videos. We keep them occupied with our phones or tablets. Instead of teaching them to listen to books or read them, we keep the TV on. Car rides involve movies, even short across town jaunts. When we do this, we're teaching their minds to crave mind numbing, rather than mind developing, input. Conversely, we can instill a love of reading by reading to our children and having them listen to books on tape. This helps them develop terrific language skills. We can play educational cds in the car that have memory work, scripture songs, science facts or various composers. Capitalizing on daily opportunities to input truth and quality makes it so the occasional 'purely entertainment' times are indeed, special.
Children's minds grow tremendously fast, and they naturally love learning. We can foster that attitude by being creative and engaging from birth, or we can let our kids get bored so that when formal instruction begins, we have already set ourselves up for trouble. Engage your child's natural curiosity. Talk with them daily, explain what you are doing and why. Show them the things in your home and tell them why you like it, point out shapes and colors. Show them tools, utensils, equipment. It's all new, they love to help, have you do show and tell, play with them, give them tasks and praise them for their help to the family.
Teach your babies to focus by using a playpen and having engaging books, objects, or mobiles, one item at a time. Teach your toddlers to focus and sit still by reading to them with no electronic distractions. Have them take naps and sleep in their own bed and keep a book in the crib so when they awaken, they learn to enjoy flipping through. Rotate the book, make sure it is engaging with color or things to do or feel. Do not rush to get them out of the crib. Remember infants can awaken for many minutes and go back to sleep. Don't get them up in the midst of their sleep cycle thinking they are done. Sometimes they awaken and cry a little, only to fall back into deeper sleep.
Eat together daily, sitting at the table through the whole meal. No phones, no TV, just family conversation. Show each other you value each other.
Life is busy, but if it's too busy to look in your child's eyes each day, talking and listening, it's TOO busy. Fix that.
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