I get a lot of comments like, "I could never homeschool." Or, "I don't know how you do it." Well, I have to be honest. I don't know how I do it either. I DO know, however, that this has been a long prayerful decision and I know that it's what Heavenly Father wants me to do. The task is daunting.
When I first began homeschooling, I bought an all-in-one bundled curriculum. Everything was included, everything lined out for me. It was a blessing. It was a wonderful beginning. Now we're getting to the end of our second year and I've felt the need to spread my wings a little bit. After some research, I bought some books as guidelines. Let me tell you- I don't entirely agree with everything these authors have to say, but I have found a wealth of information and guidelines on how to organize my own homeschool and home in general.
The Well-Trained Mind- This book outlines all ages, from birth to college. I mostly use this book as an outline. I really like it's scope and sequence. I'll use science as an example. Year one- you teach about physical science. Animals, the human body, plants. Year two- Earth Science and Astronomy. Magnets, space, etc. Year three- Chemistry. Molecules, chemical reactions, atoms, etc. Year four- Physics. Simple machines, sound, light, energy and power. All of this outlined for you and then the next 4 years, when they're in 5th grade to 8th, you repeat the same year subjects but in more depth. Genius! On top of the core subjects, Susan Wise Bauer adds in foreign languages like latin and greek, religion, music lessons, etc.
A House United:Changing Children's Hearts and Behaviors by Teaching Self-Government- What a title! So far, I have really enjoyed this book. I just started it, but I can already recommend it to families who may struggle with communication. Right now, Nicholeen Peck recommends having a family vision and mission. Vision is the "what" and the mission is the "How." I will have to give a more in-depth review of this book when I finish it. So far, it's pretty fascinating.
Parenting with Love and Logic- some may have heard of love and logic. Sir Lancelot took a couple courses in College to renew his teaching license. Their main focus is teaching children responsibility. One thing I got from them is that a lot of times, parents make their children's problems, their problem. The moment you raise your voice, you have made it your problem. "Mom! I can't! I won't! I don't want to!" Instead of responding with a yell back or upset tone, you simply state, "I'm sorry you feel that way." etc. Another thing that I've learned it that children respond better when they feel they have a say in their situations. Give them a choice. This has especially worked well with Ferdinand. He's one stubborn little boy, and won't eat his food a lot of times. We give him the choice to eat his food, or he can sit on his bed for a little bit. One day, he refused to eat so we said, "You can eat your food or you can sit on your bed." He chose to sit on his bed. After whining a few minutes, he comes out of this room and says, "ummm.... I want to try my food now." Problem solved. He made a choice, which led to him making an even better choice AND it didn't become a power struggle between child and parents.
A Thomas Jefferson Education- Teaching a Generation of Leaders For The Twety-First Century- Another mouthful. This was probably the most controversial of the books I've read. It works for some families, but not so much for others. Oliver Van DeMille's "vision" is to inspire children and read classics. Read, read, read. You can learn mathematics, grammar, life long lessons through reading classics. When he says classics, he doesn't just mean Plato, Shakespeare, and the Bible. He inludes Newton, Einstein, Darwin, Freud, Galileo, Copernicus, etc. I imagine a lot of these classics may be hard to read. I may not agree with reading Newton to my elementary aged child, but the biggest thing I got from reading this book was that you have GOT to inspire. How many of us remember what we learned in school? Honestly... what do you remember from your 7th grade english class? I don't remember much because I was just going through the motions. However, I DO remember my research about children and ADHD, anxiety, essential oils, supplements, animals, biology, botany, WWII, Schindler's List, Hans Christian Anderson, Goats, (yes goats....) and even some truly controversial subjects, etc. Why would anyone do this? For me, I was intrigued, inspired, and I wanted to know. Any doctor studies day in and day out... why? Because they want to know how to help. They're inspired. Any lawyer studies government. Why? Because they're inspired. Get my drift? Children are the same. They need to have a small fire lit, even if it's barely burning, you are to be their mentor and turn that flicker into a bonfire. This is something from this book that I agree with 100%. Anything that your children are interested in, grab that idea and run with it. Take them to the library, watch documentaries, there is a wealth of information out there. Curly girly is obsessed with the ocean. She knows so much about these little water animals and I never would have found out about them without first reading or watching about it. A lot of it is very fascinating!
The Book of Mormon- Probably the most important book that I've read. None of these other books matter if it wasn't for the time that I spend in this single book. Spending time with God, praying and studying His word, is what keeps me going with homeschool. These little Spirits that have been entrusted to me need the best mom that they can have and I'm honored to be that person. I know for myself, that I can't do any of this without the influence of the Spirit. I need that Spirit, I need to always be on a spiritual "high" if you will, if I am to guide my children to be functional adults. I'm not perfect, but I do try to do what is best for my kids.
These books are just the beginning of my journey. I'm sure I'll always be reading something about how to be a better parent or have a more organized home. But that's the joy of it. There's always something to learn and through example, my children will realize that the world is full of things to explore and figure out. I'm not shooting for mediocrity. I'm shooting for the best people they can become. I want my children to be problem-solvers, active members in their community, happy and honest parents, but the way that I see it, it begins with ME.
