Lynn August 3rd, 2009 at 1:09 pm

As a veteran home school mom I find your advice for starting out to be right on. Don’t try to replicate public school at home but let learning happen in our day to day lives.

Brandy August 3rd, 2009 at 1:15 pm

The article is great for those just starting out. I’m looking forward to future articles in hopes for some ideas for veterans. I want my children to have the best education and I’m always looking for fresh ideas to keep school fun and to make it more user friendly for the teacher!

Nancy August 3rd, 2009 at 1:19 pm

I like the circle time idea, even for my older kids. I think it would be a great time to include discussion of chores that need to be done for the day and the menu/meal prep needs. I love the idea of stretching as part of it!

Kimberly August 3rd, 2009 at 1:29 pm

I’m a new homeschooling mom and I think your first lesson just saved me. I spent the weekend researching and it had my mind spinning. After a busy weekend it was refreshing to get a bit of reassurance from you this morning!

Thanks Terri!

Karen August 3rd, 2009 at 1:32 pm

I’m both nervous and excited about homeschooling this year. Thank you for both good information and encouragement. I’m looking forward to future lessons as we find the path that works for us.

Katie August 3rd, 2009 at 1:42 pm

That was a much shorter and easier read than I expected. Thank You! We’re getting ready to start our second year with one in K and one in 1st. The circle time idea was great and one I definitely will try. Also liked the math tips on step 9 as my 1st grader will be getting more into that this year.

Sharon August 3rd, 2009 at 1:43 pm

I’m about four years away from starting out (my son is 16 months) but we are considering homeschooling, so I want to be informed. I’m excited to read these lessons and see what homeschooling involves.

Interesting suggestion about the “detox” and the circle time. Makes a lot of sense, as does the time outside!!

Thanks.

Liz August 3rd, 2009 at 1:49 pm

Thank you for these suggestions. I am a veteran but am in need of recharging. Thank you for the chance to win the remaining lessons!

Abi August 3rd, 2009 at 1:52 pm

I wholeheartedly agree with visit local library. No, I’m not a librarian but I’m a librarian’s friend. My library has been very good at getting stuff for homeschoolers.

I wouldn’t trade my electric pencil sharpener for the world. That is a # 1 must for a homeschooler. A good pencil sharpener. You have my vote on that one.

Reading is important. We had read-aloud times when my girls were little. As teens they still like to do read-aloud books. The read even in their school work at least 6 books a school year. Read!Read!Read!!!!

Marilyn August 3rd, 2009 at 2:03 pm

This is excellent information – especially for new homeschoolers. I especially liked the idea of circle time – something I have never thought of doing in all my years of homeschooling. I liked the idea of “delight directed” studies too. I started homeschooling this way, but over the years it kind of got away from me. This was a good reminder to me to make my homeschooling more fun for everyone. Thanks!

Lynn August 3rd, 2009 at 2:09 pm

We will be starting our third year of homeschool this year and have used the ’school at home’ approach because that is all I know. It seemed easier to copy what the kids were doing in public school already. I am very interested to unlearn this approach and make school more of a family time instead of text book focused. It will be a new experience for all of us. Thank you for this teaching to help me learn more on this style.

Christine August 3rd, 2009 at 2:12 pm

Thanks for the great introduction! I like the idea of a ‘circle time’ with my two little ones. I especially like the idea of gathering them in for prayer before we start our day. Looking forward to the next lesson!

sandy August 3rd, 2009 at 2:15 pm

I enjoyed reading your well organized introduction to homeschooling, although i am a veteran home schooler. I too liked the “circle time” idea, it helps to have a “name” attached to these moments, so the kids know exactly what we mean and what is expected…. a warm loving start to a busy day…. I am looking forward to picking up more tips as the lessons proceed. thanks again!

Tanya August 3rd, 2009 at 2:17 pm

This resource is wonderful for someone who already has a cirrculum but wants to add variety to it. I had not thought of mixing up the studies some days with topics of my child’s personal interest. I look forward to seeing more lessons on how to branch out and incorporate the 3 R’s and other subjects from topics of my child’s choosing.

Donna August 3rd, 2009 at 2:23 pm

This was a good reinforcement lesson. Can’t wait for next Monday

Terrie August 3rd, 2009 at 2:32 pm

I think this is a great way to encourage new homeschoolers! It shows how to begin without stressing! We’ve just started our fifth year, and this reminds me to not lose focus on how much fun we can have while learning together as a family.

Cynthia August 3rd, 2009 at 2:34 pm

I appreciated the idea in the class that we are not supposed to make our homeschools look like a traditional school. Learning happens in a variety of ways. The most effective learning happens when there is a good relationship. Circle time, starting the day with prayer or a daily Bible lesson/devotion, lots of playtime, hands-on learning – it’s all good for the development of our children.

Mrs. Hewett August 3rd, 2009 at 2:35 pm

I was encouraged and inspired by the clarity and simplicity of this first lesson. This will be our first year doing “semi-formal” homeschool – I say “semi-formal” because my children are at preschool & kindergarten level. It will be more structured than previous years, but still pretty relaxed since they’re both still so young. We’re looking forward to it and this lesson helped me realize I’m headed in the right direction. Thanks!

xinme August 3rd, 2009 at 2:48 pm

The most important part for me was the reminder that the family RELATIONSHIPS are far more important than the academic head cramming stuff

Nancy August 3rd, 2009 at 2:50 pm

Being reminded to enjoy our children is great for those of us who have homeschooled a few years. Sometimes it is too easy to get wrapped up in the schedule and curriculum. Thanks for the encouragement to make it fun and relaxing.

Linda M August 3rd, 2009 at 2:55 pm

I like the idea of slowly getting into school at the beginning of the year and with a subject that the children choose. I’ve been homeschooling for five years and always have tried to follow a strict schedule. So not only have I been jumping into the water every September, but the water has been infested with sharks who bite at every mistake I make with my schedule only leaving me discouraged.

I can’t wait for next week’s lesson! Thank you Terri.

Jenny A August 3rd, 2009 at 3:21 pm

We struggled with spelling last year. Words spelled correctly in ’spelling’ were showing up misspelled in regular writing assignments. I was excited to see the idea for combining handwriting and spelling by using dictation! Maybe this will help the process of transferring good spelling into our writing. Thanks for your encouragement!

Laura H. August 3rd, 2009 at 3:26 pm

Thank you! The lesson was extremely well done. I’ve been homeschooling for 15 years now, but if I’ve learned one thing it’s that we can always learn something new! This lesson was perfectly timed for me. I’m going to use the “delight-directed study” idea to kick-start our new year. In addition to a morning “circle time”, this year we are going to try a brain-teaser after lunch each day to get the creative juices flowing.

