Are you a homeschool educator? Or perhaps you are contemplating a homeschool education for a child or two? Maybe you are not homeschooling, but you would like to learn simple ways to incorporate learning into your child’s home life. If any of these scenarios sound like you- then you are in the right place. Here we will discover some of the ins and outs of a homeschool education. But first, allow me to further introduce myself.
Cultivating a Love for Learning: My personal Homeschool Education Story
My name is Elizabeth and I am Cotswold Kitchen Mom. I am a homeschool educator to my four lovely children-ages two years to nine years. I suppose we should start all the way from the beginning…where my teaching began.
When I was a young girl, I hoped and prayed to be two things: a mom and a teacher. In fact, I would walk around the house (wearing my mom’s high heeled shoes (which I would call “clickity- clack” shoes), and I would clap my hands firmly saying, “Sit down, be quiet!” When people would inquire, “Now Elizabeth, whatever are you doing?” or “Whomever are you speaking to?” I would say, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, “I am teaching my class!” (Obviously!)
When my friends wanted Polly Pockets and Hello Kitty’s for Christmas, I wanted “clickity-clack shoes”, white chalk, and a real chalkboard. (But equally I liked Polly and Hello Kitty as much as the next little girl did).
As I grew old enough to enter kindergarten, I would come home from a long day at school and try to make my three-year-old sister sit at my chalkboard with me. Here I would reteach the lessons I had learned at school that day. I must say, she was not always the most cooperative of students; however, she (just about) humored me.
As I matured, I continued to care for young children…and babysitting was my most favorite thing.
~How my Past Led me to Become a Homeschool Educator~
Eventually, time wore on, and I went to college. First taking classes to become an elementary education major. Halfway through my college education, I decided to transition into being a home economics teacher.
I then taught middle school home economics (officially called Family and Consumer Science) during my student teaching internship. After this, I ended up taking a job as a high school home economics teacher. I taught for four years in this position- teaching Family and Consumer Science, Food and Nutrition, and Child Development. Each of these classes focused on aspects of home and family life.
After this, I got married and moved to England with my English husband. We lived in England for a little over two years. (You can read more about our story here). Upon coming back to America, and having children, I began to think about homeschooling. At the time, only three of my children had been born. I certainly did not know exactly what a homeschool education would look like when I began this journey. It goes without saying that homeschooling has been a joyous learning process for me.
Homeschooling Year Number Four
Now, I am at the close of my fourth year of homeschooling-(which is hard to believe) as the time seems to have flown by so quickly. Currently, I teach third grade, kindergarten, and pre-k/nursery school.
My family homeschools because we enjoy the time together. We enjoy learning and laughing together. We enjoy the flexibility that a homeschool education brings. We enjoy learning about England and America- our two heritages merged.
Each new year, we ask God for guidance and direction. We take one year at a time- and see how God leads. I do not know how long I will homeschool my children, but for today…this is our story.
A Teaching Philosophy
In my higher-level teaching classes, my professors required that we write our own teaching philosophy. I wish I still had access to mine as I am sure it would have changed some. I believe a teaching philosophy has parts that remain constant- such as the value of teaching and why you are passionate about teaching. However, I also believe some parts of the teaching philosophy are more fluid. Therfore, changing with time and experience.
As a homeschool educator (and past public school high school teacher), I believe learning is very important and should take place over the whole span of one’s life. If we are always learning, we are alive- and we keep our minds young and active.
That being said, I do not believe that teaching/learning only takes place in a classroom setting. I believe teaching/learning can take place anywhere. In a library, a schoolroom, a church pew, on a hike, on a nature walk, during a meal with a friend, over a glass of lemonade, in the grocery store… Truly, the places where learning happens are endless.
My Personal Homeschool Education Philosophy
Personally, I want to teach my children skills that will aid them in the real word. Skills such as communication skills, thinking skills, writing skills, reading skills, and hands on skills. I hope to prepare my children to be able to support themselves (and potentially a family) in the outside world. Equally, I want them to enjoy learning (and working) by pursuing their interests and God given gifts/skills. Working hard with integrity, honestly, humility, and perseverance.
