Our "school at home" attitude really hasn't changed very much over the years. We are free to take school wherever it goes... sometimes to the park, sometimes during a move, sometimes in a plane, and once even on a train. But, I always come back to a plan and books.
Language Arts have been a struggle. I believe my children need a very strong foundation in grammar, which is hard to find in public or homeschooling forums. I've tutored several teens over the past few years, 3 here in Yokosuka, who couldn't write and formulate a proper sentence. Right now I use two products: Voyages in English and Winston Grammar.
Voyages is a Grade 1 through 8 formal grammar program. It is written and published by the Jesuits and is very heavy in grammar. Though the teacher's book and the student's book are both expensive (around $150 and $60) the curriculum is outstanding in teaching grammar. Each chapter has a paper to be written and each chapter weaves through a separate grammar section.
Winston is a supplemental program to be added to a regular grammar program. There are two levels Basic which I used with Kyler in grade 5 and Advanced which I plan to use in grade 9.
Creative and expressive writing aren't addressed in Voyages, so I have use projects throughout the year to add bulk to their education. Anything from a book report, to art, and journaling. Writing can be brought out through many methods.
So here we are, into our 7th year of straight homeschooling and there are no regrets. Yes, we've had our moments. Moments where I was ready to send one of them to school. I don't think either child learned much the years they were 7 years old, other than how to drive me closer to the brink of insanity.
Yes, their education is catered. It is individual to each of them. Kyler was given the time he needed to develop the skills to read. There are aspects of their education which would not have been given to either of them had they been in private or public schooling.
I see in the future our homeschooling adapting one more time. One major change has started and is coming which will branch our adventure out further. Kyler is running head long into independent studies and education, with Lori not too far behind. I see coming in our future less mom-studies and more individual-studies and (heart break) college.
Don't grow 'em up too fast!!
We're only finishing our 3rd year, and I still don't have it down right. Maybe next year...
Posted by: Rebecca | May 31, 2010 at 02:55 PM