Why Homeschool?

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." - Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Still On the Fence?

The Basics

Toolbox

Resources

Quote

"No other learning tool has more purity of approach than a blank notebook. Like the artist's canvas, it has the creative potential of becoming anything the author wishes to portray. Its natural form makes it adaptable to any task or learning situation. The content, rather than being dictated by a pre-set curriculum, is determined by the family, meeting their unique and individual needs." Marilyn Howshall, Wisdom's Way of Learning

Notebooking

Some would classify homeschoolers into two groups: consumers and producers. There are those who will measure their yearly progress by counting the number of workbooks they have consumed. Then there are those who will be trying to find another shelf to store the notebooks full of information their children have produced! Whether it is a scrapbook to save those precious homeschooling moments, or writing your own "textbook," there are many ways to incorporate this unique method of making lasting impressions into your homeschool days. Here are some ideas to get you motivated to add another great tool to your homeschool toolbox!

Bible notebooks. The easiest way to start a notebook is one page at a time! This works great using the narration method. For example, after you read a section of the Bible have your children write down and record what they have read in their own words. They may also wish to illustrate the story. Start at the beginning with the Creation. The stories and the illustrations in your children's notebooks will amaze you. The process helps them remember, develops their writing, and produces a record of what they have studied. It is also fun to look back and share their notebooks with others.

Grammar and spelling rules. When you come across a new grammar or spelling rule, have your child make a note of it in their grammar or spelling notebook. Writing things down has a way of committing them to memory. The notebook will also serve as a handy reference. When using dictation, you can have your children refer to their own notebook to see how to correct the error!

Reading lists. There are many ways to record what your children read throughout the year. The simplest way to do this is to record the title of the book and author along with the date read. Older children can write an author page and add any books read by that author on the page. Periodic narrations of favorite stories can also go in the reading notebook. Your children will feel a sense of accomplishment when they look back and realize how many books they have read over the year!

Copybook. Copywork helps develop good writing and can be a replacement for the typical handwriting books once your children are correctly forming their letters. Favorites for copying are Scripture, poems, speeches or any other passage of a book that has a special meaning to your child. These copywork entries can also be illustrated.

History notebook. Many homeschooling moms - even those "A" students - came away from public school completely history illiterate! Those meaningless dates, facts and figures just didn't stick. But history is HIStory! Find a great book as your spine, sprinkle liberally with primary source documents, historical fiction and biographies. Have your children narrate a page on each figure or special event you encounter. You can also include map work and history projects in your notebook. Who knew history could be this much fun!

Nature notebook. The concept of a nature notebook will probably be very familiar to those using a Charlotte Mason approach in their homeschools. But nature notebooks can be used with any method! Your children can journal, collect, identify, describe and document their outdoor adventures.

Project notebook. Do you have a creative child who is always making something? Have him record his creations in a notebook. Thanks to digital cameras, taking pictures of his creations is a cinch! Once the photo is pasted in place, he can use the extra space to write a comment, explanation or diagram. Older children can use the computer to produce well-crafted pages. Or perhaps your child has an ongoing project. A notebook is a great place to document his progress. Whether your child's interest is insects, exploration, sewing, dog training, fly fishing, watercolor, electronics, or basket weaving - it can go in a notebook!

Research notebook. Older children tend to be able to spend large quantities of time researching one particular topic. This may flow over into several notebooks. Provide them with numerous binders, dividers, paper and a library card. They may one day be able to use this material to write a book.

Homeschool scrapbook. So many precious moments. So little time! Capture each one and create a keepsake to commemorate your homeschool years. Think of the fun you'll have looking back on this season!