Jhansi August 3rd, 2009 at 3:34 pm

This looks like a great course for homeschoolers. I love the advice to just start with doing simple exercises before getting into complicated matters of curriculum, schedule, organization etc. My favorite concept you are sharing is that it doesn’t have to and shouldn’t look like ’school’. Thanks for putting all this together. It certainly is a comprehensive guide.

Helisa August 3rd, 2009 at 3:37 pm

I like that she reminds us to go outside and play. So easy to forget that it is important too.

Patricia August 3rd, 2009 at 3:54 pm

I love that you state and restate “do not worry about getting the right curriculum”! That was my biggest mistake when I started some 11 years ago… I was so worried about doing it *just right* and almost did myself and my oldest both in within the first week! I didn’t see it mentioned, but my homeschooling salvation when I first started was finding another homeschooler who had already been homeschooling for a couple of years… she helped me seperate the necessary from the unnecessary!

Linda August 3rd, 2009 at 4:08 pm

I have been homeschooling for going on 8 years. My nugget I got out of it is to have fun! Too often I get bogged down one the “need to get the curriculum done” bandwagon and forget that it should also be enjoyable. Also, circle time is such a great concept. I will try to implement that this year.

Kori August 3rd, 2009 at 4:15 pm

I think this was a great reminder piece for me! I have homeschooled for 3 years. But I ALWAYS need a reminder to RELAX and enjoy the process with my kids. And the part of beginning the day with a circle time is something we haven’t done before, but plan to this year. We will begin with a Bible study as a family and then will add some preschool/kindergarten morning time (calendar, weather, read aloud, basic math…). Then we will go on with our day. I know my kids will enjoy this time together to set our tone for the day.
Thanks for this lesson.
Kori

Fiona August 3rd, 2009 at 4:20 pm

I wish I had read your article when we started many years ago! It reminded me that we need to spend more time being active/getting outside every day. Our older children were talking to me yesterday about doing a project and your delight directed studies might be just the thing to keep their studies enjoyable and fresh Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

Betsy August 3rd, 2009 at 4:22 pm

I didn’t bring my own children home for schooling until they were in 5th and 7th grade, so I don’t have experience with the younger grades. However, as I am now the director for a homeschool support group, I feel the need to learn more about those younger years in order to be a resource and to also direct others to good resources. And as my oldest daughter is now 19, I’m thinking ahead to the next generation of homeschoolers and sharing this info with her for her own future reference.
What I loved best about the first lesson was the simplicity with which we are told that we can teach most things without curriculum. The picture you paint is a day filled with caring, sharing and fun.

Julie August 3rd, 2009 at 4:28 pm

Terri,
I’ve done this form of gentle homeschooling for 6 years and it is such a blessing. My biggest struggle has always been a gentle transition time in the morning to get into the school day. I love the circle time idea. My children range from 11 years to 11 months and my mind is racing with all the things we could do during circle time! I can’t wait to learn more about it next week.
Thanks,
Juie

Patti August 3rd, 2009 at 4:38 pm

I have been homeschooling for 10 years now and have children in their mid and upper teens. It took me several years (about 5) before I got out of the box. I tried to do “school at home” with all the right curriculum, but the problem was, what I was doing didn’t fit my kids’ learning methods—nor were they interested in what they were learning. Finally, (after they were in middle school!!) I discovered that home educating didn’t necessarily mean “school at home.” We opted for more literature-based and unit studies rather than the standard textbook. That idea worked—I only wish I had known earlier that there is no one “right way” to teach our children at home. Each of us will do things differently than one another, and we will do thing differently than the public schools do—and that is okay.

I am in the process of adopting, so I will be beginning another homeschooling journey, and I am looking forward to doing things in a less-traditional way from the very beginning.

My biggest advice to new homeschoolers is just what I said above. “It’s really OKAY if you do things differently than someone else does them. Don’t feel obligated to do what everyone else is doing. Different doesn’t mean wrong. And, above all, don’t feel pressured to think your child needs to be at the same level as someone else’s child.”

Michelle August 3rd, 2009 at 4:53 pm

Thank You! I will be starting homeschooling very soon with my 5 year old…but I also have a 3 year old and an almost 2 year old. I love the circle time idea and I really love having a “focus” that all can learn from and that they will be excited about. I love that I can change my oldests “projects” around a little and my 3 year old will be able to do them too. I loved the math idea. I will be going through that drawer full of buttons to get ready for math Thanks!

Lynn August 3rd, 2009 at 5:18 pm

Thank you for the well-written article. To a new homeschooler, it can help put the anxious feelings aside. I have been homeschooling for 2 years. The “most useful” information I took from this was circle time in the mornings. Many times, we wouldn’t start school until almost noon because we’d get up at different times, housework, breakfast as soon as one gets up, breakfast for the other an hour after she gets up and so on. We just have a tough time getting started. Circle time would be a starting point for us with an ending to free time. “Circle time in 10 minutes, girls!” We would come accustomed to started this way. I am definitely going to give that a dry this year. Thanks!

Shelly August 3rd, 2009 at 5:29 pm

Thanks for offering this program. We are going on our third year of homeschooling now, and even with this much experience, I still don’t “know it all”. We have struggled with the structured curriculum, unit studies and other types and still haven’t found the “right” one. I look forward to seeing your take on homeschooling over the next few weeks. Thanks again!

Jennifer August 3rd, 2009 at 5:51 pm

Thanks for the lesson. This will be my 2nd year homeschooling with two boys ages 6 and 3. Last year we played alot so I am looking at how to begin to SLOWLY move to a more organized school structure. I liked the idea of circle time at the begining of the day. Thanks again.

Stacy August 3rd, 2009 at 6:09 pm

I too liked your circle time idea — great connection time! Although I’m not planning on using the same method of delight-driven teaching in all aspects, each of my kids has a specific area they are interested in and will have the chance to pursue (my daughter’s are Spanish and poetry, my son’s are computers and graphic arts). A resource that I’ve found handy for handwriting practice is on WorksheetWorks.com. They allow you to enter whatever text you want, and have the option of doing a trace or copy. It’s been great! I use it for both memory work and handwriting practice.

Katharine Brown August 3rd, 2009 at 6:30 pm

What a wonderful positive start to homeschooling! I’ve been schooling at home for 7 years now, but my youngest is my first ‘home-started’ child. The suggestions in this first lesson really helped me focus on what is important with Elijah’s learning this year. Thanks so much!

