What I Wish I'd Known About The Elementary Years

Today, we listen in as Tina and Jenny discuss their thoughts about educating children in the early elementary years.

Take-Aways:

• There is no need to "start ear1y". Let the child demonstrate readiness instead.
• No one method (or curriculum) is right for everyone. What's right is what works for your kids/family. No need to buy expensive curriculum.
• Focus on the 3Rs at first (reading; 'riting; and 'rithmetic).
• Short lessons (15 min. each w/breaks in between), less than 2 hours a day on academics (to grow & maintain a child's love of learning).
• Other subjects (history, science, health, etc.) can be occasional and less formal.
• Look for learning in everyday living & non-traditional resources (children's literature, movies, games, outings, etc.).
• TRUST God and the process.
• Family dynamics/character/atmosphere is most important.
• Find a "tribe" of like-minded homeschoolers in SOCIAL homeschool groups (not academic co-ops).

Recommendations:

• Egermeier's Bible Story Book, The Child's Story Bible by Catherine Vos
• A+ Learning (a reading game)
• Amish Pathways Readers
• Pentime Penmanship
• All About Spelling
• Christian Light Education (math)
• Professor Noggin (games)
• TruthQuest History
• Berean Builders (science)
• Cedarmont Kids (music)

Links:

• Homeschool Loft: https://www.homeschoolloft.com
• The Homeschool Resource Roadmap: https://www.homeschoolroadmap.org