Aspen & Oak

No two days in our home are alike but, we do try to keep somewhat of a routine to ensure we are staying on track.  Our family’s homeschool routine is a blend of structured learning and exploratory days, ensuring a rich and engaging experience for our five year old.

Structured Learning: Language Arts and Math

For 2-3 days each week, we dive into a published curriculum for language arts and math.  These subjects form the backbone of our homeschool, providing essential skills in reading, writing and math. The structured nature of the published curriculum offers a framework with clearly defined goals, and a way to measure progress towards these goals. Plus, it saves me lots of time since I don’t have to plan out the lessons myself.

We keep reading and writing lessons fairly short at 15-20 minutes long and will end them sooner at the slightest sign of disinterest or fatigue.

Math is kept to five min long, as we are using workbooks and my child loses interest quickly with these.  We use workbooks to teach new concepts and provide some initial practice. When there is a fair grasp on the concept, we incorporate math games to provide more practice. Our five year old loves these math games and enjoys solving problems to try to win the games.

Exploratory Learning: Science, Geography, and History

The remaining 1-2 days of our week are dedicated to a more flexible and explorative approach. We select books that transport us to different times, cultures, and explain science in easy to understand explanations. These are not textbooks; instead, they are beautifully illustrated children’s books or stories that bring our lessons to life.

For example, we might read a book about the life of a child in Haiti, delve into the wonders of the Amazon Rainforest, or explore how mountains and volcanoes are formed. These books serve to deepen understanding and curiosity-driven learning.

Hands-On Projects and Field Trips

To reinforce the concepts from our reading, we engage in related activities that bring the material to life. This could involve a scientific experiment inspired by our book on the water cycle,  creating an art project that reflects a culture we studied, or taking a field trip to a local zoo to see animals firsthand.

One week, after reading about rainbows, we made our own rainbows with spray bottles and sunlight. Another week, a story about maps, led us to create a map of our home. I hid a secret treasure and had my child look for this treasure by marking it’s location on the map.  These activities make learning tangible and memorable, sparking curiosity and a love for discovery.

Practical Skills and Character Building

Education extends beyond academics in our homeschool routine. We integrate practical skills and character building into our daily lives, ensuring our children develop into well-rounded individuals.

Cooking is one area where practical skills come into play. My oldest is learning the basics of cooking, from measuring ingredients to cracking eggs, or kneading dough. This hands-on experience not only teaches valuable life skills but also fosters a sense of responsibility and independence.

Social-emotional regulation and character traits are equally important. We read books that highlight values such as gratitude, empathy, and resilience. For instance, we recently read a story about the importance of saying “thank you.” We practiced this through role-playing scenarios and reinforced the behavior with gentle reminders throughout the week.

The Flexibility to Adapt

Lessons don’t always go as planned but, one of the greatest advantages of homeschooling is the flexibility it offers. We may spend extra time on certain lessons if needed, or we may have to delay certain lessons altogether if our child is not ready, or simply not interested. Our routines are not set in stone; they evolves as our children grow and their interests change. This adaptability ensures that learning remains relevant and engaging.

Conclusion

Our approach, a blend of academics, story-based exploration, and essential life skills not only educates, but also cultivates a love for learning, curiosity, and personal growth. Homeschooling, for us, is a journey of discovery, adaptation, and joy.

If you’re contemplating the leap into homeschooling, remember this: there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Your journey will be as unique as your child, and your routines will evolve along the way.

The key is to take that first step. Embrace the process with an open mind and a flexible heart. Observe what resonates with your child and what doesn’t, and be willing to adapt. Each child is a world of their own, and tailoring their education to their needs will help them thrive. Embark on this path with confidence and curiosity, and you’ll uncover a world of learning and growth for both you and your child.