Blog Cruise: SisterT's Talking About Being a Volunteer!

Volunteerism is a way of life for us, I think. I don't believe we give it much thought, but we just get all drawn into stuff that we care about so we find ourselves all busy-fied...like the stuff we do at our church: teaching, choir, youth/children's ministry stuff, and my son played the trumpet in this morning's worship service...he's in the sound room...We take on jobs or duties for groups we're a part of ~ our daughter is a crew leader this year for their drama group. This carries more responsibilities than just member...I've gone and been the "adult" person available when another crew met and worked.  We have foster parented, worked as an executive member of an adoptive and foster parent's association board of directors, helped to spear head and lead a local adoptive and foster group becoming the first president...we've worked as helpers on other projects...my children and husband worked at a missions resort area outreach this summer. My kids passed tracks out at the Trick or Treat deal in our community~we gave tracks from our home.  I dunno...this is an area I don't generally talk about much b/c it's just our lives...who we are...and we don't really advertise it much...

So with this said,,,I'm gonna jump off here and send you on to ck out the Crew on their volunteerism         !
hugs!

Blog Cruise: SisterT's Talking About Her FAVES!

What are your favorite resources for the ages and grades that you are teaching?

I have some faves for sure~Having WHAT we need...what will work...what makes the tried and true~effective, easy, and essential is how I know what my faves are!

INTRODUCING~

1.  Mystery of History or MOH any version~we've used 1 and 2...and in a year we will use 3~which will be the first year since it was published we are on tab to use it!  Effective: The short narrative gives enough information to send us digging a little deeper and the activities give us an extension to enhance the fact we have learned.  Easy: I find her writing style easy to understand and very conversational.  The projects are incremental and simple to incorporate.  I didn't stress over the timeline.  I did not use it as suggested on a wall OR board, but rather had each child make a file card that one the unlined side put the name of the person or event along with the date.  Then on the lined side my kids wrote a short narrative about the person or fact.  We used a file card binder to organize our cards in chronological order so that an idea of how time went was gained.  In addition to using this system I had another fave that I used Veritas Press History Cards where we looked at some very nice illustrations of the person or event AND read about them from from the list of resources on the back.  Essential refers  to the knowledge being complete and in depth. Obviously if I used more than MOH then I felt we would benefit from more info, but depending upon the age of your child you could use it alone as it does cover each nicely.  I am a history nut and love it so hence why I added so much and even used history as our launch for literature, Bible, art, and often science in a unit study approach.

I've used MOH into our fourth rotation of history! It has to be my all time fave!

1A~TruthQuest History is great and a fave as well. I used it instead of MOH3 which was not out when we were in that time period of our rotation.  I continue to use it as a spine and as a combination of the other two~didn't I say I love history? IMHO, you can't know enough about the past so that the present is well understood.  While it's very similar to MOH, it is briefer in the narrative which I think lends itself to more curiosity in the student for an older audience.  The reading list is great, but MOH has this as well...I tended to add books that I already had or found useful.  I used the Foster books with both. My plan is to use MOH 3 and when the rotation comes to needing four which is not out yet, I may use TQHistory as the main spine..but hopefully...pretty please!!!??

2.  ANYTHING I can find by Genevieve Foster.  She is an American author who wrote historical books for children in the twentieth century.  We have read all the "world books" and a few others.  If you get the chance to include her books in your homeschool do so because they are so rich. She gives a nice time period overview narrative and even illustrated her own books.  If you want to know more about her,  Valerie's Living Books has some info.  Here you will find a list of her books, and I definitely recommend the "world books".  Effective~I'd say, yes they are effective in the use we made of them which was to complement our history study. Easy~While Valerie's books names the World books as Elementary level, I actually think they are middle to high school.  Maybe it's me~you see what you think...I used them when my kids were upper elementary as read aloud books.  We discussed a lot!  Essential~I think these can stand alone, but since I love history so much I believe they are best used to complement a spine curricula.

3.  Teaching Textbooks math.  We've used this system full time except for a year off to use ALEKS which did not work for my daughter for a variety of  reasons, since they were both in sixth grades. This curriculum is computer based instruction that is computer graded until the upper grades. It has instruction and solution cds and is written incrementally step by step.  Effective~we're struggling with math and have been with one child for a few years so we are now using MathTudor DVDs to supplement.  We're reviewing PreAlg then proceeding back into Alg I and then on into Alg 2 with both...Easy? NO! Math happens to be my subject or TERROR, so I really depend upon TT to teach...Essential~not for us...you'd have to decide.  It's not that I think TT is deficient, it's just that since we're struggling I ALWAYS wonder if something might be better that I've not found YET...

