Five For Friday: Let's Make Homeschooling Fun!

Is that even possible? 

From around the web, here are five articles and blog posts to accompany our latest episode: How Do I Make Homeschooling Fun? we think you'll find encouraging this weekend:

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10 Things I'd Change If I Could Have a Homeschool Do-Over - Kris Bales

Bet you can guess why we chose this post of Kris' to feature on this edition of 5 For Friday. Yep, fun. She wishes she'd incorporated more fun.

Make Math Fun - Marci Goodwin

Is teaching math your nemesis? Maybe it's time for some good mathematical fun!

10 Ways to Make Homeschooling Fun - Amber from Classic Housewife

Green eggs and ham? Yes, you can!

Winter Homeschool Fun - Amy Blevins

Maybe it's the weather that's bringing you down. If your kiddos are feeling claustrophobic and you're ready to chuck it all and drive to a snowless climate, take some cues from Amy and infuse some fun into your winter days.

Friday Fun School - Marcy Crabtree

Take a great idea from Marcy at Ben and Me and turn one day a week into hands-on adventure learning. 

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5 For Friday: Homeschool Organization 101

From around the web, here are five articles and blog posts that accompany our latest episode, I Love Homeschooling But I'm Totally Disorganized. We think you'll find them very encouraging this weekend:

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Help for the Unorganized Homeschooler - Marianne Sunderland

"Because who needs to hear how awesome we homeschool bloggers are without also hearing how we fall?" We love Marianne's transparency and very helpful post!

Super Homeschool Mom Fallacies: Organized - Shannen Espelien

Shannen's approach to homeschool organization is realistic and personal. Can you find your keys when you need them? Then you've got an organizational system in place that works for you. Can you improve in some areas? Of course, as can all of us, but keeping up unrealistic standards based on the things we perceive to be going on in someone else's home is not healthy for anyone. Take heart, disorganized homeschooler! 

100 Thoughtful Ways to Organize Your Homeschool Materials - Sara Dennis

100 ways? Yes! 100 ways! In a list compiled to give us lots and lots of ideas, surely we can each find one to implement that might just save the day!

Incremental Approach to Catching Up - or - How Copperswife Digs Herself Out of a Hole - Cheryl Linebarger (Copperswife)

Catch your breath, catch up, take a break, get ahead. Cheryl of Copperswife does a great job showing us how she takes a bite-sized approach to getting things done.

5 Essential Ideas for Homeschool Organization - Kendra Fletcher

Where to begin? Start by making a list of your top five non-negotiable activities and then go from there.

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5 Essential Ideas for Homeschool Organization

Is this the season to get organized? We're tackling homeschool organization on the newest podcast episode in the I Love Homeschooling But . . . series: I Love Homeschooling But I'm Totally Disorganized.

But what if you're starting from square one? What if you don't even know where to begin? I get this. Even though I consider myself sort of naturally organized, I'm very familiar with the feeling of being stymied. Of sitting in the middle of the laundry piles, the dishes, the school books, the toys, and wondering, where do I even start?

Start with 5 essential ideas, but not my ideas, yours. 

Figure out what your "Rock List" should be. Remember that old Sunday School illustration where you fill a jar with sand (all of the non-essential activities of life), then try to fit in the rocks (all of the essential activities)?  The rocks don't fit that way.  But if you reverse the order - rocks, then sand - everything fits just perfectly.

Sit down with pen and paper and write down the essential activities that have to be done daily.  I made a massive list of items that I had on my plate, big and small, and then began to put each item into the "Rock" column or the "Sand" column.  While this was a helpful exercise that saved my dwindling sanity, everything was about to come crashing down and demand redefinition . . .

I had a miscarriage. I was pregnant two months later.  I had a baby.  I was pregnant five months later.  I had that baby.  I was in the PICU with him seven weeks later.  And the Rock List suddenly became a burden.

That's when I trimmed the rock list down to just five: feed kids, run laundry, educate kids, love husband, nurture my spiritual life.

