Creating My Own Curriculum | 2023 / 2024 Homeschool Curriculum Picks | Orthodox Jewish Mom

Today I am going to share with you how I created and curated curriculum for my children. As an Orthodox Jewish family that homeschools, most curriculums do not work for us or require editing. I will share with you how I am planning our homeschool year for next year, and how I put it all together with the resources I have chosen to use in my children's education.
Here are the links to things that I mentioned in this video:
A Delectable Education - Scheduling Cards
www.adelectabl...
A Delectable Education - Curriculum Templates
www.adelectabl...
Ambleside Online
www.amblesideo...
The Good and the Beautiful
www.goodandbea...
Story of the World
a.co/d/ceM1iPz
Story of the World Activity Book
a.co/d/d6lXVt8
Simply Charlotte Mason
simplycharlott...
Parsha Books
Bereishis a.co/d/8e8AAy2
Shemos a.co/d/8ByZEAI
Bamidbar a.co/d/dI7g3cv
Ambleside Poetry Vol 2
a.co/d/eftrLyI
Ambleside Poetry Vol 5
a.co/d/bqz4aBa
How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare
a.co/d/cbPbSmx
Alef Isn’t Tough
a.co/d/4dyAH1i
Plutarch Project Volume 3
a.co/d/h5mKmPN
Navi resources
www.cojds.org/...
Arabella Buckley Books
a.co/d/bPbO6Ie
a.co/d/gnYFgTv
Literature Selections
Caddie Woodlawn a.co/d/hTUHDMm
Because of Winn Dixie a.co/d/bU1mtIl
True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle a.co/d/h6J0V0W
The Penderwicks a.co/d/8VKXQTt
Five Children and It a.co/d/0oxF42L
________________________________________________________
Hello and welcome! My name is Chana, I’m married to my best friend, and we have four wonderful children together. We also happen to be Orthodox Jews and we homeschool our kids. This video is a sneak peek into our daily lives :) You can see how this particular Jewish homeschool mom sets up her days, rolls with the punches, and gets it all done. Thanks for watching!
Why I chose the name Jar of Fireflies:
• Answering Your Questio...
#curriculum #homeschooling #homeschool
__________________________________
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Instagram @jar_of_fireflies
Filmed on iPhone 11 Pro Max
Intro music on most of my videos: Blue Mountains by Gabriel Witcher
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p.s. Please like this video if you enjoyed it, it really supports my channel and helps me see what kind of videos you want to see more of. Thank you!

[@jaroffireflies]

I’m super excited to get back to school! But we will wait till August :) In the meantime it’s a summer of good books and pool time for us! What are your summer plans?

[@bridgwll]

I think you are very clever to make your own curriculum. I am in winter. But I hope you have a great summer.

[@ChristinaFromFlint]

We bought an old camper; has great bones, but aesthetically it is a disaster on the inside. We have been slowly remodeling it ourselves and as it's mostly complete we decided to put it on a campsite for the season! It's right on Lake Huron, and is beautiful! We will be traveling up north to it every chance we get! I'm also finishing up ALL (of the many) crochet blanket projects I have unfinished, and have several books I'm planning on getting thru, just for fun!

[@jaroffireflies]

@@bridgwll thank you ❤️ I hope you enjoy your winter! ❄️

[@shawndavis824]

Same here for the summer. Add in a little fishing and golf and volunteering serve lunches at our communities Summer Feeding Program for children .

[@jaroffireflies]

@@shawndavis824 amazing!

[@allisonjude9875]

Hi Chana: Referencing your plan for possibly making soap with your children in the coming year: A few years ago, a local scout troop made soap in plastic ice cube trays, put each in a snack baggie and donated them to the local homeless shelter. These worked fine as a single-user item. The scouts became community volunteers in the process and they earned a merit badge for their efforts.

[@shawndavis824]

Love this!

[@jaroffireflies]

What a great idea! I’ll reach out to local shelters and see if that’s something they would accept when we get to that point!

[@timeenchantre1]

I really miss homeschooling my children. My youngest is 23 so it's been a while. What a lot of people don't understand is simply that you aren't just educating your children at home, you're creating memories that all of you will cherish.

[@jaroffireflies]

Exactly! Well said 💜

[@mtm5783]

My youngest is 25. Homeschooling my kids were incredible. I'm so grateful for those years!! It's a totally holistic way of living and integrating Yiddishkeit....

