Well as the summer starts for most of the homeschoolers, we are looking at the new upcoming school year. We parents are looking at different curriculum's to purchase, getting rid of what did not work and making sure that all the bases are covered. That is of course if you are a traditional style teacher. That does not go for everyone.
Each family home schools differently and that is OK! There is no right way or wrong to get your child to learn since all children have such different styles of learning. Some parents might just have a list hand written or on the computer of what they might like to cover in the upcoming year. Some purchase a curriculum from a company, use the computer for free stuff and then their is the library, wow what a wonderful resource for us homeschoolers.
Some parents use unit studies constantly and get all their materials from the library, which is cost effective no purchasing books. This is the relaxed method. Then their is the unschooled method which each person just picks up books, reads, colors, based upon the age and freely works on materials that sparks each child's interest.
So many different ways and so many different styles. I personally use the traditional method since I am a worry wart and I have always needed to make sure that my kids were learning what the other children were learning. Although, I always made the curriculum fit my child. An example of that is when my daughter had trouble with Math we took our time since we have no time limit for getting assignments completed throughout the year. We also moved faster when she was able to complete her vocabulary, spelling and poetry. I did not stop her or my son at any time, we took our time when needed.
I personally use one whole year to teach all the materials. For me this works great since I can take my time, take breaks when needed based on family needs, and we do not feel rushed. I have noticed by doing this method we have struggled this year since we belonged to a co-op group and my children had teachers that required work to be completed in a timely manner. It has proved to be quit an experience.
We had such growing pains, but we all overcame them and worked it all. Overall it was a great leaning experience since my daughter will be in her senior year and then college which will require deadlines. It was a whole new world for her, and yet the real world. I do feel it prepared her of the reality of college and listening and taking notes which is so important also.
This year has not only been a learning experience for my kids but for me also. I love that about homeschooling. I have learned so much more than I could have ever imagined by teaching my children. I hope that everyone reading this realizes that we are constantly learning and revamping the program just like our kids would have if they went to school. Life is better when you home school, your kids are learning more no matter what type of homeschooler you are and the bond that you are creating with your children is priceless!
Never give up if you don't have to and if you are worrying about something not getting done or that you are doing wrong, try not to worry, ask questions and breathe.
Life is short remember to breathe, laugh, talk, share, ask questions, and that you to can home school and teach your children after all who knows them the best other than you the parent!
Enjoy, live, laugh and love each other!!
