The Homeschool Blog

2005-08-30T17:39:00.000-07:00

Learning To Read

Well, Emma (my 4 1/2 year old) couldn't wait to start learning to read. So we started today with "Teach Your Child To Read In 100 Easy Lessons". That was way too easy!

Emma whizzed right through the first lesson. The really cool thing was the my 3 1/2 year old climbed up on my lap and was doing the lesson with us. He didn't have any problem. He did not want to finish up by writing the sounds, but I really didn't expect he would. I also like that I don't have to have her print a whole page of letters for each lesson. Once she did a few good letters, we called it a day. Nice, simple, short enough lesson for the kids not to lose interest.

It tickles me so to see them learning so much already. We read a lot to Emma and PJ. Not just little kids books but good chapter books also. It is really neat how a few weeks after we read them something, they will start spewing information that we never thought they caught or would remember.

We were also outside all morning catching frogs and baby turtles. It was a great time.

We caught a baby snapper, a rubberback (not sure if that is the actual name, but we will be researching them to find out), and a turtle that we didn't have any idea what it was. Took digital pictures and are going to do research to get more information for Emma and PJ.

We kept the turtles in the bucket and Emma went out and drew pictures of the turtles while I made lunch. We are having sooooo much fun.

It is really neat to see how much fun we can have a learn so much at the same time.

Till next time. Blessings!

2005-08-29T18:10:00.000-07:00

What Happened!

Wow! Created this blog so that I could keep a record of where we were when we started and the progress that we have made. I didn't realize it had been so long since I started this adventure (started a new blog so this second post was actually a few weeks after my first post).

The truth is, haven't really done too much at this point except educate myself. Have looked at and evaluated many different programs. That is extremely overwhelming. There are so many options available. Where do you begin.

Well, for us, we don't want to have "school" at home. We don't want to sit and have workbooks and worksheets all day. Or stressing about having to do the next test. We are working with preschoolers here so don't have to get too technical.

However, my 4 1/2 year old is definitely wanting to start reading and she is ready. We have purchased a copy of "Teach Your Child To Read In 100 Easy Lessons". We will be starting that next week. I like the way this book is layed out. I don't have to worry about what to say to get the lesson across so that she understands it. Everything is completely scripted for you. Makes it very easy to teach and pretty difficult to mess up. Lessons are pretty short too. Which is good for children this age.

I also have a copy of "Before Five In A Row" that I will be using with them. I like the flexibility of this book. It gives you several different areas to "discuss" with the kids after you read the daily book. Also, the second half of the book is very helpful with all the ideas of things we can do with our kids.

I have also read Susan Macauley's book "For The Children's Sake, Foundations of Education For Home and School". What a great book to read for anyone that is considering homeschooling. This book gives an overview of what education can be (even in school). The ideas laid out in this method of schooling (Charlotte Mason) have been proven in various educational settings for over a century. This book can help every parent awaken the minds of children. Susan's book is a great introduction to the Charlotte Mason method of teaching.

Well, off to tend to the kids.

Have a blessed day!

2005-08-28T11:29:00.000-07:00

Getting Started

We previously tried homeschooling with our oldest at home child. He was starting the 9th grade at the time and unfortunately we did not have a successful homeschooling experience. He was used to the daily social interaction and had a hard time getting used to not being around his friends. So we enrolled Tyler into a small Christian private school and that has been a very good experience for him.

I am very excited about hsing our two youngest children. I believe this is what we are called to do. I firmly believe that homeschooling is the best option for our family and am looking forward to it.

My children are very excited also. Emma will turn 5 in November and she is definitely ready to get on with school. She is already reading some easy books. Is able to write the alphabet and knows her numbers.

PJ will turn 4 in November and is a smart in a "boy" sort of way. He is very good at putting things together and is great with bugs, fish, turtles, etc. Basically, if it moves he will chase it down and study it for hours on end.

I am looking forward to where this journey leads. I am very excited to see how the differences in my children play out with their education.

Say a prayer for us. We will need it (but then again, we always do)!

Blessings,

Wendy P