Hello again!! No camera today-bah!! My Best Buy did not actually have it in stock. I do plan to go to a neighboring town to get the camera in the morning, though, and will for sure(if I can figure out how) post those photos I have been promising.
I do have a question for the homeschooling mamas out there. What do you use curriculum wise? We are looking at Sonlight($$) and My Father's World. Have any of y'all used either of those? I would love to just throw something together myself but am learning that I really need some amount of structure or my children may learn nothing at all. I would love to hear pro's and con's of each one. I like the Charlotte Mason approach, but I think I would actually have to make my own lesson plans and that would be seriously scarey. I am a bit of a free spirit and while that is not a bad thing it is not so great the disorganization that comes with it. For me.
I look forward to the feedback for this.
Thanks!!
Elise
15 comments:
I wish I could help you on the homeschool question. I struggle with homeschool/ public school. You want the best for your child but I dont think Im the one.... I know that sounds like a cop out. I really want to but dont think I would be good enough. I have trouble just helping out with homework. It's all new these days... Good luck, Susie H~
Hi, Elise! Thanks for stopping by. Congratulations on starting your blog...just a word of cautions...it can become highly addicting! :) Ah, homeschooling! I just went to a homeschool convention. I went with my heart and mind open to the will of the Lord. For me, at every turn, I felt the doors closing. It is not my time to homeschool my children. In the meantime, I am the PTO president for the upcoming school year. I continue to pray and research. Good luck!
Next year will be my first year homeschooling too. I was actually a English teacher before children. Like you, I'm very right-brained. So don't sweat the lesson plans. The Lord knew that about you when He gave you your children.
I have really enjoyed the widsom I gained from the well-trained mind by Bauer. I found it cheap on half.com. It has been a great resource for me. It really helps direct you in buying the right books for your family. I also found many of those on ebay. I have 3 kids and feel overwhelmed by the prospect of homeschooling. One thing a speaker told me that really encouarged me. "When you fret over the future, you have to remember you are seeing it without the grace that God will provide." That has really helped me. When we begin in the Fall, the Lord will be there with His grace.
Kara
http://twoisterrific.blogspot.com
Hi Elise - I am NOT a homeschooling expert by any stretch of the imagination. Um, we are planning to start homeschooling this fall. I've looked at the same things you mentioned and based on a suggestion from a friend at church am going with Before Five In A Row this Fall - I can do it with both Emily and Rachel at the same time and that is the main reason for going with it. I am planning to use My Father's World after that at least for one year and then see. I have a friend (Half Pint House blog) who uses Sonlight, if you want to e-mail her.
I think this is one of those areas where each of us has to try and see what works in our homes. I will try one thing and if that doesn't work, I'll try again. Everyone has a curriculum they love and promote so finding what is right for our family is my goal!
Hi Elise,
I found your blog through the HomeSpunHeart... To answer your question - I am not an expert as we've only been homeschooling for the last two years. We used Sonlight for my son in K and 1st grade. While there were a couple of things that I did like, I did not feel like it served us. I hate to say that as I know there are so many people who love it. :) I too, love Charlotte Mason and have read several books on that style of learning. With that being said, we are moving to My Father's World this next year. There is so much that could be said so please feel free to email me with any questions.
Hi, Elise!
First, just want to say "Thanks for the visit and your sweet comments!"
When you start talking homeschooling, it can get really, really in-depth. We use a combination of unit studies (various) and ABeka for Grammar and Math.
This year, we're planning to use "The Prairie Primer" (for our 4th grader) and "Where the Brook and River Meet" for our 8th grader.
They were both written by Margie Grey and she has her own website (cadroncreek.com) We've used the Prairie Primer 4 times and I love it!
There is so much to choose from and it can be very overwhelming.
When it get's too much, or better yet, before you begin.... pray!
I have to remember this alot --
God does not call the equipped, He equips the called!
We're beginning our 12th year of homeschooling and I'm still learning! I don't know if you can really ever reach "expert" status -- not sure if that's possible. Every child is different and so are their learning styles.
There will be days when that yellow bus is going to look really enticing, but don't feel guilty (I usually do, though!) when you feel like that.
