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Value This Life

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Homeschooling: Three Things We’ve Done for 26 Years

homeschooling-3-things-weve-done-for-26-years

Back when we began homeschooling there wasn’t much available in the way of curriculum. A Beka was reluctant to provide teacher’s manuals to homeschoolers and Bob Jones was just beginning to extend a friendly hand of welcome to individual families. In our first year I attended an all-day workshop on how to teach a particular method of reading. After several weeks of tears on both the part of teacher and student, I decided that any method of phonics that was so complicated it required a seminar to learn to teach was not for me.

I remember longing for the finances to purchase an entire set of curriculum but alas it was not to be. Actually it was a blessing in disguise because those circumstances forced me to make do and figure out how I wanted to teach my children.

Over the years finances improved but we never did buy an entire curriculum. The kids received an education and those who have graduated–seven at this point–went on to succeed in college and life. Along the way there were certain things that we did consistently, and there are three things that we’ve done for twenty-six years (so far).

Three Things We’ve Done for 26 Years

1)  Reading real books. Not textbooks, not summaries, not excerpts. Real, whole books, starting with picture books and eventually ending up with classic novels. We read aloud in the mornings because it’s so important I don’t want to wait till afternoon or evening and risk missing it. Our students are assigned a good amount of personal weekly reading as well.

2)  Writing. In the early years this is copywork and dictation. Eventually it becomes essays and reports. Our high schoolers have really enjoyed the One-Year Adventure Novel program and anything from Institute for Excellence in Writing.

3)   Chores. Wait a minute, what do dishwashing and vacuuming have to do with academics? I submit that the character and work ethic learned through consistent service and responsibility were just as important a part of their education as learning to read.

There have been other constants but I can’t say that we’ve done them every single year: unit studies, poetry memorization, notebooking, and more. The landscape changes each year with the group of students at home and the circumstances of life.

Never a Perfect Homeschool Year

We’ve never had a perfect homeschool year. Or week. Or day, for that matter. We just keep going and adjusting and moving on. Remember that graduating seven students has a way of providing some perspective.

I will literally be retirement age when I finish homeschooling our youngest. I always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom and a teacher, so I’ve been living my dream for a long time, and for that I’m grateful. The three things we’ve done for twenty-six years have borne good fruit so we’ll keep doing them.

What have you done consistently in your child(ren)’s education?

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About Charlotte

I'm a grateful wife & mom of 12 amazing persons. I love to inspire & teach busy women to find beauty in everyday life by caring for themselves, creating comfortable homes with their families and living out ordinary days with grace and gratitude. I'd love to encourage YOU!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lori Dellinger says

    October 22, 2013 at 6:39 am

    Scripture memorization:) I remember my husband freeing me when I was feeling down in the curriculum rat race! He said if all I got done in a day was memorize scripture with the kids, he was happy. And although, we do other things, I feel good if it’s just a memorizing scripture only day:)

    Reply
    • Charlotte Siems says

      October 23, 2013 at 7:30 am

      That’s a good one, Lori! I guess I didn’t include it because it’s part of life!

      Reply
  2. Sheila says

    October 22, 2013 at 7:29 am

    Thank you for the reminder that there are not perfect days….some days are just hard, but my kids are learning and that’s what matters!

    Reply
    • Charlotte Siems says

      October 23, 2013 at 7:31 am

      So true, Sheila. Overall they’re making progress even if the days don’t meet our expectations!

      Reply
  3. Silvia says

    November 5, 2013 at 10:43 am

    I was a homeschool student, and now I’m a mom of two (5 and 2 years old) and started homeschool a couple of months ago with my oldest. I learn so much reading about your all your experiences and comments – it’s a whole different world to be a homeschool student and a homeschool mom, you know!! Thank you for keeping it simple for the unexperienced like me.

    Reply
  4. Sherry says

    November 24, 2013 at 9:27 pm

    I could have written this post! We have been on the homeschooling road together, you and I, and I remember well those years when it was hard to find curriculum, then we realized it was too expensive to buy curriculum, then we figured it out for ourselves (with God’s help, of course)! I wholeheartedly agree; chores are part of a good education!

