Homeschooling 101

Homeschooling – Where to start?

I’m sharing about Homeschooling today at a local MOP’s group.  I thought I would share some of my favorite resources here so they are easier to click through.

In the comments, I’d love to hear your questions, comments, or even kind complaints.  Okay, maybe not that complaints, I do have 5 kids and we go to bed if complaining starts.  I mean the adults not the kids.  😉

These are some of the homeschooling questions I’ve been asked before:

• Is homeschooling legal in Texas?

THSC provides the requirements for homeschooling in Texas.

• Ask yourself, “Why do I want to homeschool?”

I suggest writing it down.  Having goals for your kids will become essential for the hard days.  Having a little vision or a map helps when you get lost or things become distorted.

• How do I do it all, laundry, dinner, changing diapers and math tests?

Well, you learn the art of juggling.  Sometimes you realize the most important things take precedence.  Math tests are done at the kitchen table while dinner is in the crock-pot.  Kids learn laundry is fun (wishful thinking).  And diapers always are first on my list!  Except when they were not.

I wish I had some formula…but I don’t. 

Kids do grow older and things do change.  I can’t tell you the last time I washed dishes.  My boys don’t let me touch them.  They think they do it better than I do. (See- I trained them well.)

I learned to let things go.  A big laundry basket held clutter if the doorbell rang.  Having 3 in diapers – I really do understand.  Just keep swimming and smile even when you don’t feel like it.  Your family is worth every minute and every gray hair!

Other Homeschooling Resources:

I asked a few friends what they would suggest for someone who is interested in homeschooling.

This is what they gave me and I might be adding more later.

My friend Heather wrote a few articles that might help you get started:

• So you now decided to homeschool – now what?
• 10 things to decide when choosing curriculum.

My other friend Kris wrote an entire series on Homeschooling 101.

•  10 days of Homeschooling 101

These are from my friend’s Kathy’s blog:

• Why their family chose to homeschool.
• Plus she has lots of “FREEbees.”

My friend JAM has just started an awesome Pinterest Board for Homeschoolers.  In fact, I pin on it too along with 85 other homeschoolers.

• The Ultimate #Homeschool Board

I also  did my own research.

• An awesome list and explanation of Homeschool Teaching Methods.  I wish someone would have shared this nugget with me when my kids were younger.
• A great list of steps to do when you decide to Homeschool.  Seriously, this one is awesome!
• Some great Online Phonic Resources.

What I use for curriculum:

• My main curriculum is from My Father’s World.  This includes Bible, literature, history/geography, science, music appreciation, art, and character development.
• For Math:  I use Abeka for my young ones and Teaching Textbooks for 4th grade through high school.
• I also love when my kids want to take a break and do a lapbook.  Homeschoolshare has them free.
• For Spelling – we use Spelling City.  Here are our lesson plans that I designed to work with our family.
• For Writing:  We use IEW – Institute for Excellence in Writing.
• For Language:  We use a few things.  Each week my kids must write a report on a biography that they have read, a story using their spelling rules, and we are constantly doing language exercises.  We are wanting to add a Spanish program very soon.

Hope this helps someone!  If you have a resource, be sure to mention it.  I love learning new things!

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Linking to: 
The Ultimate Homeschooling Link-up