Welcome!

I'm a wife to my "Mr. Right". A momma of five. A maker of slow food and simple living. A collector of memories, a keeper of books, and a champion for books that make memories. An addict who likes my half-and-half with a splash of coffee. A fractured pot transformed by the One Who makes broken things beautiful. I heart homeschooling, brake for libraries, and am glad you're here with me on the journey! Be sure to subscribe to my monthly newsletter. Or, follow along with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google +, Youtube, or Pinterest.

Homeschool Co-op Class Plans 2014-2015


Homeschool Co-op Class Plans 2014-2015 {The Unlikely Homeschool}

Lots of changes happenin' in our co-op this year.  

Lots of changes.

But, as with all changes, these alterations bring an element of excitement and anticipation.

Changes 

Changes in membership

Due to some scheduling conflicts, the Architect's family has opted to step out of co-op...at least for the year.  It was with much sadness that we said goodbye but with hope that we'd still have opportunities to play and learn with them in church and on special field trips.

Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum 2014-2015

Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum 2014-2015 {The Unlikely Homeschool}


He's in kindergarten.  

Kindergarten.

Truthfully, I really don't think he knows what "kindergarten" actually means.  We don't focus on grade levels 'round here.  We're more of the "learning-for-life" kinda folks.  But, he's heard the word and he knows it somehow EQUALS his school year.

2nd Grade Homeschool Curriculum 2014-2015

2nd Grade Homeschool Curriculum 2014-2015 {The Unlikely Homeschool}

Like his older sister, my Blonde Warrior started school a bit early. He was ready. He was eager. He was itchin' to learn.  

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Homeschooling affords me the luxury of saying "yes" to the natural bents and gifts of my kids. I can follow the rhythm of their passions and create a tailor-made educational plan that works for them.

A Beka Arithmetic VS. Teaching Textbooks Math: Why I Switch Midstream

Since listing my 2013-2014 curriculum choices, I have received dozens of emails from mommas all asking the same question...

Why did you switch from A Beka math to Teaching Textbooks?  

Followed by the next logical questions...

How do you like Teaching Textbooks? And why are your younger kids still using A Beka?


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A Beka VS. Teaching Textbooks: Why I Switch Midstream {The Unlikely Homeschool}

Naturally, I wanted to give Teaching Textbooks a full year before giving my "official" review.
So...

Today's the day. Here's the skinny...

I switched because I'm a busy momma trying to juggle four grade levels and a toddler and quite frankly, something had to give!

I needed an easier workload.

There, I've said it.

In an attempt to lighten my load and maintain a certain level of school day sanity, I knew I needed to delegate one or two subjects to someone or something else. Although I was an "A" student in most of my math classes, it was never my favorite subject. Since, for the first four years of her education, it tended to be the subject that my daughter disliked the most also, it was the clear choice for CHANGE.

Third Grade Homeschool Curriculum 2014-2015

Third Grade Curriculum for Homeschool 2014-2015 {The Unlikely Homeschool}


Like all second-born children, my Super Boy has the "privilege" of being parented...and homeschooled...with a big helping of hindsight. Because I am now traveling the same path with him that I had previously carved with my first born, I find that the way is a little smoother and easier to navigate (in theory, anyway).

That's not to say that I can just press "repeat" on the educational curriculum "playlist." His learning style and personality is completely opposite of hers. It just means that by the time he reaches the same ages and stages that she reached not long ago, I'm a little more versed in the basics and feel completely confident adding and detracting when necessary.

What We're Reading in August 2014

What We're Reading in August 2014 {The Unlikely Homeschool}

CONFESSION TIME:  The beach, the park, the county fair, and lots and lots of sun this past month have left quite a thick layer of dust on our stack of books.  We've tried to nab moments of literary adventure here and there as we've been able, BUT, with summer passing at supersonic speed I'm OK with letting the dust settle a bit longer in order that we can savor a few more moments running, swimming, and scratching mosquito bites in the sun. 

6th Grade Homeschool Curriculum 2014-205

6th Grade Homeschool Curriculum 2014-2015 {The Unlikely Homeschool}

Middle school.  
We've hit middle school.  
Deep breath.  I just need to take a deep breath.  
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Can it be possible that the little pink bundle the nurse handed me late one winter night not so very long ago is starting middle school?  Whether I like it or not, here we go! {gulp!}

Our Homeschool Places and Spaces 2014

Our Homeschool Places and Spaces 2014-2015 {The Unlikely Homeschool}

I'd had hopes that my 2014-2015 homeschool "tour" would be in a NEW space and a NEW place. But alas, our house still hasn't sold yet. So, we'll press on and be content with cottage-schooling for another year.

As I've mentioned many times before, we live in a teensy-weensy little home (One bathroom...seven people...'nough said!). But, we are so grateful to have a lovely, memory-filled place to call our own and have learned to use every square inch of it.