I'm going to go ahead and apologize for the length of this post, but my assumption is that anyone reading this is actually looking for this information. I posted on Instagram a few weeks, or maybe months ago asking for inquiries regarding our "system" or lack thereof. I'm hoping to answer most of them in this post.
Last year we ended our year fairly strong. The kids enjoyed themselves and requested to be homeschooled again, Everett was reading fluently, and everyone seemed quite happy, so I would consider that a success! We had our "end-of-the-year party" at Yosemite, where we hung out at Mirror Lake and took advantage of the park before it got too crowded.
Before we started last year, I spent some time in prayer asking for specific direction for the year. The word "Grace" kept popping up and I truly feel like it played a large role for that season. I was terrified of giving them a sub-par education yet I had very specific passions of my own that I was excited to implement. Throughout the year, I followed the lead of our personal family rhythm, as well as the children's passions. We ditched textbooks and basically took on our very own unique approach. Our journey is documented on this journal, but if you're hoping to have specific posts, visit here, here, here, here, and here. I have also written a few articles for Wild and Free as well as Babiekins Magazine (their current print issue). I believe I go into detail as far as what our day looks like in both of them.
After some prayer for this upcoming year, the word "Discipline" has been very apparent. Which is a tough one. We had a lot of fun last year, and I ditched anything that wasn't pleasant for me to teach. This year, I know that it's my duty to tighten the belt a bit and focus on some of the subjects that I partially neglected last year. I am bringing in some curriculum, although it's hard to call it that as it is very gentle in approach.
For Language Arts, I will be introducing various levels of "Reading Lessons Through Literature" and "English Lessons Through Literature" by Kathy Jo DeVore. Scarlett will be starting on level one of reading, and Everett will join her halfway through the year when the phonograms get more intense. We used "The Ordinary Parents Guide to Teaching Reading" last year with Everett, and while it was very successful in teaching him how to read, I feel that it lacked in the spelling department by breaking down words better. I was raised on Spalding and her technique is very similar. I do recommend it, however, if you are a first-timer and the idea of teaching a child how to read is overwhelming. It certainly eased my fear. The English Lessons will cover everything from months of the year for Scarlett to sentence diagraming (yawn) for Carter. I had a really hard time with grammar last year and ditched it all-together. We worked on grammar by doing our notebooking and their personal narrations. I figured if they could write well, they would be able to figure it out on their own. However, "Discipline" keeps coming back, so we will at least start the year with these lessons, which are very gentle in approach and use classic literature to teach concepts through. The lessons include grammar, picture study, poetry, narration, copywork, and much more.
Here is an example of Carter's work toward the end of the year. We were reading "Louis Zamperini". This is his personal narration from about eight chapters of reading:
We typically produced one of these per day (four days a week). The children choose one story to write about (they narrate several of our readings orally throughout the day, but usually only have to write one--if this is all foreign to you, read For the Children's Sake and A Charlotte Mason Companion). They will either narrate to me and I write or type it, or they will write it themselves (only Carter, Everett's writing level was not ready for this). If they narrate to me, I will write or type and they will copy it. In Carter's example above, he wrote it himself, as you can see there is one spelling error. :) Depending on what we are working through, there will either be illustrations in the book or we will Google images for them to copy their drawing from. The picture he drew was an image from the film, "Unbroken", of the shadows of the ship and the Japanese pointing their guns down on Louis and his friend Mac.
I've mentioned this in prior posts, but I will give our art resources for your reference again. Because I am super nice. And I have no idea what post it is on. ;)
For their notebook work, we use a standard card stock, found at any Wal Mart or Staples. We use Ticonderoga pencils and sketch a picture of choice (it must represent what they are narrating though). They choose between Stockmar crayons, Lyra colored pencils, and Stockmar watercolor paint (or sometimes a variety) as a medium to complete their work. After they are done with their copywork, they paint that page as well. Typically it results in two pages, that I will then laminate back to back. Sometimes the illustration ends up on the same page as the narration (such as Everett's narration of Abraham Lincoln below).
For the little ones, I start with StockMar block crayons. They begin learning about blending colors and are able to hold larger items in their hand for more control. (Scarlett using the block crayons and the Lyra colored pencils above)
In the above image, Everett has used pencil, colored pencil and watercolor on his poem to the left, he used solely watercolor with his verse on the right, while using colored pencil to copy his verse (which I wouldn't recommend for small hands, it's difficult to have nice penmanship with those pencils).
The wooden paint holder is one of my favorite items. They each got one for Christmas and I got them on Palumba...you can also get them on Amazon here. I love how it forces them to use primary colors and mix the right colors to get the desired color they would like. Also, we have several plastic palettes that they can mix their colors on, you can purchase those at Wal Mart or here.
