Traditional? Classical? Charlotte Mason? All of the Above?

Confused by the many learning styles available to homeschoolers?

For the longest time, I thought you had to choose one or the other.  I wasn't fully able to grasp the concept to each style and how to incorporate more than one educational method into my homeschooling.

Traditional Method
Or what I like to call "Public Schooling at Home".  Most people fall into this category, especially when first starting out in their homeschooling plans.  It's what we're all used to, the structure, specific grade levels, worksheets, seat work, separate and defined subjects.  It's a set plan that fits into a fixed outline of all your basic subjects.  In fact, this traditional method is how I was homeschooled.  Most homeschool parents were brought up in public schools, so this style is often times the most comfortable option.

Classical Method
This one is more difficult to explain.  Basically, the classical teaching is a middle ages method, constructed on classic literature, poetry, history, philosophy, art, and foreign languages (most often times, Latin).  Classical style is broken up into three parts or phases.  In the first phase, you teach your children how to learn based on grammar, rhetoric, and reasoning.  The child will learn many facts, even if they don't yet understand them all.  The second phase incorporates putting the facts learned in the first phase into understanding.  This also is when arithmetic, geometry, history, science, and music are added.  By the third and final stage, the child will be able to use all the facts he has learned, and form and debate his own opinions.

Charlotte Mason Method
The best method for my "creative" child, to put it nicely.  If you have ever thought negatively of Charlotte Mason style, believing it to be unstructured or free-spirited, then you've been misinformed.  This method includes what is called "living books", books written from an author's personal experiences or from an author's passion on the subject,  as opposed to books full of dull, boring facts compiled of someones thoughts and all wrapped up in a textbook.  With living books, the child readily identifies with the author and becomes excited about the subject themselves, encouraging the learning process.  The lessons are short (about 20 minutes) and subject matter includes; nature notebooks, narration/dictation, art, classical music, foreign language, and history.  Moving around, getting out and involved with nature, and not keeping to one subject too long, is encouraged.   If you want to know more, a friend of mine introduced me to Simply Charlotte Mason, a wonderful resource for this style.

All of the Above
Our curriculum includes all three methods.  This fits our family quite well, as we have many varying learning styles.  We use a traditional curriculum of math, english, and spelling.  Our history, science, and literature combines a classical method of learning and processing lots of facts, with a Charlotte Mason method utilizing lots of living books, and narration and dictation.  We also listen to and study classical music and art, incorporating history and geography.  My children keep a nature journal, and I adjust it according to age and understanding.  Our language of choice is Latin, and although Spanish might be more logical for our region, Latin is a good base language for our education.

Some people, who combine all methods, can easily put their curriculum together, but if you still need some structure or guidance, My Father's World is a good place to start.  MFW takes Classical and Charlotte Mason and combines them creating a full curriculum.  Then, you add your traditional math and english subjects.  One thing I really appreciate about MFW is you can teach various grades together.  Everyone learns the same thing at the same time, but adjustments may be made for older children.

I know I couldn't fully explain all methods, but it's easy to do an online search to find out more information on each style.  Don't be held captive to a strict traditional style of teaching, our children need a little wiggle room, even in their school work.

Homeschooling: Help! Where Do I Start?!

For anyone who is just starting out, homeschooling information can be overwhelming.  You can go from knowing nothing, to knowing too much in a short amount of time.

You are confronted on two sides.....

Well-meaning family and friends who caution you against homeschool educational approaches, and other homeschool family and friends who caution you against public school educational approaches.  Everyone always remembers the failures they've met, yet fail to encourage you by all of the successes they've met.

Don't be discouraged.

I get the question all the time "Where do I start?  There is so much out there and I don't want to mess my kids up!".

First, you need to pray.  Begin your journey and search by asking the Lord to give you wisdom and understanding.  To send the right people into your path to help guide you by their experiences and knowledge.  You'll be amazed at what He can do.

Second, you need to determine what is most important to you in your child's education.  Make a list of  your choices, and then go in search of specific curriculum qualities.  Make Google your friend.  For us, our most important desire is for our children to be inundated with godly character and biblically based guides in their foundation.  We choose our curriculum based on its scriptural content.  There are numerous companies who fit into this category, and it's not too hard to find people who can give you good recommendations on each.  There are some you may know personally, blogs you follow, or simply do an internet search on reviews of specific curriculum companies.

