Although its not something i’ve gone into detail about on the blog. There is no secret that the kid is learning from home at the moment and is likely to stay that way for the next year.
I’ve had a number of question about homeschooling, what we do with our time, materials we use and structure. Hopefully this post will act as a archive for me, where we started, and a little look at ‘how we are doing it’ for anyone who’s interested.
I try not to worry about where she falls within the standardised academic system and concentrate on how she is developing as a person and whether she’s happy and engaged.
Compared to standard schooling the kid is fortunate enough to only have to focus on ‘academics’ for approx 45 mins 3-4 times a week, currently. The rest of our days are spent living, being a kid, playing and her activities. Ballet, jazz, gymnastics and swimming are all structured classes she attends weekly. Rather more than our intended schedule. But she’s thriving on it and if necessary we will cut out any that are to much.
Since we feel that our homeschool journey at the moment leans towards unschooling we don’t use a over arching curriculum. I have researched a few and there are a couple that could possibly fit well once the kid is older. We have a lot of activity books for extending her own self driven interests as well as a focus on the world around us and the planet we live on.
Currently the only formal teaching aid (aside from cuisenaire rods for basic maths that we do) we use is the ‘All About Reading’ system. I really rate it. So much so that we have the next level already purchased and the accompanying spelling system as well. It might not be everyones cup of tea – and at times it has hilarious american idimyms. But the phonic structure, step by step plans and gradual but encouraging progression really does fit the kid.
We also love Osmo and there a a number of great iPad aps that we utilise. Originator make some great ones. Quick Math Jr is a favourite of the kid and i’m sure there are a number I’m forgetting. We are not a tv or computer free house but I do try and keep screen time to a bare minimum.
*disclaimer to add I’m am not a qualified educator – just a mum doing her thing, finding a path for myself and the kid*
we’ve picked the usborne book from the library 🙂 and i’ve just searched for that activity book from MAPS, a beautiful book.
wendie still doesn’t go to any class, it’s a pity because she had the opportunity back in september but she said she didn’t want to. and right now she’s always asking for gym, except she can’t start until next september. but i think she’ll go just to gym class, we love to travel and more classes would make us slaves to resting at home.
and such a luck to just teach her script letters, here she must learn to write in cursive and she doesn’t appreciate a lot…
They are so young at that age to worry too much about any formal learning, and if left to their own devices they are amazing little scientists and explorers. You have a wonderful looking collection of books. I bought that Maps book as a Christmas book for a nephew at Christmas, and had real trouble giving it away it was so lovely, I think it’s going to be a birthday present for Maria in a few weeks.