Friday Highlights

It may be summer, but my mind is always looking ahead when it comes to schooling. Out of my five kids, there are two left that are learning at home. This planning brings with it a purging of sorts, going through the old and bringing in the new. I confess, a great deal of curriculum and books are ever-present around this home. My dear husband has been most gracious over the years with the overflowing bookshelves, bins of stored curriculum (that I am convinced I will use down the road for one of the younger kids) and bedside tables full of the next read. I enjoy the process of discovery while searching what suits the learning style of each individual child in my home. I also love to share what I have used that works well, and then, pass along any gently used books/curriculum for other families. It’s easier for me to do that now as I have no need for many of the bins that are stored. So what do I do (and others) with all this curriculum?

I co-lead a a homeschool co-op with the most amazing friend. I have known her since our early teaching days as Kindergarten teachers. We taught across the hall from one another, and to this day continue to share our heart for teaching our own kids and others. This co-op has become a wonderful place to share curriculum with other families. Last year, we suggested that the moms share curriculum they don’t need anymore with others, they all jumped right in!

The day arrived and books, games, workbooks, science tools and so on were spread out all over the basement floor of the church that we are blessed to utlilize for the group. There is no charge for anything, only a choice to donate. The generated funds then go toward covering the cost of a family that otherwise may not be able to join the co-op. We are a ‘homeschool family’ and I will say that sharing is what they do best!! It is beautiful to watch so many walk away with much needed resources. Their selfless giving does not go unnoticed.

Since school ended, my mind has been thinking about upcoming choices for September. On Fridays, I plan to highlight things I love. From curriculum, books, recipes, introducing you to others through interviews (maybe a podcast in the future!?) and other interesting finds. I love learning from others! I hope that what I share will be beneficial to you.

I am going to begin with some thoughts on Bible curriculum. I am selecting this because, typically, we begin our day with Bible/devotional time and praying together (sometimes journaling alone or together). I would like to focus on the order of how our days flow and highlight curriculum options over the summer.

A few months ago, we were graciously gifted a copy from the author of his most recent work called Epic – An around-the-world journey through Christian History written by Tim Challies (www.challies.com). It was a fascinating journey through Christian history that took us to places likely we will never go, and introduced us to unique men and women of the faith. Due to Tim’s vision, gifted writing and sense of adventure, our family was able to soak in the beauty of places all over the world and meet those that were significant to Christianity.

Be sure you purchase the set, or you will miss out visually on all the landmarks visited and the narration provided from Tim as he expertly guides the viewer. Check out this site for his book.
https://epicchristianhistory.com/

While watching the video series with our family, it struck me that this would be a wonderful Biblical history choice for us this fall. Although we have watched it, we would slow it down and read through the book and select certain places and people to research. What would make our Bible time even richer would be adding another book by Tim Challies (with the graphics by Josh Byers) called Visual Theology .  www.challies.com/visual-theology/.

This book walks you through the Bible with detailed and colourful graphics that lead to a deeper knowledge of the Bible. It is visually stunning and so well written. I am a visual learner, and so are my kids so this book is perfect! Together, these two books will take the lead in our mornings. I am confident my kids will walk away with unique Biblical, historical and geographical knowledge that they will remember for years to come. Not only will they gain this knowledge, I will too. This is one aspect to teaching them at home that I have thoroughly enjoyed, I become a student with my kids over and over again.

As I continue to make decisions for our curriculum and share here, feel free to comment below on your favourite choices. There is so much out there, and when you have personally used it, sharing insight helps others navigate tough decisions. Whether you are homeschooling or not (although the world did have to jump right into learning at home!) we all have insights to share. Perhaps a good book, educational websites, TV series, movie or the like will assist others. We don’t know what this September holds. School will likely continue to look very different from last year. What helped you make it through the past four months? Thanks for sharing your ideas! Happy Friday!