    Reply
  5. Margaret Paulson says

    January 19, 2014 at 7:48 pm

    Thank you for sharing at the Winter Summit this past weekend (Jan 17-18th, 2014). What a blessing! I appreciated all your reminders and especially to keep things simple! We tend to make our systems or routines complicated for some reason. I am always reminded to remember to look into all of my children’s eyes (from 16 years down to 5), listen to them intently and really hear what they are trying to tell me. Then, give hugs and kisses and tell them how much I love them, as often as possible. It’s when I miss that during a day that I don’t feel like I’ve connected with my kiddos. And even when I don’t feel like it, to just smile as the day goes on, especially when I feel overwhelmed or pressed for time. It seems a smile (and laughter) does wonders for the children and for myself. This helps when I am not feeling well too. It helps to lift my spirits and change my attitude. And it helps me remember that whatever the situation, need or dilemma, it’s not quite so serious as it feel (as I am very contemplative about matters). Thank you again and blessings.

    Reply
    • Charlotte Siems says

      January 22, 2014 at 3:19 pm

      I’m so glad the Winter Summit encouraged you, Margaret–it’s one of THE best homeschool events in the country! I love your thoughts on laughter and perspective. Blessings to you and your family!

      Reply

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I'm a grateful wife & mom of 12 amazing persons. I love to inspire & teach busy women to find beauty in everyday life by caring for themselves, creating comfortable homes with their families and living out ordinary days with grace and gratitude. I'd love to encourage YOU! Read More…

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Have you ever procrastinated about doing something Have you ever procrastinated about doing something, with thoughts of dread and overwhelm?😬And then done the thing,  finding that it was easier and faster to get done than you thought it would be?🥴Yeah, me too. Note to self: The dreading and putting off costs a whole lot more emotional energy than just doing the thing. 😊
In our busy ordinary lives there is a tendency to In our busy ordinary lives there is a tendency to get by with the barebones of running the household—but we skip the joy, comfort and encouragement part.   We trade an artful arrangement of beautiful things on the coffee table for a stack of newspapers and mail. The TV takes the place of a board game. Irritation with our family flavors our speech.   Sometimes this happens so slowly that we barely notice it, and then one day we realize that our home life is out of sorts.  With that realization comes the choice to fix those little things. Tidy up the clutter, get the laundry caught up, read aloud to children, and set a pretty table for an ordinary supper.  Look around your home with fresh eyes to see if it needs a reset. Even 20 minutes of tidying can make an amazing difference.❤️
Unexpected October ice storm in Oklahoma. Power ha Unexpected October ice storm in Oklahoma. Power has been out for 2+ days, grateful for a generator and hot water. I figured out that complaining doesn’t make electricity come back on. 😊
Always wanted a “mother’s ring” with birthst Always wanted a “mother’s ring” with birthstones of our children but we never found a design with 12 stones. 💍 It was a forgotten wish until I received this bracelet as a sweet gift. I can rattle off their birthdates like a boss but sometimes the size of our family still surprises me. It grew one baby at a time and I grew along with them, like all mothers do. There’s no rewind button, and we can’t go back and have a do-over. But we can be grateful during EVERY season for what we have, and I am!❤️
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” Not “they that complaineth much” or “they that talk about their issues all day long.” I’m guessing that “not waiting” means sucking the life out of strength instead of renewing it. But waiting can begin in this very moment. 
•
(pic from my kitchen window)😊
Sometimes it’s a struggle getting started on a t Sometimes it’s a struggle getting started on a task, but we all love how it feels when the task is done. Maybe it would help to think about how good the result will feel before we start!
Yeah, I had to run to the store to get eggs before Yeah, I had to run to the store to get eggs before 14yo could mix up cookie dough. 
👉🏻Note to self:
Don’t wait until it’s time to do a task to check whether you have what you need to do it. Realizing you’re short on supplies or information at the last minute costs time and causes stress! Knowing that you’re prepared eases the pain of getting started. Put “check for ingredients” on your to-do list!
How much life do we waste worrying and fretting an How much life do we waste worrying and fretting and dreading....when the thing we’re upset about IS GOING TO GET DONE?! It’s going to happen, it’s all going to work out, and we probably won’t even remember it by next week. Sometimes it helps to remember that!💕
We bought a house built in the 80’s and have bee We bought a house built in the 80’s and have been doing that fixer upper thing. Sorry for the blurry “before” but just think “black hole” and you’ll get the idea.😂 Amazing what paint and decor can do for a space. Sold the old mantel on FB Marketplace for $60 and bought the unfinished new one for $45. Found the print in my garage, lol. Mirror from Hobby Lobby. Sorta reminds me of my life pre-Jesus. Dark to light. Old to new. Same basic human, transformed with light and love.❤️
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valuethislife

