Homeschooling

HOMESCHOOLING Q&A

Why did we choose homeschooling?

Initially we were quite thorough in our research of local schools. We mapped out each school, the pros and cons, the costs associated, etc. It was hard to do and we really had to be objective particularly about the school we both work at. There was a lack of schooling options on our local community that we felt fitted with our families ideals, budget and goals.

Homeschooling allows us to teaching our children in the context of a christian faith, fits into our budget and gives our children the opportunity to progress at their own pace, with lots of play based, and interest-led wild learning.

Having a Scandinavian background, I was often caught up in the idea that formalised schooling didn’t really start until much later in our childhood. Some Scandinavian places don’t start formalised school until 7-8 years old and much of their early learning is play and skills based (while students in Australia gear up for formalised testing around this time). Play and hands-on learning, for us, was a priority.

How do you manage homeschooling and work?

God has been faithful to us over the last 5 years, he has sustained us. But to be honest, working while homeschooling, can be really challenging. It wasn’t really by choice, as we quickly came to realise how tough it was to make ends meet, which such small ends! So working for me was about survival more than career. With the current cost of living, many homeschooling families are finding it challenging. I’m blessed with family close by who can help. I’ve had to be uncompromising in working part-time or casually, to make it work. This has meant I’ve had to push back against the norm. And that can be challenging, when employers and even family members don’t understand, why you are resolved to work part-time- “just put your kids in school so you can work more…” Recently, I lost my long-term job and have been working casually in relief/supply teaching. Usually it’s a day here and there. Occasionally it has been up to 2 days a week. Having family that is supportive of homeschooling has been a blessing, and made the mental load that bit easier, and the kids will still do ‘school work’ on those days my mum is looking after them- she is great with maths and science, me not so much! Skipping a day here and there can be tricky but we try to be flexible for whatever life throws at us. Obviously, it takes commitment to this lifestyle to make this work. We have explored many different ideas, with a part time ‘microschool’ experience, ‘drop and leave’ programs/activities and others, which have freed me up to work. It can really take its toll though, and I have to often watch for exhaustion and burn out in juggling it all. Since the birth of our second son, I’ve had time rot slow right down and trust that God will provide. He always does!

How is your day structured?

The beauty of homeschooling is its flexibility. We do not do ‘school at home’ type of scenarios with 6 hours of activities during school hours. Sometimes it’s a few hours in the morning, sometimes it’s the afternoon, sometimes it’s weekends. sometimes it’s just life learning or reading all day. We often do some structured work at our little desk, which usually involves some Bible time, and then maths and perhaps English or science, or geography, whatever is on the schedule for that day. Both kids have work books or activities that they do, usually with some help. Then we will often have a snack/morning tea break then it’s usually lots of unstructured playing outside, reading, building with lego. Sometimes we are back at our desk doing more activities, it usually depends on the day, and the weather and our motivations at the time.

Do you use a specific curriculum?

No. We have bits and pieces from many different sources. Mostly Christian, masters books, The Good and The Beautiful, classical Christian, Charlotte Mason and other inspired resources, but it depends on the subject. I have always loved curriculum, so I’m guilty of buying too much and trying to fit all in. The last year we have really simplified. Since we are Australian, and many of our resources are American or overseas based I’ve had to work hard to make some of it fit for an Australian context, and to demonstrate to our moderator that we are meeting the Australian curriculum. For some topics it’s just easier to find an Australian alternative- Twinkl is my friend!!

Resources and recommendations

Twinkl

Teachers pay Teachers

Scootle