Christian moms who homeschool

Beverly - posted on 02/27/2009

I have a 15 yr old, a 12 yr old, a 10 yr old, a 5 yr old, and and 18 month old.  My 15 yr old didn't start kindergarten till he was 6.  My 5 yr old will start in september right before she turns six.  I have homeschooled them till 9th grade.  My 15 yr old son is now going to public school and is having a successful year.  I think you should just enjoy your kids till it's time for kindergarten, and periodically take advantage of teaching moments as they arise.  ex: "Mommy, daddy, and baby make three, but there are only 2 cookies, we need one more." Keep it simple if you feel you must, but let them be kids while they're kids, and enjoy them.  My house is always a mess, but the mess isn't going anywhere ,my babies are. As far as the homeschooling, the Bible says to train up your children in the way they should go, not to send them off somewhere else to let someone else train them.  I strongly support your homeschooling thought. But I would wait till kindergarten. Then tell your friends and family that during a certain time everyday, school will be in session, and they can leave a message on your phone because you will be busy teaching.  It's the most important job you'll ever have and shouldn't be interrupted.  get a dry erase board and colorful markers for the younger one, or even a toddler desk so he can be just like big brother.  at least it comes off easier if he colors on the wall. Spend the money you would have spent in preschool on an occasional merry maid or housecleaner as you can afford it instead.   

Lisa - posted on 02/27/2009

I started homeschooling my son when he was about 3. We just did very basic things that most moms probably do anyway...abc's, counting, colors, shapes, short memory verses, etc. I just made sure to have a concentrated time to work on it, only about 15 to 20 minutes tops, about 4 days a week. I also made it a point during that time to have him sit at his little table and chair during school, which really helped him learn to sit still in Bible class. That's it! Don't worry about getting to serious until your child is older. Now's the time for reading to them and playing. I think that's how they learn best at this age.

Linda - posted on 02/27/2009

Rebekah,

First of all, there are several christian homeschool groups on circle of moms--you may want to check them out. Secondly, RELAX! Your daughter is only 3. I wouldn't even think about starting preschool until 4! I homeschooled my 4 boys, but I also sent the older two to our church's pre-school--it's not giving up homeschooling, just post-poning it. I used to joke that my children had one year of formal education! That being said, I never felt like they every really made any progress, either academically or socially in preschool, so I didn't send my younger two.

Homeschooling with young ones is difficult. I tried to do school when my toddlers were taking a nap. Others have suggested you get a really fun activity for them to do--like playing with playdough--and they're only allowed to do it when you are schooling your older child.

Lastly, maybe you're trying to do too much. At this stage, all you really need to be doing is introducing letters and numbers to her. And it can be fun. Make an A out of playdough, and talk about the sound it makes. If you make it fun, even your 2 year old could join in. And READ, READ, READ to all three of them.

Ferris - posted on 02/25/2009

Kids are always learning even if its not sitting down and formally saying this is school time.  My daughter is 3 and started at a Christian preschool in Sept.  There is very little that she learned there that I hadn't already taught her.  She knew phonics since 2 1/2.  She watched a Leap Frog Alphabet  video twice and knew all the letters sounds.  She wants to learn to read so I'll teach her.  She loves learning and picks up things exceptionally fast. 

You know your children and God gives you the ability to meet them where they are.  If you don't start formally homeschooling until they are older that doesn't mean they aren't constantly learning.

Jackie - posted on 02/23/2009

I began homeschooling my 6 year old this year after she attended a Christian preschool and K-5 (full days). I felt called to homeschool her after k-4, but I was pregnant with my 4th child that year. My son was born a month before I would begin K-5. It was too overwhelming. My mom called me out of the blue one day, and said she would pay 1/2 tuition. She instinctively knew I was overcommitting with children's ages of 5,4,2, and newborn. I'm grateful for Christian educators and godly grandmothers who can help us busy mommies if only for a short season.
We are finally in our homeschooling "routine", and take all day if necessary to make it less stressful. There have been many diaper-changing breaks and I believe in healthy meals so that takes much time. My kids are learning to play together and imagine things and learn leadership skills with their siblings. We also attend church 3 times a week so they get plenty of social times with friends, and we have a big extended family with many cousins. Never a dull moment, but I'm so thankful that I did get to enjoy the younger ones while the older kids were in kindergarten/preschool. Now I'm enjoying them all--okay, most of the time when I'm not trying to nap.

