Absolute Family Style Homeschool Curriculum for Large Families

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Hey there, fellow homeschoolers! Ever wonder how to juggle teaching multiple kids of different ages without losing your mind? I've been there, done that, and have the t-shirt (stained with who-knows-what). For 14 years, I've navigated the wild world of homeschooling with my nine children, seven of whom are currently in school, plus two adorable preschoolers who keep me on my toes. Our secret weapon? A consistent family style homeschool curriculum. It's not always perfect, but it's what works for us. This article will walk you through our journey, sharing how sticking with the same curriculum has benefited our large family, how we outsource certain subjects to keep things manageable, and the specific resources we use for each subject, from language arts to science. We'll also explore how we make learning engaging for everyone, from preschoolers to high schoolers. If you're looking for a practical, real-life look at how a family style homeschool curriculum can work, you're in the right place. Let's dive in!

Benefits of Sticking with a Family Style Homeschool Curriculum

Okay, so why stick with the same curriculum year after year? Well, for starters, it's like having a well-worn map for your homeschool journey. Imagine trying to navigate a new city every single year – exhausting, right? That’s how it can feel when you're constantly switching curricula. But with a consistent, family style homeschool curriculum, the younger kids get a sneak peek at what's coming. They hear their older siblings discussing history or reciting poetry, and it’s like osmosis; they absorb it all. It’s amazing how much they pick up simply by being around the older kids' studies. This means when it’s their turn, they already have a foundation, making the learning process smoother and quicker. Plus, let’s be real, it saves this mama a ton of time and energy. No more endless hours researching and comparing different options each year.

Outsourcing for a Family Style Homeschool Curriculum

When to Call in the Reinforcements

Okay, let's talk about outsourcing, because even super-moms like me need backup sometimes. Homeschooling all the things, for all the kids, all the time? It’s a recipe for burnout. So, we've learned to strategically bring in help. Think of it like assembling a superhero team; you've got your strengths, but sometimes you need a specialist. I’m not about to try and teach a kid how to play the cello when I can barely play "Chopsticks" on the piano, you know?

Where We Find Our Experts

For us, outsourcing usually means tapping into local co-ops and online programs. Our co-op has been a lifesaver for subjects like art, PE, and music. It gives the kids a chance to socialize and learn from instructors who are passionate about their craft. Then, for those trickier high school-level courses, we turn to online programs. It’s a win-win; the older kids get access to more advanced material, and I get to focus on the younger ones. Plus, it’s nice to have someone else grade papers for a change.

Finding the Right Fit

The key to successful outsourcing is finding resources that mesh with your family's learning style and goals. It's not about handing off responsibility; it's about enhancing the educational experience. We carefully vet each program and instructor, making sure they align with our values and expectations. It’s about making sure the kids are getting the best of both worlds; a solid foundation at home, plus expert guidance when needed. It's all about balance and knowing when to say, "I need a little help here."

Our Family Style Homeschool Curriculum Choices

The Heart of Our Homeschool: Ambleside Online

Okay, so let's get into the nitty-gritty of what we actually use. Our core curriculum is built around Ambleside Online, a free resource that follows the Charlotte Mason method. If you're not familiar, Charlotte Mason believed in using "living books"—books that are engaging and well-written, not just dry textbooks. Think of it like this: instead of reading a boring history textbook, we're reading firsthand accounts from people who lived it. It makes history come alive, and it's something the whole family can enjoy together. We love this approach because it's not just about memorizing facts; it's about cultivating a love of learning.

Ambleside Online provides a full curriculum with book lists for all grades, which is super helpful. It covers everything from history and literature to science and art. But, because we're a large family with various learning styles, we do tweak things a bit here and there. It's like having a great recipe, but adding your own special spices to make it perfect for your family. For example, we’ve incorporated a few workbooks and resources to help with specific skills, like writing and grammar.

Specific Subjects: Our Go-To Resources

Now, let's break down the specifics for each subject. For Language Arts, we use a combo of the literature suggested by Ambleside Online, supplemented with Abeka Language Workbooks. These workbooks are great for grammar and writing practice. For math, we started with Right Start Math in the early years, which is very hands-on and visual, and then transitioned to Singapore Math as they got older. Singapore Math is known for its focus on problem-solving and critical thinking.

History is taught using Veritas self-paced history courses, which takes us chronologically from Creation to Modern Times. It’s a fantastic way to get a cohesive view of history. For Geography, we use Seterra, a free online resource that makes learning countries and capitals fun. We also do map studies to help the kids visualize the places they are learning about. And for Science, we use the book suggestions from Ambleside Online along with Apologia Science, which provides a Christian perspective on science.

• Language Arts: Ambleside Online literature, Abeka Language Workbooks
• Math: Right Start Math (early years), Singapore Math (older kids)
• History: Veritas self-paced courses
• Geography: Seterra (online), map studies
• Science: Ambleside Online book suggestions, Apologia Science

Family Style Learning Across All Ages

Morning Time: Setting the Tone

So, how do we make this all work with such a wide age range? Well, it starts with something we call "Morning Time." It's like our family's daily huddle, where we all come together to focus on things that inspire us. We start with Bible study and Scripture memory, which not only grounds us spiritually but also helps with memorization skills. Then, we might read a chapter from a classic book, listen to a piece of beautiful music, or study a famous work of art. It's a time for shared experiences and for fostering a sense of family unity. It's amazing how even the youngest kids will sit and listen, soaking it all in.

It’s not just about academics; it's about nurturing their hearts and minds. Morning Time is designed to be engaging and accessible for everyone. We keep it short and sweet, usually about 30 to 45 minutes, and it's a great way to start the day on a positive note. It's like a daily dose of inspiration and a chance to connect as a family before we dive into our individual studies. The key is to choose resources that are engaging for all ages, and to keep it varied, so that everyone stays interested.

Preschool to High School: Tailoring the Approach

Now, let's talk about how we handle the different age groups, because obviously, a preschooler and a high schooler have very different needs. For our preschoolers and kindergartners, we keep it simple and play-based. It’s all about laying a foundation for reading, writing, and math through fun activities and games. We focus on letter recognition, basic counting, and lots of hands-on learning. Think blocks, puzzles, and picture books. There’s no pressure to perform, just exploration and discovery. It’s all about cultivating a love for learning from the get-go.

As for the older kids, they participate in our main curriculum, and in a second co-op for high school level subjects and elective courses. It gives them a chance to dive deeper into specific areas of interest and to interact with other students. It’s important to us that they have opportunities for both independent learning and collaborative projects. And, as they get older, we involve them in the planning process, so they have a say in their education. It's all about finding that sweet spot where everyone is challenged, engaged, and, most importantly, enjoying the journey.

• Preschool/Kindergarten: Play-based, focus on fundamentals
• Elementary/Middle School: Ambleside Online curriculum, core subjects
• High School: Co-op for advanced coursework and electives