Jackie August 3rd, 2009 at 6:33 pm

Terri:

I think it is wonderful that there is someone who is teaching parents that they do not have to replicate the public school classroom in their homeschool. When I started to homeschool that is what I was told was expected of me. I am so glad that I did not listen to them.
Keep up the good work

Tami Casperson August 3rd, 2009 at 7:24 pm

I love the laid back delight directed learning aproach…it takes a while for the grandparents to get on board, but they do! I have been at this for years and find they do learn better when you help them want to by making all of the lessons revolve around their interests. Then gently expanding that world!

Frances August 3rd, 2009 at 7:39 pm

I find it refreshing that the emphasis is not doing “school” at home as much as using what they already having an interest in and expanding on it… Helping them to think outside the box and encouraging them to enjoy what they are doing…learning.

Nicole S. Hale August 3rd, 2009 at 7:44 pm

This information is so gentle! When I began homeschooling two years ago, I was given a week (after my husband decided “we” were going to do this!) to find curriculum, books, etc.! I was SO overwhelmed!!!! Then, since my degree is in Elementary Education and I was trained in the public school system, I set up our classroom just as I would have in the school. So many mistakes, wasted nights of sleep and worry! I think it all let to my big year of burn-out this year!!!! I wish I had had this information when I began!!!! Thank you for reinforcing what I had to learn the hard way!!!

Kelly Greene August 3rd, 2009 at 8:20 pm

I am new to homeschooling and I greatly appreciated the information in the lesson. Thanks so much for the information.

Susan August 3rd, 2009 at 8:34 pm

I have seen several families start with circle time. If so many families use it, it MUST work!!

tricia puritz August 3rd, 2009 at 8:43 pm

Hello!
I am brand new to homeschooling this year and so I really appreciate this resource! This first lesson has many basics in it, which I intend to use. I especially enjoyed the morning circle time idea as it can be geared to both of my children as time together to say a quiet hello to each other and God. Thank you again!

Lisa August 3rd, 2009 at 8:44 pm

I’ve been homeschooling for 2 years, but this year is my first schooling more than one child. I particularly like the circle-time idea…something I’ve thought about, but have not carried it out. Also, I was reminded that my 2nd grader still needs math manipulatives in addition to the numerals and symbols in her workbook. I will definitely pull them out for her TOMORROW in order to avoid math-time tension.

Ruth August 3rd, 2009 at 8:57 pm

Thank you. I have six children. My oldest is 14 and my youngest is 3 1/2 weeks. We have been homeschooling since day one, but it is always good to go back to the basics. After all these years I still get overwhelmed and feel like I don’t know how to do this. I tend to jump right in with “school” and forget the cuddle time and the fun of just being together with my children. Thank you for reminding me.

Terri August 3rd, 2009 at 9:05 pm

Since I’m stressing over my Notice of Intent for the year, having to choose curriculum… it was nice to be reminded that enjoying school is important….I’ll relax now!

Debbie August 3rd, 2009 at 9:29 pm

This is my second year homeschooling my two boys (ages 9 and 12). I wish I had taken a class last year before we started. It was a tough year adjusting to being home and being a teacher and not just Mom. I’m hoping not to stress so much this year. We already start most days with Bible/circle time which you suggested and I think it can set the tone for your day. I also like your suggestion to get the kids outside for some activity. I have not done a good job at this and hope to do better with it this year. I believe some of our issues may come from them needing to burn off some energy.

Lynda August 3rd, 2009 at 10:18 pm

This will be my first year homeschooling, and I’m starting to get nervous! I really like the idea of delight directed learning, and I think we will maybe try some of that before we get into too much else. Thanks!

yliang August 3rd, 2009 at 10:21 pm

Just read through lesson 1 and I found it helpful to learn that what is really needed is to establish a good teaching-learning relationship with your child first before feeling like one has to get down-and-dirty with textbooks.

Kathy August 3rd, 2009 at 11:12 pm

I am starting our 4th year of homeschooling. This was good information to remember to enjoy your kids and spend fun time with them- not just always having to complete the required “work”.

Joy August 3rd, 2009 at 11:37 pm

I am still on the fence about homeschooling. But between my children and this first lesson I think that I am starting to lean to the homeschooling side of that fence.
As I was cutting up one of my children’s food tonight at supper she started counting with each cut, then as she ate a piece she would recount, by the time she got to ten bites left she was not having to recount, but knew how many would be left on her plate. I was telling myself that “yes! I can homeschool” it is as simple as just being with my kids doing every day things and talking to them about it…for starters at least. Then tonight I read lesson one and again I am telling myself “yes! I can homeschool”. This was just the conformation I needed. I can not wait to see what is next. Thank you!

Toni Dunlap August 3rd, 2009 at 11:50 pm

I have been homeschooling for about 4 years and started out with delight directed learning, but somehow as my children of homeschooling age increased I fell into the typical ’school at home’ mentality. I needed this refreshing reality check! I remember how unit studies really energized me and realize I need to rethink my approach. I am definately looking forward to the upcoming lessons!
I guess that the one nugget I’d choose that would be something I want to incorporate is circle time. I’ve been looking for a way to bring my children together emotionally and spiritually.
Thanks Terri! Your products are always top quality. Toni

Dawn August 4th, 2009 at 12:10 am

So I signed up after 4 yrs of homeschooling as my 13 yr old is starting to challenge me. I know this age is diffiulct but any help is great!
My fave piece of advice that I am wanting to incorporate is the “circle time”. I don’t think she is too old and I am thinking I sort of rush her into her school work without the ritual of circle time. SO that is my goal this week.
My best piece of advice for others pulling their kids out later like me (4th and 7th grades) is allow more than a few days down time. Allow them to explore their interests for a month or two since school robs them of personal interests and this negative builds up the longer they are in “regular” school.

Trishe August 4th, 2009 at 1:02 am

I will be starting my 6th year of homeschooling in about 3 weeks. I would have *loved* to have had something like this when I was starting out. Terri gives wonderful “real world” advice for the new homeschooler in an easy to understand style. I look forward to learning some new tidbits in the coming weeks.

Sarah August 4th, 2009 at 3:00 am

I know I am starting early, my daughter will be 3 this coming September but even the preschool options out there are not that great. More importantly I really feel that this is a calling God has placed on my heart to homeschool both my girls. (The youngest is just 4 months.) I enjoyed your first lesson, it is simple and concise. It gets right to the heart of the matter, which is engaging the heart of your childen and making learning fun. I have to say that your simple directions and mini day plan should be easy enough to incorporate into our own little learning routine. I am looking forward to more of your insightful and interesting tib bits as the weeks go by this summer. Thank you very much.

Kaari August 4th, 2009 at 5:09 am

I love this ABC of Homeschooling! I’ve been doing it for years but love new ideas.

