Homeschooling In the Early Years
- rvpalace22
- Jan 7, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 11, 2024
When we first started "officially" Homeschooling 2 out of our 3 kids were already past the Elementary years. But when I really think about it, we have been homeschooling from the time our kids were babies. The early years were filled with lots of ABC's and 123's. We always made an effort to make our conversations and interactions with our kiddos " teachable moments". This approach set the foundation for our homeschool.
Every moment is a cherished opportunity to learn, love, and grow together. Once you trust in your ability to be your child's educator you can do no harm.....
Becoming Educators
When we had the opportunity to become our children's sole educators it elevated our awareness as to the importance of our everyday actions and interactions. We had the opportunity to be the major influence in what and how our children learned and be. As parents we sometimes forget that older generations had a strong influence and grasp on the way their children were raised. We too can have that same blessing if we choose it. To read more on this topic look on our Blog titled; Homeschooling Guide: Everything you need to know to start today
Every time we considered a subject or experience we simply asked:
Will this be useful in their ability to understand the world?
Will this allot them an opportunity for the career and life our children are pursuing?
Does this add to their Life tool set?
And most importantly; Does this align with our family values?
Your family's questions may not be the same as ours, or any other homeschool family; But that is the beauty of homeschooling. Every family will have their own unique way of establishing their homeschool. Now that we didn't have the hustle and bustle of the Public School System in the way, we could slow down and spend focused time on each of our children and what we as parents want for their future.
With our guidance, our children have the the luxury of silence in a noisy world, to find who they are and what will give them a fulfilling and purposeful life.
Homeschool is not School at home!
We have heard this statement many times, and yet it did not fully make sense until we dove in and started living it. When you homeschool there are so many opportunities to learn that the limited public school system could never offer. And yet there is still this underlining tone to "keep up" with grade level standards set by this broken system. There is a time and a place in which "testing" is crucial, but definitely not at the expense of actual learning. Let's face it. Most people binge study for a test, get good grades, and then toss the information to make room for the next load of facts for the next test. We feel that it is much more effective to dive into a subject and discuss it, ask questions and find answers to those questions. We put an emphasis on life long learning. It is much more fulfilling to watch our children start on a topic or subject with little to no knowledge and soon become knowledgeable enough to teach others what they have learned. Young children are naturally curious and constantly ask questions about the world around them.
In the early years it is our job as parents to present a "buffet" of subjects and experiences so that they can continue to be life learners as they develop their own ideas and interests.
Music Chemistry Nature Science
Chess club Homesteading Knot Mastery
There are so many beautiful thing s to learn about in this world and that is precisely why Homeschool is so amazing. The possibilities are infinite.
Finding the "right curriculum"
Like most Homeschooling families we spent countless hours researching the "right curriculum". We had many discussions on which one was the best and perfect fit for our family. In the end we found that the best curriculum for us was ourselves. All the material our children needed was a peaceful place to learn and explore, and the rest is secondary. That is not to say that our research and conversations were in vain. They were and are a pillar in our foundation for our homeschool. We found many different domains that offer what we call "traditional Book work" options. We definitely incorporate core curriculum in our everyday but it is not the main vein of our children's education. There are many different sites, products, and materials to pick from. Just spend a little time looking into what might work for you and your family. You won't know until you try them out. And not everything you try will work. Sometimes what works for one child might not work for another. Be patient, be open, and most importantly trust yourself!
Domains we use and have tried for Early Elementary Education
Be sure to check back to hear about how we incorporate "field trips" and family outings as well as group lessons for multiple age groups into our Homeschool day!
-The Palacios
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