First Grade is Finally Here Around ages 5-6, first grade begins. First grade marks a big step forward into homeschool. Along with the academic instruction, I also start to train my girls in taking charge of their own education. My priority for homeschooling is always independence in learning. I teach…
It’s Time for Kindergarten I love kindergarten. It’s my favorite year to teach. As the first year of school, Kindergarten captures so many firsts, just like the first year of life has all the milestones. I love seeing the joy of discovery on my children’s faces. We celebrate every new…
Skip Junior Kindergarten? I don’t normally do a Junior Kindergarten year, but for darling #5, her preschool year wasn’t enough to get her ready for my usual Kindergarten program. So this year, she will be doing a junior kindergarten year. Junior kindergarten or K4 is meant for 4 year olds…
Starting Preschool Preschool, for us, starts somewhere after their 3rd birthday, whenever we start school for the year, that year. My oldest was 3 in December, so we started school in January. When my 3rd was 3 in March, she started with us in September. My 4th was 3 in…
There are many homeschool curriculum choices. It would be impossible to list every single option for homeschooling curriculum. As homeschooling has grown, so have the amount of choices. It’s very easy to get overwhelmed. Which program is best? Which one gives me the best value for my money? Are there…
Homeschooling can be challenging all by itself. What do you do if, heaven-forbid, disaster strikes and suddenly there’s a loss of a job or even a spouse? What do you do when you end up moving, pregnant or even just sick (longer than a few days of cold or flu)?…
Moving isn’t always pleasant. I’ve done variations of major and minor moves, on average, of twice a year since I moved out of my parents’ home. I have moved with the clothes in a suitcase, and I’ve downsized a 4 bedroom house with 5 children. Moving is not the most…
How long does it take? How long do you do “school” every day? Do you even do “school” daily? Do you follow a public school calendar? Should we do every subject every day? How long should math take? Or spelling? What is a typical homeschool schedule anyway? These are common…
Going to a conference Homeschool conventions are great places to go no matter what stage of homeschooling you’re at. The information and workshops, the support and networking and the chance to check out curriculum options are invaluable. Veteran homeschoolers will love the ability to catch up with old friends, and…
Shopping paradise One of my favorite parts of a homeschool convention is the exhibit or vendor hall. The shiny new tools and toys, the shelves upon shelves of new and fascinating books just waiting to be read — it’s a homeschooler’s shopping paradise. But the sheer volume of things to…
