Modern Homeschool Today

At the beginning of this year I sensed the need to relax in my homeschooling approach. I felt that less structure and more freedom would result in a more positive experience for us all.  I can hear the more experienced homeschoolers saying, "I told you so!". The two areas that are important to us as a homeschooling family are: Freedom to explore interests, be creative and LOVE learning To develop self-discipline and ability to persist with difficult, unpleasant tasks to prepare them for life Initially, we trialled a very relaxed approach. But I found that although they were abounding in creativity they weren't being persistent and were giving up on tasks easily. It made me realise that in order to prepare them for the future e.g possible University life and work that they needed to learn self-discipline.  In order to be successful the ability to be both consistent and persistent are important. So persisting through difficult maths questions or getti...

In light of my recent post a bout planning for a new homeschool year , I have put together a homeschool daily p lanner for 2013. Now, don't freak out !  It looks rigid but it is really just a guide to make sure all the imp ortant el ements are included each day . One of the benefits of homeschooling is the flexibility e.g i f maths is going awesome we may go longer and explore their questions or if my children are having a melt-down then we cut i t short and do something else.  T his planner is really the 'bare bones' and allows the kids to have a basic outline of what happens when.  The more detailed lesson planning comes later.  2013 HOMESCHOOL DAILY PLANNER Term 1 – 12 weeks 8:45 – 9:00             Morning Charts / Chores 9:00 – 9:15             Devotion / Bible Study 9:15 – 10:00  ...

I love the period between Christmas and the new year. I love reflecting on all that has happened in the past year with a thankful heart and I love making plans for a new beginning. In reflection, this was the year we began homeschooling - a socially unpopular decision but a choice that we knew was right for our family. It was the beginning of an amazing journey and one that continues to surprise me. In looking ahead, I am excited about a new year! We are making some changes to the way we home educate in our household. I'll admit that at the end of this year I got a little tired and slack and we weren't spending enough time at home. I lost my motivation and was throwing together lessons at the last minute and then wondering why the kids seemed disinterested. So, what changes are we making to the way we homeschool? 1. My planning and organisation My goal is to GET MORE ORGANISED! I'm going to plan a term in advance as a 10 week block and with the exception of...