[@mags102755]

Chana, as a retired learning professional myself, I think your curriculum rocks! Thanks for sharing.

[@jaroffireflies]

Awesome! Thank you! That’s means so much!

[@lindsaya7733]

I love that you incorporate both art/crafting and ‘home economics’ skills in your education plan and don’t see them as ‘extras’. I feel like this is one of the biggest things that has been lost in public education since I was a kid. Not only is it helpful in life to at least have a basic skill level of these types of things, but it just enriches your life. And I think it makes some maybe not-so-interesting topics more enjoyable. In a word that seems to put some much emphasis these days on things like wholistic health, how have we lost this in our public education? Its a shame. Your kids are lucky to have you.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you! I agree, these are life skills and they should be taught to kids.

[@jennelle.v]

Homeschooling has came a very long way since I was homeschooled. Thank you for sharing this video! It was highly informative. I am in my 30’s I have always hoped to have children one day and homeschool them as well. I know that will happen in God’s timing. There are not enough words to explain how much your videos uplift and inspire me on a daily basis. ❤❤

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you sooo much!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@cheryld1502]

Hi Chana ! My boys are all grown and on their own so I love hearing about your kiddos. They are so fortunate to have you and Mr Firefly as their parents ! Have a great week.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much! 💐

[@kristens333]

Love the children's literature picks. I really love children's books even as an adult.

[@msoda8516]

I started homeschooling my oldest daughter in middle school she went from a unhappy child with panic attacks at school because of bullying to a happy healthy 18 year old about to start college

[@jaroffireflies]

That’s amazing! Way to go!

[@hoosierlady3085]

WOW! You are very organized! You make me tire just hearing about it! But I'm over 70. lol One of my children (now 50 & 47) would have been great with homeschool and the other one not so much. They did attend a private Christian School that upheld our teaching at home. I worked there to pay for their tuition. Many Blessings!!!

[@dawnbaker9274]

Making a custom curriculum video? So much info. Let me get my notebook and rewatch. We've decided on a "scaled down" school for summer since Texas' scorching summer limits outside fun (plus health issues) , emphasizing more indoor fun hands-on things like trying embroidery, painting, science experiments, cooking, etc.

[@jaroffireflies]

I’m so glad this was useful!!!! And yay for your summer fun!!! Love your plans :)

[@HappyGirl4666]

I love that you are so so blessed to be able to teach your children. That is such a blessing. I would have loved to home school my son. He is disabled . Now though we take him on excursion holidays in nature so that he can see important natural icons in Canadian nature.

[@jaroffireflies]

I love that you take him out to see the beautiful outdoors! That’s so important and I’m sure he appreciates it immensely 💜

[@MelissaKing-i6b]

Hi from Australia!! Have a look two of my favourite Australian poets Henry Lawson and Dorothea Mackeler

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for the suggestions!

[@FennecTheRabbit]

While I’m personally glad me and my sister weren’t homeschooled (my mom did NOT have the patience with 2 neurodivergent in different ways kids), but it’s something I would like to do when I have kids (there are a lot of very specific reasons for this) and I just personally really love your enthusiasm for learning and education.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you!

[@lafemmerouge4271]

You light right up talking about your plans. Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and creativity is shaping some beautiful humans! 📚❤️🌺

[@jaroffireflies]

Love that! Thank you 💜💜💜

[@deborahcarter3453]

Again an amazing video. You are very gifted in organization, administration and all the other things it takes to run a household raise children and be an excellent wife. And to fit homeschooling into all that. God has blessed you . Thanks for sharing your life with us.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so very much!

[@michelledee9304]

I absolutely love The Penderwicks. My daughter just bought the third book in the series for me for my birthday. We homeschooled for 12 years. My kids are all adults now, but I still enjoy seeing others curriculum.

[@jaroffireflies]

Yay! I’m most excited to read that book next year in our read alouds :)

[@dianehoward6036]

Did you train as a teacher in college? Sound like a wonderful year! Thanks for sharing.

[@jaroffireflies]

I did for part of college.

[@lmmartin959]

Hope you and your family are doing well. I miss your wonderful videos but there are plenty of "re-runs"!

[@Miapetdragon69]

So using your schedule how often do you test to see what their retaining?

[@jaroffireflies]

Because we talk about things all the time and I’m learning basically one on one, I know what they’ve learned. Also we spiral things so coming back they get review and I see what they remember. So testing really isn’t necessary. Testing is very used in a classroom where a teacher of many children wouldn’t have that kind of understanding of what each child knows.

