Preparing for School

It is hard to believe we are already discussing this for Eli. I can't believe he is at the age to even consider it. He is still young but so smart for his age. Yes, I know every parent says that but truly I know he is too smart for his own good hence the day to day stuggles I have keeping him occupied. All that to say I began doing homeschooling research last spring. At this point in time we will be homeschooling. This is a decision we made long before we had kids. It may not work out and that is fine. We have an amazing homeschool network here and for that I know I will be grateful. I also have a former teacher/friend who has helped with a lot of questions and is an inspiration. I know I can do this! It is going to take time, patience, and effort but is so doable.

Eli could go to preschool this year. Personally I don't feel that is necessary for kids this early. I think they still need that time at home to learn manners, obedience, and just life skills. We are compromising this year and doing a small amount of school with our main focus being basic preschool concepts.

I was introduced to the Simple Charlotte Mason  website back in the spring. It has been a good place to begin. We will be practicing a lot from that for the early years suggestion.

I bought  Eli the Delightful Reading Kit . This will work on basic site words, phonics, hands on activities, memorizing scripture and even some hymns. We will also in conjuction be using a white board to work on writing.

I also got him a poetry book that can be found here.

 As far as Math goes we will continue to work on rote counting. I also bought him notebooks so he can work on writing his numbers. I have a bin of beads to work on stringing patterns and counting. He counts farely well already, but we will work on patterns.

Bible will be memorizing scripture. I will continue to read Bible stories each week. At this age I think that is what is important.

A lot of what we will be doing will be everyday things with a little more structure and learning added. It will be nothing too in depth. I know at this point the plan is to do school Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 9-11:30. It will be nap time for Ari and Lilliana will learn that can be quiet time. I am sure she will also learn many of these activities too as we will be playing some games, singing, memorizing scripture, and learning through it all. It will be good for both. I am excited in our venture. I know through all of this my kids will be learning about Jesus and what the Bible has to talk about life. They will also learn many great life skills and what they need. If at any time we are finding it is not working then we will go from there. Our prayer is that this is all successful and through it all we will have Godly, productive citizens in the end.

I am excited for this new chapter in our life. I am not ready for it to begin yet. We will start after Labor Day like all the other schools here in Michigan start so we still have a month or so. Hopefully with plenty of warm weather and enjoyment.