It's normal! It's hard work, but it's soooooooo rewarding. I can't say enough about that, so I won't even get started!
Sorry that this has been so long.
I hope this has made some sense -- I've been interrupted several times!
Many Blessings,
Julie
P.S. join the HSLDA
Hey you! After you posted on my blog I realized that I thought I had added you to my Bloglines, but I hadn't. I remember thinking the other day that I hadn't seen a post from you and that's why! Duh!
Sonlight and MFW are similar, but different ... how's that for help? ;) ... Their approach is the same, but MFW is much more relaxed in my humble opinion and I think it would be good for little one just starting out. I did use Five in a Row for K and loved it. There is an excellent board for those who use Five in a Row - I wish I could still use it, but since I'm not homeschooling right now I can't. I have met many people through the board and learned a lot. But that doesn't help if you are looking at MFW or Sonlight. Personally, after having done K I would go with MFW, but that's just me :) ... Sonlight seems like a lot for K, but, again, that's just me :)
Come over ... we can chat about it :)
Hey Elise, we use Sonlight and love it. Here are two posts on my blog that talk about why we use it and about the cost (which seems expensive! seems being the operative word). Anyway, just thought I would share my experiences;
http://prairieprologue.blogspot.com/2008/06/why-sonlight-curriculum.html
http://prairieprologue.blogspot.com/2008/06/why-sonlight-is-cost-effective.html
Pre k and Kindergarten are such a fun time, starting our third child now, I really take it easy and am not a die hard sonlighter in those years, but come first grade and up, we are exclusive Sonlighters (have been for going on six years).
Elise - I found your blog through Homespun Heart.. this will be my 9th year homeschooling. I want to encourage you that God has equipped you for teaching your children. Your heart and your discipline, rather than the curriculum will be the key to success. A little bit every day is key. And remember that your children have learned everything that they know now from your home! Here is a link to a great article from someone who has homeschooled all five of her children (3 of whom are graduated from college now) that helps keep your perspective. :) char
http://mfth.org/publication.html?pagename=homeschooling&a=49963728
i haven't used either one but i know people who have used one or the other and have given both good reviews so i don't think you'll go wrong either way. enjoy your first year!
Hi!
I'm not sure how I came across your blog, but I love it! We are actually starting our second year with My Father's World in August. Their kinder program really wasn't a good match for us, but we loved Adventures and are getting ready to start ECC. I have friends that are using Sonlight and love it.
Feel free to email me if you have any other specific questions.
Blessings on your journey!
Hi Elise! Thanks for stopping by my blog! I'm happy you left a comment, they are the best! Blogging can be very addicting and I have met some Wonderful gals since I started! I just love your dining room! Everything looks perfect! Can't wait to see more!
As for homeschooling, I don't know much...but I do have a few blog pals that homeschool and they would be happy to help! They are in my favorites: Country Girl at home, Country Girl at Heart, Farmhouse Blessings and The Country Blossom is going to start home schooling this fall!
Have a great day! You have a great start to your blog!
Hi Elise! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such sweet comments. I too have become addicted to blogging. Everyone I have met has been so kind and accepting of me.
I do not homeschool so I can't help you any. I don't have the patience to do it and since my daughter has several learning disabilites it is best left to the school district we are in after making a move because of the school system we were in.
Hugs,
Mary
We are starting to homeschool this fall...and I am getting the "My Father's World" 1st grade curriculum for my daughter! :)
Hi There- I realize this is a little late after this blog, but you may be like me(still) wanting to piece together, or ready to consider something different.
I am just getting started, and wanted something to work with philosophy of WTM/Bauer. I found KONOS @ Konos.com really, really well done. I purchased the Obedience box, actually off e-bay sans box, but had everything else in it. My son really related to the knights, and we were able to address immediate character issues, memorize scripture, & study language. I only think I will need to purchase(which I have) separately math items. I have a few posts regarding our entry into Homeschooling, but have found it's what I want for our family. Also, the Konos curriculum can cross age gaps. That really appealed to me.
Blessings! love your site-
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