Our first day of homeschool 2012-13 happened yesterday. Best part--my husband telling me how proud he was of what (little) we had accomplished. Owen & Eden were eager to start--I really wasn't planning on getting going until September, but when the new books and supplies arrived there was no stopping them. I thought a little post on our homeschooling journey would be appropriate.

For those who are interested, here's our line up:

English
-The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading (Wise)
-First Language Lessons (Wise)
-Writing With Ease (Bauer)
-Plaid Phonics (Modern Curriculum Press) Levels K & B
-Spelling Workout (Modern Curriculum Press) Level B

Math
-Math In Focus (HMH) Kindergarten and Grade 2

History & Bible
-Mystery of History
-Creating our own Book of the Centuries timeline
-Bible verse memorization

Science
-NoeoScience (check it out here: http://www.noeoscience.com/)

Art
-Various crafts that align with the themes in our history, literature, and science studies. (I find a lot of art  projects, as well as projects for other subjects on pinterest.)

Music
-piano lessons

PE
-swim lessons

Owen is also attending Access, a homeschool enrichment program, on Fridays. He'll get quite a bit more art, PE, science, music, as well as Spanish on Fridays.
If it wasn't obvious from the line-up, we are following many recommendations from The Well Trained Mind (Wise & Bauer).

Again, for those that are interested--our (very flexible) daily schedule:
8:30-9:40  English
9:50-10:30 Math
10:40-noon History & Bible (MW) Science (T) Art (TH)
Noon Lunch
-wrap up & clean up-
1:30-3:30 Rest
3:30-4 Piano
5 PM Swim (MW)

Why do I say "very flexible?" We just started a bakery. We are busy and tired. That's an understatement. We didn't do Science today. I decided that getting O's resp therapy done (which we forgot yesterday) was more important, as well as getting a good nap done. And you know what? That's okay. That's what is awesome about homeschool.  Making it work for your family's needs. Sometimes our schedule will include a trip to the library, zoo, museum, Menchies--whatever.
We're also schooling year-round. We school 3 weeks and then take a week off. Most of the time. For instance, we started this week, but we already had a camping trip on the agenda for next week. (Of course, camping lends itself to several "homeschooling learning moments." While we won't be doing textbook work, they'll still be learning.)

So, how do I manage two kids of different learning levels, styles, & abilities?
1. Eden can learn along with Owen in almost every subject. In English, we're actually starting at her level. Owen can benefit from the review, and "helps" teach his sister. In writing, where Owen is much more advanced--I give her more simple sentences. She needs my attention to ensure proper technique, where as Owen could copy chapter books for hours on end.
2. During English we have "free reading time." I have a stack of books they can choose from. When I work one-on-one with either kid--the other picks a book, and gets comfy on the sofa for about 15 minutes.
3. Eden needs a few more breaks than Owen. She likes to draw and color, so I have supplies handy. She knows the rule though--quiet at the table. Sometimes she stays with us--sometimes she goes to her room. I also have several supplemental workbooks at her grade level. Easy worksheets that need little assistance from me, and she gets a bit more practice in her various learning areas.
BONUS: My friend gave me a dry-erase board made from--get this--shower surround from Home Depot. Seriously. It totally works better than expensive dry erase boards. Eden loves to write & erase, write & erase.

Okay, so if you've read all of this, obviously you must have some interest in homeschooling. Here's the first thing you should know (given to me from a long-time homeschooling, wise woman):
FIRST GET THEM TO OBEY.
If you have not taught your child HOW to obey, homeschooling is going to be rough. They need & want rules and boundaries. Your authority must be clear. Until you do this, nothing else really matters. You will have to constantly & consistently be establishing this throughout their lives. Obedience. Obedience. Obedience. It's not a one-shot deal. It takes practice.