I used this book several years ago and found it to be quite helpful in my search:

I won't lie, there is a lot of work involved.  But it's worth it.

Third, don't let yourself get caught up in public schooling at home.  It happens so easily. We are surrounded by a public school mentality, believing we have goals and tasks we must complete by a specific day and time, and by way of a specific amount of subjects, lesson plans, tests, and worksheets!  I believe this is where most of our homeschool stress comes from.  Trying desperately to live up to the public school ideals of what a schoolroom setting should be.

I encourage you to take your time.  If you are just starting out with a Kindergartner, you are blessed.  You have plenty of time to figure out your schooling style and needs.   Consider starting with a very basic lesson plan of math, and teaching your child to read.  In that time, determine your child's learning abilities and spend the next several months finding a curriculum you and your child enjoy.  Something that meets all of your needs and all of the requirements on your list.  And remember, everyone's list is going to be different.  Each family has their own level of importance.  Don't focus on the extracurricular activities or electives, or even science and history at first.  Focus on the fundamental basics, and then go from there. 

Also, don't allow your convictions to be overruled by the anti-homeschool naysayers.  Follow the Lord's leading and allow Him to make your homeschool paths straight.  And trust me, you're going to hear it all.  From crazy questions, to unsolicited advice.  Just smile and bear it.  Most people are curious, some are judgemental, most are ignorant of the facts.  Just have compassion, don't sway in your decision, and continue on.

Last, if you have the option, attend a homeschool conference, again you can Google for one in your city.  Search for a homeschool bookstore in your area, we have a very nice one here.  And there are a few companies who may make an appearance throughout the year at book displays in your area.  ABeka comes out our way and sets up in a local Motel conference room.  You have to chance to look through their curriculum, ask questions, and place an order.

I tried to be as non-overwhelming as possible, but if you have any additional questions, please feel free to email me.  I would love to help.

Blessings,
Tabitha

My Homeschool Journey

My family were pioneers in the homeschool world.  Back in the early 80's, it wasn't exactly illegal to homeschool, but it wasn't exactly legal either.  I remember times when my mom would drag us all to the county courthouse to made a stand in the fight for homeschooling rights.  She wrote congressmen, made phone calls, and was ready to take aim when confronted on the anti-homeschool battleground.  

I am grateful to her.  And many others, who paved the way for my children's homeschool freedoms.  Freedoms I do not take lightly.

My parents began their homeschool journey when I entered the 3rd grade.  We used ABeka, joined the local (and very, very small) homeschool group, and were forced to stay indoors while public school was in session.

There were many stories of truancy officers showing up and demanding your children be placed in school.  Threatening to report your family, or forcibly removing your children from the home.  Although it was never the state's right to do so, the threats were acted upon at times.  In order to avoid any issues, we just remained inside until school was out for the day.

We eventually moved to Texas, the homeschool friendly state, where all of our homeschooling troubles were at an end.  We were introduced to a larger (but still very small) homeschool group, and my mother had access to a homeschool store, and a yearly convention.  We could go outside whenever we wanted.  No one cared.

When I reached high school age, my parents were worried that they wouldn't be able to keep up with me in my education, and they wanted me to have advantages entering into college.  So, their decision was to enroll me in public high school.

Without any disrespect to my parents, it was a mistake.
Almost immediately, I learned to hate my siblings, rebel against my parents, and became infatuated with boys and dating.  I suddenly cared more about what I wore and how to be among the popular group, rather than the more important things like......my education, my character, being a witness......

"The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them."  Proverbs 12:26 

My priorities were elsewhere.  They were tied up in the cares of the world and my family came in far down on my list.  I fought with my parents, disrespected them, couldn't stand to be around my sister and brother, and wanted only to hang out with my friends.  I was so altered, it wasn't even funny.

"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."  Proverbs 13:20

I never did anything wrong, by the world's standards.  To them, I was still a goody-goody.  I didn't get involved in anything immoral and I didn't even have a boyfriend until after I graduated high school.  I did save myself for my husband.  All by the grace of God and a good, godly upbringing, despite what the school taught me to be.  I still held true to my parents morals.