My favorite tip is to take a few days to DETOX from a toxic situation. Rather than jumping right in this is a great idea.

My only warning is that too many homeschoolers forget to EAT! These are growing children and a few snacks during the day help a lot to counter meltdowns, angst, boredom, and the daily rut. Eat breakfast together. Plan some good snacks and keep healthy foods available. And don’t forget to make lunch!

Cindy at ValuesDrivenFamily.com August 4th, 2009 at 5:56 am

Though I’m not a first-time homeschooler, I appreciated the reminder that math isn’t all about workbooks; we fell into using them more often than not at the end of last year and I think it got pretty stale.

Also, I love the idea of starting off the school year with a trip to the library. I think we will do that this year!

ana ruth August 4th, 2009 at 6:52 am

Para mi esta primera lección es muy importante, porque me quita la ansiedad de realizar el curriculum perfecto, y me anima a ir poco a poco, y sobre todo una muy buena idea, buscar el tema en el cual mi hijo esté interesado y realizar las actividades en torno a esto.
Gracias

Debbie S August 4th, 2009 at 8:17 am

I have just graduated one child, have one to be a sophomore and one starting second grade. Everyone is going in different directions! We will implement the idea of together time right away. We used to do it, but we have let it slip, since it is summer. I know that returning to together time will mend the cracks in their relationships. Thank you for the reminder!

Carol A. Shaver August 4th, 2009 at 8:57 am

Terri,
Great information!! I have schooled our children for over 10 yrs. now. I am ready for a change. This is just what I needed! God is good!! Thank you for letting Him use you!
I’m looking forward to starting a Unit Study approach next week! Now to pick something for Kindergarten through Second grade. HMMMMM! Fun!
-Carol

Julia McCullough August 4th, 2009 at 9:45 am

You have given an enjoyable and concise look at starting out on the homeschool adventure. I especially like the idea of starting each morning with circle time. What a wonderful way to set the emotional and cognitive tone for the day! We’ll be adding this to our routine. Thank you!

Amy Dorse August 4th, 2009 at 10:16 am

I started homeschooling last year inNovember. I wish someone had told me about Homeschooing ABC’s then. What I like about it now is, I have an almost 5 year old and a 1 year old. I’ve been nervous about being able to teach them the basics- reading, writing, and Math. I now have more confidence in that area. I also have a 5th grader and a 2nd grader. All 4 are boys. The ideas in Lesson A have helped me so much. I needed ideas about what to have them do for “recess”, and this helped. Thank you so much.
I’m looking forward to the rest of the lessons and hope I win. I really can not afford anything like this at this time but would LOVE to continue.

Cheryl Baumgarten August 4th, 2009 at 11:06 am

I just read the lesson this morning. Thank you, After a few years I am back homeschooling my last five children. I like the idea of steppping back and enjoying the children through ways of discovery, the first few days. I am teaching K, 2,4,6, and 8th. Was a little stressed, I know God brought these lessons to me, so I would breathe and enjoy the first few days as school is now at home. Thank you!

Nancy August 4th, 2009 at 11:45 am

We will be beginning our 4th year of homeschooling in a few weeks. I have decided that I need to be more organized and a little more scheduled than I have been. I like the idea of starting the day with circle time. I have some ideas running around in my head to try during this time. Thanks!

Esther August 4th, 2009 at 1:41 pm

I’ve been homeschooling my son for 3 years (if you count the year when he taught himself to read and I was trying to catch up with him). But I still feel like I’m starting something new this year because my twin girls are starting this year and I already know at least one of them learns VERY differently than he does. And I have a toddler who very much wants to be involved in everything we do.

I’m taking this week (I gave my children away to my sister — gasp!) to plan my homeschool and I just worked on scheduling this morning before doing this lesson. After reading what you said about delight-directed learning, I added a chunk of time for him to read and notebook/talk/draw about whatever he wants (koalas, right now).

Denise August 4th, 2009 at 3:45 pm

I am a newbie and am excited to receive these lessons from Terri. I was impressed with the unit study tips. I am very interested in pursuing the unit study style of learning, so I am looking for any tips I can get along this line!

Robin August 4th, 2009 at 4:16 pm

Thank you, Terri!

I will be starting our tenth year of homeschooling with our three older children, but I am beginning my first year of homeschooling with our sweet little girl, Lydia. She has some developmental delays and I have been slightly bewildered about how to begin with her. I started my boys out after they had already had some formal schooling so starting with Lydia is a completely new adventure.

I am thankful for your very easy, non-stress way to begin and am looking forward to the other lessons.

Blessings on you,
Robin

Leann Lydic August 4th, 2009 at 6:13 pm

I liked what you said about delight directed studies. I was introduced to this concept about 2 years ago and would love to put it into practice. I get bogged down with the “need to know” side of academics and lose the joy of learning.

I also like the easy going style and the priority of relating to your kids…enjoying them…what a treasure!

Thanks,
Leann

Gay Taunton August 4th, 2009 at 7:33 pm

Gentle, informative article that was an encouragement to me as I am getting prepared to start our first year of official home schooling. DD is 5 and beginning Kindergarten (6 in Nov). The top item I gleaned from this week’s lesson was ‘Enjoy Your Child’…I remember Charlotte Mason defined ‘to educate and to nuture the child’. This gentle, child centered definition has stuck with me and will hopefully be how my DD remembers her time spent with Mom and Dad learning, growing, laughing and learning.

Thanks for sending these lessons. – Gay

Cassandra August 4th, 2009 at 9:02 pm

Thank you, Terri! I appreciate your giving these lessons out for free to try I really appreciate the down to earth way you presented this lesson. I look forward to the other three. Thanks again!

Terra August 4th, 2009 at 9:46 pm

I have been homeschooling for 6 years now and I loved that your first lesson reminded me to enjoy my children. Sometimes I get caught up in the must dos and forget why I decided to do this in the first place! Can’t wait for the next lesson!

Christine Acre August 4th, 2009 at 11:41 pm

Thank you for sending out these free lessons for August. I really appreciate all information I can get on homeschooling. My son will be starting kindergarten this fall and I have been doing a lot of reading up on everything. I really liked the idea of circle time in the morning as a way to get the day started and I will definitely be trying this with my family.

purple moose August 5th, 2009 at 1:16 am

Hi! Not much new there for me, I’ve been homeschooling a few years now. Actually the second lesson sounds really interesting. One thing I did not know is that a parent has the right to withdraw his/her child from school at any time. Maybe useful for a friend of mine! Thanks for putting the lessons up.

Rachel August 5th, 2009 at 9:46 am

Excellent. Simple and complete. Thank you, you’ve removed some of the anxiety of considering homeschooling as an option for us.