4.  Computer~I'd have to say that my computer has helped us homeschool in tremendous ways~not only does it allow ME to do stuff, it allows my kids to do their papers online as well as computer DVD type of learning programs such as their foreign language studies (TELL ME MORE Japanese and Spanish which is loved!   BTW~the Tell Me More Japanese is my daughter's favorite!!)   I print a good deal of stuff for them also like notebooking pages and worksheets.

5.  Hold That Thought Notebooking CDs...I don't use this anymore, but it's a FAVE~and in finding the link HERE  I see they are holding a special if you purchase a cd and then blog about it~you get a free one! These are wonderful notebooking and timeline resources~hmmm...might need to "rethink" this one...

Okaaaayy I could go on and on~but my FAVES have stood long in my heart.  I do venture out with other things in these areas, but I keep coming back to these favorites!

Blog Cruise: SisterT's Talking About FREE Time and HOW She Gets It!

IS THIS you OR ME?

ALL work and no play makes for a very dull boy~and Mama, I'm afraid! It's essential for we moms to take some time JUST for us~There are so many good things that taking breaks and doing things just for us teaches our littles.  IF I NEVER took the time to do the extra special grooming or fun things in my life, then how would I teach these things to my children?  I must lead and teach by example!  Without doing these things, then I not only deprive myself, but the kiddos fail to see just how important they are to a good life.

So exactly what is FREE time?  I think it's time that belongs TO ME~for what I want to do...when and HOW I want to do it.  Does this include others like my hub or kids or a friend? Sure~sometimes it does include another person, but sometimes it's just for me.  It can be quiet and peaceful~a quiet home without the noise of a television or computer blaring or just sitting outside on our deck with the fresh air and a cool breeze...I like hearing the birds sing...I even enjoy hearing cars drive by~there's something calming about that buzz.  The other day I had an opportunity to sit outside in my truck with the windows down, a cool breeze blowing under some trees while near a highway, I could hear the infrequent, but subtle noises of vehicles passing.  It was so calming and quieting.  I was waiting for my daughter to finish some work, and I did I relished in the few minutes of peace.  It's not all that often I can get these moments, but I so enjoy them when I do.  The folks where she worked kept inviting me inside~if they had understood HOW MUCH I was enjoying the driveway and not wanting to come in~there will be plenty of time to be indoors when winter gets here for sure! It was wonderful.

When my children, who are now teens were littles, their dad would come home and give me breaks.  Thank God for this~he has always done the bedtime routine of tucking them in.  It's been a tag team approach.  When I've wanted to sew or go to a ladies event, he would always help...and then there's been Grandma.  Thank God For Grandmas!! She has kept them on occasion for hub and I to go out sometimes.  We have only had a couple of babysitters, and really, this was when they were much much older...generally it was Grandma or one of us...of course it was our preference to do it this way.

I have found some fun things for them to give me small breaks along the way like the story time or reading programs at the library or even classes at the YMCA.  While the kids were busy for that short time, I would check out books or sit with my eyes closed~ha!  I have even had them doing aquatic aerobics with me in the pool while in a class as the instructor allowed it b/c they were well behaved!  Another way I got my FREE time wass to arrange play dates with their friends which was reciprocal because I'd let their friends come over too to give that mom a break too...it worked great!  Another way was to have quiet time each day for two hours while my kids played on their beds quietly or read books.  This wasn't to torture them, but to provide a short time for them to recharge after lunch for them AND ME. 

Like I've said, I take all the breaks I can.

Today as teens, they go to work and other activities which can mean a whole lot more free time.  I've been known to hit the Y or spa for a pedicure or just to take a ride.  A good deal of my time is spent crafting and blogging which are relaxing hobbies for me.  I've always felt that when things cease to be fun~they usually cease!

PLEASE dear mom~take care of you~you are teaching your children the value of self care which is healthful and wise as well as making your own life rich and pleasurable.  Gain those moments anyway you can and be as creative as possible in the season of homeschooling in the journey of life. It's so rich!

