back to school {soft start}

 It's the first day of August and many are preparing for a new school year...

Whether your kiddos are in a traditional public / private school or homeschooled, reading truly does nurture the soul; and while we're hanging onto summer a bit longer, we're also easing into a gentle daily rhythm with Morning Time and Quiet Individualized Reading Time. 

This year our family was surprisingly blessed with a new addition to our family!
It's been seven years since I've schooled with a newborn in the mix, and I've been overwhelmed with even where to begin covering all.the.subjects.every.single.day.
However, in the quiet moments during the middle of the night feedings, the Father gently spoke.
He reminded me of pursuing peace and rest, not rigor. The beauty of togetherness at the start of our day.

During this season of acclimating to a new pace of life, Morning Time continues to be the best part of our days! I'm seriously amazed at how gathering around the living room for the next chapter of our read aloud, sets the tone for the rest of our day!!  

Currently, you'll only find us reading as we ease into this new season of "life schooling",
Secretly though, our revolving book basket is packed full of curriculum.
This year we will be studying Countries and Cultures, animal habitats, and solidifying grammar skills, so this basket will be continuously full of living books thanks to our local library! 

You can read about our previous year with Morning Time and what Morning Time is all about here. 

What about you? How do you ease back into school?

Does your family read aloud or have an individual quiet reading time? 

Leave me a comment...I'd love to hear from you!

Morning Time {the Details and Benefits}

Life building and relationship with my children is truly is the heart behind why I feel led to home school, and I've only got a limited time with my children to invest in these beautiful, life giving moments.

{Yes, their education is of utmost importance, but quite honestly, outstanding academic excellence is not at the heart of this choice; though it is an excellent benefit!}

In regards to the time commitment our family spends doing Morning Time, we spend an hour - two hours, each day covering four subjects.

While you might wonder if Morning Time adds to our already full schedule, it actually makes good sense given our large family logistics. Rather than each child memorizing Scripture, poetry or Greek roots independently, we incorporate those into our Morning Time routine.

This year, I've got a K, 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 7th grader included in Morning Time.
 Our routine, spoken loosely, consists of Independent study, followed by Morning Time, then Mom time.

Independent Study begins after breakfast, when the middle three children work independently.
 {usually handwriting, math or geography}
 I alternate teaching phonics and reading with my K and 2nd grader during this time.

"Morning Time" actually begins around noon, when I'll turn on our music CD, while lunches are made.
One by one, we all make our way to the living room, settling on couches, surrounding our coffee table.
We begin our rotation depending on which day of the week it is:

{Mon thru Thurs}Literature and Greek

 {Mon and Wed}Music and History

 {Tues and Thurs}Art History and Science

This fall I plan to add Scripture memorization, and Habit training...more on that to come..

"Mom time" is in the afternoon when I rotate History, Language Arts, and Science with each child.

If our day takes a detour and Independent Study ends with tears, Morning Time tremendously changes the tone of our craziness.

If History or Science is delayed until evening, I'm okay with the ebb and tide of our schedule, which included time spent nurturing the hearts and souls of my children.

Yes, even if those dreaded Language Arts completely get put off for the day;
we can always pick right up where we were last time.{wink}

If History, Science and Language Arts don't happen because Morning Time found us outside, basking in the beauty of the afternoon, I can rest knowing that we've covered the important things,
focusing on the beautiful, and the lovely. Nurturing the heart and soul of my children.

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PS.  Just an encouragement, there is {absolutely} not a single ounce of condemnation for those not doing Morning Time! I firmly believe life giving happens in many, many ways! 
I'm in no way preaching a method; just sharing how the Father is unloading life to us in this way. 
Next year could look completely different. We simply are walking where He leads
That's where life is found!!

Morning Time {Bringing Beauty to your Day}

This year has been trans-formative for our family. 

In January I stumbled across the concept of "Morning Time" and it's truly hands down, the best part of our day!
 The idea of Morning Time is quite simple;

  

"It's simply gathering together to cover subjects, as a family, that we can do together which encourage truth, goodness and beauty into our day".

 Honestly, establishing the habit of Morning Time did take some preparation

 mentally, physically and financially.

Mentally. I had to retrain myself that this simplistic, lovely time spent with my children was in fact deeply beneficial to their education. I subconsciously equated a rigorous education with a quality education. However, through our personal experience, I discovered that this meaningful time not only fulfills a quality, thorough education but is life building, relationally, which to me is invaluable!!

Physically. I had to prepare by spending some time alone, which isn't easy with a large family.

Late nights after the kids were in bed, or evenings when Ben was away, I sat down pen in hand, and quietly pondered what subjects I wanted to incorporate into our Morning Time. I took this time to thoughtfully consider which subjects to focus on, then determined to gather the materials.

Many of our materials I already owned; these lovely, lovely books were just being overlooked!