Gigi August 5th, 2009 at 10:37 am

I liked what you had to say…very good. But you make a common quotation-mark error repeatedly that you should correct. For the complete rules for quotation marks, see http://www.grammarbook.com/punctuation/quotes.asp. Thank you.

Brianne August 5th, 2009 at 11:52 am

Terri,
I was impressed reading your Homeschooling ABC’s introductory lesson. I am a veteran homeschooler whose kids never attended public school. Consequently, the material covered was not really helpful for me. However, I did think to myself how wonderful it would have been to have such material so accessible via the internet back when I first began homeschooling. I will certainly send new homeschoolers and those considering it to your website. Many resources these days would be overwhelming and intimidating for new homeschooling moms and I believe your lessons will be just the right amount of encouragement and information.

Pati August 5th, 2009 at 1:12 pm

like the idea of expanding our morning worship into a fuller circle time. thanks

Marci Kentch August 5th, 2009 at 2:07 pm

What great advice for a jumpstart into homeschooling. Your ideas are very sound, yet are relaxed and would not make anyone feel stressed out. I love this method and wished that I would have had this advice when I first got started. But, I am getting there now and am loving it. My favorite idea of yours was the circle time. Since my children are getting older we don’t have this time together so much anymore. But, I am going to change that this year and make sure we have that together time in the mornings. Thanks!

Charity August 5th, 2009 at 3:10 pm

I like the idea of a “circle time” away from the school table and books. The idea of facing each other and starting the day off with Bible, verses, and songs seems like a pleasant and foundational starting point. I also liked your comment about starting out at the freshest part of the day with non-fiction books and saving the fiction for later when attention spans might be a bit shorter. I’m looking forward to making math more hands on and fun this year…it will be a bit of a change from former years. Thank you for all these great ideas and thoughts on how to make our time together meaningful and special…oh yes, and full of learning too!

Kelly August 5th, 2009 at 4:24 pm

What an encouraging study! I am a 1st time homeschooler with a 1st grader, 2nd grader, and 2 year old. Boy, am I intimidated! This lesson makes it sound so simple! I liked that there was such a big portion dedicated to talking about Math. My 2nd grader is not picking up on Math the way he is reading and I’ve been a little concerned about that. I am ready to slow down the pace for him and not move on until he’s ready and using manipulatives in every day life will surely help him grasp the concept!

Linda August 5th, 2009 at 5:58 pm

I just realized that I’ve posted the comments at your other site. I wanted to thank you for the wonderful lesson for the beginner homeschooling mom like me. In fact, I have tried some of the ideas (delight directed learning) for the past few days in homemaking lessons. One day, we were peeling garlics, we did an estimation and counting game afterwards. Today, we were washing the grapes, we also did the estimation and counting. The kids loved it. Today they get to taste the grapes while learning math (and grapes sure tasted much better than garlic.)

Lisa B. August 5th, 2009 at 10:10 pm

I’m more of a seasoned homeschooling Mom but I wanted to see what I could learn since there is always something new to learn. Much to my delight I see that Teri mentions “circle time.” This is something that I am implementing JUST THIS YEAR after six years of homeschooling. I think it is the one thing I am MOST excited about. I am also going to be including a time just for reading. I look forward to more of the lessons to see what else either confirms what I am doing or shows me a new way. Thank you!

Char G. August 6th, 2009 at 12:27 am

It made me feel good that I am already doing the 10 steps….for the most part. I have homeschooled for 6yrs, but every year feels like I’m starting over, and this helps to refresh things.

Jennifer August 6th, 2009 at 4:27 am

It’s so reassuring to feel that I’m not alone in home-educating. I loved your advice to relax and enjoy – sometimes it’s easy to forget that.

Tiffanie Henderson August 6th, 2009 at 10:36 am

I like your term “delight directed learning,” and how you stated “focus on your relationships with your kids.” Yes, it should be fun! Thank you for making this lesson available.

Marie August 6th, 2009 at 12:04 pm

Just finished reading the Homeschooling ABC quick start. Your lesson had great basic information. I was convicted of a few things, namely, relax and enjoy your children and the circle/prayer time. We’ve gotten a little too routine at this and are mixing it up a bit. Looking forward to the rest of the lessons. Thanks.

Michelle August 6th, 2009 at 1:20 pm

This was a great lesson. I have been homeschooling for awhile now, but even so, I was able to glean a few extra tidbits of knowledge. My sister is hoping to homeschool for the first time this fall, so we signed up for these lessons together, giving us a springboard for conversations around these topics.

Jessica August 6th, 2009 at 3:43 pm

This would have been great information for me four years ago when I started, it is a nice refresher, however. I am pushed to think more outside the box instead of, “We have to complete this workbook,” a more relaxed mentality. That is great to have with kids. Thank you.

Gabi August 6th, 2009 at 4:40 pm

I never thought of circle time, I’m just getting my schedule together and may have to incorporate that into our day. This would help to include the little ones. I worry that I have too much curriculum and am going to overwhelm my daughter.

Rebecca August 6th, 2009 at 9:10 pm

What a great start! Terri gives lots of good information about steps when removing children from a public school setting. I wish I had this info when I took my kids out 4 years ago. We did know to do some of the things, but it would have been great to have all the information in one place then.

Julie August 6th, 2009 at 10:01 pm

We have been home educating for several years, so many of your ideas I have heard or already incorporate. It was a good reminder, to me, that it helps to have a delight directed topic of study. I want my children to love to learn and delight directed study is a great way to keep them excited and enthusiastic. I’m looking forward to the future weeks’ topics.

Amber August 7th, 2009 at 3:15 am

I wish I would have had this in January! I pulled my son out of PS and had no idea where to begin! I appreciated that the information was all laid out and easy to incorporate into a schooling schedule. I am already doing several of the things you suggested, so it confirmed to me that I am on the right track.

Cindy August 7th, 2009 at 3:31 pm

For the last several years, I have been teaching in a traditional classroom setting at a private school. I have enjoyed it immensely, but am thrilled that the Lord has brought me back to homeschooling for my three youngest children. Much of what you suggest is what I have been doing. I have often chosen to use nontraditional methods in my traditional classroom. There are two items in your first lesson that I definitely intend to incorporate in our homeschool. The first is the morning circle, something I have already been planning, as it is an aspect of our family life that I feel has been neglected in the rush of getting ready for school each day. The second, which is new and very exciting for me is the unit study. Seldom have I been expected to meet the needs of multiple learning styles that are also at disparate age/comprehension levels. It is a challenge that I embrace; I found your suggestions quite helpful and thought-provoking. I am also looking forward to your lesson on NOT copying the classroom, for obvious reasons.