I hope to teach my children these values by spending time with them, reading to them, discussing life with them, teaching them God’s truths through His word- the Bible, giving them opportunities to work with their hands, watching mom and dad work hard as an example to them, and by encouraging curiosity and wonder. I want to rejoice over them and help them on this journey. All the while, taking the time to enjoy the moments God gives us together. I do not do these things perfectly by any means, but as a family- I want us all to be learning together (both in young age and in old age).
I would recommend all homeschool moms write down their own homeschool educational philosophy at the beginning of the school year. This philosophy can be reviewed and edited along the way. It will probably change in many ways… and that is good, because you have probably changed in the learning process too.
Also, setting goals for the school year- and having your children set their own goals- is a valuable exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions about Homeschool Education:
1. What does a typical homeschool day look like for your family?
A typical homeschool day for my family starts around 8-9:00 a.m. (I am not too rigid on this start time as I still have a two-year-old and a four-year-old who are not up particularly early… and why would I wake them? – I am not a total loon.) First, we get dressed and have breakfast together. During breakfast we discuss our day, we read the Bible, and we pray. From here, the oldest two children and I begin our schoolwork at the dining table. (The littlest children are often with us in the same space. Sometimes they go to a side room to play).
As my children are in elementary school, my focus is generally on reading. I always find that if reading is mastered- then you also give a child the gift of independence in their own learning. This way they can guide some of their own learning. (Being able to read and follow written instructions is the basis for a lot of later curriculums).
Our core subjects include language arts (which incorporates reading, grammar, literature, art, spelling, and writing), math, arts and crafts, science, and kitchen lessons. History comes from reading books aloud and studying certain authors or artists.
Science primarily comes from experiments in the kitchen, play outside, and observations of nature on our morning walks. We also have some fruit plants, potatoes, and flowers that the children are largely in charge of tending.
2. How long is a typical school day?
This depends on the age and grade of the child. In early elementary school this ranges from 30 minutes to two and a half hours “ish”. Somedays we do more… if we are working on a particular project. Some days the lesson is less formal (or measurable) because we are learning by observing and being. (I.e. cooking, making a grocery list, a trip to the grocery store, a trip to the library, an art lesson, etc.).
Generally, a lot of schooling can be accomplished in a shorter amount of time than a regular school day. You have to remember that all the “housekeeping to-do’s” are removed in the homeschool setting. So, things like roll call, class bathroom breaks, announcements, lining up, etc. are all done in a different fashion.
Obviously, I am writing this article from my own personal experience. Certainly, other families will (and do) have different perspectives on this. Children are not a one size fits all mold, and neither are their parents for that matter. Each family will have different goals, needs, interests, teaching philosophies, and teaching styles that will dictate the time that is involved in their own personal homeschool education.
3. What curriculum do you use?
We use the Good and the Beautiful curriculum and have enjoyed it. However, we also use books I find at thrift stores as well as library books. We own several dictionaries and educational resource books (such as children’s encyclopedias) that I sourced from thrift stores to supplement our curriculum. There are so many inexpensive educational resources in thrift stores.
I also create a lot of my own curriculum based on outside nature studies and craft-based learning (i.e. sewing, cross stitching, crafting, baking, etc.). The beauty of a homeschool education is that you can incorporate lots of different resources to meet your family’s needs and educational goals.
4. What do you do with the younger children when you teach the school aged children?
Generally, the younger children want to be with the older children in my family. Therefore, we often do school together. (Which presents its own “challenges” like staying on task and having adequate quiet time when needed). However, it also means the little ones are gleaning lots of helpful information. There are many things I never needed to teach my younger children- as they already knew it. This was simply because they heard it from their older sibling’s school lessons.
Also, I find simple supplies such as paper and crayons (or playdough-see my post on that here) at the table help to keep little ones entertained and engaged. Otherwise, the younger children go into an adjacent room to play with toys, blocks, magnets, books…whatever.
In the early years of homeschooling with little ones, the littlest members of the crew can be your biggest challenge. Take it slow, learn together, it does get easier when the littlest members are able to play on their own.
5. Are you involved in a homeschool co-op?
Yes! We love our homeschool co-op. Often, there are many homeschool groups in one town. Do a bit of research and find one that fits your homeschool style. Groups will vary based on philosophy, but generally have the same goal in mind: educating their students in a fun and helpful way.
