I have started creating a homeschool room. This is the book reading tree. It looks a little different now, with a big chair in the corner instead of the bookcase. But, it gives some idea. Our library is slowly growing. And we are working into the rhythm of daily reading times together in the big chair.
We decided to put Alley into preschool one afternoon a week for a 3 hour block. It is at a local church, a few blocks away. We wrestled with the decision at first, wondering if it would interfere with our goal to homeschool. Would she get too used to a school environment? Would she then be ancy at home?
Gladly, our fears have been relieved by the positive experience we are having. Ms. Joanne is a wonderful, loving woman. She has taught for years and has created an inspiring, creative atmosphere for the kids to learn in. I learn much from her discipline and teaching style. She is a really good fit for Alley's personality and brings out different sides of her. I feel like I am able to observe Alley in a different light one day a week, to learn what she gravitates toward in a group setting, how she responds to different types of leadership/teaching. And since it is only one day, the bulk of her learning still happens at home.
Sometimes, as I weed through all the info coming my way, I feel confused when it comes to how to *start* homeschooling. I'm sure I will revisit this many times as we grasp our personal philosophy more clearly in the coming months before diving into Kindergarten.
But in the meantime, I am reading Charlotte Mason and Susan Wise Bauer. I am weaving my way through the wonderful homeschooling blogs. And in our home, we are reading together lots and lots, and talking about the whys of this and that. We are getting into the rhythm of all-day-every-day learning. Alley reminds me to carve out plenty of time for creative/artistic play. And I quite like it.
6 comments:
The home-learning journey is an organic process as your philosophy shifts and changes through different seasons, with each child. We love Charlotte Mason here;-) Your reading corner looks very inviting!
*beautiful beginning*
enjoy the days
seek God
I'm so glad you are pursuing homeschooling. We are continuing to feel our way through it, making shifts and changes each year to make it even better =). I am a fan of both Charlotte Mason's methods and those of Susan Wise Bauer. That is a very interesting blend to make happen because their philosophies are very different in many ways. I can't remember if I've ever suggested Clay and Sally Clarkson to you before. Sally writes wonderful "mom" books and together they wrote "The Wholehearted Child", their homeschooling resource book. I think you would find it helpful and inspiring. She is a personal friend and her words mean so much more as I've watched her live them out. She also has a blog, I will Email you that info as I need to go and look it up =).
I'm so glad you are pursuing homeschooling. We are continuing to feel our way through it, making shifts and changes each year to make it even better =). I am a fan of both Charlotte Mason's methods and those of Susan Wise Bauer. That is a very interesting blend to make happen because their philosophies are very different in many ways. I can't remember if I've ever suggested Clay and Sally Clarkson to you before. Sally writes wonderful "mom" books and together they wrote "The Wholehearted Child", their homeschooling resource book. I think you would find it helpful and inspiring. She is a personal friend and her words mean so much more as I've watched her live them out. She also has a blog, I will Email you that info as I need to go and look it up =).
Oh, lovely. My comment published twice. Sorry about that!
I love the reading tree! I think I'd enjoy curling up in a big chair there in the corner.
Might I suggest one book you should look for to add to your collection... It is called "Cookies: bite sized life lessons". Kelley, I can picture you reading it with Alley! It goes through different words we want to pass to little people and uses cookies to demonstrate the concept. (not the healthiest idea, but what the heck)
for example... it say, "trustworthy means, If you ask me to hold your cookie until you come back, when you come back, I will still be holding your cookie. Cooperate means, How about you add the chips while I stir?"
I think you'd like it! What a gem your kids have in you.
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