1.  living books curriculum

Until I had all three children home schooling, I pieced together our curriculum.  I based our book lists off of local private schools’ and several homeschool curriculums’ lists.   I also referenced Susan Wise Bauer’s, The Well-Trained Mind and Christine Miller’s All Through the Ages, History through Literature guide.   I enjoyed the freedom of building my own reading lists, but I always wondered if I was missing something huge.    Once Jack, my third and last child, joined the mix, I decided to purchase an all inclusive curriculum.  After months of research, I chose The Living Books Curriculum, based on the Charlotte Mason Method.

The curriculum is easy to follow and implement.  I love most books on the list, as well as the focus on poetry and Scripture memorization.   History is divided between U.S. and World with recommended biographies and an extensive supplemental list.   LBC makes planning easy by laying out what needs to be accomplished each week, allowing me, the teacher, to choose how and when to teach the subject.  Of course they have sample schedules included, but I love the freedom to plan our week my way.   Because we attend a co-op on Fridays, I plan LBC subjects only four days a week.  I make some days lighter than others knowing that we have music lessons, theater, sports and field trips.

2.  teaching textbooks math

Ten years ago, when I decided to homeschool, one of my best friends gave me this advice, “Choose a curriculum, especially when it comes to Math, and STICK TO IT.”   So I chose Saxon and off we went-  for EIGHT YEARS.  I was committed, regardless that most days we all felt defeated and left the Math lesson in tears and frustration.

Two years ago, after much discouragement, I decided Saxon was not working for us.  Best decision ever.   Teaching Textbooks, a DVD curriculum, has been a perfect fit for us.  I love that each lesson is taught by someone other than myself, that there’s a grade book automatically loaded for me, and that it’s on the computer.   There’s also a book option, but I love the DVD’s and self grading system.    TT starts at Grade 3 and placement tests are available on their site to help you decide where your child should begin.  No more tears, people.  And best of all, my children have started enjoying Math and feeling confident again.

3. audio books

I love books.  I read every single day.   I have stacks of books all over the house, next to my bed and my sofa and in my purse.   I’ve been in a Classics Book Club for six years.   Seriously folks, I love me some books.  I wish I had enough time to read aloud all the books to my children.   But alas, it’s impossible.  Audio books have been a huge help to me through the years.  Our local library allows us to check out digital audio books and has a giant selection available on CD’s.   My Jack listens to Susan Wise Bauer’s Story of the World almost daily and for hours while playing Legos. Another wonderful and FREE resource is Librivox, available in iTunes, where classic books are read aloud by volunteers.  Some volunteers are better than others, obviously.

4.  quizlet

Quizlet is an online flashcard and quizzing resource, also available in iTunes. My children have been in Classical Conversations for nine years, a classical Christian community, and we have found all the information readily available on Quizlet.  You’ll find all kinds of subjects- from physics to calculus, geography, languages, vocabulary, grammar- you name it.  Get the app.  Schooling on the go just got so much easier!

5.  my planner

I’ve finally found a planner I love… The Well-Planned Day.  The calendars and planning pages are easy to use, with book lists, report cards, and shopping lists included.   I purchased mine last summer and it arrived a few days later.  I took it to my nearest print shop and had the front and back covers laminated and then spiral bound.