www.TheOldSchoolhouse.com
subjects, unanswered or problematic questions, and hopefully end by 3:00 p.m.
On Wednesdays, we have chosen to
participate in a co-op, which provides our
extracurricular classes, such as art/crafts,
physical education, Pinterest for kids,
wacky science, interactive story-time, presidents, and the United States. Co-op also
provides our social interaction with age-appropriate peers.
Fridays are “free” days consisting of music lessons for mastering the guitar and
piano. This day is also utilized for local field
trips around the state of Virginia, or for library time to replenish our supply of reading material. Our extras include: participation in American Heritage Girls and Trail
Life USA, swimming lessons, competitive
swimming, and baseball.
Our weeks are very full indeed, so intentionally planning downtime is a must, as well
as time for recharging and just enjoying life!
My Eclectic/Charlotte Mason style for
home education is why I piece together our
core curriculum each year.
I enjoy choosing a broad range of curriculum styles, which vary in color, form, expectations, standards, and manipulatives—
all from vendors that have our core belief
system of faith and creationist worldview.
Here is an overview of our curriculum
(K-5th grade):
• A Reason for Handwriting K-6th Grade
• All About Reading by Marie Rippel (
Pre-Reading thru Level 4)
• All About Spelling by Marie Rippel (
Levels 1-7)
• Kumon Workbooks (Cutting, Mazes, Uppercase Letters, Lowercase Letters, Alphabet Games, Numbers 1-30, Simple
Addition)
• Singapore Math (1st through 5th grade)
• Building Thinking Skills by The Critical
Thinking Company
• Elementary Geography & Cultures by
Master Books
• Science Starters-Elementary Physical &
Earth Science, General Science & Astronomy by Master Books
• Biblical History-Big Book of History, Noah’s Ark, & Earth/Sky by Master Books
• Elementary Zoology by Master Books
• Biographies of The Revolution & Timeline
of The Revolution by Master Books
• Editor in Chief by The Critical Thinking
Company
• Geography Practice by Evan-Moor
• Total Language Plus-Literature Inspired
Language Arts
• Hidden Pictures by Highlights Magazine
• Draw Then Write by Evan-Moor
• Cat And Dog Theology
My philosophy of education is simple—
to apply the knowledge learned in books
with an experiential encounter. For example, my 5th grader is studying Noah’s Ark
in Biblical History, and in the spring he
will utilize the knowledge he has acquired
by going on a field trip to Ken Ham’s
ARK ENCOUNTER. This is a real hands-on approach, applying knowledge to an
experience.
I have found that my children, when presented with real-life situations, have a more
enriching learning experience.
When they are able to apply, problem-solve, and critically think through what
they are reading or actively engaging in, it
stimulates all areas of learning, and incorporates each of their learning styles.
The primary focus of home educating for
our family currently stems from our faith-based worldview, as well as nurturing their
influences with Christ-centered educational books, extracurricular reading, activities,
and relationships.
My husband—who is also hands-on with
some subjects—and I feel strongly that we
are to equip and prepare the next generation for living an intentional life for Jesus
The primary focus of
home educating for our
family currently stems
from our faith-based
worldview.
Virginia Aquarium Science Field Trip, January 2018 Wright Brothers National Memorial, September 2017
