Our Homeschool Plan for PreK-4 using Classical Conversations

As you know, our homeschooling journey has officially begun. Last year around this time I was contemplating enrolling Silas in a local preschool (read my post, A Whisper for Autumn, for the full story). I was at a fairly low point as a stay-at-home mom. The daily battles were at an all time high as I tried to juggle life with a one and three-year-old. I needed a break, and I made a rash decision. Well, the story ends with me UN-enrolling Silas from preschool before He ever started. God gracefully redirected me once I decided to consult him on the issue (as they say, I had put my cart before my horse!). My three-year old needed to connect with me, not to separate with me.

Coloring in the date in his Ninja attire.

At that point we still weren't sure how we would handle schooling, mainly because of my emotional state. Kevin and I committed to pray and research our options. Throughout the year God faithfully answered our prayers. He renewed my vision and passion for our home, and He brought just the right people into our lives to confirm our decision to homeschool.

Creating a pictograph of our family in his Taekwondo attire.

As far as curriculum, we decided to enroll Silas in a local Classical Conversations community this year for Prek-4. I would try to explain the program, but this post, Classical Conversations: An Introduction, does a much better job than I would. Silas attends his weekly classes on Tuesday mornings. Along with his Classical Conversations memory work for the week, I'm using Saxon Math K (purchased for $5 at a curriculum sale), Saxon Phonics K (borrowing from a friend), and Teach You Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons (purchased used from Amazon). We're also memorizing Scripture, and we're about to dive the book of Proverbs as part of our character-building studies.

Learning about the letter "O."

We're in our second week of homeschooling, and so far it's gone smoothly. Our biggest challenge has been having a toddler to contend with during our focused homeschooling time- haha. Silas has shown an excitement for learning, which I pray continues.

Learning the seven continents (part of his CC memory work).

As for myself, I'll be honest and say that I was nervous right up until our first day. I lacked confidence in my ability to teach my children and was overcome with the fear of the unknown. I was afraid that I would not have enough emotional fortitude, patience, or discipline to make it work. It wasn't until we actually sat down and began schooling that an incredible sense of peace came over me. At this point, I can't see myself doing anything else. I feel equipped through the Holy Spirit to accomplish the task at hand. My prayer is that God continues to grant me patience and wisdom as I walk in obedience. 

Singing the parts of speech thanks to youtube.com (part of his CC memory work).

I am not naive to the fact that we will have bumps along the road, but we have set out with a fierce determination to be good stewards of the little minds and hearts that have been placed in our care.

Doing a science experiment with his CC Foundations class.

Some of the perks of homeschooling that I love already are the freedom, flexibility, and quality family time that we enjoy together. Not to mention the fact that I can gear each of my children's education to their own personalities and learning styles.

Giving a book report for his CC foundations class.

We covet your prayers as we set out on this journey!

I'll leave you with a few of my favorite posts on homeschooling from bloggers I love:

Homeschooling and Realistic Expectations
A Few Thought on WholeHearted Homeschooling
Homeschooling, Convictions, and Christian Welcome
Juggling Homeschool with Littles and Life