[@lisandrabracero7301]

Does the Sefer Yehoshua have English translation in the lesson? Online it's just a picture of the front. Thank you for the video! I'm feeling inspired!😊

[@jaroffireflies]

Great question! They have an English and Hebrew version. But as a main component is to teach Hebrew grammar / translation, there is Hebrew in the English version also

[@dannil9878]

What kinds of things would you feel like editing out from normal school books?

[@jaroffireflies]

I don’t homeschool to edit things out of books. I homeschool them to give them a broader and deeper education (as in more books).

[@katherinemcmahon509]

I miss the videos of you guys just walking around the block. Probably harder to do with the baby and the dog.

[@katiesmom2098]

Please take us along on your sewing adventures! I love to sew and it’s always exciting when kids learn!

[@jaroffireflies]

Hopefully! We are so very excited for all the fun projects!

[@heidiben-aviel2096]

If you ever decide to sell your curriculum, or write a how to guide in homeschooling with resources, please let us know. I have tried homeschooling but found it overwhelming and nerve wrecking as I wanted everything perfect and accounted for, as I am neurodivergent (ADHD with autistic attributes) and organising a years worth of curriculum is challenging. I admire how relaxed yet organised and thorough you are. Unless I have a manual or daily guide I’m useless. I even have to schedule my day in advance just to function.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for your kind words. At this time I have no plans to sell curriculum. I do list all my resources in the description with links including curriculum planning tools I spoke about. I hope that’s helpful!

[@ronagreenfield9545]

Very impressive! That's certainly a challenging, varied, and enriched curriculum you have planned! I'm sure your enthusiasm will be contagious and your children will have a great school year. ( Based on your recommendation, I have ordered a copy of Aleph Isn't Tough for myself so I can relearn the little Hebrew I once knew and have forgotten).

[@jaroffireflies]

Good luck with your Hebrew!!! Enjoy!!!

[@ibugurudyah]

Thanks for sharing friend, it's very useful amazing 👍✋

[@jaroffireflies]

You’re so welcome! So happy this was helpful for you!

[@mandyhill4529]

Wow I’m so impressed - this is how I expected I would do my own homeschool but I haven’t quite made it there yet. Thanks for the inspiration 🥰

[@jaroffireflies]

You are so welcome! It’s taken me a long time to get here 💜

[@DollyJohanne]

Wow! So great, and you did an excellent job! I don’t even have kids, but I am excited for all of you, and hope you have a great year with a lot of excitement and great learning and memories ❤ Love and blessings from Johanne, Norway 🇳🇴

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much Johanne! 💐❤️🌻

[@garybrunet6346]

Hi Chana, sounds like a busy time! I admire your enthusiasm for your kids education. I would not of had the patience to homeschool. Take care!😊🇨🇦

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much!

[@Trekkifulshay]

This is our last week of school. "June School" is much more laid back but we only take July off for summer as we take more time off in the winter. June school has been fun this year we're learning about Ancient Egypt and tracked sunlight up to the Summer Solstice. Summer is very lowkey parks, playgrounds, hikes, summer classes, homeschool field trips etc. My diabetic is not good with the heat so we have a year pass to the children's museum for fun with air conditioning.

[@jaroffireflies]

Heat and T1D is the worst! I feel you. Sounds like y’all have a great summer lined up!!!

[@vickyburton2434]

I home educated for 21 years. It is the best decision I ever made. Kudos to you!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jaroffireflies]

❤️❤️❤️

[@nancypettitt1211]

I am so impressed by your homeschooling setup and organization. Thanks for the tips and video. take care.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you! You too!

[@su-rv2uq]

Hi Chana! The curriculum looks so fun and interesting!!! I still hope you read the Witch of Blackbird Pond with the kid sat some point. It has alot of lessons about intolerance and strength and love. I wonder, since you said you do poetry every day, if you ever have the kids draw or write the feelings or images the works bring to them? I used to do that as a kid with music. Also, do you teach cursive? I must commend you for teaching basic life skills to your kids, cooking, house management, sewing, to your sons as well as your daughter. Your kids will become adults able to take care of themselves. So many don't.

[@jaroffireflies]

Hello! Yes, I do teach cursive. Thank you for your kind words and suggestions!