Dyane August 7th, 2009 at 5:08 pm

I have been homeschooling for quite a while. I liked the idea of starting the day with circle time. I am going to try that with this new school year. I also like the idea of starting the day with reading out loud. I find most days that I don’t have the energy or the time to read out loud after the school day is done. Thanks!

LE August 7th, 2009 at 9:19 pm

I really thought the simplicity to getting started was a stress relief. I am trying to decide if as a single mom whether or not I can make home schooling a part of our life. I like the ideas of how to use one book to do reading but pull all the other subjects like spelling and writing from their reading. Circle time is also a great idea, it draws everyone into a like minded state. Thanks for the article it will be a great tool for me if I am able to work it around. It looks like we can make this work.

Heather August 8th, 2009 at 12:58 pm

I loved so many of the ideas! I like the detoxing idea and just taking time to spend with your kids! I also loved the circle time!! To use that for memory verses or songs. What a great way to start your day and to pull everyone together! Thanks for the tips!

Darel August 8th, 2009 at 3:04 pm

Love you blogs. They are encouragement for our homeschooling adventure and very helpful. Thank you!

Sharon August 8th, 2009 at 8:49 pm

I have been homeschooling for 5 years and am just officially starting no 3. It was so nice to read the getting started and remember to relax and take it easy. We are going to start a circle/group time again as somehow that has slipped along the way. Thanks for the reminders looking forward to the next week.

Carrie S. August 9th, 2009 at 12:40 am

I wish I had read something similar to this when I began homeschooling! Great advice presented in a thorough, easy-to-follow manner.

Tanya August 9th, 2009 at 1:39 am

Though I haven’t started formal school yet, I think it might be fun to combine tips 6 and 10 and have circle time outside, weather permitting. This would work especially well for younger ones who nap in the afternoons.

Adrianna S August 9th, 2009 at 2:52 am

What a great first lesson! This will be our second year homeschooling. Thank you for bringing us back to the basics and joy of study. I loved the tip on doing copy work my 1st grader has been struggling with handwriting and I think this will definitely smooth the way

Linda August 9th, 2009 at 3:20 pm

A great first lesson! All good, solid advice. Thanks!

Elizabeth August 9th, 2009 at 7:18 pm

I really enjoyed reading the first lesson. I had a semi-plan thought of as to which subjects to cover with my Kindergartener, but I had no idea how to go about doing most of them. With this first lesson and the ‘delight-directed study’ idea, I now have a firmer idea of how to start and what to do! Thanks! I look forward to the future lessons!

Delores August 9th, 2009 at 8:13 pm

What strikes me is that right off the focus is on creating a learner and someone excited about finding things out. Integrating education/learning with life instead of making a dichotomy. It’s a good focus.

Alisha August 9th, 2009 at 10:44 pm

Thanks so much for sharing these lessons with us. I am about to start homeschooling my oldest who just turned five last week. I am excited and a bit scared all at once and am thrilled to get all the help and advice I can! I love the idea of starting our day with circle time – what a fun way to get going! I also really like the idea of delight directed study. I’ve had so many non-homeschoolers question me about curriculum, schedules and how I will do school at home that it is encouraging to have someone reiterate that it is okay to just ease into things as we get started.

Karen Johnson August 10th, 2009 at 1:26 am

I really appreciated the ideas about delight-directed learning, having a family circle time first thing in the morning, and getting out and playing (kids and parents, too) some time during the day. These were positive reminders that you don’t have to keep everyone’s noses to the grindstone all the time to have a successful homeschool…in fact, it might be better not to. Thanks for a great first lesson!

Tiffany August 10th, 2009 at 2:22 am

I have been homeschooling for five years and this year I will be homeschooling a preschooler along with my 6th grader. I really enjoyed the section on starting our day with circle time. I wasn’t sure how I was going to get my very active boy to sit during any part of school time. I think he will be more focused if we sit together in a circle. We could make it fun and engaging for him. I think this will be a wonderful tradition to our school day.

Jean August 10th, 2009 at 8:07 am

It would have been great if I had had this info when we first started. I had no idea then that we could do “delight directed” study! Your lesson would have been the “permission” I needed to start homeschooling in a less traditional manner. Looking forward to the next lesson!

Michele August 10th, 2009 at 8:29 am

It is as if you knew my story and were writing this lesson just for me. I am looking forward to the next lesson.

Julie August 10th, 2009 at 9:04 am

I really enjoyed reading the first lesson. It was a great refresher course for me on why we’re doing this. I love the step by step process and the list of supplies. I have homeschooled for 7 years and I am going to implement these suggestions when I start this year.

Tasha Chiosi August 10th, 2009 at 10:21 am

Great first lesson. I really like the part about setting up school. I would feel really bad when I saw pictures of how others set up there school rooms that look just like traditional schools. I don’t have a seperate room just to do school. Sometimes we’re at the kitchen table, on the couch, or wherever it’s convenient. My other favorites are the detoxing ideas, circle time, math ideas and just getting out to play. Sometimes we get so bogged down that we forget to go out and have fun. Thanks for the reminder.

Michelle August 10th, 2009 at 11:01 am

Great start! I love the idea of starting the day with circle time as a family. I’m going to talk to my husband about adjusting his work schedule so that he can do circle time with us.

Dianna August 10th, 2009 at 11:26 am

This first lesson was wonderful. This is my first year of homeschooling so I have lots of questions and concerns. We were planning to start on Monday morning but life happened. Thank God! When I received your lesson my whole home schooling plan for the first week changed. We played and got everyone on board with the plan. Thank you for helping us to get off to a great start. Can’t wait for the next lesson.

Rhonda August 10th, 2009 at 11:43 am

This is a great resource for beginners. While I have been homeschooling for many years now, I appreciate your very laid-back approach. I look forward to seeing what else you have.

Sarah Dugger August 10th, 2009 at 11:50 am

Great tips! Some great ideas and thoughts to motivate or re-motivate us for the new school year. Keep it up!

Cheyenne August 10th, 2009 at 12:12 pm

I really liked the idea of circle time at the beginning of the day. I think it would really help us get off on a good foot to start like that. Thank you for the idea!

Kimberly August 10th, 2009 at 12:26 pm

What wonderful ideas and suggestions, Terri! We have already been doing several of these, but there are ones (such as the pizza party at the end of the week) that we will incorporate for this year! Thanks so much for the suggestions and all of your help. We look forward to learning so much more from you!