The schoolwork was easy for me.  Except for my math classes and a couple of science classes, all of my other studies didn't provide me with any more knowledge than what I had already learned in my years of homeschool.  I got lazy, because the As were easy to come by.

When I became a parent, there was no doubt that I wanted to homeschool......all the way.  My husband was always in total agreement.  I knew the troubles of a child confronted by worldly ideals and immoral desires.  I knew I wanted to keep my children's hearts and raise them up under the influence of my husband and myself.   Why spend so much time and prayer trying to train them in the goodness and knowledge of the Lord, raising them with godly, moral character, only to have said character demoralized by 9 hours a day spent in the world and all of its influences.


"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."   Proverbs 27:17


Too often have I seen a good, godly young person, brought down by his worldly companions.  It's too hard to compete.  Even I, who had a solid, Christian upbringing, struggled with the influences around me.  Truth be told, my companions were Christians and friends from my local youth group!  The draw is strong, and Satan is always on the pursuit of our weak flesh.

"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." James 4:4

Yes, I will admit to the fact that I intend to shelter my children from the evils of this world.  For a time.  But why expose them to the fear of bullies, immorality, foul speech, tolerance-based teaching, ungodly curriculum, pagan theology, and prejudices, at such a young age.
  

  
Instead, I would rather my children learn to love their siblings, respect their parents, serve their elders, and study the Word.  I can provide them with a faith-based curriculum, where not only are their basic subjects taught, but also subjects on moral character, holiness, righteousness, loving others, caring for those who suffer, meeting needs, missions mindedness, and preparing them to be a godly influence on the world.  I would rather focus on raising godly men and women who will stand up under the trials of being a true Christian and "be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."  

That will never happen in a public school room.  

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."  Proverbs 22:6

As a disclaimer, please know that I do not judge those who choose not to homeschool.  I do believe it is the best option for my family and I am grateful and blessed for the freedom to do so, and I also realize that every family is at a different season and stage in their lives.  I pray the Lord lead and guide you in your decision.

Blessings,
Tabitha

Adventures in Homeschooling

It's that time of year again...  

Funny how, although we homeschool and are managers of our own school year, we still seem to get caught up in the hype of "back to school".  For some, it's a choice to follow a specific schedule, including holidays and breaks.  For others, it's just a goal to keep up.

Last year, we started schooling year round.  The twins 2.0 were born in February, meaning I needed a few weeks off, and we ended our season in late August.  It worked for me.  Summer is unbearable here in the deep south, and we spend all of our time outdoors in the spring and fall months.  So, schooling through the summer is a great option for us.

What curriculum do I use?

First, let me say, every family is different, and every child is different.  I don't think there is one perfect curriculum, but I will share what has worked for us.

ABeka - I love their phonics program for Kindergarten and 1st grade.
Rod & Staff - I use R&S for English, Bible, and Spelling, for grades 2 through 8.
Saxon - Saxon math beginning in 3rd grade.
Science - I have been through many science books, workbooks, hands-on experiments, and nature
journals.  Science is very simple when your children are young.  Have fun, and play, experiment, or go on a nature walk.  Don't overload them with scientific jargon.  Wait until their older for that!
History - We use living books for history.  Many times we take a trip to the library and choose a historic person or time period to study on.  Just be careful that your choices don't reflect a pagan opinion, or misrepresentation of history.
Reading - That's pretty easy, we use ABeka readers, CLP, many of the classics, and any other books I come across that are deemed good, character building books.

I buy a lot of my curriculum used.  We are blessed to have a homeschool store here in our area, and they carry a massive amount of new and used books.  Also, many vendors at homeschool fairs and conferences run specials at their booth.  Even homeschool groups host used book fairs once a year.  Ebay is another great place to find used curriculum, as well as Homeschool Classifieds.

We also take a lot of nature walks and work outside.  Some days we do our schoolwork outside, some days we explore God's creation, some days we work the soil and learn how to keep the land.  The benefits to keeping a garden and watching the Lord's miraculous design are endless.

We have several fun, learning games we add to our schooling.  The best place to find them is Timberdoodle. One of my favorite online resources.  There are numerous preschool games that my children have all loved through the years.  Two of our most popular are Catch the Match and Sherlock.  I'm not sure how many times you can get beaten by a pre-schooler before it becomes downright embarrassing...

