Eclectic homeschooling involves meshing different educational philosophies and methods into something that works for your family. As a result this will look different from family to family. We are featuring a series of interviews with eclectic homeschoolers to show how varied eclectic homeschooling can be.
Meet Angie A!
Why did you decide to homeschool?
Our eldest child was around 4 years old when we began to notice he had a desire to learn and explore on his own. He enjoyed doing complicated {for his age} puzzles and activities for very long periods of time. This led us to think about what classroom life would be like for him; Sitting in a desk doing busy work and not really being challenged or allowed to discover new concepts as he was ready for them, at his own pace. We also discovered how much the schools are pushing values on students, even as early as Kindergarten. These values, same sex marriage for example, are directly opposing God’s Word and what we believe. It seemed contrary to us then, to send him to a school to learn what the world believes, and have him come home to “un-teach” the things that we know are God’s Truth. Thus began the journey.
How long have you been homeschooling?
We are wrapping up our 9th year.
What ages/grades are you homeschooling?
This year we have 1st grade, 4th, 6th and 8th grades
What were your results on the What Kind of Homeschooler Are You Quiz?
Score for Waldorf Education: 5
Score for Traditional Education: -20
Score for Unit Studies Education: 16
Score for Montessori Education: 20
Score for Thomas Jefferson Education: 2
Score for Unschooling: 13
Score for Classical Education: 3
Score for Charlotte Mason Education: 10
{Interesting…} Not sure exactly what to make of this. I definitely do not see myself as an unschooler…
Use 3 words to describe your homeschool:
Discipleship, Spirit-led, Challenging
What makes your homeschool eclectic?
I use what works. I am open to changing things up when things are not working. We use different resources together to create lessons that help each of the kids. Many of our Science and History lessons are done together, which makes for a relaxed environment for younger kids and I add a bit more challenges for the older ones.
Have you always been an eclectic homeschooler?
I believe so. I am sure it was a gradual process to fully embrace, but I have never been one stuck to any other curricula or learning philosophy.
What do you think makes your homeschool unique?
We school year round, which in our area is definitely rare. I find that we start later, with regular chores first thing in our day. I also like to start with prayer and a Bible study time before we get to other academics. I also decided early on that I was going to need a break during lunch time…So began the 2 hour rest time. A time where I can relax, make my lunch and then work one on one with the kids, if needed {usually with Spelling}.
What does a typical day or week look like in your homeschool?
8 a.m. Usually my kids are up and going and the older ones switch off on making breakfast for the family or begin some of their school work
9 a.m. Eating together and begin chores {Rooms and different weekly zones they each have to take care of}
9:30-10 a.m. We sit for prayer, Bible study, sometimes use this as a time to have discussions about plans or other topics
10:30-11 a.m. I work with the youngest on his Math and other subjects. Other kids work independently, I make myself available if they have questions
12-12:30 p.m. The kids start their lunch and then head to their rooms, usually taking some work down with them. I begin my lunch
1:30-2 p.m. I begin working with each child on individual subjects {Spelling for example}
2:30-4 p.m. We usually use this time for shared subjects {History, Science, Geography} and wrap up any work that is not done
Fridays are set aside for a Co-Op day or Field Trips. My kids have also participated in activities and classes such as: piano, fencing, dancing, book clubs, Spanish, local STEM programs, farm days, community service projects and more…
What curriculum has worked in your homeschool?
* Institute Excellence in Writing {IEW} http://iew.com/
* Brimwood Press: Western Civilizations http://brimwoodpress.com/
* Math U See http://www.mathusee.com/
* Art of Problem Solving http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/
* Spelling Power http://spellingpower.com/
* Masterbooks Creation unit study http://www.masterbooks.com/creation-curriculum
*Apologia Science http://www.apologia.com/
*Critical Thinking through Science http://www.criticalthinking.com/developing-critical-thinking-through-science-book-2.html
*Notgrass Books http://www.notgrass.com/notgrass/
Do you have any favorite homeschooling books?
“I saw an Angel in the Marble”
“I carved the Angel in the Marble” By: Chris and Ellyn Davis
http://www.homeschoolmarketplace.com/ANGELMAIN.HTM
Do you tweak curriculum to work for you? Describe how you do that:
Yes, if I find that something is not working with my kids. I will choose parts of the curriculum that meets their needs and forgo the rest of it. I usually combine a few different approaches and curricula to make a complete lesson.
Anything else you would like to share:
There are days when things are tough: kids are grumpy or not listening and you are feeling stressed and tired. Days when you wonder if it would not be easier or better to just drop off your kids at the nearest school. Everyone has those days. The question is, “What do you do with those days?” I choose to take a step back and pray. Pray for guidance, wisdom, and peace. Instead of pushing through, take a break, do something fun! Most importantly, allow yourself times to get away and relax, without feeling guilty. These moments of refreshment, planning or just enjoying a moment are the extra blessings that will get you through.
I try to take a relaxed approach, partly due to our year round schedule. Besides, I got tired of the review process every year after our two month breaks! {“2+2=…Mom, what does 2+2=?”!!} Your kids will learn what they need to, in time. Try to breathe and take the next step. Oh, and BINDERS are a great organizational tool for home organizing, keeping track of your schooling and for different subjects!! Blessings to you all!
Great advice! sometimes when your in the midst of it all it’s so hard to take a step back and take a break but I usually find that when we need them the most.