A New School Year...A New Core Curriculum!

     A new school year...a new core curriculum.  This will be our 7th year to homeschool and I wanted to share a new curriculum I've found.  The first year I homeschooled, I began by using only one curriculum for every single subject.  That curriculum was great for us when we started out because everything was scheduled.  I loved that our school days were scheduled.  I didn't have to worry about how to figure everything out by myself.  But as children grew older and I ended up with 3 in the mix, I realized I needed to find another curriculum that fit our family's changing needs, my changing ideals about education and provided what I think God has led me to see as a more well-rounded learning experience.  Of course, you creative moms out there would probably do this on your own but my brain doesn't work that way.  I need help figuring out all the fun and interesting ways to learn.    

     With our new core curriculum, we'll be integrating several subjects for more continuity of learning.  Over the years, I've realized that eclectic, Charlottle Mason homeschooling is what we really enjoy.  My thoughts on learning have evolved drastically since day one of homeschooling.  Now we use an eclectic mix of resources.  I'll  try to list what we're using for this school year on my side bar soon.  I'm as excited about homeschooling now as I ever have been.
     So, the new curriculum we're using is through Heart of Dakota.  You can click here, http://www.heartofdakota.com/index.php, to go to the home page.  What I love about Heart of Dakota more than anything is the Biblical worldview that's interspersed throughout each program they offer.  I'm really looking forward to starting the Creation to Christ program.  

     If you'd like to read what other homeschooling moms have to say about Heart of Dakota, an HOD blog roll has been started.  Click on this link to go there: http://www.rubyslippersschool.com/2010/08/this-could-be-start-of-beautiful.html.

Trusting you're seeing God's little kisses today!

             

     

Helpful Tips for Organizing your Homeschool

     There are two thoughts that have weighed heavily on my heart lately - organizing our homeschool and instilling a love of learning in our children.  I really believe the Lord has led me to research these areas further and I'm grateful to Him for that.

     In the previous post, I asked others to share ideas of what they do, as homeschooling moms, to instill a love of learning in their children.  You can see those responses in the post below.  

     To gather more information on homeschool organization, I decided to do an internet search and found an article that was posted by Robin Sampson at Heart of Wisdom.  Below are the points I took away from her article.  However, if you'd like to read Robin's thoughts yourself, go to this link:  http://heartofwisdom.com/blog/homeschool-organization-morning-routine/ for the entire post. 

1. Begin by using an hour before bed each night to straighten your home, especially the space you use for school.
2. Each morning, begin praying before your feet even hit the floor, asking the Lord for His guidance throughout the day.
3. Wake the children and dress for the day.
4. Quiet time with God is a must for your soul.
5. Have a to-do list ready for each day.
6. Eat a nutritional breakfast.
7. Complete morning chores (if you choose to do chores at that time).
8. Begin school with a schedule that works for your family.

     For me, the first idea Robin shared would be one of the best tips I could live by.  Waking every morning, knowing the house is neat and tidy, would be such a refreshing and pleasant way to start each day.  No guilt for not picking up, folding leftover laundry from a few days ago, or doing dishes because it would already be done.  How nice that would be!  I really like that suggestion. 

     Of course, as a Christian, the most important thing I can do is spend time with the Lord every morning.  I fail miserably at this.  I hate to admit it but there are times when that happens and other times it doesn't.  On the days when I do spend time with the Lord, I notice that my demeanor throughout the day is different.  There is definitely a blessing that comes from spending time in God's Word.  I'm not saying that's why we should spend time with the Lord but because we want to know Him intimately, to learn more of what He has to say to us from His Word (His love letter to us) and to cultivate our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

     I trust this information has been helpful and encouraging.  I found another link, http://www.heartofwisdom.com/heartathome/homeschool/organization/, on the Heart of Wisdom site that related to organization in the home.  I'm always interested in finding ways to make my life easier and I wanted to share what I found with you.    

Continuing to enjoy little kisses from God each day!

         

How Can We Best Nurture in our Children a Love of Learning?

     Actually, I'm asking the question because, as a homeschooling mom, I'm trying to figure it out for myself.  I know each of you have your own ideas, thoughts, and insights.  Please share in the comments section below so we can all learn from one another.  Thanks!

Blessings!

Home School Blog Hop #8 - No Theme!

     Okay, I've never done this before since I've only been blogging for a month or so.  Even though I'm new to the blogging scene, a Home School Blog Hop sounded like fun to me so I decided to participate.

     I've been homeschooling for 6 years and have 3 daughters at home with me.  We have our good days and our bad days, as most homeschoolers do.  My life has been chaotic and crazy over the last 10 months but God is faithful and gracious.  During this time, I have been led to notice the little kisses from God each day.  Thus, the title of my blog.  Please leave a comment if you stop by.  And if you're interested in participating in this Home School Blog Hop #8, please click on the picture at the top of this post.  It will take you where you need to go.

Happy Blog Hopping!