T2 Homeschool

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We homeschool and love it! We're able to approach subjects from a Biblical perspective, and we're able to teach subjects that our children have specific interests in. For example, we might build math principles around horses or dinosaurs - multiplication has been explained with "There are four pastures with three horses in each pasture. How many horses are there?" Or "There are three nests with four dinosaur eggs in each nest. How many dinosaur eggs?" Reading, Science, and History are all able to be centered on an individual's passion. School is exciting and they truly develop a love of learning, rather than it being a chore.

At first, the thought of home education was a little scary. I had some fears and worries. I was concerned about whether or not I was teaching enough,
if I was covering enough information, and if they were "keeping up" with their peers. I wondered what it would be like if I never got a break from my children.

But, it's honestly been wonderful. The benefits have far outweighed any negatives. We are able to read the Bible and pray at any time. The one-on-one time that is necessary really isn't that much more than when I used to have to help them with public school homework. In fact, it's easier now because we can spend as much time as we need to develop a new skill.

My children are able to spend more time on those things that they are passionate about, and still complete the required subjects that they aren't so excited about.

We take as many breaks as we need. We can leave our pajamas on, can munch on snacks and drinks while we study, and can move outside to do school in the sunshine if we want to. We are able to drop everything if something interesting pops up - like if we spot an interesting bird or bug - we can observe it and research it as much as we like until we learned all we care to know about it.

I've gotten plenty of questions about socialization. The answer is that the opportunities for socialization are endless. There are field trips and mom conducted classes going on everywhere. There are sports, music, and craft classes offered. There are homeschool classes offered at community colleges and science centers. Most homeschoolers have neighborhood friends that they can play with after school. Our children are active in church, and have many friends there. One of the great things about homeschooling is we have avoided most of the negative peer pressure that often is associated with traditional school.

Being with my children throughout the day is such a blessing! I know exactly what they're learning, what they're doing, and who they're spending time with. Not only am I able to teach the basics, but I'm able to teach character, morals, values, and Scripture. I highly recommend it!

Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. Teach them diligently to your children, talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
(Deut 6)

It's that time of year when typically I am
scrambling to gather the kid's schoolwork together
for our portfolio review. Sound familiar?
Well, this year I actually was much more organized.

I started a 3-ring binder at the beginning
of the year, complete with dividers and sheet
protectors. Each handout that they received
from co-op or from their music teachers, each test
they took, each field trip flyer -- all went immediately
into the binder.

So, this year, I am completely ready for the
review and I highly recommend this.

I also wanted to share that an
idea that I recently heard. Some homeschool moms
bind their children's school work
into an actual book.

They claim that it takes up much less space
than bulky 3-ring binders, lay flat and neat and last
a long time. And they don't need to buy 3-ring
binders, sheet protectors, and dividers every year.

And, of course, they have a lot
of fun using it to make other
books. They can make their children's
poems or short stories into a book.
They can make their photographs and
scrapbooks into a book.

So, I am thinking about doing this
myself. I found a thermal binder
on amazon. A thermal binder makes a
paperback type book. It makes a hard back one
too, but supposedly then you need to 'crimp'
it, which a crimper can be expensive.
They also sell hardback binders which can
make hardback books. They're around the same price.

I'm not positive we're going this route, but we're
definitely considering it. It sounds fun!
If we do it, I'll let you know!

Titustwo.net is a private, family-owned ministry. We are conservative, evangelical,
non-denominational christians.