Our homeschool group recently transitioned from our (SD) walks on the Red Cedar Trail over the summer to taking more educational focus for the upcoming school year. Over the past month, we have made some changes to what our group does on Thursday afternoons.  Traditionally, we have done what we called “recess” which was a time for the kids and parents to get together. This was especially beneficial for us as we were able to play and talk about how the week’s been going at local parks. This gave the kids a chance for exercise and socialization. It also provided a time for the parents to spend some quality time talking together while watching the kids.

Moving forward on Thursdays, our time will look more academic by having a few different things happen. We plan to have guest speakers come in to teach us a lesson or skill a couple times a month.  In addition to this, time will be provided for kids to come together to work on projects or complete science experiments together. They also will be able to study for upcoming tests and share the projects they have already done to practice public speaking skills.

Church Recommended Curriculum

Starting this year, the church is promoting Alpha Omega Publishing as our recommended curriculum provider.  Alpha Omega creates different versions of their curriculum.  Switched on Schoolhouse is the computer-based program that Shofar School previously used in the Philippines.  Lifepac is the same curriculum, only in workbook form.  Both Switched on Schoolhouse and Lifepac provide a great academic education, while providing a Biblical foundation.

Having a church recommended curriculum makes the transition easier for new families beginning homeschooling, since all families are now using the material. It also provides kids in the same grade the opportunity to work on the same lessons at the same time. We will use some of our work-together time on Thursdays to work on the regular curriculum.

Sports and Fitness

We will also spend some of the time on physical education by learning different sports together.  In the month of August, we learned all about baseball.  Although we weren’t able to play an actual game due to COVID restrictions, we still had a great time!  Parents and kids practiced throwing, catching and batting family-style, as well as learning the ins and outs of the game. In the up-coming fall months, we are looking forward to continuing with a variety of sports.  Several covenant members have volunteered to teach us about volleyball, football and basketball. 

With these changes we hope to provide a better learning and fitness opportunities for the kids and get more involvement from the church members who will occasionally join us. Thanks for all your support and prayers as we start a new school year, and especially for our new homeschooling families!

A Recent Field Trip to the Environmental Site