If you're just starting out, don't be overwhelmed.  I know there is a lot of curriculum out there, creating a lot of options, but don't stress!  Talk to people, gather information, go to homeschool conferences, join a homeschool group in your area, find other moms who can share their experiences in homeschooling.  And pray.  Pray for wisdom over your schooling and your children.

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."  James 1:5

As you know, I was homeschooled, my parents used strictly ABeka with us, as there weren't too many other options at the time.  When I began homeschooling my oldest child, I was confronted with a myriad of curriculum choices and couldn't make up my mind which was the best for us.  So, I quickly decided to start with ABeka, I was comfortable with it, and during that first year of teaching, I decided what I did and didn't like about it, and started researching other options for the negatives of my child's learning style.  It was far less overwhelming to take it slow, and she was only in kindergarten, there wasn't much I could get wrong!

Over the years, I have changed our choices time and time again, and none of my children have suffered from the changes.  I encourage you to seek out your options, but don't allow yourself to get overwhelmed in the process.  Take your time.  Since we homeschool, one of the many advantages is, we have the right to change our mind, make up for lost time, or focus entirely on a problem subject in order that our child gains full understanding.

If anyone has any other advice, please feel free to share!  I am still and always in a learning process and open to any new adventure in homeschooling.

Time for a Change

Findley Follies has now become...

Homestead Journey!

After much prayer and careful consideration, my husband and I decided to change the design and name of our blog to something more fitting to our focus.  I was raised by an "older" generation.  One captivated by black and white movies and musicals.  So, when I first chose the name "Findley Follies", I had thought it would be understood that "follies" meant fun stories, and goofy family posts.  Unfortunately, I think some may view it as its other meaning, "foolish or lack of good sense".  Since that isn't the idea I'm trying to convey (although sometimes I still do), I figured it was about time for a change.

Homestead Journey is just that, a look into our life as a large family, homeschooling, homemaking, and of course, beginning our homestead.

I want to be an encouragement in all these areas, and as I am still learning much, hopefully my readers will benefit through my mistakes as well as my triumphs.

Homeschooling the Distractible Child

I happen to be blessed with not one, but two distractible children.  And maybe that's not really a word, but it fits.

I won't lie.....I didn't always appreciate my (ahem) "highly energetic", children.  Until I realized they weren't too unlike me.  I always had my act together.  My ducks were neatly in a row.  I wore out sharpies and labels due to my over-organized OCD.  And then I had children, which kind of destroys any form of organizational traits you may possess, and any focus I had left after my first five children was completely lost after my first set of twins.

I'm sorry, where was I going with this......?

Oh yeah, the distractible child.

Of my five older school-aged children, three work quite well on their own, no matter what is going on.  A bomb could go off in our living room and they would still be pouring over their books.  The other two are a different story.  For years, I was frustrated with many hours and days spent in school work.  Time lost over crying, fits, pouting, and pounding of fists in anger.

But enough about me.

After trying every method known to homeschooling man, and reading books, and blogs, and attending conference seminars pertaining to the easily distracted child, I finally sought the advice of my husband.  He always has the best ideas. And I was too foolish to ask him in the first place.  A mistake I have never made since.

His advice was to put the highly distracted child in a room by himself.  In earshot and easy sight, but away from everyone and everything.  No distractions.  No noise.  No frequent activity.  The best place was my bedroom.  It's small and quiet, yet I could see him easily and hear him if he needed me. He sits between my bed and the wall, in which he has created a comfortable spot for himself, and he can't see out of the windows unless he makes the effort.   When we began, I made sure he knew he wasn't being punished and wasn't in trouble for anything, but let him know it was to help him focus and not be distracted so he could get his work done faster.  You know what?  It worked.  The very first day.  Not only did he get his schoolwork finished in record time, he finished it correctly!  Rarely do I have to work with him on the same issue over and over and over again, because he is able to concentrate on my instructions and "get it" the first time.  The mellow paint color in the room and lack of twinados wreaking havoc in a calm space, works wonders...