Did toilets have to be cleaned? Yep. But not every day, and that was certainly a job anyone over a certain age could learn to do so I could take it off my plate. Run errands? Yep. But again, not every day.

Can you define your top five non-negotiable activities? Your top five non-negotiables don't have to be anything like mine; they should be between you and the Lord. That's the beauty of living in the freedom of Jesus!

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5 For Friday: Teaching a Subject You Don't Like

From around the web, here are five articles and blog posts to accompany our latest episode, I Love Homeschooling But I Hate Teaching Math. We think you'll find them very encouraging this weekend!

How to Handle Teaching What Your Don't Know - Heather Sanders

Maybe you actually love teaching math. Maybe it's literature or writing or science that has you baffled. Heather offers practical tips to get you thinking about how to handle a subject you don't know much about or love.

How Do You Teach Math Your Don't Know -Ashley MacQuarrie

So maybe math is your stumbling block. Ashley MacQuarrie writes about having a positive attitude and making math both real and fun. What a great pep talk!

Teaching Math: An Interview With Dr. Fred Worth - HSLDA's Homeschool Heartbeat

Listen to these short podcast episodes or read the transcript; either way, we think you'll gain a lot of help and encouragement from Dr. Fred Worth, a university math professor and veteran homeschool dad.

Living Math for Homeschool - iHomeschool Network Hangout

We're big fans of iHomeschool Network's Hangouts! In fact, we'll be over there next week discussing real life homeschooling (more on that later). In this Hangout, Cindy West brings real life math to your desktop and gives lots of practical ideas for tackling math in the homeschool.

Free Homeschool Math - Jamerrill Stewart

A Pinterest board chalk-full of free homeschool math goodies from our favorite frugal homeschooler, Jamerrill Stewart of FreeHomeschoolDeals.com.

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It Was Time to Focus on Learning One Thing This Year

We have a little problem with several of the younger children in our home: it seems that when you're the last of a big bunch of 8, you don't learn to work as hard as the rest of the crew. Why pick up the candy wrapper if someone older will come along and do it for you?

For us, this is the year of learning one thing. This is the year that a few little folks will learn to pick up after themselves, put things away where they belong, and take care of the things they've been given. At the cost of everything else that they need to learn - even academic subjects - this is what we're going to focus on.

Sometimes it feels like there are just so many things to tackle, doesn't it? From sloppy handwriting to harsh comebacks to dishonesty to messy bedrooms, there are days when I feel as if all I do is correct and redirect. I feel for these kids; it must be so monumentally defeating when you can't get anything right. I think that's why Alexander and the Horrible, Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day was written. 

So this year it's one thing. Just one. While we're reading a lot about loving our neighbor well, putting together motors and other science projects, drawing and studying Napolean, writing essays and reading lots of good books, what I will stop all the other action for every single time is the need to pick it up, put it away, and take care of it. Those are skills they'll need forever.

Is it time to scale back and pick one thing at your house?

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Curriculum and Resources We Love!

Hi Kendra and Fletch-

I would love to hear or read about curriculum you use or do not like and why. What has worked for your family?

I know we are all different and have different needs, but it's always neat to hear what has worked (or not worked) for others. If you have already made a show like this or have done a blog post about it sorry to have ask. I looked for this sort of info but did not find anything like that. I enjoy your radio show. Thanks for taking the time to make it.

-Amanda

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We haven't talked much about our family curriculum choices here on HomeschoolingIRL because I (Kendra) have been writing for so many years over on Preschoolers and Peace about nitty gritty homeschooling topics that I just thought everyone was tired of hearing my opinion on the subject.

But I am happy to share what has worked here and what hasn't. I'll point you to some older posts I wrote and then share a few more thoughts.

In 2009 I did a series of posts highlighting each subject and what we like as well as what we have ditched. I updated them again in 2013, and you can see them here:

Literature

History

English and Grammar

Math

Science

Handwriting and Spelling

Foreign Language

There were more posts from 2009 that covered more subjects, and although we've added or tweaked some things, the info is still pretty relevant:

Geography

Art and Music

Logic

Electives

Preschool and Kindergarten

Field trips. Lots and lots of field trips. This one to Sacramento's Sutter's Fort.