Co-ops are good resources and a good support system for families. Plus, it gives homeschool children a sweet group of friends to grow and learn alongside.
Our homeschool co-op does a wonderful job of adding fun activities to the learning process. (I.e. Valentine’s parties, Read Across America Day, Science Fair, Christmas events, etc.). This way all the fun aspects of school are still included in the homeschool education.
6. How do you manage your regular household responsibilities with four children always in tow?
Well, can you come back to me with this question in a few more years… when all my children are fully potty trained and a little more self-sufficient? Kidding, I can only speak for myself, but the house is at times… a bit of a mess. However, I suppose this is to be expected when five members of the family are generally always in the home.
I try to combat this by cleaning as we go. Once I get the bigger children started on an independent lesson, then I load the dishwasher. And once they begin to read on their own, I vacuum the floors. As they write or journal, I put food in the crockpot, do a load of laundry, or change a diaper.
The goal is to incorporate the teaching/ the learning with the household responsibilities. I also give the children jobs to do in order to help be a part of the family responsibilities. Even though they are young, they help me put their laundry away, tidy their rooms, put toys and books in baskets, help a younger sibling, help set the table, or put dishes away. They really are good little helpers.
7. Is homeschooling a fulfilling experience for you as a mom?
Absolutely! Homeschooling is a lot of work at times, and it does require a time commitment. However, the time spent with my children is the real reward.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to homeschool my children. I pray year by year for God’s will and open doors …taking one homeschool year at a time. That is the beauty of homeschooling, you can take one year and then reevaluate your family’s needs.
I do not know if I will homeschool my children all the way through- or just in their elementary years- but I do know I am thankful for the sweet time I have with them NOW.
8. Do you have any pointers for a first-time homeschooling parent?
Take it slow, do not be too hard on yourself, have fun, and don’t fret. You can do this.
There are many resources out there to help homeschooling families. You do not have to be the perfect teacher to be a wonderful teacher.
Perfect teachers do not exist anyway. As a teacher, you will be learning a lot beside your children… and what a wonderful gift that is.
9. What supplies do you recommend having on hand to help a homeschool day run smoothly?
This varies from factors such as the age of the students you are teaching- to your own personal style. You can homeschool with lots of supplies or very basic supplies.
Seeing as this is a lengthy answer, I will create a separate heading for this below.
10. How does homeschooling different grades (at one time) work?
Again, my children are still young- but the way I tackle this is to do “family style” lessons. Basically, I teach one lesson but adapt the content based on age and ability. For example, a simple science lesson on the “signs of spring” may be taught to the whole group of students.
In this example, the lesson content is largely the same, but an older child may write a paragraph about what they are observing outside on a warm spring day and then illustrate their findings in detailed fashion. While a younger child may only verbally explain their observations and draw a picture of their findings. In this way, one topic is taught- but small adaptations are made per child.
In my public-school teaching experience, I found that what helped one child… often helped all children. Simply put, a good idea is helpful across the board.
Homeschool Supplies:
First off, let me say that homeschooling does not require loads of fancy material (especially in the early years). There are so many helpful items in your pantry or bookshelf that you already have. Many of these items will/would be a benefit to your homeschool classroom.
As previously stated, I have elementary aged children- and therefore, my supplies list is full of arts and crafts items. Naturally, this can vary. Below, I will add a semi-organized bullet point list of supplies I like to have on hand for my homeschool year. Hopefully, it will be a help you as well.
- White computer paper and colored construction paper
- Colored pencils, crayons, markers, colored chalk, highlighters, pencils (lots and lots of pencils!)
- Watercolor paints and paintbrushes
- Glue stick, school glue, a hot glue gun, and tape
- Twine, yarn, ribbon
- Stapler, paper clips, rubberbands
- Cotton swabs, cotton balls
- Toothpicks, popsicle sticks, plastic drinking straws
- Notecards and sticky notes
- Craft supplies (such as) but not limited to: googly eyes, buttons, glitter, gold leaf paper, stickers, pom-poms, pipe cleaners, stencils, scrapbook paper, and bits of scrap fabric
- Thrifted books for reading
- Nature journals
- A basket for collecting nature supplies on a walk
- A picnic blanket for outdoor learning
- Kid’s cookbooks (for quiet time)
- Audio books (for quiet time)
- Word searches and coloring books (also for quiet time)
Outdoor Learning in Homeschool Education
How lovely it is to step outside on a beautiful spring morning and allow your senses to be awakened by the beauty of nature.
