Our Methods

I follow a combination of the classical method, Charlotte Mason method and a bit of unschooling (as described by John Holt). We don't use any traditional texts books. Instead we use living books as described by Charlotte Mason. We often use books from Ambleside Online's reading lists. We use Story of the World as our History spine and The Story of US to incorporate more American  History than is in SOTW. Math-U-See is the core of our math program. We supplement with real life math (such as shopping and cooking)and games. Geography is accomplished through mapping areas we are studying and those in books we are reading, discussing directions and road signs as we travel and playing games such as Great States. I am planning to begin notebooking the states. For reading we rely on real books. Each child reads at his level from a book followed by oral narration, oral narration and copywork or written narration. Phonics is studied through spelling, discussion and Phonics Pathways. Copywork and Writing Stands are used for writing. First Language Lessons is used for grammar. We use Artistic Pursuits for Art and Prima Latina for Latin. We progress at each child's own pace speeding up and slowing down as each child needs. Our focus is not on acquiring specific skills or sets of knowledge at specific times, but developing a love of learning, developing the ability of each child to learn on his own, and maintaining a speed that is challenging for each individual.

Nature Study, History, Literature, Geography and mapping, Art, Science and Latin are all completed as a family with the expectations varying for each child. Spelling, Grammar, Writing, Reading and Math are completed individually. The children have a computer, but technology is used sparingly as it relates to homeschooling. We use Google Earth and look up more information on things of particular interests, but the computer is mostly utilized for recreation. I attempt to keep lessons relatively short so that the boys have plenty of time for play and exploration. Learning acquired through living and discussions tends to stick much more solidly for us so I strive to provide time for open ended activities and discussions. If a book leads to a sudden interests we set aside our other tasks and spend the time exploring that topic.