When we decided to Homeschool. I had no idea the changes it would bring to our home/ourselves. If I had known what I was getting into I may not have done it ( so glad I went in blind:) Mid year is when all the big changes started, because I just COULD NOT fit everything in. Between gymnastics, Ballet, 4 yr old pre- k for my younger daughter, violin, piano, french,knitting, my 20 farm animals and garden, crafts, school, painting, playdates, birthday parties and then LIFE and all the chores that go with it. Mind you we live in Tx where every activity in 20 miles away…lol I decided that unless I grew wings, the house started cleaning itself and someone gifted me with 3 more sets of working arms and a REAL magic wand, I was going to go crazy!!! So, we made some REALLY big changes. We gave up almost all out of the house activities ( which was so hard) started a sabbath so we would have A day for our family to just BE ( even harder) Started ” movie night” which we make really special and don’t watch any other Tv ( they actually like this…surprisingly) And we started…..knitting, baking bread, reading all the time, doing amazing crafts, relaxing, painting, school ( at a healthy normal pace) I sat on my couch for the first time since I’ve owned it ( no lie) It’s LOVELY!!!!
My life has changed, I have changed, my relationship with Billy has changed, my children are not the same children and I am SO THANKFUL! Now, it is not all glorious and there are many days I’m still overwhelmed, I sometimes wonder if I’m doing the right thing, there are still frustrations and raised voices. Because NOTHING is perfect, No one is perfect and absolutely no household is without it’s struggles. For me the good that has come along with homeschooling far outweighs the bad….I just simply can’t imagine going back!
There are so many wonderful ways and places to learn. Homeschooling is the route that works best for our family in this moment, but who knows what the future will bring:))
- Barefoot Mama
We have purchased a few or more homeschool curriculums, none of which are a perfect fit for our family. SO, we use “OUR inner teacher guide”:)) . Our program is based on their interests. Don’t underestimate them, they will find interest even in the subjects we find boring:) So, our home learning is a beautiful and odd mix of…… wonderful Waldorf inspired books, LIFE ( crafts, cooking, sweing, cleaning, chores….there is so much to be learned in just living), Rudolf Steiner and Charlotte Mason for mommy & Daddy, Oak Meadow, NATURE, Christopherus ( love the math) , Rod and Staff (lovely readers and nature study), Queens (language lessons are gentle and beautiful)Google..lol… and a few more odds and ends. PLAY, ART, MUSIC, READING & Connecting with NATURE are taken very serious around here, those are things we never skip:)) Billy is so good with his hands and is helping the children how to fix & build things…such a gift!!! Also, they take Pottery (our only out of the house lesson/activity and sooooo worth it) , Piano, french and Spanish once a week.
I told you it was an odd mix..haha!
Our School room