Robin August 10th, 2009 at 12:38 pm

I have been homeschooling for five years, and I found the first lesson very encouraging. It gives some good directions on how to transition your child to homeschooling. It also shows how simply and naturally you can teach your child and “cover” the subjects.
Thanks

Kimberly August 10th, 2009 at 12:53 pm

This is great info for those starting out. I wish I had this when I was beginning. I look forward to seeing the coming lessons!

Cortney August 10th, 2009 at 1:24 pm

Definetly a great lesson for someone just starting out like me. Thanks for the basic outline of the letter to the school. Nice and simple!

Jennifer August 10th, 2009 at 2:21 pm

Oops! I know I’m late with my comments on lesson 1, but I just had to comment anyway LOL! I love how you broke it down into very manageable pieces … instead of just saying “take your kid out of school and start teaching them yourself”, you gave it in bite-sized pieces. Now I’m not a beginning homeschooler and I’ve been homeschooling from the beginning (as in my kids have never been to public school in the first place), but I can see that your first lesson would be very helpful to someone who wants to pull their kids out of the system and start homeschooling.

Off to read lesson 2 … thanks!

Nancy August 10th, 2009 at 2:30 pm

Terry,
Thank you for the great job you did putting together this lesson. This will be my 2nd year. However last year was a total disaster. Luckily in my state kindergarten dont count. I know with your help 1st grade will go more smoothly. Thanks Again

Jean Johnson August 10th, 2009 at 2:31 pm

Thank you so much for the first lesson. I enjoyed it and am grateful for the help. It was given in a simplified way. I needed that right now since I feel quite overwhelmed with it all. God bless!

Lora August 10th, 2009 at 2:56 pm

Manipulatives for algebra? Never thought of that before…

Glenda August 10th, 2009 at 3:04 pm

I really wish I would have had these tips 5 years ago when I started homeschooling my 4 children. But even today reading these tips I got something out of them. Thank you very much for these.

Vicki B. August 10th, 2009 at 3:50 pm

Sorry I missed last weeks comment, we just got back from vacation. For the first class I thought that it sounded like the charlotte mason stlye of learning. Except, of course, for the delight directed learning on number 4. I totally agree with everything, as last year was our first year homeschooling and we started when we had a K, 1st, 4th, and 5th grader. We did alot of the same things, as I had a mini course that they offered for free, and it went fairly well. !

Karen August 10th, 2009 at 3:59 pm

I love the idea of starting with circle time. As we are just embarking on our journey with 5,3 and 1 the more togetherness things we can do the better.

Melinda August 10th, 2009 at 4:05 pm

I like your gentle approach to beginning the homeschool adventure. This will be our 3rd year of homeschooling and we’ve been doing a form of circle time from the beginning. But I think we could add some more things to it to make it more fun. Thanks.

Ginger August 10th, 2009 at 4:18 pm

Thank you for sharing this lesson! This is our fourth year homeschooling and there are ideas here that I had heard before but had forgotten – like starting the day with circle time. I am looking forward to the rest of the lessons!

CATHERINE August 10th, 2009 at 4:45 pm

Even though we’re ready to begin our 18th year of homeschooling, there were still some ideas we haven’t tried. I like the idea of using spelling words that pertain to the child’s passion–guinea wattles, carburetor….Thanks! †

Shana August 10th, 2009 at 5:05 pm

I like the focus on not rushing out and buying curriculum, that you can start without buying a complete curriculum. Now I need to start applying that to my homeschooling!

Sherri Boekweg August 10th, 2009 at 5:51 pm

I am beginning my 16th year of homeschooling, but I always love new ideas and appreciate the information in this lesson. It will be fun to try something new. I, too, need to remember to simply enjoy my children. This is a great resource for new homeschoolers.

Suzanne Stricklin August 10th, 2009 at 6:24 pm

I couldn’t figure out how to post last week; but I did want to tell you that I’ve homeschooled my girls for 7 years now…and I was so surprised I would learn some new and VERY useful things for this year’s homeschooling. I’m glad I checked out your ABC’s.

Katherine August 10th, 2009 at 7:15 pm

I enjoyed lesson one because I am new to homescholling and hadnt thought about how to home school with the delight of learning method. My kids loved the week we had.

Colleen August 10th, 2009 at 7:50 pm

Great ideas for circle time and why it is important. I also enjoyed the copywork suggestions. Thank you!

Jennifer August 10th, 2009 at 9:18 pm

Really enjoyed lesson #1. Looking forward to more.

Julie August 10th, 2009 at 9:35 pm

Although I am in my 4th year of homeschooling I found that I got a lot out of the first lesson. I think that we can all get stuck in a way of homeschooling and it is really good to be reminded of the basics. I realise that I have not set enough time aside for reading together, partly because all my children are proficient readers and have been since they were very young, I will be revisiting this decision.

Sharlyn Remrey August 10th, 2009 at 10:27 pm

I like your ideas on how to begin the day. I thought a lot about them, and wrote down a basic morning routine I would like to implement. Thank you, I am excited to begin this year.

Colene August 11th, 2009 at 12:11 am

Many of these ideas are great! We are using a more structured curriculum however. But as a homeschooling parent, you cannot be told too many times to simply enjoy your children. It’s so easy to get lost in all that needs to be accomplished. Last year it happened repeatedly and that is my main goal this year to slow down and just enjoy!

Tristan August 11th, 2009 at 8:34 am

This looks great so far. I get many families contacting me to help them pull their children out and homeschool them after the public schools fail their children. If the rest of this course is as easy to use and informative I know where I’ll be sending people who call!

Thanks for the opportunity to try the course.

Anna August 11th, 2009 at 11:20 am

Thank you for putting these lessons together. I am excited to try dictation with my child.

Kym August 11th, 2009 at 11:49 am

Hi, Terri! Thank you for the free classes. I am not a beginner, but we really need a boost! Maybe we will jump right to Step 10, Get out & play! Blessings, Kym

Sheryle August 11th, 2009 at 1:03 pm

I’m not a beginner, but I agree with Kym. We all need a reminder to play more with our kids. We can get bogged down with “requirements”.

Marissa August 11th, 2009 at 2:25 pm

Thanks for the lesson and reminder that we need to keep it simple in the begining.

Carol Turner August 11th, 2009 at 4:00 pm

I liked the reminder to have a good time and fun learning. Many of your ideas encouraged learning together as a family.

RG August 11th, 2009 at 5:48 pm

I decided to look at this course, but thought it would probably be a bunch of psycho – babble. Now I see that you focused a lot on the parent child relationship as it is seen in daily activities, etc. I am intrigued. I will wait excitedly for the next lesson. Please also enter me in your drawing.

Sue August 11th, 2009 at 9:30 pm

Great to be reminded about the importance of getting outside each day. We’ve let that slip in our past years, but will be sure to keep it a regular part of our day this year.

