The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
Minute to Minute
Readers Helping Readers
July 7th, 2007
Do you remember when you first started homeschooling?  You knew you were doing the right thing, but just weren't sure how you were supposed to go about doing it.

Audrey wrote us asking for suggestions on curriculum and scheduling.  She has six children 8 years old and under and just hasn't found the best way to help her days run smoothly yet.

Sometimes it just takes a while to find what works best for your family and your circumstances. We have all learned quite a bit from trial and error so just maybe one of you has the answer Audrey needs!
Something Special
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine


Teaching with Toddlers & Twins!
I am 32 and have 6 children - boy (8), boy (almost 6), boy (41/2), girl (2), and twin girls (2 months).  I have homeschooled my oldest the past 3 years if you would call it that.  I hated using a curriculum based from a Christian school in K. The next year I tried to just do it on my own and that went really badly too. 
 
Then last year I tried an already put together type of curriculum that I just had to follow with my own programs. I was sick and on bedrest with pregnancy, so that didn't go well either.  I am going to have more to school this year (I tried to do preschool last year with the little ones, but they only learned a little.) I have no idea what kind of curriculums to use. 
 
I need structure, but don't know what will offer guidance and structure without overwhelming me and feeling like I am bringing public school into the home--yuck!!   I am praying about that and scheduling issues.  Most of the time I feel like my head is spinning with the little ones running around and climbing on the books and fighting with the kids I'm trying to teach, who try to tune me out because they "hate doing school".  I want to be like the families I read about, but to be truthful the ideal is much nicer than the actual reality. It really stinks most days. 
 
I just need help, I don't want to fail my children and I am just waiting for the answers to my prayers.  I know God is going to show me how to do this, maybe this is one of the avenues He'll use?!!  
 
Thanks,
 
Audrey
Homeschooling Resources
Class Lesson PlannerThe CLASS Lesson Planner was designed to meet the particular needs of home educators. It thoroughly equips busy parents with practical help in managing their home and school.

This planner is packed with suggestions for developing lesson plans, organizational techniques, and forms that permit the homeschooler to be more efficient in school administration and the creation of permanent records. (Christian Liberty Press)
Book, 120 pages                                          US customers only
You've read Audrey's question and no doubt you have ideas and tips you'd like to share!  Please email us with your answers and support.  When you email us you give us permission to post your responses in Minute to Minute and send your responses to Audrey.
 
 
Sincerely,
Paul and Gena Suarez, Publishers
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine