YourFamilyHomeschool.com
Interview with Angela, author of our articles
Q- How long have you been homeschooling?
A- I've been homeschooling for 12 years. My kids are 16, 11, 8 and 7.
Q- What methods have you tried?
A- It feels like I've tried everything ever conceived, but I know that's not true. I have tried a number of things though, and some have worked better for us than others. We have tried at least three online charter schools, at least three boxed curricula, numerous workbooks, textbooks that schools use, distance education courses, and my favorite-just plain learning. We'll get into recommendations about these methods in some of our newsletters.
Q- Why do you homeschool?
A- It has always been what we wanted to do. We do what we feel is best for our family, just like I hope everyone else does.
Q- Do you recommend joining a group?
A- I have never joined a group. I've just never been interested. If you want to join a group, give it a try. A lot of people love being in a group for numerous reasons. But if you don't, that's fine too, In fact, a big reason we publish this website is to help homeschoolers help each other on their terms. I've always felt that I couldn't be the only one who needs help but doesn't want to join a group.
Q- What has been your biggest challenge?
A- My biggest challenge has probably been my health. I've had fatigue problems for about four years. It's hard, but my kids have learned a lot of skills by helping so much. Also, I have found a method that is very sensible and doesn't require a lot of planning.
Q- What about your biggest success?
A- Success is when I see my teen interacting respectfully with people of all ages or wanting to find out about something he's interested in. Success is when my kids learn the facts of life from me in the context of family. It's having time to read a whole book as a family and time to discuss it. Mostly, it's really knowing my children, and properly using my influence with them.
Q- What are some of your favorite homeschooling books?
A- I love The 3R's by Ruth Beechick. It's about a natural method of learning without textbooks. It is extremely practical and easy to implement.
Honey for a Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt is a wonderful book about the importance of reading as a family. Full of book recommendations.
A Charlotte Mason Education and More Charlotte Mason Educatin, both by Catherine Levison are an easy to follow introduction to the Charlotte Mason method that makes so much sense. Helps your family learn to think for themselves about what they read.
The Original Homeschooling Series by Charlotte Mason herself is a six book series about her experiences and observations. She was thoughtful, concerned, observant, and very respectul.
Any other comments?
In my reading of countless books, articles, and sources of advice on homeschooling, I've noticed that the best help came from parents that have tried things and not been afraid to tell about their mistakes.
You'll see I'm not afraid of that. I really just want to help others unclutter their homeschool to avoid getting burnt out and giving up.
It makes me sad to see people give up or not even try because they think they can't do it. You can do it, but you may need help.
I hope you can find that help here from others like you.
