We all learn differently. Some of us prefer to listen and absorb information, some of us are visual learners, others need to learn hands on by seeing and touching. For some, we can easily block out distractions and for others they can sometimes cause the distractions or get completely engulfed in them.
Each of our children learned differently and as parents we have learned a lot from their educational journeys, which really helped us think through what would be best for Ezra.
It was obvious in Ezra’s early years that he learned best from 1:1. He is a very hands on child and a visual learner who loves to experiment, build and explore. He has a very curious mind and has a constant desire to understand how and why.
We explored some private school options, but in the end we decided that homeschooling, at least for his Elementary school years, was going to give him the best start.
Thankfully the homeschool community in the Valley is large and continuing to grow. I joined a number of groups last year and participated in a few events, so I could really see for myself what opportunities he would have as a homeschooler. I was really impressed and we knew confidently that this was best for Ezra. The support is incredible. If I have a question about anything or if I ask for recommendations, so many great parents reach out to help.
I did a lot of research and watched a lot of vlogs from other homeschooling parents about which curriculums they used and why. This really helped me find the best for his learning style. At this age I just needed to purchase two, his math and language arts. The other subject material I could easily find online for his age and the NS requirements.
We decided on Math With Confidence and All About Reading. Super happy with Math with Confidence. It has hands on lessons, games, lots of visuals and really clear instructions for us. It’s also more advanced than what NS teaches for Grade Primary. The NS curriculum has changed a lot since I went to school. I would like Ezra to come out ahead, so that if he decides on post secondary education, he is ready for anything.
All About Reading has lessons that contain some reading, an activity or game with Ziggy (the puppet in the kit) and a worksheet. Ezra has learned a lot from this curriculum, but we are looking to explore other options for next year. I have had my eye on The Good and the Beautiful for next year, but am waiting until I have made it through the full year of All About Reading before I decide. That’s the beauty of homeschooling… if we are not fully happy with how a curriculum flows, the activities, etc. we can change it.
As far as his other subjects, I was gifted with so many great science kits and full curriculum sets from my sister in law Tiffany and we have built these into his schooling. I used AI to help me plan out lessons / activities and outings for the other subjects based on what NS requires for his grade.
In this area there are lots of opportunities for socialization as well as events that would happen within school. We started the school year at a big kick off the year event at Yogi Bear Campground. So many families were there and everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Then in September, we signed Ezra up for a cross country event. He trained with a large homeschooling group over 6 weeks. In the Spring he will have a track and field day where roughly 100 homeschoolers get together at Acadia.
There are science fairs, drama opportunities and lots of groups connecting for a variety of gatherings each week. You can pick and choose what and how much you would like to be involved in. Weekly, we have since Christmas been going to the Homeschool swim at the local pool and Ezra has been enjoying the water and connecting with other kids.
I’m proud of how Ezra has embraced his homeschool learning. He’s thriving and we are encouraging his natural curiosity. His favorite subject is definitely science. He loves building, science experiments, learning about nature and going on related outings.
I’m so thankful for a flexible schedule, a family that’s super supportive of his learning and the opportunities out there now for homeschooled children.
I Dream of Summer 
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