But what about now? This year we have kids sort of here, there, and everywhere. Our two high schoolers are in a charter homeschool high school, which means they take a few classes on campus, a few online, and a few from me. I am using the school's English text for our sophomore but since she's already read some of the book choices and there are others I want her to read, I have changed the program to suit her needs (i.e., she'll study a different Shakespeare drama because she's already read the pick for this year).

Our 8th grade daughter is in Classical Conversations Challenge B, so she's using resources like Introductory Logic and Henle Latin. Our favorite logic and Latin resources are listed in the posts above, but because she's a part of CC, I let it go. However, for middle school writing, we really love Write With World, so I stuck to my guns and she's doing it instead of the IEW writing program that Classical Conversations uses. She's taking pre-algebra online with Currclick.com. Because of this experience, I've forever declared live online math classes for my remaining students once they hit pre-algebra. She also studies history with us at home using The Mystery of History Volume IV. She takes piano, is an avid runner, and sings in the children's choir that performs with our local symphony.

From Apologia's Who is My Neighbor? Student Workbook

Our 5th grader is using Rod and Staff Math 5, Cursive Without Tears, The Mystery of History Volume IV, Who is My Neighbor? (this one will get its own post soon!), Keyboarding Without Tears, and an online literature class from CurrClick. Science is a mixture of a lot of leftover projects I have in my stash and field trips this year. She takes piano, tennis, and also sings in the children's choir. 

Our 2nd grader is using Rod and Staff Math 2, Handwriting Without Tears, The Mystery of History Volume IV, Who is My Neighbor?, Our Father's World, Patterns of Nature (we rotate these two books each week), Keyboarding Without Tears, and the super fun Star Wars Brain Quest books. He'll switch back to the Pathway Readers series he's in the middle of when the Star Wars books are finished. He takes tennis and invents things with all the leftover boxes, string, Legos, wood, and tape we have. 

Our Mighty Joe with a brain injury is in a public school classroom for kindergarten this year. Are you surprised? We are, too! It's been a very good fit for him, as he's getting services he needs. He is a full year older than his classmates and has already had a kindergarten year at home, but he is very behind and likely to always be. His neurologist declared this past spring that he has no higher cognitive learning abilities. No one knows exactly what that means for Joe, but we continue to do a lot of supplementary activities at home, as well. We've been homeschooling for so long, we wouldn't know any other way!

Every year is different because every student is different. I bet it's the same at your house, too!

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10 Pinterest Boards That Will Make You Want to Homeschool

Thinking about homeschooling? We did an episode on that!

And are you wondering where to start? Here are 10 Pinterest Boards That Will Make You Want to Homeschool!

1

Beth Gordon's Free Printables and Worksheets Board

Because if you knew how much amazing free stuff there is on the internet that will get your kids learning, you'd want to homeschool!

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2

Steve Spangler Science

Because if you are a mom or dad who doesn't like science (like Kendra!), you'll love Steve Spangler. And then you'll want to homeschool!

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3

Hodgepodge Mom's Board For the Younger Set

If you're starting out with little ones, start here. Hodgepodge is one of our favorite sites, and her Pinterest boards are a treasure trove, too. They might make you want to homeschool!

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4

Jamie Worley's Homeschool: High School

Starting with a high schooler? Freaked out by homeschooling high school? Jamie's gathered some great pins just for you. Go homeschool that high schooler! It's fun. We promise. Mostly.

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5

Hodgepodge Mom's You Can Be An Artist

You can. Really! We are using Hodgepodge's chalk pastel tutorials {affiliate link} right now in our Circle Time and we are turning into artists here. It just might make you want to homeschool!

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6

Ticia's History

She's got some great pins, like historical movies for children, historical stamp units, and even a "how to get your kids to hate history" pin. You might like history and homeschooling!

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7

Jen's Learning Room Inspiration

Do you have to have a really cool schoolroom in your house? Nope. But a few IKEA baskets might just make you start itching to homeschool.