[@karenjohnson5634]

Can you homeschool me?? 😂😂 Your school year looks so fun! Especially the sewing and crafts! I hope your school year goes great! ❤

[@jaroffireflies]

It’s definitely so much fun for me too since I get to be basically homeschooled lol

[@karenjohnson5634]

@@jaroffireflies❤😊 📚

[@avigail.hasson]

I am so impressed and inspired by you!!! 😍😍😍

[@candaceshaffer3543]

Hey, hey!!!!! I missed you. Lol. I have been taking care of my sister who just had cancer removed from her leg, so I have been really busy.

[@bridgwll]

I hope your sister is doing well.

[@jaroffireflies]

Oh wow that is a lot! Hang in there and I’ll be thinking of you and praying!

[@candaceshaffer3543]

Thanks so much. She is doing ok. The wound was closed 2 days ago and it looks good. Now we are just making sure she takes it easy so it can heal properly.

[@graftedacres7017]

Does the history of the world books need to be done in order? It says volume 1 is good for younger kids but I don’t want my older kids to miss things. Would they be bored with the 1st volume

[@jaroffireflies]

I think it would work fine for at any age, especially if you take time to deep dive and explore the activity books for older kids and teens

[@katecroul9345]

I was quite surprised to find out that you cover the period from the Victorian era till the 20th century with your kids. I believe, in my home country, we only started history in 5th grade and studied ancient times, like Ancient Egypt, Greece. However, when I thought about it, why not to study these topics earlier. The kids still are going to return to these topics when they grow up. Quite interesting discovery for me!

[@jaroffireflies]

Hello! That’s just the time period we are covering this year. We have already covered Ancient Times, Middle Ages, and early Modern Times :) We will loop back and start again at Ancient Times after this year :)

[@pisc304]

Can you share your list of fun holidays, ie Shakespeare's birthday. RN we just have Harry Potter's bday and Hobbit Day, but would love to incorporate others.

[@jaroffireflies]

Sure! We have Little House Day, Presidents Day, Pi Day, Shakespeare’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Harry Potter’s birthday, first day of school, Veterans Day, Fibonacci Day, and Hobbit Day. I’m still looking for more though! 😊

[@karenwood2928]

Wow, I wish I got an education as thorough and varied as you are giving your kids! 🤓

[@jaroffireflies]

Me too lol I’m glad I get to learn it all now :)

[@TorrenceEastman]

I heard making stuffed animals. Might they sell stuffies to certain watchers? 😊 One thing I enjoyed was using different parts of brain and linking parts of the brain. Pick a super simple book and write a "screenplay". What costumes, scenery, etc. Performance.

[@jaroffireflies]

That would be cool! Great ideas!

[@uniquelyplanned443]

Thank you for putting this out before August! We are starting in August with a 2nd grader and a baby. Have you ever tried the Language Arts from The Good and the Beautiful? If so, did you like it?

[@jaroffireflies]

You’re so welcome! I haven’t tried the language arts. I’ve heard (and it seems like it to me) that it’s pretty time intensive. I would suggest Darts from The Brave Writer for that age

[@raquelt1235]

My hat goes off to you! Are you a teacher? I happen to be one and I see how fantastically you built a very well-rounded and cohesive curriculum. Kudos! And yes, you have to stick house work in there! God bless…😊

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you! I have been teaching my children for years so yes, I am a teacher :)

[@martinelanglois3158]

Hello! Loved the video. Your kids are so lucky to be home schooled by you! You are sooo organized! I am curious as to which languages your kids know already and which ones they will learn. Thanks! (New subscriber here so I'll probably have more questions in the coming weeks) 🙂

[@jaroffireflies]

Hello and welcome! I’m so glad you’re here! My kids speak English and Hebrew. For now that’s all they know :)

[@audreyvann5336]

We are starting homeschool for the first time in a few weeks. I am doing first, third, and sixth. We are doing several things together as well- science and history, Bible, and beginning Latin. I had them at a classical school before we moved, so I tried to stick with a similar math curriculum. I also chose classical reading selections. I taught reading, writing, and history before staying home with my kids, so those are my favorite subjects. I already had so many books, but now I have so many more 😃.

[@jaroffireflies]

Amazing! Good luck and have fun! So exciting!

[@pattyk101]

As a public school teacher of 22 years, I understand Charlotte Mason's methods. While they do align with current research in reading instruction, her views that express not reading aloud to young children and no books until after age 6 or so runs contrary to proven data. It is definitely a balance. I hope you read aloud, have plenty of books for your children's age levels, and for heaven's sake, teach phonics!