Lastly, I purchased the remaining items I didn't already have.

Morning Time, Circle Time, or as it's known in our home, Living Room Time can be beautifully tailored to fit your individualistic interests. Ours include Ritual, Reading and Recitation.

Morning Time does not eliminate Math, Language Arts, History or Science, though you certainly could thoroughly cover these areas if you're family chooses, especially if you educate Charlotte Mason style.

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Our Morning Time included these resources shown above include:

Literature || all seven Narnia books including the Veritas Press comprehension guide

Music || Mozart and Bach including the music CD's by Zeezok Press

Art History || Degas, Monet, and Renoir | Looking at Picutres | Picture Study Portfolio

Science || Outdoor Secrets, Trees Leaves and Bark, and Nature study

Greek || English from the Roots Up

Once all my materials were gathered, I decided how to "loop" the days to cover each subject:

{Mon thru Thurs}Literature and Greek

 {Mon and Wed}Music and History

 {Tues and Thurs}Art History and Science

  

On nice days we usually head outdoors and add in a bit of Nature journaling as well.

If while reading this, you feel your heart strings tug at the idea of implementing this beautiful, transformative routine to your day, my single piece of advice is

"start small and give yourself tons of grace while you get settled into this new routine"

In my next post, I'll talk about planning Morning Time and our daily rhythm

 Lastly, if your final days of summer find you cleaning out closets or organizing school rooms, and you'd like to learn more about Morning Time, I encourage you to head over to Pam Barnhill and listen to her podcast or if you'd rather cozy up with a good book, you can find that over at Your Morning Basket.

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|| Mama, there is absolutely not a single ounce of condemnation for those not doing Morning Time!  
I firmly believe life is found in many, many ways! 
I'm in no way preaching a method, I'm just sharing how the Father is unloading life to us in this way. 
Next year could look completely different. We simply are walking where He leads
That's where life is found!!

{summer reading} second and third grade books

In continuing with my previous post, summer reading {K}, and summer reading {first grade}, this post covers our current 2nd and 3rd grade summer reading books.

Again, all of these books are a part of our home library and excellent choices, in my opinion! 

                                                                   {second grade books}

Young Orville and Wilbur Wright, The Big Balloon Race, Prairie School, Buffalo Bill and the Pony Express,

Wagon Wheels, Barry the Bravest Saint Bernard, What's the Big Idea Ben Franklin?

                                                                    {third grade books}

A Grain of Rice, The Big Wave, Louis Braille, Dolphin Adventure, The Littles, Third Grade Detectives,

Capyboppy

                                   

{summer reading} first grade books

Following up to my previous post covering our summer reading book list, here's a glimpse at our first grade summer reading book choices. While these are excellent read aloud books, during the first / second grade,

 I attempt to have my child read them. Absolutely no stress if they don't; there's plenty of alternate choices.

Katy and the Big Snow, Caps for Sale, How to Make Apple Pie and see the World, Ferdinand,

The House that Jack Built, Blueberries for Sal, Corduroy

Throughout the first grade year, we cover all three "I Can Read It" books shown below.

The remaining books are our target goal to complete during the year; if we don't get them all covered,

I'll usually incorporate them into summer reading.

{Keep in mind, up to this point, all my readers have been boys. smile!}

Henry and Mudge series, Big Ball of String, Danny and the Dinosaur, The Fire Cat, Itchy Itchy Chicken Pox,

I Have a Cold, Little Bear, Frog and Toad All Year, The Best Trick,

Put Me in the Zoo, Go Dog Go, Green Eggs and Ham, A Fly Went By, Ted and Friends, Goodnight Gorilla

I've listed an alternate book list below that I feel is a bit more challenging. 

I personally have children reading on both ends of the spectrum, so choose where your reader is comfortable

Volcanoes! The Big Balloon Race, The Monitor, Babe Ruth, Young Orville and Wilbur Wright, Mouse Tales,

Harry and the Lady Next Door, To the Top, Barry the Bravest Saint Bernard, Amelia Earhart,

Red White and Blue, The Titanic, Always Inventing, True Stories about Abraham Lincoln

You can read my previous {Kindergarten summer reading post} as well as my follow up {second and third grade summer reading post}. Happy reading!

{summer reading} Kindergarten books

As a "reading family", I deeply value excellent, inspirational literature.

While we read all throughout the year, lazy summer days are great for settling into a quiet spot with a good book. Here are Sweet Pea's current favorites we're reading this summer:

Animals Animals, The Year at Maple Hill Farm, A House for Hermit Crab, Barn Dance, Roxaboxen,

Night of the Moonjellies, Ox Cart Man, Miss Rumphius, The Important Book, Time of Wonder,

The Storm Book, Hailstones and Hallibut Bones, The Quilt Story, and Charlie Needs A Cloak

All of these books are part of our home library. While some families tend to frequent their local library, I value investing in books for the long term. {maybe it's because I have so many children...who knows?!}

Now I realize this isn't a large list of books. At this age, I prefer to take multiple days discussing the concepts found in these books, rather than feel the false accomplishment of a stack of "twaddle books" checked off a list. 