Read on to see how the other CREW are all getting their breaks along this season of homeschooling~whoot!

Blog Cruise: SisterT'sTalking: Her Reaction to Criticism About Hsing

Some people just aren't going to like everything we do.  I well remember our decision to homeschool and some of the comments and thoughts of our friends and family. There was some support as well as well intentioned "concerns" expressed by anyone who cared to share. It is a heavy decision, I must admit, and what I did was asked God for His wisdom and desire, and proceeded on.  I hate to say it, but swimming upstream while not easy is sometimes necessary.

I did much research to be sure of my "facts" about hsing as were available to me. (Today there's a lot more information and the web is more used and rich with hsing information.)

I surrounded myself with like-minded people who understood what God was asking of us. (We joined a co-op for hsing that met once a week with activities.)

I began to learn how to do the job and to prepare. (I researched curriculum and methods as much as I could.  I gathered supplies and books.)

I allowed the nay sayers to just WATCH AND SEE~arguing never helps or would never have helped. (I think there are still some who WONDER and worry, but they don't say much now.  We don't discuss it for approval anymore~it's just a fact in our family.)

This is just what happened with us~hub was all for it if I thought I could~Hub and God are the two to be most concerned about what they think.  The kids haven't always been thrilled, but they know we are marching on in a process of doing what we believe is the right thing for them and our family.

If you encounter opposition, pray and seek God first. Discuss with your spouse.  Get on the same page as a family. Research and the go for it!~
God bless you as you consider hsing and may face obstacles/criticism along the way. The Lord knows, and He  has your back!

Read on to see what the other CREW are saying about criticism in their homeschool experiences. 

Blog Cruise: SisterT's Talking Technology in Homeschooling

ACK! I'm NOT Mrs. Tech, but it sure can enhance what we are doing in our homeschooling! Can  you relate? Are you a book, paper and pencil ONLY school, or DO YOU use technology with your kids too?

Technology can be SUCH A GREAT THING! I love it! AND I try to use it as much as is good for our family. So how much is good for a family?

What a subjective question! Consider the learning style of your child.  Does he like hands on learning or is he visual or auditory?   Here's a FREE online assessment VAK Learning Styles Test  Once you figure out his learning style then you will want to look at the program or device.  Devices can be loads of things from a computer whether it's a desktop or laptop, a camera, hand held game, cd player, mp3 player, or a lights-bells-whistle type toy.  There are endless choices available.  Gone are the days when kids did nothing technological with their play. Most have some sort in their lives even if it's just a fun game they like to play in the play station or wii systems!

When looking at computer programs it's needful to consider the features.  What are the modalities used in the program you are considering?

OK, I've mentioned programs, but technology is MORE than the computer!   Technology can be other things such as a camera or for a preschooler a talking toy! It's so subjective, but for this high school family our love of technology has ended with everyone owning their own laptop being networked, great printer/scanner/fax AND daughter with a drawing pad component.  Our experience is that we began playing just simple games.  They were on an old computer model and the kids learned to navigate with a mouse.  Some time just playing will lend itself to more advanced skills.  My daughter learned to build with html when she fell in love with a book series and learned to make short videos for YouTube.  Her "channel" feedback encouraged her to increase her skills further, and even a simple online game~what was that called??  I'll have to ask her, but she learned the through the tutorials to create all kinds of stuff so that now she's able to build websites and create some graphics.  (Okay, she says it's sunnyneopets.com~what do I know?) NOT me~but she can!

We used DVDs for software for our curriculum for several years and I well remember typing college papers into Word Perfect and printing b/c I couldn't edit on screen~ha! I NEVER hardly ever print now! (WHY? I make mistakes??? Maybe!) But I do so much online stuff now, including using some online resources for our education such as books online and even curriculum enhancements.

Which leads me to an issue I'm dealing with.  Oh yeah, we homeschoolers are constantly evolving in our processes and lives~I'm looking at high school curriculum this year and along with huge feeling of inadequacy, I am researching how best to tackle this year.  We are hoping to do biology, and I am researching texts.  I have found some online resources, but as I happen to know, all information online is "not equal" meaning it may or may not be reliable.  This is a huge burden in trying to figure out what we need to do.  I'd like to think I can trust the sites I want to use.  I have little knowledge other than my nursing background, but frankly aside from Human A&P which I took two years ago (still own the text) AND the botony elementary book we own, I am not sure of sources.  So in looking at technology, is is always prudent to use internet sources/resources?  I am really praying over this one!  My concern is two fold: their education and their spiritual development.