He's still easily distracted.  I mean, the kid hears the A/C turn on and he's lost all train of thought, but thankfully the schoolwork is a lot easier.  And I'm grateful to the Lord for a bright husband.

He's been so happy.  I've been so happy.  And it's taken years off my face.  And I've not had to buy as much Kleenex.

Let Go and Let God

I follow many blogs.  Most are about homeschooling, homemaking, large families, or natural living.  It's easy to get caught up in what advice is the perfect formula for raising children, organizing your homeschool room, meal planning, or preparedness living.  So many ideas, so much advice, all wonderful and spot on, but at the same time, overwhelming.

Sometimes I find myself wishing I had all the answers.  Then I'd organize them into yet another black binder...

If I follow this person's advice, I'll have a great relationship with my husband.  If I follow this other person's advice, I'll have a best friend of my daughters.  If I follow another person's advice, I'll incorporate the perfect curriculum.  If I follow yet another person's advice, I'll be able to survive the apocalypse.  Maybe not so much on the latter, but you get the idea. 

It's very easy for us to find people we admire, take all of their advice, store it in our brain, and then get overwhelmed, hoping we get it right, do it right, say it right, so that the formula will come out right in the end.  We can't handle all of the information, much less put it to use!  Does X + Y really = Z?!  I need the right answers!

This morning was a processing day for me, apparently.  Feeling overwhelmed and like a failure, I made my way out to the garden, the only place to be alone and quiet, and cried out to the Lord.  I want to be a good wife, mother, friend to my children, and at the same time take care of all that you've blessed me with!  I can't do it all!  I can't guarantee that all of my efforts will be worth it!  I have no other option but to give it to you, Lord, all of it, every bit of it!  I cannot do it on my own, without Your guidance and wisdom, I am sunk.

Then came peace.  Give it to the Lord.  Do all I can, with what little knowledge, talent, and wisdom I have, and let God do the rest. 

I can't create the perfect family or perfect life, mostly because I am an imperfect mother, raising imperfect children, and married to an imperfect man.  It will never work.  However, I can do my best to raise my children up in "the nurture and admonition of the Lord."  (Eph 6:4), to be a godly wife, and to keep up with the home and land the Lord has entrusted me with.

And leave the rest to God.

"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect."  2 Samuel 22:31 & 33

Back to School

I'm working on lesson plans this week.  I love homeschooling.  But I don't want to think about it.  Not right now.  I want to sew, quilt, dig in the dirt, plant things, blow bubbles, teach my kids more games, play with my babies........I don't want to think about the responsibility of book work! 

Yet, I'm also ready for a schedule again.  The organizer in me wants to get things in order, and the free spirit in me wants to run through the sprinkler.  Too bad we can't do both at once.

The Homeschool Conference

Our annual THSC conference is this weekend.  We usually attend as a family, but this year, I went alone.  Alone as in the twins, oldest dd, and myself.  How did it go, you ask?

I got lost getting there

I had only been there about 15 minutes before spilling coffee down my blouse and there weren't any kids around to blame it on

I was stopped at least 4 times upon entering to be asked if I had twins

Each year, I am stopped and told I cannot bring my double stroller in.  This year was no different.  Hello, I have twins.  That's two babies.  Yes, one more than normal people have.  I need a double stroller.  I'm glad that I could give the teen staff their power fill for the day.  Now, may I speak with someone in charge?

I had to pay $11 to park.  Yes, I know there was free parking, but as I said before.....I got lost...

The good news?  I enjoyed visiting with homeschoolers from various cities and other states, chatting with moms with like-minded beliefs, and being encouraged for the next school year.  I always enjoy going and always leave excited for the next school year to begin.  What a blessing it is to have the great opportunity to home educate my children.  I thank the Lord I am free to make that choice!

My favorite question of the day?  As we were leaving, a gentleman stopped me and asked "What's going on at the Marriott with all the young moms and babies?"  Um, thank you for referring to me as a young mom, and to answer your question, it's a homeschool conference.  We just believe in starting them young.  :)

For My Homeschool Friends

Here is a great giveaway from Raising Homemakers!  If you love Little House on the Prairie, you'll love this prize!

http://raisinghomemakers.com/2010/if-you-like-little-house-on-the-prairie/comment-page-3/#comment-8917

Just wanted to share!