Why we homeschool....

First, I know it is not for everyone and that is okay!

We are all the stewards for our children. We make the choice that is right for our family and one day, Dave, as the head of our family will answer to God for our choices and decisions with regards to our children, their education, and general upbringing. We prayed and prayed then prayed some more. Right now, we feel that God wants us to homeschool.

Second, it is hard!

We are not homeschooling because it is cheaper or easier. Homeschooling is flexible, but that being said, I still have the responsiblity to teach my kids everything they need to know. That takes time, we can sleep in, start school later, take time off for a vacation. But, that means we may have work to finish over the summer or when the neighborhood kids are riding bikes. I have spent countless hours this summer developing a full year curriculum and buying everything needed to bring it to fruition. But, I get to choose the best teaching method for each child. I have the ability to slow down, repeat, or move forward as needed.

Third, kids today grow up so fast!

We want our kids to have the laid back easy going childhood that we had. They don't need hours of homework. We don't want them to face pressures prematurely and before we have provided them a firm foundation. We belive this takes a long time. Our children won't be faced with 8 hours away from home when they are 6 but, when we feel they are ready.

I could list a hundred more reasons. But, I read a great article this morning that perfectly sums up all our reasons: Being a Homeschool Mom I encourage you to read it and then spend some time praying over your child as they begin the school year, at home or down the street.

Getting Ready for 1st Grade and Pre-K

While most moms are braving the stores and looking for clothing deals, arguing over lunchbox choices, and checking off their child's teacher produced supplies list, we are facing a whole different set of challenges. Our family has chosen to homeschool and I should probably write a post on why we do it, for now, I am focusing on curriculum.

This will be our second year homeschooling. Last year, we used Sonlight and I quickly discovered that David is a visual, hands-on learner. Rachel on the other hand, can hear something once and has it committed. This year, I decided that I would put together our curriculum. So, a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I enjoyed making the choices and nearly slept with the 4" thick, 10 pound Rainbow Resource catalog. Finally, the choices were made, the items purchased. I mapped the year out. Labor Day to Memorial Day my children will learn the 3R's. First, they will squeeze every last drop out of this hot Texas summer as kids should.

So, here is our curriculum:

David, age 6, 1st Grade

Math: Math U See Alpha
Phonics: Explode the Code books 1-3
Handwriting: Handwriting Without Tears
Bible: Sonlight K (We are repeating this from last year)
Science: Sonlight K (We are finishing this from last year)
History/Geography: Road Trip USA
Reading: Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons (finishing up from last year) and Reading Eggs

Rachel, age 3.5, Pre-K
Math: Brain Quest Pre-K (Math U See Primer second semester)
Phonics: Brain Quest Pre-K (Explode the Code A second semester)
Handwriting: Handwriting WIthout Tears - Get Set for School
Bible: Sonlight K (Right along with David)

Science: Sonlight K (Right along with David)

History/Geography: Road Trip USA (Right along with David)

So, here we go.......

First Post

Document, document, document......
These times they are a changin'......
Write it down or you will forget.....

All these thoughts have been going through my head lately. 

So much is happening it our life: growing baby, losing teeth, and beginning our homeschool year again. It is time that I document for me, for our family so far away, for my kids as they grow.

Here we go......