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8

Beth Gordon's Learning With Lego

C'mon! It's Legos! Who wouldn't want to learn something while playing with Legos? Homeschoolers love to teach using Legos, so take a look because this board just might make you want to homeschool.

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9

CurrChoice Homeschool Lunch

No, really. There's a board dedicated to homeschool lunches. Why? Because most (all?) homeschooling parents moan and groan when it's time for lunch. There's no lunch lady magically appearing in the kitchen to bail the teacher out. Bummer. But if you can streamline life in the kitchen, you can homeschool!

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10

Homeschooling In Real Life

Well, yes, this is our board, but we've got so much goodly good real-life homeschooling stuff on there, you'll want to homeschool!

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5 Things to Ask Yourself Before You Start Homeschooling This Year

Are you just starting to homeschool? Thinking about it? Totally committed? No matter where you are on your homeschool journey, we think it might be a good idea to stop right now before the school year gets going and ask yourself the following five questions:

1. Why are we homeschooling our kids? 

It's a basic question, and maybe you have a simple answer. If you can clearly define and then write down the reasons you've chosen to educate your kids at home, you'll have something to remind yourself when the going gets tough in, say, October.

2. Do we feel pressure by our friends, family, or church to homeschool?

This is the second dumbest reason to homeschool. If you're feeling pressured to homeschool because someone in your life is communicating to you that your kids will be ruined and ravaged by the world if you don't, it's time to re-evaluate your choice. 

There is yuck everywhere, from the grocery store checkout aisle pornography-masked-as-fashion magazine covers to the F-word scratched into the picnic table at church to the Wendy's where my daughters and I recently had lunch and were treated to a business meeting at the next table over in which the men were spouting profanities like free water. 

If you are going to homeschool this year, make that decision based on you, your kids, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. He's a lot better guide than peer pressure. Besides, peers who push us to do as they do are trying to find their acceptance in your acceptance of their choices. Go back and listen to Homeschooling Will Save Your Kids, Part One, and Homeschooling Will Save Your Kids, Part Two. Our hope is in Jesus!

3. Are we homeschooling because we fear the world will taint our kids or public school will be their downfall?

This is the dumbest reason to homeschool. There are legitimate reasons to pull kids out of public schools or keep them home for a season or their entire school career, but fear shouldn't fuel our forward momentum. 

I know parents who pulled their kids out of public school after the Columbine shootings and Sandy Hook. It's scary stuff, but do you know that a child is 200 times more likely to die in an auto accident than in a school shooting? And we're all still driving cars . . .

See the second paragraph under Question 2, then remind yourself of the truth:

The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 118:6

For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7

You who fear him, trust in the LORD - he is their help and shield. Psalm 115:11

But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children - Psalm 103:17

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

4. Are we equipped to do what we're supposed to do this year?

Do you have needs that are known now, such as an impending pregnancy that will require lots of sleep and down time, a job change or move during the school year, or a lack of sufficient finances to carry you through while one of you stays home with the kids?

Pretending those needs aren't imminent will not make them go away. Trust God to help you through and to provide all your needs while facing reality and making a plan. Need help? Ask. Don't be afraid to ask.

5. Can we accept other options if homeschooling isn't the best thing for our kids?

We just toppled a giant sacred cow simply by asking that question. Die-hard homeschoolers (of which we used to be) will communicate in no uncertain terms that homeschooling is the only option. Period.

Meanwhile, you've got a teen with anger issues directed expressly at you, a junior higher begging to be able to go to "real school", a 4th grader whose math skills are already beyond your scope, and a baby on the way. Do you have options?

Yes. Always yes. You may ultimately decide that keeping your high schooler home to work on your relationship is the best option, but you might also find a compassionate teacher in a well-run school who loves on your teen and points him to Jesus, the only one who can overcome the anger anyway.

You might find that online schooling is a major problem-solver (helloooo Currclick! {affiliate}), part-time classes on campus are the bomb (our two high schoolers do and adore this), and homeschooling was great for a season but now it's time to move on.

Our God is a God of creativity and surprises. Never does one size fit all. Happy homeschooling!