As I plan this year, using my interactive downloaded planner, my lesson plan download, the web for resources and... ... can't you just see Sister T's home with everyone sitting with laptops in our faces? Yeah, this is sooooooooooo US...and is it all good? I don't know, but we are definitely techy at our house. My latest is some great software using LanSchool which networks us all, and I can teach them from my screen! HOW cool is that? Look for the coming review!

So whether you chose technology today is really a matter of looking at what works best for your family. For us it's been a process of increasing our use, needs and abilities. We're loving it!

Check out what other homeschoolers are saying on the CREW about technology in their homeschools!

Blog Cruise: SisterT's TALKING MONEY For Homeschooling

Question: How do you afford to homeschool?

What are some ways to save money on hsing supplies?

Let me say upfront that I try TRY to spend as little as possible on as many things as I can with the intention of our money going further than if I didn't practice this strategy.  The big idea: MORE for less!Many hsing families are single income, and we are no exception.

Over the years money has been an issue at times. We have experienced lean conditions because of employment changes and instability that have had me searching for the things we need.  But HOW we've afforded it is that essentially, we've made it a HUGE priority~a nonnegotiable! We needed supplies so I've found them or bought them at prices we could afford. It's not a fancy philosophy, but one of determination and MORE determination.  We have believed that our children, who GOD GAVE US to raise deserve the best we can give them.  Their educations include a solid knowledge of WHO God is and His Word, but also a good academics.  I'd like to say they are gaining a BETTER education, but my nagging fear and insecurity won't let me make such boasts. But I do believe FIRMLY that homeschooling is the VERY BEST educational option.  Even in light of Christian schooling or prep schooling or whatever other kinds there are, I believe that homeschooling really mirrors everyday life so much more solidly and will prepare a young person for life so much better than a manufactured peer driven world of schooling. Is homeschooling for everyone? NO. Some with impaired intellect or even solid inabilities should probably refrain, but for most of the population, this will not be the case.

There are solid costs to homeschooling, and this is fully the family's burden.  To weigh the costs, I venture to say that I dare not deprive my children of educational opportunity b/c I desire material things that are fluff. It's a balance of getting the needed supplies and living our lives in a way we can afford. To maintain this balance,  we've chosen to live life more simply with thrift and budgetary constraints rather than my working for pay (BELIEVE ME, we SAHCMs work!) and purchasing more such as eating out, and office/professional wear.  Our focus is our home, and frankly, if I worked outside of it, my focus would be more my job, or I'd be torn.  There have been things in our lives we have done without in order to get needed materials for homeschooling.  I've made-do, re-done, made-over, fixed up and down, created, traded, swapped, freecycled, loaned, borrowed, shopped and reviewed for curriculum to bring us into our tenth year. Let's face it, living on one income can be tough in and of itself, but in these economic times, it's more than tough for some, it seems impossible.  I believe it IS possible to thrive, though in this economic climate.

I began writing Thriving With No Green$ over a year ago to encourage myself and others to make Lincoln blink when he leaves my pocket so I could have more essentials and niceties in areas where I couldn't find as many savings.  I save EVERYWHERE I can in order to spend in areas where I need to spend.  But let me say that my methods of saving and spending hinge on some key strategies that have worked for us over the years.
Before buying: RESEARCH the product and compare them.  First by price which I discuss below and features.  Get to know the product you are considering fully before handing off that good hard-earned money.
 
COMPARE Prices:  I like to compare prices so I KNOW a good deal when I get one.  What good is saving  50% IF I don't know what it's fifty percent of what totally?

SHOP but don't BUY until it's the best price possible: Coupons, cents off, specials, deals, used markets and swap boards can really help cut the pricing. Seasonal sales offer savings too. Be sure and compare prices!