Rebekah - posted on 02/23/2009

Thank you all for your advice. It has given us more to think and pray about! I really appreciate it!

Dolores - posted on 02/23/2009

hi, i have 4 children that i home-school, and i did not start till they were older than pre-school age,  and it is always overwhelming when you start.  i do not believe you are giving up your calling by sending your child to pre-k.  i think you should pray about it.  but, it does get easier as they get older. 

Amanda - posted on 02/23/2009

Formal education doesn't need to start until they are 6 or 7 even with very bright children. The trend to educate younger and younger is not necessarily a healthy idea for children. They will learn more from interaction and normal life activities than from worksheets and flash cards. I would recommend reading a few of Ruth Beechick's books, or other homeschool helps.

It's VERY critical to remember that early reading is not necessarily a predicative of successful reading....so don't focus on teaching letters and letter sounds formally....do it through play and interaction with all three kiddos by reading silly alphabet books, and things like that.

I wanted to get a jump start on all of that stuff too, but after researching and asking, just as you are, I learned that I was actually rushing where I didn't need to rush. Just keep doing what you have probably been doing: go for walks and talk about what you see, read all the time about everything, go to the library a lot, visit church members throughout the week, include the kids in cleaning time as much as possible, play on the floor a lot, etc.

Amy - posted on 02/23/2009

Wow Melissa! I think your 3 1/2 y/o may get more schooling than my 8 &6 y/o's! We start around 8:30am and are finished by 10:30 most days. Some days they are less focused and don't finish until 11:30, some days they are determined and finish in an hour! Of course we do school Mon-Fri. But this plenty all the school they need at this age. My 6 y/o is already finished grade 1 and working in grade 2&3 levels, while my 8 y/o is right on track for grade 3. Remember that kids learn lots through play! That is one of the best ways for them to learn.

Melissa - posted on 02/23/2009

Hi! I have a 31/2 yr old & an 8 month old. I have have always felt that it is my calling to homeschool our kids. I am currently homeschooling my 3 1/2 yr old. We only do school 3 days a week for about 3 hrs a day right now. We school on Mon, Tues & Fri. He has other activities on Wed & Thurs. We start at 9 in the morning. We take a break at around 10:30 so I can put the 8 month down for nap. Then we finish from 11 to 12:30. We school in the dining room which is connected to our living room & that is where my daughter plays while we school. I usually put on some music for her & she loves to play on the floor with her toys. As far as your 2 yr old, I say if he wants to be involved sit him at the table with some crayons & a coloring book & he can pretend to do school like his older brother. Also you can offer other quiet "table" activities for him also (puzzles, playdo,etc) It is very hard right now because I have to keep a constant eye on my daughter(she is starting to walk). On the days I really struggle I just tell myself it will get easier. If your church has a Christian preschool program, I think that is a good alternative. We can't afford to send the kids to Christian preschool so unfortunately I don't have that option. I think you should pray about it & do what is best for you & your family. I hope this was helpful.

Amy - posted on 02/22/2009

I have to agree with the previous post. I had kids the ages of yours, then I had one more. Now they are 8,6,5,3 and I homeschool. However, I do send my kids to preschool and do not think that is somehow backing out of my call to homeschool them. It is what God has led me to do. My 5 y/o is in her second year of pre-school and my 3 y/o will start his first year this fall.  Then I will homeschool 3 of them for 2 years, then all 4 of them. Trust me it is not quite as overwhelming when they are a little bit older. 

Nettie - posted on 02/22/2009

I'm not at the stage of school yet (my baby is 11 months old) but a bit of practical advice is this: your child is 3 1/2! Most children don't start school until 5, 5 1/2, sometimes even 6! Maybe a christian PRE-SCHOOL would be a good idea for the time being to give you an opportunity to focus on your other 2 small ones. Then you could start home schooling when your child hits the age were he would start kindergarten. Hope this helped.