How I Homeschool: Literature, History, Science, Free time

I forgot that one hour of our school day before lunch is devoted to the independent reading of great literature. This is the fourth of my "Big Four." I keep lists of books I think should be read at each reading level and have the children work through their list. Currently, 12yodd is reading "The Hobbit," 10yodd is reading through the "Little House" series, and 8yods is reading "Treasure Island." I am reading "Winnie the Pooh" aloud to the little people and "The Wind in the Willows" to everyone.

On Fridays, we do not have this silent reading time. Provided the children have "worked hard" (their wording) all week, on Friday, we spend the literature hour reading Shakespeare. We are currently reading "A Midsummer Night's Dream." I divided out all the characters among myself, my husband, and the 3 readers. We read about one scene each week. We sometimes use this time to watch a biography of Shakespeare or a video of a play or even a movie (our family LOVES "Henry V"). We usually edit the movies for content and we NEVER show anything we haven't screened carefully first.

After lunch, one hour is devoted to history and science readings. I LOVE history. I even minored in it. However, after several years of trying and failing at various gimmicky history-based curricula, I realized that, although history is an important subject, it is not as important to my grammar aged students as it will be as they mature and are able to study history in the proper perspective. I am excited to do all the neat history projects and in-depth discussions with my students, but I know this is not the time for it. During the grammar years, we have gone to just reading for acquaintance. This term, the children are reading through the divided kingdom section in Egermeirer's Bible Story book, then will move on the "Story of the Romans." We have done much the same with science. The children read "Christian Liberty Nature Readers," as well as other nature and science books for acquaintance with science topics. I also encourage science projects during afternoon free time.

After an hour of history and science readings, we have "productive free time" during which the children select one or two educational activities such as computer work: Mavis Beacon typing, Rosetta Stone French, or writing their stories for "Learning to Write the Novel Way;" science projects; extra reading of their literature book; writing letters; sewing or needle work; et cetera.

After about an hour of that, they have earned leisure time until chores begin. I do not interfere with leisure time. That is their time to play, read "junky" books (10yodd is in love with "Pixie Hollow" right now), or play a game.

I wish everyday went as smoothly as what I have laid out for you. Most days go along fairly well, sometimes we have a big bump, but we try to recover as quickly as we can.

Well, that's how I home school. I hope the information was a benefit to you.

Warm regards,

Shannon