READ reviews and find someone to ask about a new product~especially if I have to pay what I call: FULL BOAT RETAIL~and since I hate to pay THAT much, I shop around. I will hunt for discounts of every variety.  Get to know and read multiple reviews from a reviewer so that you are comparing apples to apples.  IF a reviewer has preschoolers, can they really share with me about high schoolers? Maybe, and maybe not. I find that the more similar a reviewer is to me in their lifestyle the more useful their review is to me in my knowing if the product will work for us.  I read more than their reviews to get a sense of the home, lifestyle and general character... (we don't imagine such comes across in our blogging, do we? ;-))  Think of a reviewer like a trusted friend~someone recommending something for your precious child.  NO ONE would take medicine from the local corner hanging "jock"~so knowing the reviewer or in the case of multiple reviews like the CREW, read many of them if not all to get trends and additional perspectives.  This process will take time, but once it's done, we can be confident that we know just what we are getting for our money.  The TOS CREW is a diverse group of homeschooling parents, and reading to evaluate the products reviewed with some idea of who people are will help.  Oh I know, you won't be able to go straight to the kitchen table of some reviewers, but gaining a grasp of who they are, who their kids are and what their lifestyle is will help compare ourselves to them so we will know if the product is for us.  Listen to that voice inside and trust our gut on these things.  This is a process that takes effort and is well worth it if money is important in affording materials.  There are other groups who review homeschooling products such as the Andreolas from ChristianBook.com.  I have created a book mark tab to keep up with review information so I can easily research some of them. ;-))  

WAIT: avoid impulse purchasing as much as possible.  If I know this is a deal, I will go for it ONLY if I have practiced the other saving measures KNOWing it's a good deal and JUST what I need.

AVOID: I avoid purchasing stuff I don't want or need just because it's cute or I MIGHT want to use it!  I am fighting a curriculum addiction, but over the years I realize that stocking for just in case isn't wise UNLESS you can get it virtually free. Doing curriculum or product reviews can provide solid hsing supplies with a great savings.  I have saved stuff I've reviewed for a later time when I knew it would better fit our schedule and needs.  I don't recommend pre-buying even if it's a great~once in a life time price! Before doing this, consider that the product MAY change before you are ready to go with it~thus coming out with a later edition or having enhanced features that won't go with what you have.  With this, any previous savings become  huge losses as you find you will want to go with the upgraded materials. OFTEN TIMES waiting and avoiding this trap works best.

When discussing things to avoid,  I also want to alert you to schemes of practices to take our money.  Beware of deals too good to be true! Research the overall price and compare the features.  Don't get caught into buying something in order to save without calculating the total cost, and it's more than money but our time and resources.  You know, the old saying IF it's too good to be true, it probably is, right? In hsing, it applies too~just saying ;-))  An example of this, is recently I joined a yahoo group to receive and share freebies to find that the list owner reserves the right to compile the info into a book she publishes. UH...I don't have to line other ppls' purses do I to get a freebie? I am rethinking this group in regard to my values. You might not be put off by this, and that's OK with me. I just think it's good to know these things up front.  Upfront, LIKE the disclosure statements on our blogs for those of us who review and are affiliates of products.  I wanna know, and when I do know then I decide how I want to proceed. My money is important, and so is yours!  KNOW if something is really and truly free!

And speaking of truly free~

I utilize FREE as much as possible. Hit that FREEbies/GiveAways button under my header in order to see the fast growing database of resources.  My right sidebar has many many uncategorized resources, but you can read them through pretty quick to see if something grabs you!

I review homeschool and other products on my blog. You can read about them on CREW and right here as I am given them from time to time.  Reviewing provides an opportunity to get things I might not otherwise be able to afford. We are so thankful to have gotten some very well loved curriculum this way for a great great price~A plug for the CREW: Consider joining up in coming years! It's fun!


Enter GiveAways and contests for a chance to win curriculum or books you can use. It's not a sure thing obviously, but it is wonderful when you win something you can really use or would like to try~what do you lose but a little time! I post loads of GiveAways on that FREEBIE/GiveAways tab under the header~I keep them updated, and there's a Giveaway Scout widget with current ones being hosted right now~what fun!!

Freecycle is a group you can join where you can offer or request items through your local chapter and possibly receive them. I've gotten boxes and boxes of good curriculum as well as practical items such as a garden trellis and raspberry canes.  NO KIDDING, this is awesome!  (I received a "pond" that I gave my son which has become somewhat of a hands on horticulture/fish education.)

Paperback Swap offers book/DVD and CD sharing without the cost of postage. HOW COOL is this? wowsy wow wow!


