I wrote this article a year ago about homeschooling but I realize that this year, more than ever, that my standards have not changed nor my desire to keep my kids at home for their education. This year we will be doing assessments at home (love online tests) and I have one of my last two graduating soon. Homeschooling has changed for me over the years but some things stay the same. This article from last year (other than not going to the school to test) proves that while sometimes things change but not really. Enjoy this short read on how we homeschool.
(April 2024)
This week the girls and I had the privilege to go to school each morning. It was the yearly skills testing here in Florida and we went to, well, test their skills. 😋
I was grateful that our church’s private school allowed them to come into the classroom and take the tests there. The girls were excited because it meant going to school with the friends they usually only see at church.
The week went well but I also learned a few things. Children learn at all different levels and paces and I will be okay with whatever the test results show.
What works for one family may not work for another but I’m so thankful homeschooling works for us. How well?
We have a set routine that means we meet as a family around the Bible each morning at 7:30 and then we start school, music practice and chores at 8. Sometimes we switch around what we start with depending on my health but always we get going.
We like to be dressed and hair done and food ingested before school, too. Order makes for a great peace and a feeling of accomplishment as well.
Once we get going we can be done anywhere from 11 to noon and then we start our main meal preparation. We like having our main meal at lunch (my husband works from home so it works for us) making dinner time (when mom is usually not feeling well) the easiest meal for the kids to get on their own. Stephanie, my 16 year old, has taken over the majority of the cooking and loves it. I prefer teaching and washing dishes so it works. The skills she is learning since she also meal plans, makes a grocery list and shops for the food is invaluable really.
After lunch it’s rest time for Mom (queue the books) and the children do their own activities. They each have their own interests and sometimes they do things together and sometimes alone. After I’ve rested it’s time to swim! I’m so grateful for a pool in our backyard. I exercise daily in it even walking around the pool reading. The children sometimes swim and sometimes explore the backyard (we have a forest basically). It’s all very relaxed and ushers in a peaceful quiet evening as well since our duties are done for the day.
I’ve always put the younger kids to bed by 7:30 and it has worked well for all of us. Children need sleep and I believe thrive on somewhat of a routine.
Our days are busy but relaxing, educational but fun and I love having them around so much of the time.
As I said above, every family must find what works for them. This works for us in this time period of our lives and makes me grateful for our family life.
What tips can you share with us on your family life?