Karen August 11th, 2009 at 10:09 pm

Good first lesson. I’ve been reading about homeschooling for so long that a lot of it was “old hat,” as they say. I am, however, looking forward to the lessons on organizing things. I’ve got a system in place, but I’m not sure it’s the best one. I’ve also read about what to do with the little ones while schooling the olders, but so far haven’t been able to make them work with my 2 year old. (We’ve been homeschooling since July). At the moment I’m doing Bible time and storytime in the morning and waiting until her naptime to do the three Rs with my five-year-old. I’d like to include her more, but I’m not sure what the problem is. Does my son consider school “his time” with Mommy (a sibling rivalry thing), or am I just trying to avoid disruptions when the 2yo decides to spill brother’s M&Ms (math manipulatives) on the floor or grab the pencil Mommy is using? Oh, well, I suppose I’ll figure it out soon. Maybe when she’s three and a little more willing to be involved.

Lynne August 11th, 2009 at 11:33 pm

Even though we’ve been at it for a while, it is good to think back on why we are doing what we are doing and how every aspect of our day is a learning experience. I need to return to getting lots of books on a topic of “delight” for all their ages. I really liked calling it a “delight directed study.” We all need to remember to enjoy our interests with the delight of a young student. Thank you for this reminder.

Lillian August 12th, 2009 at 4:23 am

I like the tip on circle time! I’ve never done that before with my kids, and think that its a great idea to start our day together! Thanks!

Jen August 12th, 2009 at 9:04 am

i loved the reminder to ENJOY my children! sometimes i forget to do that! great tip–circle time haven’t thought of that before. blessings, jen in al

Lynda August 12th, 2009 at 5:41 pm

It is so good of you to provide these lessons. We have only been homeschooling for 2 years and I still have difficulty. Thank you so much.

Martha Huber August 13th, 2009 at 10:50 am

So, we started circle time this week. What a blessing! This morning, first thing, my 2 1/2 year old brought me my bible and said it was circle time…and we just started this on Monday. Thank you for the great idea!

Renee August 13th, 2009 at 9:16 pm

The reminder to have fun while learning is just what I needed. We have been hs’ing for 11 yrs and it’s getting dry. I need a fresh start this year with my kiddos. Reading and playing with a couple unit studies is what we will begin with this year. Thanks!

Cynthia B. August 14th, 2009 at 5:32 am

Thank you for spending your time to help fellow homeschooling families! I really like your idea of having circle time first thing in the morning. Thanks, again.

Emily August 14th, 2009 at 5:42 pm

Thank you so much for providing these first lessons to get a taste of homeschooling how-to’s in a less overwhelming way than an entire book waiting for me to find time to digest it. I was interested to know more about the delight directed approach and to realize we’re actually already doing some of that in the way we select library books on our daughter’s interests, getting a lot of books at a time, so it seems natural to consider doing unit studies. I really like your ideas for starting out our day with some structure, with circle time followed by reading time, since I’ve been feeling a need for more structure as we’ve started our Kindergarten year with a relaxed approach, but like you said, we’ll be flexible. I hadn’t thought about cognitively starting with non-fiction…hmm. I like the idea of using spelling words right out of the copywork right from their reading (could be memory verse, too) – great tie in. I was thinking of using a stenopad or other journal for copywork, as my daughter loves using them, but I like the copywork templates you included, too, thank you. Thanks again for all the great reminders, too many to note, but specically about the relationship building! Oh, I’m being asked to read a book – don’t you just love it!!

Amy August 16th, 2009 at 8:18 am

Thank you for all of tips. I purchased curriculum but will use your ideas to keep school fun and interesting.

Sherry August 17th, 2009 at 2:19 pm

I have been homeschooling for 14 years and this lesson is right on the money. This is the same advice that I have been passing on to new homeschoolers for years. It is always encouraging to hear this kind of good common sense advice because we all tend to get ‘information overload’ when we peruse the catalogs. Thanks for the affirmation, Terri!

Marcy Taggart August 17th, 2009 at 4:46 pm

I love this program. It is so easy to read and down to earth. I feel like Terri’ friend when I read the lessons. I have read all 3lessons and am going to apply your tactics. I am much more comfortable with my choice to homeschool my 1st grader and feel I have help along the way if I need it. I find myself waiting for Mondays to come!

Karen Craft August 18th, 2009 at 2:53 am

I have been homeschooling for years and I think your approach to teaching about how to homeschool is very good. I like your step by step approach to it. I think your idea of the family circle to start the day is very good. I expect to find many helpful ideas. I started working full-time just about the time these lessons started coming and am a little behind but I am looking forward to the next ones. Thank you so much.

Melissa August 18th, 2009 at 10:25 am

Since I only have children under 5, much of the information was not necessary for me, but I did enjoy getting my thoughts going about why I’m choosing to homeschool.

Thank you for the lesson!

patricia August 19th, 2009 at 10:14 pm

I have a 4 yr old and feel that I should home school him. He has been in therapy school since he was 11 months old and is now out of it and into an ABC program. I kinda feel robbed a little, you know, want the best for him but wanting him home too.

I read your first lesson praying that it would give me that nudge I needed to take him out of the public system and all the negatives there. Thank you, you make it seem so easy. I know that it will not be easy all of the time but I like your ideas and know that I can incorporate them into my life.

I will be reading lesson two and three tomorrow as I was just able to download them correctly tonight.
Thank you again.

Carla August 24th, 2009 at 3:01 pm

These are great tips and I’m glad to note that I have used many of these in our previous years of learning together.
As for circle time (we call it morning devotion and prayer time) I totally agree that starting the day together with God sets just the right tone for the rest of the day!

Lorie August 25th, 2009 at 3:15 pm

I am not a new homeschooler, but am “restarting” with 2 preschoolers. My older ones are high school and middle school aged and we have homeschooled from the beginning. But, I feel like I need to get back to the basics of why we homeschool as I start these two little guys and am enjoying this series. I feel reassured that we are doing ok and am gleaning some new ideas for all 4 kids, especially the circle time – I love this idea!

Alexia August 31st, 2009 at 11:24 am

I have been considering starting with circle time — we have usually started with independent activities. This morning we did and everyone came together and worked much better, even when they went off to their independent work!

Kellyann August 31st, 2009 at 3:48 pm

I will definately be incpropration exercise time into our circle time. I hadn’t thought of that and with an infant (almost 6 mo.) I haven’t been able to stick to my exercise goals as I’d liked. Now maybe it will work out.

Jackie Penn September 1st, 2009 at 5:28 pm

This is a great lesson for newbies. Wish I’d had it when I started.