Not Back to School Blog Hop Week 4

This week's theme is a Day in the Life. We're supposed to share what our average homeschool day looks like. Since we started school last week, we're still working out the kinks, but here's our general schedule.

We always start off the day with prayer and Bible study. This year we're studying the book of Proverbs. The children are keeping a notebook of our study, writing down and explaining each verse as we go. We began with Proverbs 1:8 - "My son, hear the instruction of thy father and forsake not the law of thy mother." Could there be a better verse for homeschooling?

Next comes language arts. We're using First Language Lessons, which I love! This curriculum uses a gentle, repetitive approach to teaching grammar and punctuation. It's perfect for my kids, especially the Princess. She is retaining the lessons very well, so I'm pleased.

After grammar, we do a spelling lesson or handwriting, sometimes both. Then comes math. So far we've done some review and I've been surprised by how much both children have remembered. Yay!

We are using Apologia's Exploring Creation with Astronomy and so far the children are enjoying it. We use a notebook for this, too. I highlight definitions and people that the kids need to know, then they copy these into their notebook.


This year we started The Mystery of History Vol. I. The daily readings are concise but informative. Each child is keeping a timeline in their notebooks using figures I purchased from Homeschool in the Woods. They color in the figures, then we cut them out and glue them in the appropriate spot on the timeline. They are really liking this activity. So far most of our events are things they're already familiar with - Creation, the Fall of man, the Flood, the Tower of Babel. I can't wait until we get further in and they see how all of history works together to accomplish God's purposes. Can you tell I love history?

Of course, scattered throughout these subjects are break time, sometimes a snack time, and hands-on activities or art projects relating to their studies. Sometimes we even have a guest student show up - our dog Alexandra (Xandra for short).


When our lessons are done, I read aloud to them. We started the Little House on the Prairie series last year and are finishing that up. I haven't decided what read-alouds we'll do after that.

Usually we have everything done by lunchtime. The children don't like to go back to school after lunch, so they will work diligently to get everything done before. It really helps to have our afternoons free. We can go to the library, the store, or even complete projects around the house.

Some days everything goes smoothly. Some days we take more breaks than usual! It's not flawless and we're learning as we go, like everyone else. But I love the flexibility of homeschooling and the one-on-one time I get to spend with my children every day.

If you're a homeschooler, head over The Heart of the Matter Online and share a day in your life with us! Have a great week!