First Weeks of Homeschool

Chloe officially started preschool last week, and we’re having a blast with it.  I’ve written about her first day of school here on my blog, with pictures of course. 

Sometimes, all the school we manage to fit in is the 30 minutes before bedtime, but we’re making it work.  And if I’m able to juggle homeschool, my business, and my full time job at this point, it can only get easier from here. 

Then other times, like now, Chloe pretty much teaches herself.  While I’m sitting here in the armchair with my laptop, Chloe is sitting at Aaron’s computer having a phonics lesson on the letter "B" via Starfall.com.  She’s loving it, and she’s sounding out words and reading entire pages in the story.  And we’re talking back and forth about the words and the letters she’s coming across as the lesson progresses.  At the rate she’s going, I really think she’s ready for some first easy readers, but instead of spending any money on more books (even though I have plenty of gift cards through Swagbucks), I think we’re going to try to make our own.  It’s going to be our school project for tomorrow. 

A lot of homeschool moms I’ve talked to suggested not "doing" preschool, but Chloe’s really thriving on it.  She enjoys everything about trying to read.  And honestly, schooling her this year is going to really get me ready to really school her in the years to come, because even though most of this year will be play and fun, it’s still going to let me observe how she learns and what works for us and what doesn’t.  Plus I’m learning what works for me, planningwise, and I’m planning out our curriculum choices for the future.  It’s exciting. 

I think I’ve pretty much chosen our math curriculum, our history curriculum, etc.  We won’t be using them until first grade, but at the rate Chloe is going, we may be combining preschool and kindergarten in this year and starting first grade next year.  I don’t see the harm in starting early as long as she is not struggling or frustrated.  Then, if we do need to slow down later on, we can do that without feeling like we’re missing too much time or losing out. 

Flexible has become my homeschooling motto.  It kind of has to be since I’m working full time and running a business. 

I have to say, though, that I’m enjoying this teaching stuff.  It’s so rewarding to watch her learn and to know that I had a hand in all the knowledge she’s soaking up.  It’s a great feeling.

My Stick Family from WiddlyTinks.com