The Heart and Mind of a Child -- A Day in the Life of a First Grade Homeschooler

Homeschooling is such a privilege -- and one that I try not to take for granted each day. Although many might not agree with me (and that's okay because variety is the spice of life!), I believe that our children's minds and hearts are the most pliable during their youngest years. Over half of our lifetime learning is done in the first 5 years of life, so I try to make the most of these years by exposing my children to a myriad of topics and experiences within the emotional and physical safety and protection of our loving family.
These pictures depict a typical homeschooling day for me and my 1st grade daughter (I'll be featuring my sons on later posts). Of course, there is a lot missing within these few pictures like the hour and a half she spends each afternoon in her room creating, playing, and generally making messes while listening to audiobooks (her latest obsession is the "Your Story Hour" CD's focusing on famous women nurses such as Clara Barton and Florence Nightengale). Nor do these pictures show our nearly daily mile and a half walk and/or bike ride. I never did manage to snap a picture of her having playtime with the dog in the snow (making "pet ice cream") or playing roller blade tag with her brother in the garage or grabbing her stool to help with meal preparation for dinner or .... well, you get the picture. One can only carry around the camera so much in a day!
I hope you enjoy seeing firsthand how God is helping me shape the heart and mind of my precious little girl.

Isabelle is in charge of daily feeding and watering her cats and her bunny rabbit "Benny". My kids all abide by the same rule: they don't eat until the animals have been cared for; so it is still dark out when they head out to the barn, dressed and ready for the day.

I read at nearly every mealtime. Breakfast is a delightful time to study Proverbs or books focusing on theology. Currently we are going through the "Hymns for a Kid's Heart" series of books where we study a Bible passage, learn about the author of a famous hymn, and listen/sing along with it. I also try to serve a healthy breakfast (when Daddy doesn't bring home "Frosted Flakes" from the store!). This morning we are eating pumpkin waffles with maple syrup. Yum!

This is a precious picture to me as it shows one of my favorite parts of my day. After our first violin practice of the day (when Isabelle practices on her own and with Josiah), she and I head up to the homeschool room and spend an hour and a half doing a variety of topics, including: arithmetic, reading, language arts, latin, geography, penmanship, encyclopedic knowledge study, art history, history, drawing, home economics, and music theory. I believe children work best at this age with the constant guidance and encouragement of a mommy/teacher nearby to help with both the big and small details of learning. This is my time devoted just to her so we both take it seriously and generally enjoy working (and giggling) together. Somewhere in this hour and a half, a piece of chocolate appears for both she and I to enjoy (as a necessary part of a woman's diet) :) Thanks Grandpere for supplying us!

Afterwards we are joined by Isaac as we all work side by side for a short time. Here Isabelle is taking advantage of my taking this picture and reading ahead in her second grade reader (that little stinker!).

Joe built us this chalkboard which gets nearly daily use! My only complaint is that I can't find a decent eraser!! Isabelle is just beginning learning her multiplication tables and enjoys practicing using puzzles, games, and the chalkboard. The boys are learning to write in italics (along with manuscript, cursive, and typing) - thus the alphabet. They also study one word a day. Today's word was 'copious' -- Josiah used his word in a sentence after looking up and writing out the definition in his journal. His sentence stated, "Isabelle has copious wiggles." I couldn't agree more!

While I work one-on-one with Isaac, Isabelle does some of her drill work or drawing practice on her own at our "art table" (which is conveniently shortened to be just her size). I also have her work on puzzles (both fun and geography based) to help her with her attention span and ability to finish a task with patience and diligence.

Typically, Isabelle will have a short amount of free time in the morning until she, Isaac, and I work on our Bible Quizzing lesson. Isabelle can now read out of the Bible on her own with only a little help. This week we were studying Exodus an average of 45 minutes a day because we have a Quiz Meet on Saturday to prepare for.

The children make their own lunches except for a few exceptions. I have a list of what food groups need to be represented and they go to the pantry and/or fridge and fill their plates. Lunchtime is when we do our "read aloud" of a classic piece of fictional literature. Today we are on our third chapter of "Pollyanna". There hasn't been a day yet when the kids haven't yelled out, "One more chapter, ppppllllleeeeeaaaasssseee!" :) After lunch we typically take our walk, but today the kids play in the garage because the windchill is too much for Mommy to bear.

Isabelle and I practice violin after our active time. This is our second practice of the day. I've found that we all enjoy our instruments much more (and learn faster) if we break up our large practice into two smaller ones. I learned to play the violin (somewhat) with Josiah when he began 8 years ago. Isabelle and I have fun playing together and often I have the privilege of accompanying her on the piano as she plays. She especially likes it when she has to remind me of what notes to play! We are just beginning the Suzuki Book 2 repertoire. She is very gifted musically and learns quickly. Soon it will be difficult to keep up with her!

After our second violin practice, we retire to Isabelle's sunny room where she quilts (with my assistance) while I read through the "Little House on the Prairie" series. We are reading in "The Long Winter" today and she and I are both intrigued wondering what it would feel like to wake up with your blankets coated in ice! I ask her questions and sometimes discuss in greater detail what we've learned about using the "Prairie Primer" curriculum. Occasionally we will do a project with a girlfriend such as making homemade butter or baking homemade bread; but mostly we just love reading through the books. Believe it or not, much of what I've learned about surviving/baking/storing/gardening/and cooking in the country has been learned reading the "Little House" books!
After our reading time, Isabelle spends her time in her room playing and creating while listening to audio books. Her late afternoons are spent playing outside (if at all possible) and helping with meal preparation. Once Daddy comes home, I no longer exist :) until of course, bedtime when only Mommy will suffice for a story and a snuggle.
I hope you enjoyed sharing our day with us!