A deep breath in the lungs- and a gentle exhale. Seeing, marveling, hearing, touching, and experiencing God’s world is a wonderful place to start the learning process.
When I was a high school home economics teacher, I would often take my students outside into the school’s courtyard (when time permitted and weather allowed). My students and I would sit in a circle and have wonderful conversations. Equally, we could turn otherwise mundane tasks (such as copying a recipe), into an exciting and soothing experience. Nature has a way of making life special.
I try to bring this same appreciation of nature into my homeschool arena. In the springtime, we go on morning nature walks. This gets our legs moving, and our blood pumping, but also gets our minds ready for the day ahead. Stopping to observe an ant carrying a blade of grass, or to see a spring flower bursting forth, is both exciting and valuable. In my opinion subjects such as science, reading, creative writing, art… are all a bit better in an outside environment.
Some supplies I find helpful for outside learning are as follows (but not limited too): a blanket, sun hats and sunglasses, a basket for gathering nature items to observe, a nature journal, a pair of binoculars, a magnifying glass, a small glass jar with a lid that has holes poked through (to observe any little critters you may come across), a camera, and a nature book.
Even having no supplies at all- just your senses, will promote much learning.
So, what are you waiting for? Get outside, for nature- and its Creator- are wonderful teachers.
Outdoor Lesson Ideas:
Here are a few outdoor ideas to get you started:
Craft Based Learning
When I was a home economics teacher, I loved to incorporate crafts into my lessons. Naturally, a course like home economics- lends itself to this. I would call art portions of my lesson “get your craft on.” The students always enjoyed this time of hands-on learning- as it allowed their imaginations and creativity to come alive. Almost any lesson can have a craft tied to it.
In my opinion, crafting not only adds a fun element to the lesson, but it also helps a student to recall information they are learning. Information learned through doing a craft is then tied to a tangible outcome.
Craft supplies can vary and you do not need all of these items to create a good craft. Just a simple sketch book and colored pencils can be enough. However, items listed in my homeschool supplies section (above) can be helpful and exciting. You can collect these items over time. Some items can be found in a thrift store (items such as jars of buttons, fabric, ribbon, etc.).
Homeschool Lessons in the Kitchen
Unsurprisingly, when I was a home economics teacher, the favorite part of every lesson was when we could go into the kitchen. This was mostly due to the fact that… as humans, we all enjoy eating delicious treats. But also, because the hands-on learning experience was so exciting. Bringing children into the kitchen teaches them many valuable life skills. Equally, it teaches them science concepts, measuring and math skills, writing and reading skills, following directions, teamwork, cause and effect, you name it.
Cooking and baking teach children how planning, preparation, and work can produce valuable results. Afterall, who wouldn’t want to learn fractions by slicing and eating a pepperoni pizza? Or learn about yeast activation through making homemade bread? I believe anytime, we can make learning “come alive” from the pages of a textbook (or in this case a cookbook)- real interest in learning begins.
As a homeschool mom (or a non-homeschooling mom for that matter), there are lots of balls juggling in the air. Why not have your children help prepare lunch or dinner as a part of their math and science lesson? Having children prepare food gives them an appreciation for the love (and work) that goes into preparing a family meal. In my opinion, any time spent together in the kitchen is valuable time.
So many candid conversations flow between a stick of butter and a cup of sugar.
Children of all ages thrive in the kitchen. For young children, cooking is a tactile learning experience. For high school students, cooking it is a time of freedom that allows them to really open up about their day (or their concerns). All the while filling their bellies with good food…and their souls with warmth and love.
Homeschool Recipe Ideas:
If you need some kitchen inspiration for your homeschool crew, why not try some of these fun recipes?
How do you incorporate England and America in your homeschool education?
As I have stated before, my children are all elementary aged (and younger), so naturally my lessons reflect this. Often, I think back to my time spent living in England. Seeing as I had just come out of the classroom arena when I got married, I was often intrigued by the differences/similarities in educational methods practiced by different countries.
