The Homeschool How To
I don't claim to know anything about homeschooling, so I set out on a journey to ask the people who do! Join me as I chat with homeschoolers to discuss; "why are people homeschooling," "what are all the ways people are using to homeschool today," and ultimately, "should I homeschool my kids?"
The Homeschool How To
Curriculum Series: Abeka
Homeschooling can be a maze of choices, but what if you could navigate it with ease? In this episode, Stephanie from Miami shares her journey through homeschooling using the Abeka curriculum, offering valuable insights into balancing structure with flexibility. Stephanie discusses how she has tailored her children's education to prioritize crucial subjects like math, reading, and writing while leaving room for creativity. She reveals why she opted for the unaccredited version of Abeka, preferring the autonomy it offers over the rigor of accreditation, and how it aligns with Florida's homeschooling requirements. Stephanie's thoughtful approach provides a roadmap for parents seeking to customize their homeschooling experience.
Stephanie opens up about her daily routine, managing the academic needs of her daughters and the unique challenges that come with it. She highlights the role of evaluators in Florida and her decision to reserve formal accreditation for the high school years. Stephanie shares her philosophy of taking homeschooling one step at a time, adjusting as needed, and offers encouragement for parents considering this educational path. With anecdotes and practical advice, she paints a picture of homeschooling that is both adaptable and rewarding, inspiring listeners to create an educational journey that suits their family's needs.
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Welcome, and with us today I have Stephanie from Miami, Florida. Stephanie, thank you for being here.
Speaker 2:Thank you for having me. I'm a big fan of the podcast.
Speaker 1:What kind, what types of curriculum do you guys use?
Speaker 2:We use a Becca. So I use I've been using a Becca since kindergarten and I really like the structure of it. And I think one of the things I love the most is that we have the video led option, so we have a teacher there breaking things down so we can also kind of like, if there's things that we don't remember, we're like, oh yeah, okay, so now let's explain it to them. If they don't understand the way they're explaining it, we'll break it down our own way. But I feel like it's a way for us to also rely on edging professionals who studied education and things like that.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so how many hours a day, or how much time a day? And you said it was four days a week that you generally spend on the curriculum. How long does it take each day?
Speaker 2:So generally for Ava it'll take about an hour and a half and then for Kaylee between two hours to two and a half hours.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that is a lot because they're young, but when I've looked at different curriculums, a Becca was one of the ones that was more intense for sure, which is great for some people.
Speaker 2:A Becca has a lot of classes, right, a Becca. So the way that I've tweaked that, I have been able to customize it. They do have a lot of classes. So Ava will have maybe about five classes and then Kaylee will have nine, and that is a little overwhelming because it's homeschool, right? So homeschool is supposed to be a little more relaxed, but I don't give them all the classes. So you know, we focus on math, reading and writing, and then sometimes they'll have crafts here and there, but I try to focus on the fundamentals. So that's how I've been able to tweak it.
Speaker 2:I do the unaccredited version so I don't have to report their assignments to anybody except our evaluator, because in Florida we do have to have the work evaluated at the end of the year. So that's the person that I reported to. But as far as unaccredited meaning not having to send back any documentation to a BECA that's how I have decided to do it. The first year I did do accredited because I thought for some reason I was still again trying to figure it out. So I did have to send over some assignments at the end of the semester, things like that. But I really don't think it's necessary, especially at the end of the semester, things like that. But I really don't think it's necessary, especially at the younger grade levels.
Speaker 1:That's the first time I've heard of a curriculum having an accredited and an unaccredited version. So is it that they will take more like for the states like mine that have to report a lot and we have heavy reporting requirements in New York for homeschool? So will they kind of take that portion over for you if you do the accredited one? We do.
Speaker 2:Yes, yes, they actually do. They actually do, which it works well for some people, but I didn't find it necessary. In Florida we just have to have an evaluator come at the end of the year and pretty much make sure that they are doing schooling and they are learning. We don't have to report our work. But at the time I guess I thought, because I wanted to do homeschool long term, I thought it was something that I should do from the very beginning. But again, I don't think it's necessary during elementary years, not even middle, maybe in high school, when you know they're going to get ready to apply for colleges and whatnot. But I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get there.
Speaker 1:Yeah, one step at a time with homeschooling, that's for sure and that's nice because you can change however you want to do it. So do the girls seem to like the Rebecca, or have you had a lot of pushback? I know that, like your daughter, had a little bit of time in school so she is kind of used to what it could be. And then when you get, kids like mine.
Speaker 2:They're like I don't even want to sit here for 20 minutes. So, like I said, I won't do all the courses and I will give them breaks in between so they could kind of like relax and cool off their mind and stuff. You know, like everything. Sometimes they're just not in it and they'll tell me like mommy, I'm just not in it today, Especially math. I think Kaylee has a harder time with math, so I'll just like let them cool off. If anything, we'll go the next day. But again, the beauty of homeschool is that you're not, you don't have to follow a program specifically to the T. You tweak it here and there according to your family's needs, and that's why I focus more on the fundamental subjects rather than, I guess, the extras.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that makes a lot of sense subjects rather than, I guess, the extras.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that makes a lot of sense, I am, you know. It's always important, I think, to educate yourself. So at the homeschool co-op that from the church that we go to, they've recommended other programs, so I might consider other ones. I did hear that a Becca is heavy on the subjects, so maybe there are other options, but for now we are with a Becca. At least I think we're going to finish the year with a Becca.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, and so you said it it's. It's a lot of sit down work and textbook and sometimes there's arts and crafts, that. But that's not like a primary. It's more like reading to them and giving them the assignment to do that sort of.
Speaker 2:Is that how that goes? Two reading, page one, and then science and so on and so forth. So I just have everything organized by folders, so lesson one through lesson. It's 170 lessons for the school year, so I have 170 folders and each of the paperwork for the day I put it in one folder. So all I have to do is pull out the folder and this is the work for the day. That's how I have found my sanity and organizing, rather than going through the books every day and trying to figure it out.
Speaker 1:Yeah, no, that works great. That works great, and it kind of it seems just less, less work to do when you do it that way. Awesome. So, yes, yes, and they don't have to take tests with this, or are there tests along the way?
Speaker 2:There are tests. However, I tell her no stress, I just want to see how you're doing. So I'm not even grading them. I'm looking at it and I'm saying okay, so she needs a little work here, a little work there. But I don't pressure her when it comes to the tests or quizzes or whatnot. I just it's just to see where she is.
Speaker 1:Yeah, Becca's been around for a long time. I think it was one of the first curriculums like that they ever. And it is religious right. There's a religious component to it. Yes, yes, it is Correct. Awesome, all right.
Speaker 2:Thank you, stephanie for all that you do and thank you for your service as well.