valuethislife
Have you ever procrastinated about doing something Have you ever procrastinated about doing something, with thoughts of dread and overwhelm?😬And then done the thing,  finding that it was easier and faster to get done than you thought it would be?🥴Yeah, me too. Note to self: The dreading and putting off costs a whole lot more emotional energy than just doing the thing. 😊
In our busy ordinary lives there is a tendency to In our busy ordinary lives there is a tendency to get by with the barebones of running the household—but we skip the joy, comfort and encouragement part.   We trade an artful arrangement of beautiful things on the coffee table for a stack of newspapers and mail. The TV takes the place of a board game. Irritation with our family flavors our speech.   Sometimes this happens so slowly that we barely notice it, and then one day we realize that our home life is out of sorts.  With that realization comes the choice to fix those little things. Tidy up the clutter, get the laundry caught up, read aloud to children, and set a pretty table for an ordinary supper.  Look around your home with fresh eyes to see if it needs a reset. Even 20 minutes of tidying can make an amazing difference.❤️
Unexpected October ice storm in Oklahoma. Power ha Unexpected October ice storm in Oklahoma. Power has been out for 2+ days, grateful for a generator and hot water. I figured out that complaining doesn’t make electricity come back on. 😊
Always wanted a “mother’s ring” with birthst Always wanted a “mother’s ring” with birthstones of our children but we never found a design with 12 stones. 💍 It was a forgotten wish until I received this bracelet as a sweet gift. I can rattle off their birthdates like a boss but sometimes the size of our family still surprises me. It grew one baby at a time and I grew along with them, like all mothers do. There’s no rewind button, and we can’t go back and have a do-over. But we can be grateful during EVERY season for what we have, and I am!❤️
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” Not “they that complaineth much” or “they that talk about their issues all day long.” I’m guessing that “not waiting” means sucking the life out of strength instead of renewing it. But waiting can begin in this very moment. 
•
(pic from my kitchen window)😊
Sometimes it’s a struggle getting started on a t Sometimes it’s a struggle getting started on a task, but we all love how it feels when the task is done. Maybe it would help to think about how good the result will feel before we start!
Yeah, I had to run to the store to get eggs before Yeah, I had to run to the store to get eggs before 14yo could mix up cookie dough. 
👉🏻Note to self:
Don’t wait until it’s time to do a task to check whether you have what you need to do it. Realizing you’re short on supplies or information at the last minute costs time and causes stress! Knowing that you’re prepared eases the pain of getting started. Put “check for ingredients” on your to-do list!
How much life do we waste worrying and fretting an How much life do we waste worrying and fretting and dreading....when the thing we’re upset about IS GOING TO GET DONE?! It’s going to happen, it’s all going to work out, and we probably won’t even remember it by next week. Sometimes it helps to remember that!💕
We bought a house built in the 80’s and have bee We bought a house built in the 80’s and have been doing that fixer upper thing. Sorry for the blurry “before” but just think “black hole” and you’ll get the idea.😂 Amazing what paint and decor can do for a space. Sold the old mantel on FB Marketplace for $60 and bought the unfinished new one for $45. Found the print in my garage, lol. Mirror from Hobby Lobby. Sorta reminds me of my life pre-Jesus. Dark to light. Old to new. Same basic human, transformed with light and love.❤️
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