The First Month

The curriculum arrived 4th week of July. We're all set... or so I thought.

The first week was spent unschooling them. We did games, videos, reading what they wanted from our home library, exploring the park, things at the mall, etc.

My eldest son had difficulty with his cursive writing skills so, we had to do some drills so he can re-learn his cursives since the curriculum would require a lot of writing. I was so frustrated to learn that this skill was not mastered during the last 2 years he was in traditional school. Well, anyway, we just had to do what has to be done. My younger son was OK with his writing.

Second week -- still drilling them with writing through printed out exercise sheets. The boys didn't have much of a problem with the reading activities. They loved to read. We don't have a strict by-the-hour kind of schedule. After breakfast, they do some chores. Then, sometimes, they watch BBC or Discovery videos so they have a dose of science. Math is done everyday, as the first activity. My eldest son now shows waning interest in math. He would take his time answering, and delaying as much as he can by going to the bathroom and kitchen.

Third and fourth week. When my son and I talked about why it takes him forever to finish his math, he said he is having difficulty, so I had no choice but to stop the current level he is at (level 3) and make him complete the level 2 first.

I am about to enroll them at Homelife Academy through the internet, but I put it on hold for a while. I do not know if I should let him repeat second grade, just because of this math dilemma, or let him proceed to third grade. I still want to let him proceed to 3rd grade.

I tried asking help from our local e-group but no one answered, so I guess, we'll just have to work this out by ourselves, with much prayer, patience, and resourcefulness. God is good.
I am thankful He showed me the way on deciding to homeschool my children.

Starting out

Finally, my long-time plan of homeschooling my children materialized this year (2009). After much prayer and research, my sons and I have wholeheartedly decided to be a homeschooling family.

To be honest, I found it a daunting task at first. I know that it is a big responsibility. I've read about it, heard many good reviews, and it is not without sacrifices. The question was, "Can I do it?" With much preparation and with God's help I know I can and I will.

I thought to myself, "If I'm going to spend my energies, I'd rather spend it enriching the lives of my children."

Before final plans were made, I laid out the options to my sons-- one entering 1st grade and the other going 3rd grade. They chose to be home-schooled, so the decision is unanimous. They were very excited with the idea that their mom will be their teacher. Big smile here :D.

CLEARING UP MY SCHEDULE

I'm a piano teacher teaching lessons all year round to roughly about twenty-five to thirty five students weekly. After my students' summer recital, I announced that my teaching time will be reduced. I lessened my teaching load to free up my mornings and early afternoons.

CURRICULUM

After much research I finally decided on the Robinsons Method. My sons love to read and they are very independent, I thought this would be the best method for them. I ordered the set of CDs and am now excitedly waiting for the shipment to arrive. For their Math, I chose Math Mammoth Light Blue series. I hope these would work well for them.

SETTING UP THE STUDY AREA

The original plan was to set it up in the room connected to the music room where I teach, but our front porch with it's natural sunlight and morning breeze proved to be the better option. They chose to work on a tiled area rather than in a carpeted room.

Their desks are two old and heavy classroom desks we bought many years back from a 2nd hand store. It was for my brother's art studio used by his students when he was still teaching art lessons. Now, these have been sitting in one corner gathering dust. After cleaning it up, it's perfect as the boys' workdesk.

I also bought a Fuji Xerox laser printer for their worksheets and other stuff that will have to be printed. A laser printer is the most economical choice for me since I find inkjet refills quite expensive.

So, here's what I have for now. There's nothing much in this blog yet. But I'll be updating this site from time to time.