My husband would tell me charming stories about wearing plimsolls as soon as he entered the doors of his school. Plimsolls are lightweight canvas/ fabric slip-on shoes. I also recall him speaking of using a quill and ink set to learn handwriting. Equally, the fieldtrips he would take with his classmates always intrigued me.
You see, as an American, I did not fully appreciate the idea of the age of a country until having lived in England. Everything is so ancient there you see. Obviously, England has new buildings and shops- but much of the country is also filled with beautiful ancient churches, thick wooden doors with ancient wooden plinths, thatch roofs, stone walls, and the list goes on. Living in England, I can remember thinking every day was like a school field trip. Having grown up in America, if a building was 150-200 years old, I was amazed by its age. However, a building of that age in England could be considered relatively young.
For example, the church I would walk past daily in our village was bult in 1100! I remember how that boggled my mind. So much history and beauty I was passing each day as I walked upon those lovely ancient, storied streets. And oh, what stories those streets must tell.
Some English people may chuckle at my American perspective of their world, but it was such a lovely eye-opening experience for me. I am so thankful God allowed me time living in England- to open my eyes to the beauty of history- and the beauty of another culture.
Teaching the Beauty of History on Both Sides of the Pond
I try to take that same awe and appreciation- and incorporate that into my homeschool lessons. In England, there are a lot of mum groups that meet and do lots of hands-on activities with children. Of course, they begin with a hot cuppa tea and a biscuit or three. Then the activities are enjoyed by both mums and their children.
I think first pouring a cuppa tea is a good way to start a lesson. Do you agree?
Once the tea has been consumed, the brain is ready to process and begin the day. When planning my lessons, I like to ask my husband about his favorite school lessons. I then think of my favorite school lessons before trying to combine the two ideas. Thus, creating an amalgamation of cultural educational ideas.
When teaching a lesson on the history of America, I then like to teach a lesson on the history of England. When creating an American recipe, I then like to teach an English recipe. Moreover, looking at the royal family alongside the American presidential roles is always fascinating.
As my children get older there will be many opportunities to learn about Shakespeare, the houses or Parliament, the construction of Big Ben, and the Roman’s role in towns like Bath, England. Equally lessons on native American Indians, George Washington, and early colonial towns are all fascinating areas to discover.
Mostly, I like to amalgamate both countries by focusing on both the English and American heritages my children have. Hopefully, cultivating an appreciation for both.
Seasonal Homeschool Activities and Ideas for Homeschool Education
Allow me to share a few of my homeschool seasonal lessons, activities, and ideas with you in a more in-depth way. I will give a brief description of the activity (or purpose of the lesson) and then add the link to that particular blog post. My blog posts will be more focused and provide lots of fun photographs to illustrate.
- For fun and uplifting Thanksgiving activities see my post here.
- For making special salt cookie ornaments for Christmas see my post here.
Throughout my blog, I have many recipes and activities that involve my children. Many of these posts are categorized in different areas of my blog- so be sure to follow along each week- as you may find activities and recipes perfect for your homeschool routine.
This list of ideas will continue to grow as time passes. It is my sincere hope that some of the activities my family and I find helpful, will prove helpful for you and your family as well.
Happy teaching and happy learning!
Final Thoughts:
At the end of the day, each homeschool family will choose to do thing differently. Each homeschool setting, style, and content will also look different. Homeschool does require a bit of time and work, but it is also very flexible and rewarding.
As a homeschool educator, you have to stay true to a style that you believe in. In my experience, it is always easier to teach something that you yourself are passionate about.
It is my sincere hope that this homeschool education guide will be beneficial to those who read it. While I believe a homeschool education is a thing of beauty, I also know this is not possible for all families. Every family is different, and each season and circumstance, is different too. That is why my prayer is for one day at a time, focusing on what God places in my path today.
Please feel free to email me with any questions I may be able to help with. I am not an expert homeschool teacher, but I do enjoy teaching and learning alongside my children. I hope no matter how old God allows me to become, that I am always learning… and hopefully teaching good, positive lessons to those God places in my path.
What lessons are you teaching today that will have a lasting impact tomorrow?
~Elizabeth~
