Telos Living

Entering our fourth year of homeschooling. I am finally settling in some with what I know works and what doesn't. We have "old faithful" curriculum that I don't even have to research at all, and others that alas, I  lost count of the hours spent in making a decision!

Somethings Old:

A few of our "Old Faithfuls" are Math Mammoth, Bible Study Guide for All Ages, First Language Lessons, Writing with Ease, All About Spelling, All About Reading, Handwriting without Tears.  It's a great line up!

I love it when I don't even have to look at other options.

I feel safe and secure with these tried and true for our family choices, but each year there is a subject or two that just needs a switch for a plethora of reasons. What works for one child does not always work for another...and what worked last year may not work this year. That would be way too simple! ;)

For example, last year, our writing curriculum for E was no longer working. I looked high and low for a writing curriculum to fit my natural writer who gets easily anxious trying to seek perfection....all to no avail. Everything seemed so formulated and forced. I wanted to integrate writing across the curriculum, but wanted a non-cumbersome guide to help.


Somethings New!!!

I read about Brave Writer on the Well Trained Mind Forums and took the leap and ordered the e-book of The Writers Jungle from The Homeschool Buyers Co-op.


I was hooked! The day to day focus on relationship and routine has resonated greatly with me.

One of the greatest lessons I have learned in the last four years of homeschooling is to choose curriculum that will compensate for your weaknesses. I believe Brave Writer will do this for us this year.

Another new curriculum for us this year is history.  For the first time ever we are venturing out on our own completely in this area -- exciting but scary! We will be studying the first part of U.S. history and I can't wait to introduce my kids to the wonderful stories of George Washington, Pocahontas, the Pilgrims, and Lewis and Clark! 

One of the great things about homeschooling is as you go you learn how your kids like to learn and how you like to teach-- it was a good bit of work to put together our own history but I am thrilled with our schedule, coloring pages, notebooking pages, and timeline cards. 

Another new curriculum this year is science. We are so excited to be trying Education Exploration Physical Science this year. Interactive science on the computer with a kit containing everything you need. And we plan to do it with friends--even more fun! So excited that this plan actually might get done! :)

A little something new and shiny always brings a little excitement (and yes a little trepidation!) :) But I am so grateful for the tried and true curriculum that grounds me each year and keeps me from being overwhelmed. I love the balance of somethings old and somethings new! 

One of my main homeschooling goals for the year is to "engage" my children. To take time to dig deeper, to discuss, ask questions... engage...and LEARN. I think it's going to be a great year!

Check out what's new with the Homeschool Help Series bloggers!