*Side note...I was asked quite a few questions on art and how we have incorporated it... truth be told, I've never considered myself an artistic person nor have I ever dabbled in art, however, this experience has stretched us all. Everett is naturally artistic and seeing an opportunity for all of us to be able to create something beautiful out of learning, I just went with it. I am learning as I go at about the same rate as they are. I instruct based on common sense (scale, color, shading, etc.), what looks pleasing to the eye, much like how I correct their grammar based on what sounds pleasing to the ear. I know this is not the most efficient method, but for their ages and stages, it seems to work out just fine (See, it doesn't take a genius to homeschool!!).
In the image above, the boys chose to narrate an experience rather than something we had read that day. We were spontaneously invited to a butchering of our friends' rams. The mom/ wife is a nurse and gave the children a full anatomy lesson, explaining the function of each organ, having them touch each organ and even dissecting some of them (they got to dissect an eyeball, which was incredible!). They chose to write about that experience (an iphone image below). Since we needed some images to copy, we used one of our anatomy books as well as some Google docs of actual sheep organs.
Scroll quickly if you get uneasy over body parts! I wanted this on here for them to be able to look back on and remember.
Even the babies participate. This is what I have come to love about homeschooling.
Once the work is completed and dry (the paper does get a bit wrinkled from the watercolor, not to worry, laminating straightens it out), we laminate it and put it in the fitting folder. Currently they each have individual Math, Language Arts, History/ Geography, and Science/ Nature Studies folders. We will put all of our scriptures, poems, hymns, and any narration from basic literature (non-history/nature-based) in the Language Arts folder.
The Science folder consists mostly of their nature journal items. Typically, when we are out on the "field" (read...outdoors or on an adventure) the children will bring a smaller journal, but their illustrations and notes are often not their best work. They will then come home, narrate the experience, illustrate with the help of field guides or Google images and produce something of much higher quality. I like how the lamination protects their work as well, because we found out rather quickly that throwing their journal in a backpack and writing on a log produced some dirty material.
The History folder is basically a pictorial timeline of the books we have read through the guidance of Beautiful Feet (although I admit I didn't follow a lot of the suggestions). We LOVED the Early American History books that they suggest and the illustrations were equally as impressive. I am forever a fan of Beautiful Feet. :) This folder is my favorite from both of the boys as it truly represents the heart of our school last year. We put the most time and concentration into history and the folder proves it.
The Math folder has less use, but whenever there is an artistic angle in math, I make sure the boys put some time and effort into it. We started the year with Math-U-See, however, they finished before our year was even halfway over. It's an expensive curriculum and I couldn't justify keeping up with their pace. I switched to Math Mammoth, per the suggestion of a good friend and it has been incredible! First of all, it's incredibly economical. I purchased years 1-4 on sale for $55 (however you do have to print out the pages). It is extremely extensive yet equally exciting. It introduces several different ways to work through concepts, working both the left and right brain. I see a lot of Waldorf inspiration in there without the stories or gnomes behind it. Just the fun, artistic form of figuring out different facts. I recognize some common core throughout, but it's at such a tasteful level, it really does cause the child to critically think without having the words twisted. I love Math Mammoth. We have taken some of the exercises (such as Pascal's triangle and Fact Families) and moved them onto card stock so that they can be reviewed and admired.
The Nature Study/ Science folder has somewhat been covered. We didn't go through a Science curriculum last year, we just learned as they expressed interest... "Where does rain come from?". Aha. Let's find out!
We will probably continue to approach science this way. I will be purchasing some living books that may spark some interest and we will learn the subject based on a collective agreement (I've been eyeing this book, for an example). But honestly, once you are able to recognize good literature and beautiful illustrations, you can easily find amazing books in thrift stores...some of my favorites have been purchased at thrift stores or used book stores. Before I forget...the natural folders we use are very similar to this one, but I did get a pack of 12 for $40...so somewhere out on the inter-webs there is a better deal!
Moving on (are you still with me?! )...
Quite a few people have asked how the day looks. Scarlett will be a "Kinder" this year, but I have low expectations for her. She already participates in quite a lot with the older boys. I will intentionally work on the scope and sequence that Math Mammoth lays out (they don't offer a Kinder curriculum, just a list of what they should know before starting grade 1). I will read more living books to her at her own level (not the older boys' level). Most of these books will be from Ambleside's recommended reading list for Year 0 (which is dreamy!!). She has been illustrating with the boys for a while now, and her fine motor skills are getting better and better. I am hoping to work on form writing with her.
I will give you a rough schedule of what our day will look like (according to what worked last year for us)... however, I've mentioned before... I will rarely interrupt really good, imaginative, creative, resourceful play! Sometimes that will last much longer than I would want it to, but I can see their brains developing as I gaze out the window, so I choose to let nature run it's course! :)
Our day:
8am-Breakfast and Bible time, Scripture memorization work (beds must be made, everyone must be dressed and rooms clean before breakfast)
8:30am-Poetry or Hymn memorization work
9:00am-Older boys work on math, Scarlett & twins work on Phonograms
9:30-Spelling (usually a list of words they misspelled on a prior narration)
10:00am-outdoor time (this is when I get to clean up after breakfast--man have I grown!)
11:00am-Reading and English lessons (there will be a total of 3 lessons as I combine some)
12:00pm-lunch and outdoor time (the children are required to help clean up any messes & do some chores before playing)
1:30pm-History/ Geography (Scarlett participates, twins nap)
2:00pm-Boys work on narration & illustration, Scarlett gets some read-a-loud time & practices form drawing/ penmanship
3:00pm-quiet time, 30 minutes of independent reading (they usually read for longer)
School is done
7:00pm-read aloud family time
Throughout that rough schedule I read aloud several little excerpts from books such as Among the People Series, Parables From Nature, John Muir, anything by Thornton Burgess, Shakespeare, etc. I found that by finishing up any subject with a short story, it really ends that segment of their day on a creative and inspiring note, which is quickly implemented in their play outside.
I've been asked how school runs with toddlers around... honestly, it doesn't really affect things too much. Everyone gets used to the noise. They participate in all of the memorization (which is incredible!) and pick up on a lot of the read alouds. They often branch off on their own when they realize everyone is focusing. And sometimes they don't. But a quick explanation helps with things. I have made a commitment to not do any technology (aside from Google images) throughout the day. I don't ever want to rely on them needing to watch a show so that I can teach or assist. They are completely capable of playing on their own. All children are, so don't be too overwhelmed over the thought of this!
I am going to list a few of our favorite books. Some have been read alouds, some have been Carter's favorite independent reads, and others are some favorite illustrated books:
Read Alouds/ 3rd Grade Reading:
Louis Zamperini and any Heroes of History Biography
First Grade Level/ Picture Books:
A lot of these books are classics and you can find them in used book stores or thrift stores, especially if you're patient. :) Also, a lot of them come from Ambleside's recommended reading list from years 0-4. Not one of their recommended books have disappointed us. Seriously. Well, Carter may have a few he's had to read independently, but as a whole, the selection is well thought out and of the best quality in both writing and illustration.
I currently have a "Wish List", which I believe is public, that you are free to sneak in on. All of these books will be for next year based on a general idea of where we are headed. I tend to check books out or buy them impulsively based on the children's interests, so it's hard to plan too far ahead.
Another question that was raised was about adventure frequency. During the summer, we head out to a lake, river, or on a hike nearly 5 times a week, but I was surprised to see that during the school year, we stayed home much of the week. I found it easier to focus on school and leave Fridays for free days or nature days. I'm not sure what this year will entail. We already have quite a few camping trips planned throughout the school year. I have high hopes of schooling while camping, but I am sure we will have to make up for some of it during other times (we will most likely start two weeks early this year to get some more days in). They honestly seemed so content last year with our property that we didn't feel much need to get out. Summer is an entirely different story!
And for the last issue, personal time/ balance... all I can say is that I entered this journey as an extremely selfish person, terrified to loose my time. When in all reality I feel as if I have gained more. Rather than rushing the kids to school and nagging them to pack lunches, do homework, get ready, etc. We are at ease. I have all of that extra time to be at peace and calm. I still get a run in the morning and I still have the freedom to take a night off and get together with friends if I choose. I guess I always had little ones at home so I never did experience true time to myself, but honestly. This is the life I chose. To be their mother and to be home with them. Every situation is unique. Pray peace over your family and what God would want you to do there. He will guide you. There will be a pull and a desire to do something one way or the other. Just follow him. :)
Keep in mind, everything I have written down is what works for us. I know other children have all types of different interests. This is what has allowed us to thrive and since there has been so much inquiry on it, I am happy to share with you how we do things personally. Of course, tweak it to your own needs, just gather one nugget, or read it and think, "I could never!" and that will help prove to you that what you are currently doing fits your family perfectly. ;)
Also, there are quite a few homeschooling moms on Instagram that I have taken inspiration from. If you are on IG and you're not following the following amazing women, I highly suggest to. They're full of insight, wisdom, and creativity:
@kristinrogers
@kirstenrickert
@wildandfree.co
@jennpepito
@cloisteredaway
@jennifernaraki
@kinderfarmhomeschool
@mayaclimbstrees
@wildandfree.co
And probably many more that I am missing. Please do share any other sources!
I'm happy to answer more questions in the comments. Give me grace as my time is limited, but I will try and get back to you!
ps, I should let you know that any Amazon link is linked to one of our local friend's ministries, Bending the Bow. Any purchase you make from the links will give them a certain percentage for their ministry, which is to love and care for the lost and poor. :)