I am so very thankful that there wasn't a preschool here in California that fit our needs within our budget (some people seriously pay 12k for PRESCHOOL! It's preschool people.) A lack of preschool led us down an amazing road of homeschooling. Isn't it amazing how God works things out like that? So...I researched a bit and being the perfectionist I am, I decided to purchase a complete preschool homeschool curriculum, Horizons. And by perfectionist, I mean I would research and research and research things to teach and never actually get to the teaching part. ;) I can get a bit bogged down by the details and just get downright overwhelmed by choices. Just ask my husband when we go out to eat and there is more than 3 choices on the menu. ;) Thank goodness for In-and-Out. It was made for people like me...minus the secret menu. That is almost more overwhelming because I can't remember how to order right. But that's beside the point. I needed structure people. It might be a miracle that I settled on a curriculum. Don't think I didn't agonize over it and ask at least 10 people's opinion though.
The Horizon curriculum we purchased is a complete set that starts off with a Bible principle and verses, including scripture memorization. As much possible of the rest of the teaching for the day is based on that principle including science, social studies, language arts, math, arts and crafts, songs, poems, etc. There are also a million teaching tools for writing and just basic toddler teaching that I never would have known. I love to learn...like LOVE in size 500 font, so whether it is how to teach toddlers, photography, or French, I'm in heaven just learning anything new. Who knew that putting stickers on a straight line or swirl would help their writing? Or that being able to differentiate slightly different puzzle pieces/pictures prepares them to tell the difference between b and d or p and q? I find the simplest things fascinating, especially when I get to implement it and watch their face light up when they "get it," and I get to see the learning taking place.
Being able to invest myself in them and watch them learn and grow has been the most amazing thing I could ever ask for. I am so very thankful to my husband for allowing me this opportunity and working so hard to provide for us in order for me to stay home and pour myself into them. Not to say it isn't the most frustrating thing I've ever done, as it most definitely is. Some days I'm quite certain they are teaching me more than I'm teaching them, especially in terms of patience. If you have ever been around me for longer than 5 minutes, you know I am incredibly, incredibly impatient. I always said I could never, ever be a teacher (which will be even more ironic when I get around to posting about spiritual gifts.) I loathed when I was made to teach classmates all through school just because I finished my work early. I got so frustrated when they didn't get it right away. Funny how things change, especially when it comes to your kids. Not that I magically have more patience with my children, but because I am so invested in them, I have learned to have more patience and swallow my frustrations. It is truly amazing to see God working in me through them and our experiences. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing them understand something after hours, days, weeks of teaching. I'm not sure I could ever be more proud of them, but in those moments my heart literally explodes with love and pride in them. I'm not sure who is more proud showing Daddy our creations of the day when he gets home from work, even when it is just a page of perfectly written K's or beautiful rainbow paintings. ;)
I'm not sure if we will continue homeschooling throughout their entire school careers, but I am forever grateful the time we do have to learn together. Each day I am more and more convinced we will homeschool for a while longer for a million different reasons though it does make me sad thinking that they will miss that first school bus ride or school assemblies or field days or lunch with all their friends, so we will cross those bridges when we get to them and just be grateful for each day at a time. I know I will forever cherish the giggles, the HUGE smiles of accomplishment, the hugs, high fives and even the tears of frustration, for this time I have with my little loves is far too short and they will be grown and navigating the world on their own before I know it. The first (almost) four years has already flown by.
I will leave you with far too many pictures of one of our days of painting while little sister napped (If you've gathered anything from my other posts, you know Miss Campbell is far too messy for painting inside.) I just love every picture, so I couldn't leave one out. I know I will cherish these pictures and be so glad I took so many one day. :)
If you made it this far and you have any tips on homeschooling now or for our future, I'm all ears! Email me, call me or leave a note here! I'd love any advice!!
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