So, I’ve been doing a lot of research on kindergarten curriculum for Maya. She’s already begun to read, but we haven’t done much else, in terms of formal training. To be honest, it’s all a little overwhelming. There are so many great homeschool bloggers out there, especially classical method homeschoolers, who seem so knowledgeable. It’s a bit daunting, reading their annual plans spreadsheets, curriculum choices and details, and goals (both short- and long-term). It makes me feel so behind.
On the other hand, I’ve always thought that homeschool should fit your child, and I shouldn’t have to worry so much about all of this. I should choose things she’s ready for (phonics, writing, math, for example) and work them into our daily lives. We can call it “school” now, or we can wait until later. But the real grind doesn’t need to start so early. Especially with a baby on the way.
My philosophy on starting school has been that age six is a good time to start kindergarten. Letting a kid just play and be a part of our family life is really important–rushing them into school just because I’m eager is not so important. But what do I do when my four-year-old is reading, and I’m not sure I want to “start school” yet? Do I just keep on with the phonics, and pick a few other interesting kindergarten-like things to focus on, and remain laid-back? Can I even do that? I like to jump into things head first and give it my all.
My personality is very driven and competitive, such that I feel like I need to keep up with whatever all the other classical homeschoolers are doing, and perhaps do it differently or better. It’s a temptation I struggle with. I also struggle with envying other moms who are more organized, or who have more experience (where can I buy some of that?), or who seem to know it all.
Just thoughts tonight. I’m excited to homeschool, but I want to do it right.
I think all parents and homeschoolers in general go through this angst and from what I have learned from more experienced homeschoolers is the angst doesn’t go away.
The joy of homeschooling is doing what is best for your family and in particular your child. Your daughter is 4 and learning at/while play (ing) is still needed because of her age. If you feel that 6 is when you should start K and your state allows that then start at 6. Do not feel pressured to start because of other influences.
Like you, I would read the plans of others and go through various web sites and the like but in the end, God led us to do this so we need to follow his guidance. This is hard at times because of our society of keeping up but I find that I have to stick to my guns and sometimes just stop reading some of those blogs and sites. Also, I have to realize that we are all blessed with certain talents and God knows my talents and that they are more than suitable to teach my children so even though I am not the most organized, the most experienced, the richest to buy and try every homeschool curricula at whim, I am who I need to be to do what needs to be done.
Gosh, I am sorry this is so long..you are doing an awesome job and you should keep doing what you are doing!!!!
Well, the school of classical ed we belong to says that grammar school students should be reading, and listening to stories, and maybe learning a little math. Did I mention reading? Oh, and talk about what you see when you go play outside. And then read some more. We don’t hold to memorizing for the sake of memorizing, and stuff like that. We are catechizing our girls, but that’s not “school” you know?
Anyhow, I thought that might encourage you.
Hey, Serina! I don’t know anything about homeschooling, but I thought I’d share with you that I’m going into my 4th year of teaching and this is the first time I’ve had a real annual plan and goals set out. Things like that take a lot of time! I think you’re on the right track of wanting to start things slowly and not push your children to be learning everything right away. Since I teach at a private school I encounter many parents who have a strong desire to push their children to get ahead. It’s refreshing to hear from a parent who realizes the importance of playing and family life!
I wish I had tons of wisdom, but I don’t. I’d like a good dose of experience myself! It would sure come in handy!
Just wanted to share that we are interested in the classical approach as well and if we’re still homeschooling in the later elementary years, we’ll probably look into something like Tapestry of Grace. The classical approach is simply fascinating!
I have a different perspective to add — more a historical one. I realized recently that I know a lot about what homeschooling was, a little about what I think homeschooling should be, and very little about what homeschooling is these days.
First of all, I respect the so-called classical approach very much. I was present at the birth of one of the first “classical Christian schools” and was inspired by their vision. I’m less than impressed with the outworking of that vision, and some other things I’ve since learned about that movement, but that’s another story I won’t worry about here since you’re homeschooling.
That said, it can be intimidating. For an antidote, I would read lots of books by Raymond and Dorothy Moore and especially by John Holt. Especially Better Late than Early (Moore), How Children Fail, <How Children Learn, and Teach Your Own (Holt). Young children, even tiny babies, can and should learn a lot — and as the Classical, Core Knowledge, and Doman approaches all insist, they are just as happy (and probably happier) with real, interesting things to learn rather than “baby stuff.” They can learn songs of the state capitals as easily as Raffi songs. They will play endless games of Candy Land, if that’s the way they get your attention — but they will play reading and math games if that’s what you offer. If they are not given television “junk food” (regular programming) to ruin their palates, they will eagerly consume the occasional video about art, music, history, etc. If I were homeschooling now, I would definitely take much from all of the teach-lots-of-real-stuff-early-and-often approaches.
I’ve heard people deride the Moores, Holt, and others with a more laid-back approach as keeping children ignorant until they are eight or ten. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Moores strongly favor no formal education until at least eight, but that by no means no learning! I don’t go as far as they do, but prefer a more informal, laid-back approach. Children who have not been to school (and thus taught that learning is the opposite of play) will learn if you give them plenty of opportunity. You can’t stop them. Unless you let them get hooked on TV, video games, or computers, anyway.
That said, it’s much easier to go from too much structure to too little, so I highly recommend the following: Leave your kids free as much as possible in the early years, but organize YOURSELF. Be aware of the tremendous power of small things done consistently. Let your children’s approach to education seem haphazard — but not your own. Five or ten minutes of phonics work, for example, done daily will reap great benefits over time without stressing your children. If you plan things that can be done in small segments (short math lessons, reading history stories, memorization work, really the possibilities are endless), you can more easily find time to work them into a busy day. Realize that learning is “all the time” and don’t even think about making a “school time.” Start small; you have time. (I think Pennsylvania doesn’t even require reporting till age eight, though I may be wrong.) Small and CONSISTENT is much more important than grandiose plans. If you’re attentive to your children’s interests and needs they’ll change those grandiose plans, anyway.
Another thing I’d recommend is making the time to keep records. If you make note of books you’ve read, math lessons you’ve accomplished, “field trips” you’ve taken, you will be astonished. I really enjoyed writing up our kids’ “report cards” at the end of the year (the form of “accountability” we chose) because once you learn to speak educationese you realize how very much you’ve accomplished, even if it’s not all you wanted to do.
Sorry to go on for so long — ask Heather, she will tell you I couldn’t have gone on and on for a lot longer….
Aargh, I mean “I COULD have gone on and on for a lot longer.” My fingers betray me in the strangest ways. Do you know how easy it is to type “not” instead of “now” — and how much that changes the meaning of what you wrote????
Thanks for all of your advice and encouragement. It means a lot to me!