Frequently asked questions

Here are some questions I have been asked. And some that I just made up. I can do that. It’s my blog.

Q-Do you do school in your pajamas all the time?
A-We almost always get up and get completely ready before we start our day. We are usually going somewhere at some point in the day, so it’s just easier that way. We do occasionally have PJ days though, especially in the winter, and we love them.

Q-Do you have to be smart to be able to provide your kids with an education?
A- You just have to be smart enough to be able to distract them while you secretly Google their question. Oh, I’m kidding. I think not knowing the answer is a great learning experience for them. When I don’t know something they want to know, we research it together and find the answer. It teaches them that they can find the answer to pretty much whatever they want to know.

Q-How do you teach the stuff that you don’t understand or that requires labs or other equipment?
A- We are involved in a co-op where a various classes and labs are offered. We are also involved in programs that offer a variety of sports and activities. We have found that there are extra classes for pretty much everything you can think of. Later on, in high school, we will take concurrent classes in college that will count for high school and college credits.

Q-Are you going to keep teaching them all the way through high school?
A- That’s the plan. Unless God directs us otherwise.

Q-Do you teach in a school room?
A- We keep most of our supplies in our mudroom, but we do not have a school room. We do our learning all over the place. I’d say we are in our family room or dining room most of the time, but we also love to be out on the deck, at the park, the library, or in the playroom or bedrooms. Tyler wrote part of his novel last year in the laundry chute. Veeee-ry few distractions in the laundry chute. Other than laundry. Which apparently isn’t distracting to Tyler.

Q- What curriculum do you use?
A- We do not use one specific curriculum. We use whatever fits our needs in each subject. That changes as we do. We base most everything off of really good books. I use parts of curriculum for enhancement. Our math curriculum is Math-U-See. We also love Five in a Row, Mystery of History, and Apologia science.

Q-Isn’t providing an education at home really expensive?
A- Homeschooling can be done with as little or as much money as you want. You can provide an above the boards education with just a library card and the Internet. You can also go berserk and buy tons of materials and books and subscriptions and memberships and pretty boxes of flashcards and manipulatives (oh…uh…at least that’s what I’ve heard). I am learning to resist the temptation to buy unnecessary things that I may not use. But sometimes the packaging is just so pretty! I am learning.

Q-Are your kids around other kids?
A- Frequently. We are involved in different groups. The myth that home schooled kids don’t spend time with other kids is such a…that's right...it's a myth. You can be involved in as many or as few groups as fits your family’s or individual child’s needs.

Q-I understand that the government compensates you generously with a large salary and amazing perks in exchange for your teaching of these children, is this true?
A-Of course

Ok. That one I made up.