I do lots of practical learning as well as academic.  We planted a garden this year, and with its care, cultivation and harvest with food preservation which lends itself to home economic instructions, our practical education often is just incorporating LIFE as our classroom. We aren't unschoolers, but we do utilize the natural world around us.

We combine subjects between the two grades of my children.  We do combined science, history, literature, Bible, and drama club.  I teach basically one thing and it's applied to each on their own level.  The exception to this is math which we recycle the text from year to year, but not the student worktext, and foreign languages as they are studying different ones and music~again different instruments.

We use the library a lot.  The location of our local branch was instrumental in the purchase of our current home. We are literally 3 doors down and across a lane.  PERFECT kid hangout~


Co op classes:  Our homeschool co-ops have provided loads of not just friends, but learning. We've explored all kinds of stuff in these environments. We've lived AND HOMESCHOOLED in three states and each co-op came with not only different people but opportunities. This past year as well as our current year we are involved in a drama co-op.  HSLDA has a data base of groups from all over the nation. RESEARCH these as well~all groups have unique features and personalities! Find one or more that fit your family!

You can start one with some other homeschoolers in your area if one isn't available.  A few years ago a couple of friends with their kiddos joined us for an afternoon of fun once a week that was educational.  It was pretty informal but also structured.  The kids formed some close bonds and had good fun.  Just knowing others who homeschool can be the beginning if you desire a group learning experience.

Church programs such as AWANA and VBS.   My teenage children help in VBS and my daughter teaches in children's church.  On occasion on Sunday's my son will run the sound board.  They participated in missions outreach ministries this summer. All of this was virtually free if using gasoline to transport isn't counted and community resources such as local field trips and instructions that are minimal or no cost.

Community Resources:  We have visited state parks for the naturalist to give us a program with other hsing families.  We have participated in community events such as parades, walks, runs, bike meets, egg hunts and more.  We've done community theater as well as finding a hsing drama group when we moved from the community based one we left behind. . ALL of these things teach~no, they aren't academics, but can help built a sense of giving back and community within a child.

Ebay, half.com, vegsource, and others~Comparing prices is so important!.  I like to KNOW my pricing!

I recycle as much as I can.  I use found items and all kinds of stuff over the years.  We are becoming a little more simplified now that we are in the upper grades, but I will purchase used binders of good condition for fractions of the cost or other items when available.

Yard Sales/Thrift Stores: I have found gobs of stuff this way.  Just about two weeks ago I ran into an education major who was selling off her binders and unused materials...I got *some* of it b/c obviously, to get it all would have been a waste as it wasn't appropriate for our grades.  But I paid a dime for a nice 3 ring binder when at the lowest price it would have been a dollar new.

I buy in bulk. The cheap school supplies like 15 cent notebooks I buy by the arm load.  Pencils and more are purchased this way too.  I look for breaks anyway I can find them.

USE what I have: OFTEN, I just don't or can't purchase an item just because we want it. Many times, I use something I ALREADY have or find it in the library or in the public domain online if possible.

OVERALL, I spend as little as possible so our money goes further. This year we bought everyone in our home laptops.  Prior to this the kiddos used older "rebuilt" desk top models.  Of course, we found the best prices possible.  

I know this was very lengthy, but in giving you a good solid answer I want to encourage that hsing is affordable IF it's a priority, even on less money than you've dreamed! BTW~Our internet is high speed at our house, but we don't do television, but rather watch free internet movies and have a $10 Netfilx account.

Be sure to head over to read the rest of the CREW's ideas about this timely topic and leave me a comment so I know you came by~thanks! ;-))

Blog Cruise: Considering or Beginning Homeschooling~I Say, WHAT?

Question:  What advice do you have for those considering homeschooling or just starting out?

The question of homeschooling is a large one when we are just getting started in our journey.  There can be so many reasons to homeschool.  Reasons include:

• A desire to train up our children at home with our family's personal values.

• A desire to avoid the negative impact of the public school system.

• To be available to individually help a struggling learner.

• To raise up God-like Christian children for Christ.

• To help take care of special physical, emotional or psychological needs our children may have that make public school days more difficult.

• To further avoid a disagreement over many things concerning our child with the teacher, principal or board of education.

• Or any other reason or combination of reasons!

