Why and How We Homeschool

Why We Homeschool

Whether or not to homeschool can be a difficult decision to make, and those of us who have chosen this path have come to it for many different reasons. We had originally considered homeschooling when our older daughter was a baby and then a toddler, but when we learned that she had special needs, we originally followed the advice of the experts and enrolled her in a private school for special needs children. After five very difficult months, the experience had so negatively impacted our entire family that it became apparent that it was no longer an option for us. We took our daughter out of school amidst terrible circumstances, and as we took some time to heal we began to reconsider the idea of homeschooling which had been set aside. When our in-home therapist turned out to be (amazingly enough!) supportive of the idea, we had all the encouragement we needed. We officially began to homeschool three weeks later.

We are now beginning our eleventh year of homeschooling, and what started out as a "try and see" experiment has become a very fulfilling way of life for us. In fact, we now perceive it to be God's will for our family, and a true blessing. We find it is helping to draw us together as a family, and is bringing a depth and dimension to our lives that we would not otherwise know. Providing our daughters with a nourishing learning environment and an anchor to the truth of God's Word are the most important goals of our teaching, and we are continually trusting in the Holy Spirit to direct our paths.

How We Homeschool

Our Schedule

People sometimes ask us how we schedule our days, so here it is. The times scheduled in blue belong to our 15-year-old daughter; the times scheduled in red belong to our 12-year-old daughter, and the times scheduled in black are shared.

Western Literature

Study several works of Western literature produced during the period from the Fall of Rome through the Reformation in Europe.

Improve close-reading skills.

Participate in discussions regarding the texts.

Write critical essays and response papers.

Western Civilization II

Survey the political, intellectual, and cultural development of Western Civilization from the Fall of Rome through the Reformation.

Increase understanding of the historical context required for the study of literature, art, architecture, and music.

Write summaries and essays in response to readings.

Algebra II

Study advanced algebra and geometry using daily lessons and review problems.

Use regular cumulative tests to assess understanding.

Chemistry with Lab

Study the foundations of chemistry, including significant figures, units, classification, the mole concept, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, acids and bases, redox reactions, solutions, atomic structure, Lewis structures, molecular geometry, the gas laws, and equilibrium.

Maintain a lab notebook.

Material Logic

Study the elements of Aristotle's material logic.

Analyze logical arguments by various authors.

Latin II

Continue an intensive linguistic study of Latin.

Read Caesar's Roman Imperialism in Gaul in the original Latin.

Composition 10

Study progymnasmata writing exercises and techniques.

Practice and improve writing skills while preparing critical and analytical essays, summaries, and reports.

Review grammar, syntax, and usage as required.

Survey of Western Art I

Study the art and architecture of the Western tradition, from the civilization of the Greeks through the Reformation in Europe.

Discuss the relationship between art and culture as portrayed in these works of art.

Music Appreciation I

Study musical terminology, and simple and complex musical forms. Study the major historical periods in music from the Middle Ages through the Reformation.

Sculpture Studio

Introduce the fundamentals of additive and subtractive sculpture.

Create several pieces of sculpture that are visually interesting from all sides, balanced, stable, and well-consructed.

Study professional sculptors.

Physical Education 10

Explore a variety of sports and recreational games for the purpose of developing skills, endurance, flexibility, and strength.

Tenth Grade Book List

World Views of th Western World, Book II
Composition in the Classical Tradition
Saxon Algebra II
Spielvogel's Western Civilization
Apologia: Exploring Creation with Chemistry
Material Logic I
Henle Latin II
Hey Andrew, Teach Me Some Greek, Level 7
Gombrich's Story of Art
The Enjoyment of Music
Bastien Piano Series
Sculpture: Principles and Practice

Seventh Grade Objectives

English

1. Increase knowledge of grammar, syntax, usage, sentence structure, and mechanics.
2. Systematically review the rules of spelling and word structure.
3. Increase vocabulary and knowledge of literary elements.
4. Read a variety of literature in whole and excerpted form.
5. Increase study and research skills.
6. Increase composition skills through formal and systematic study.
7. Write across the curriculum in different modes and styles and for a variety of purposes.

General Math

1. Continue the study of fractions, decimals, percents, and ratios.
2. Continue the study of perimeter, circumference, area, and volume.
3. Continue the study of exponents, scientific notation, and signed numbers.
4. Use word problems to improve problem-solving techniques.
5. Use regular drills and real-life practice to improve mental math skills.
6. Monitor progress through regular facts drills and testing.
7. Increase knowledge of concepts, procedures, and vocabulary needed for the future study of algebra and geometry.

Modern American History, with Geography and Civics

1. Study American history and culture from 1815 to the present.
2. Incorporate the study of African-American history and culture into the main history study.
3. Incorporate the study of American geography into the main history study.
4. Incorporate the study of Constitutional rights and citizenship into the main history study.
5. Create written and artistic compositions in response to the material studied.
6. Study world geography.

General Science

1. Study a brief history of science.
2. Learn about scientific enquiry and how to analyze and interpret experiments.
3. Study science, applied science, and technology.
4. Study the fields of archaeology, geology, paleontology, and the fossil record.
5. Study uniformitarianism and catastrophism.
6. Study life science, energy, and the human body.
7. Perform labs in conjunction with readings and keep a lab notebook.

Latin

1. Review the Latin vocabulary and grammar previously learned.
2. Introduce new conjugations, pronouns, adjectives, and passive voice in Latin.
3. Practice Latin to English and English to Latin translation.

Critical Thinking I

1. Introduce topics and concepts in critical thinking.
2. Introduce common errors in reasoning.
3. Discuss propaganda techniques, advertising and schemes.
4. Discuss arguments and value judgments.
5. Introduce logical argument and debate.

Introduction to Computers

1. Study a brief history of computer technology and how it affects our society.
2. Learn about the components and functioning of computer hardware.
3. Learn about and use the Windows operating system.
4. Learn about and use Windows applications.
5. Learn about and use the Internet for research, email, and instant messenger.
6. Improve keyboarding skills through regular instruction and practice.

Health and Safety

1. Study safety and first aid.
2. Study growth and fitness.
3. Study diseases and defenses.
4. Study the body and drugs.
5. Learn exercises for fitness.

Art: Mixed Media

1. Explore various media for the creation of original artwork, including silkscreen, block printing, collage, batik, jewelry-making, and fiber arts.

Music: Piano Performance

1. Increase knowledge of music theory and piano technic.
2. Practice regularly and improve skills.

Physical Education

1. Explore a variety of lifetime sports and exercise regimens.
2. Develop and engage in a regular program of physical exercise.
2. Understand the importance of exercise to good health.

Seventh Grade Book List

Warriner's English Grammar and Composition, Grade 10
A Beka Themes in Literature
Saxon Math 87
Veritas History: 1815 to the Present
Exploring Creation with General Science
Henle Latin I
Hey Andrew, Teach Me Some Greek, Level 6
Critical Thinking Book I
Intel: The Computer Inside
Professor Teaches Windows
A Beka Choosing Good Health
Spectrum World Geography
We the People
Bastien Piano Series