You can take a peek at my summer reading posts for first grade {here}and second and third grade {here}

And my post on Morning Time, here

{why we homeschool}

                                                             "why we homeschool?"  
This question can have many answers, including, "I feel that my children get a better education, i feel that parents can best train up their children in good character and morality". both are excellent answers...

I personally agree with these answers, but view them as benefits. The reason we home school is quite simply because the Father told us to. Each year we listen to the voice of the Father to show us the path for each of our children; so far He keeps saying "YOU". so we're just simply obeying.

                                                            that is why we home school.

Personally, I feel that as a parent, I can teach to my children's individual strengths as well as areas they need encouragement. I feel that parents can best train up their children in the ways of the Father. I feel that my children are experiencing being a part of a family unit {since we are together all day}

Ii don't feel that home schooling is "the only way". I don't feel that children who attend a traditional school miss out on the above benefits. I don't pass judgment on public or private schools; I myself graduated from private school and my husband went to public school.

this is an excellent post titled "Is there an ideal homeschooling parent?" by Ruth of Gracelaced.  There are many, many encouraging articles on homeschooling if you're considering this option. There are many positives to homeschooling and many areas that I'd call "struggles" to homeschooling. But the simple answer to the question "why WE homeschool" is just a matter of hearing what the Father tells us and then a matter of obedience. To me, it's rather simple.

{first grade curriculum}

In continuation with our home school choices,
great Literature choices abound, and our family continues to use and love My Fathers World for first grade. 

"This gentle, phonics based reading program focuses on the Bible with an integrated approach to Science, Language and Art. Your young child gets their very own, easy to read Bible and creates their own Bible notebook where they create a portfolio that's sure to be a treasure in years to come."

Incorporating Usborne Science books {not shown}and Exploring Art Together" as well as the kiddos favorite, wooden pattern blocks. You can check out all the first grade resources here.

  
                              

We continue with Horizons math, and beginning in first grade, we begin Explode the Code, which helps reinforce phonetic and handwriting skills, as well as comprehension.

I also include this collection of Sonlight "I Can Read It" books to encourage our budding readers.

 

You can view my post on kindergarten curriculum here and read all about our family's favorite time of day, Morning Time, here

{kindergarten curriculum}

I'm hesitant to post specifics on our home school curriculum for numerous reasons, however, my hope is that if one person is encouraged by what they read or see here, then this will be worth me second guessing this post.
 
If my current "ten years under my belt home school mom" could go back and give one piece of advice to my "beginning first time curriculum questioning home school mom", it would be to first talk to the Father!

Ask Him to reveal all those answers to all those questions and doubts in your little head.
Ask Him if you can do this. Ask Him where to begin.

Ask Him to lead you!

Then, read aloud; a lot!

Guess How Much I love You
Corduroy
Blueberries for Sal
The Mitten
Hailstones and Halibut Bones
The Year on Maple Hill Farm

 Read. Read. then Read some more.

Choose excellent "living" literature books and enjoy the fruit that comes from nurturing the relationship with your child. Snuggle close and read. Ask your child questions about what you've read. Listen to their reply.

I personally have tried the beloved curriculum's that often left me feeling stressed, planning coordinating activities with each book, etc...

I've finally settled into the restful art of just reading great books!

At the center of our days enjoyment is Morning Time;  you can read all about how our family incorporates this lovely, restful learning here.

MY FATHER'S WORLD, this is our core kindergarten thematic curriculum that I've used for years.

It incorporates science,  nature, art, phonics / hand writing, and a gentle introduction to reading with a Biblical view point.

{for example: during unit one, the theme is "Jesus is the Light of the World". 

Science / nature would include reading books about the sun and experimenting making raisins.

Using a globe and a flashlight, demonstrate day and night by the earths rotation. 

Read about the days of creation from the Bible. 

Art would include painting a yellow sun w/ alternating colors to reinforce the concept of patterns ; read the poem "My Shadow" as you discuss how the sun can be used to tell time.}

You can find out more about their curriculum here

 My Fathers World doesn't require an additional math, but I've used Horizon's with good success.

I personally have chosen, through trial and error, to utilize only a few structured type learning workbooks.

Rod and Staff and AlphaPhonics are enrichment activity books that I've found beneficial, yet not cumbersome.

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My desire for any new mom embarking on this home school journey, is to give yourself tons of grace.
Every. single. day! 

The Father is faithful. He will lead you in the path of peace and abundance.
Grace.Upon.Grace.