You may find you have one  or more of these as your reasons or none of them.  The longer I homeschool the more convinced I am that I hold quite a few reasons and they seem to have expanded through the years.  While our reasons matters to us, in the process of homeschooling, it really won't matter why we are doing it.    Most important is the how.

Just HOW are we going to GET this job done?

I began thinking of our past nine years, and how fast they have flown by.  FLOWN like a jet engine going at warp speed like something from Star Trek to where today,  I have literally young adults: one with a job~granted, it's her first summer job, and a young man that everyday looks more and more grown up!

It does go by too quickly, but I suggest that aside from all the tech/organizational things you will want to do~and do them, you must, but

FIRST, after you've decided to go ahead and homeschool,  get on your knees and pray.  Ask God for the wisdom, love and patience to make learning fun and to seal your family unit tight and strong in Christ.  

When we give our children back to God for His purposes, we have made a convenant with Him to do what He will do in their lives.  This is the most, MOST important first step for a parent with children.

THEN I'd consider things like how old they are and what they need to know.

Get organized using a good planner (The Old Schoolhouse Magazine has a very good one! HERE) and great tools like curriculum.

Contact your local homeschool group~you may have to hunt for them as many groups fly under the radar, but in almost every area, they do exist.  Get up with those people and ask some questions.  What are they doing? Is it something you can participate in with your child? Do you already know a homeschool family? What a great resource you have in them! Make yourself a list and ask them the questions too!

Find out your homeschooling laws~You can do this by checking out the Homeschool Legal Defense site and click on their map for your area. You may be able to find that co-op listing by looking for national, state and LOCAL supports as well.

Once you're done your homework, then decide on curriculum and how much or how little you can spend for it. Shop around as there are some great resources for low cost curriculum.  Check out my buttons for the FREE stuff AND also the age graded materials. You'd be surprised how much is FREE online today for homeschooling!

When mine were littles, I started in boxed curriculum.  Don't think I'm putting it down either because today, we don't use this kind, but remember that NOT ONLY are the kiddos learning by books we learn by  doing too! Oh my! If I could tell you ALL that has been stuffed into this poor pea-sized brain of mine because of the information I've taught them that I HAD TO KNOW FIRST!! LOL...

Since you have decided to jump onto the band-wagon, I want to offer some TIPS to really make your homeschooling special...This isn't the nuts and bolts kinds of advice designed to take you into planning and use of curriculum with your child, but rather some sweet and loving ideas that have made homeschooling a wonderful place to raise a child~

• Have fun. (Don't model after the school.  This is HOMEschooling!)

• School in pjs and don't let anyone stop you! (WHY not sometimes? Not all the time...or maybe...LOL)

• Snuggle up with good books and read ALL the time aloud to each other!  Getting close and staying this way for littles...soo sweet! They will want to be more "grown up" in time, but do it while you can~this fosters love and closeness!  Do you have afghans or blankies~pull them out for this sweet time!

• Put NO energy into a schoolroom, but focus the home. (BEEN there, done that!) If you have a room to organize and focus schooling supplies, great! But otherwise I'd make the home the castle of the family!

• RUN from a school room model, schooling on the couch, recliner, floor, kitchen table, outside, at the park, zoo or anywhere else besides a stuffy "classroom" no matter how brightly colored or decorated!

• Weekly trips to the library.  READ and read some more!

• Weekly trips to a homeschool co-op. Foster friendships with people who think like you do: LOVE God and their families!

• At least once a month head somewhere INTERESTING for a field trip.  LOOK in your own area for low cost or free stuff to do, but always find somewhere to go to learn about another place! Live the Adventure  has a  nice BIG list to get you started with ideas!!

• Train up children to know God and to have faith and family values. Don't leave the religious education to the church~it's a couple of hours a week! TEACH THEM to know God, loving and serving Him!

• Teach as well as able, making your school time a priority and continue to grow as a teacher but know that we, parents are learning RIGHT along with the kids!

• Take lots of pictures because the time will fly by, and they're great for remembering...

• Above ALL bathe your home and children in prayer constantly~walking in God's love and light! With His presence and guidance, homeschooling will be the BEST it can ever be in our lives!

Remember the why is not as important as the HOW and once you're make the decision to homeschool, it's PRAYER first then these other things that will establish a wonderful education for your family!