Night Classes and Other Benefits of Homeschool

Though I share about homeschool habits almost every week here at Hodgepodge, ours seem to be changing daily! We have those habits we are grounded in but these days we are rearranging to meet the needs of our age range of children. Adapting to changing learning needs. Like night classes and other benefits of homeschool.

Pictured above – Michael Farris teaching – with Apologia’s Constitutional Literacy. We are learning so much with our night classes! Be sure to read my full review!

Like night classes!! So since we have been in a whirlwind of these changes lately and it’s been several weeks since I’ve shared an update…here we go. How about we start at the start of the homeschool day and end with night classes? Because that is how it goes here at our house. Topped off with a mug of hot chocolate. Complete with instagram photos and collages…

Weekly Planning Meeting

You might get tired of me sharing about this but having a weekly planning meeting with all our ages just sets the tone for the week. Both in expectations and in redirecting mid-week. There is always a full week of learning ahead and when we talk about it – each child gets to have input on goals. Plus the family calendar plays a major role. And since the older three each present their plan for accomplishing their subjects and assignments to us parents – they own their responsibilities and continue to grow in independent learning. This planning time is a gift in building a skill they will use the rest of their lives.

Morning Devotion Time

Our morning devotion time looks a little different each day. The older three have their own, personal quiet time. But the younger two are always close by me first thing in the morning – often before the sun rises. We alternate reading from Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado and Jesus Calling for Kids. But in this case, in the photo above, Littlest Girl was close by Hodgepodgedad, who happened to be home for Veteran’s Day. Thanks to his state job. Now if you follow me on instagram you know that I often share a favorite hymn in the mornings. That’s because the hymnal is part of my morning devotional time. Well, on this chilly morning earlier in the week, Littlest Girl got a hold of the hymnal. And the caption goes like this: “I am loving this scene – toasty fire and singing through the hymnal. Started with He Keeps Me Singing and now Christmas has come early.”

After devotionals, we finish up our before school check list and then we start with the little ones first. Math!

Math at the Chalkboard Desk

Silly Goose doing third grade Teaching Textbooks math at the well-loved and heavily used chalkboard desk.

Breaks for Nature

This homeschool moment brought to you by first grader. Because when it hasn’t rained in quite a while, you must pause math, open the front door and soak up the sights, sounds and smells. Plus rain highlights the colors of the changing leaves.

Artistic Outlet

There are just some that NEED that creative break. And event though there is mess (yes, I still have to have a pep talk with myself), I must say yes. Here Middle Girl made mini canvases with Bible verses (using the Child Training Bible) for the Lottie Moon auction at church.

Fine Arts

Someone can’t get enough of Dover Publications Spot the Differences Art Masterpiece Mysteries series! Read more in my review at The Curriculum Choice.

Cozy Cooking

Lately we’ve been making some comfort foods to match the cooler weather. Chili, both gluten free and Trim Healthy Mama pancakes. A new slow cooker for many a savory meal in our future. And cozy fires in the fireplace.

Bedtime Stories and Reading

Whether it is building with tracks…or staying up just a touch later reading, children need to have time to do the work of childhood.

Night Classes with Older Ones

Do you do night school with your older ones too? Apologia’s Constitutional Literacy is just best for us in the evenings. The younger ones are in bed and we can focus on the tougher subject material. Plus have the time to do follow up discussion. Other subjects we’ve done in the evenings? Tapestry of Grace reading and movies, Visual Latin and WordUp! Even a math lesson this week…

I love how close my eldest two are. If you could only hear the banter and the laughter. Early evening and these two high schoolers are doing math. 10th grader is teaching 11th grader through some tougher spots. Homeschooling in action.

More Hodgepodge

Since it has been weeks since I shared a homeschool update, here are a few more goings on:

• American Landmarks: Chalk Pastel Art for All Ages – this was SO much fun to put together that I think we might need a second volume.

• Hodgepodge of Holiday Habits  – I thought I’d pull out the hodgepodge of holiday habits. In hopes that one might inspire you. And also to remind myself as well. Feel free to pin this and come back to it later if this is simply too early for you!

• Paint Your Pet Challenge – it’s time to pull out the chalk pastels and do some pet portraits! We are painting Oswald the Bearded Dragon!

• Harold and the Purple Chalk Pastel – go on an adventure with Harold and have fun with your purple chalk.

So do you do night homeschool too?

-originally published 2014