It’s that time again, it’s time for the Homeschool Blog Hop! Our World Wide Classroom has been hosting a really nice blog hop weekly for homeschoolers. This week’s topic is Theme: What’s Your Style (not clothing but homeschool style) 🙂
My homeschooling style has been electic from the very the get go. I use workbooks, nature, hands on approaches, etc. I really like Charolette Mason and the idea of nature studies, which we do quite frequently.
For my preschooler it’s hard for me to say exactly what type of homeschooling we are because like classical homeschooling we do have somewhat of a schedule where my son eats breakfast and then we do Bible and our homeschooling begins. I try to stick to somewhat of a schedule and a routine so it doesn’t cause dis-organization and tension in our homeschooling.
We are also a little bit of unschooling because we enjoy nature studies. While I do believe that we should use their interests to teach but what little I know about unschooling the rest wouldn’t work for our family. There have been MANY times where I didn’t have something planned to teach and something will come up for instance going for a walk and seeing a snake, we may then decide to learn about snakes.
Now for my toddler it’s a little different we are defintiely Montessori style teaching. Using different hands on methods. At this time I like looking for activities that are good for his memory, dextrity and so forth. I also have incorporated Montessori methods into my preschooler’s homeschooling such as using manipulatives for math, this has been very helpful because he is more of a visual and hands on child. While my toddler is only 2 1/2 years old I just find the hands on Montessori type activites are really what holds his interests. And right now for my 10 month baby I am starting to give her some Montessori activities to do as well. I really love Montessori and I will be using it still as our style of learning as my children grown.
Yes, we have several curriculums we use however, I at times we do not always stick to it. I may modify it a bit as well. My child is not one to sit and do a workbook everyday until it’s completed neither. There maybe days where I give him a workbook and have him do a few pages but that is not everyday.
I am going to my 1st homeschool convention in a few weeks, it wille be interesting where God leads me as far as what to buy. Praise God I am going with a good friend that is a more seasoned homeschool mom than me because the thought of going there makes me feel overwhelmed!
So you see I am a bit of everything! Most of all I am blessed to have this great opportunity God has blessed me with to be able to stay home and school my children and most of all teach them about Christ! Because it’s great to know how to write and add but ultimately it’s wonderful for them to know Christ!
Want to join? Here are the rules:Â Please DO NOT add your link below unless you have a post published about the blog hop and the current theme, and the McLinky code showing in that post. All links added that do not play fairly are removed.
Great post! I think many of take a little from each of the styles and use what works in our homes!
You eclectic little thing! This is so you! Great posts!
I love this hop topic! I am just in the process of deciding if we will be homeschooling or not.. and leaning towards yes. Then the next thing to decide is what style. Thanks for sharing a little bit about what you guys do 🙂
Nicole,
Thanks for sharing! I hope you enjoy your first Homeschool convention, but a friendly word of warning: you will be overwhelmed. Pick out a few workshops to attend and have a list of curriculum that you would like to “see in person”, but there is soooo much out there, and it all looks good, so don’t expect to see everything or make any huge important decisions, and don’t go expecting to buy anything. It’s so tempting to buy all the great-looking, colorful, new things out! This is especially a temptation for New Homeschooling Moms. Just relax, and don’t stress out over the overstimulation that is bound to happen:)
If you go with your hubby, it’s sometimes nice to go to some workshops together, and then split up to cover more ground. Pray before you go that the Lord will lead you to what He wants you to hear that is specifically for your family, and your children.
(P.S. You can Homeschool spending very little money and with a minimum of curriculum!)
Blessings,
Wendy
I also like to use different educational philosphies (take the bits from each that work for our family). I don’t believe in a canned curriculum, so to speak. As you said, within a family children have different needs, interests etc, so to accomodate those might mean adopting different approaches.
I really enjoyed your Tot School post – full of so many great ideas. What a fun activity to match toys to flash cards. Your idea of using popsicle sticks to trace the fish picture was a neat idea. How creative to come up with a sensory tub using “pretend ocean bubbles”. Fun, fun, fun!
It’s fun hearing the different styles of teaching. I look forward to hearing what you thought of the convention when you go. I’m hopefully going to my first one this summer.
Loved this little glimpse into what you are doing with your little ones. I also am looking forward to hearing about the convention (if you are planning on sharing). Though I don’t see myself going to one any time soon. I would get too upset that we can’t really afford anything.
Awesome. I have yet to attend a homeschool convention (physical one) but I have done a couple on-line conferences…kinda hard starting out homeschooling in Germany! LOL!! Have Fun!!
I loved reading about your style with your kids. I need to go to a convention. It seems I need to convince my DH that I have a style and need curriculum first. Cant wait to hear about your experience.