This blog covers all things concerning the various studies that make up the educational plan for the year. As homeschoolers, we have the freedom to be able pick and choose which curriculum to follow, which subjects include or exclude, and which levels to teach at. Here, I write my thoughts on interest-driven curricula, lesson plans and objectives, and looking at scope and sequence. I may touch on topics such as the controversial ‘Common Core’. You will also find suggestions on how to design an educational plan that will both reinforce your student’s skills and aptitude but will also strengthen areas of weakness.
Dear Homeschooler, I have especially fond memories of my childhood of my mother reading aloud to us. Whether you consider yourself a Charlotte Mason homeschooler or not, I don’t think I have to convince you of the value of reading to your children. I have, however, recently been convinced that…
Dear Homeschooler, The new school year is here. It’s easy to just continue on with the same curriculum you have always used. Although I don’t personally recommend changing curricula every year, I do find it helpful to look at the curriculum other home educators have chosen to help me assess if my…
Dear Homeschooler, Have you ever asked yourself, “Am I teaching the right materials?” I have. I think this crosses all home educators’ minds at some point throughout each year. As I’m sure you do, I put a lot of time and research into which curricula I choose, which supplemental materials I…
Dear Homeschooler, We can teach our students ANYTHING, but it helps if we are organized and focused in what and how we are going to teach. I use a lot of planned curricula that already has detailed lesson plans included, which is great! It is definitely a time-saver, but there…
Dear Homeschooler, Ah, science! This is probably our favorite subject as a family. There is so much you can do, and it can be so fun and engaging. I imagine most of us follow ascience curriculum in some form or another. In our case, we are actually doing a classical…
Dear Homeschooler, Have you heard the news? This week we will be able to witness a rare event: a total eclipse of a super full moon, which only occurred 5 times in the 1900s and will not happen again until October 8, 2033! If you are in the eastern and central…
Dear Homeschooler, Have you made your curriculum choices for the upcoming 2015 – 2016 school year? I am waiting on one more box of readers (We accidentally got the wrong readers for our Literacy curriculum). There are so many choices out there, and the beauty of homeschooling is each one…
Dear Homeschooler, Isn’t summer wonderful? Days are filled with sandboxes, picnics, and bonfires, but if you are like me, despite sunny beaches and pool parties, each year around this time your mind involuntarily starts flickering to the upcoming school year. How will it be organized? What curriculum will I use?…