[@jaroffireflies]

Hi! Did you watch this video? I went through our main family read alouds planned for the year. I also own about 1000 children's books available to my children at all times. We are a heavy readying family all around.

[@willsmom93]

Hi Chana, For many years, I was a school programmer. You are doing something that I highly advocated. You have no skipped days! Whether you school on any day or not, you just use the next day’s lessons. No missed lessons! Convincing my public school colleagues to do this was a no go.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much 🙂 I appreciate the encouragement!!!

[@theingridaria]

So grateful to have found your channel, Chana! Any books/resources you recommend for teaching Torah to 3yo?

[@jaroffireflies]

I’m so happy you’re here! Check out My First Parsha Readers. We have them and they’re great!

[@grievousangelic]

Very interesting video! I was just curious, since I don't know what the standards look like in Texas. How do you handle standardized testing? Are your kids required to take them at any point? I was just wondering. Thanks! Love the video as always. Shalom!

[@jaroffireflies]

Great question! We have no requirement to take the states or any other standardized tests.

[@lifeofatruckerswife]

How fun!!!! I love candle and soap making!!! Quick tip with candles...melt the wax at a very low temp...itll cut down on the sinking near the wick Thank you chana for sharing ❤ (I think its fantastic you keep your babies names...and their images offline....thats wonderful ❤)

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you! And thank you for the tip!

[@su-rv2uq]

I so agree about the kids. We hear them and every once in a while we get a glimpse of one or the other, but their faces and their names are private. They are never used for views or exploited.

[@lifeofatruckerswife]

@@jaroffireflies 💙

[@lifeofatruckerswife]

@@su-rv2uq right?! I don't like how a lot of the family vloggers blatantly use their kids for views...so many nasty people online..but I love how Chana has repeatedly said in her q &a's when asked about her babies...she flat out says...no..I love that. It goes to show that good content can be made, without having the kids in the videos..at least their names and faces. We as parents have got to do anything and everything to keep out kids safe

[@emd4104]

Your curriculum looks fascinating 😄 For Five Children and It, the BBC made a rather sweet adaptation of this back in the 90s and I think the episodes are available on KZbin. I’m not sure how faithful the adaptation was to the original book, but it might be interesting?

[@jaroffireflies]

Fantastic! Thanks for letting me know! I bet we would really enjoy that!

[@giuliamotta628]

I have 2 questions. At the end of each school year, do your children have to take standardized tests given by the school system? How do they get credit for what you teach them?

[@jaroffireflies]

In my state, testing is not required of homeschool students. All I need to do to show credit is create a transcript based on our studies. That won’t be necessary until high school though.

[@giuliamotta628]

​@jaroffireflies thank you for the information

[@jaroffireflies]

You are so welcome!

[@karbear26]

Water and our world sounds like a great science curriculum! We’re actually having problems with our community water now! We have natural aquifers with several well pump houses that supply our communities water it goes through a treatment center too and there’s so many people moving into our area and so much development that we’re going to be running out of water!!! That makes me very sad! So our town and 2 other towns are going to have to hook into Lake Michigan water which is going to cost us lots of money I’m sure and the quality of water probably isn’t going to to be as good! I’m sensitive to the chlorine taste in some water! That might be a good topic to cover in your unit!

[@jaroffireflies]

I hope you enjoy the unit if you choose to purchase it! We have really enjoyed the science from that company. I am so sorry your water has issues where you live! That is really hard.

[@debbiec4224]

Hi Chana! Great video. I commend you for homeschooling your three kiddos. I know that is a big task. I like it that you have included some books you read as a child. Also, I love the movie Because of Winn Dixie! Cute movie. That used to be the name of a grocery store in the south. I actually used to shop at one in the town I lived in when I was living in Georgia. I think that the subjects you are teaching them are wonderful. I like how you incorporate all the other experiences of life also such as cooking, sewing etc. what a wonderful childhood for them? How do you think it will be in the high school years? Hope you have a blessed day! 😊

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much, Debbie! I appreciate your kind words :-) are used to shop at Winn-Dixie too! They just sort of disappeared I guess. As far as high school, I think that high school is going to look a lot like it does here in these years, but also, I’m hoping that they will start their own business of some sort at that point. but as far as us reading out loud, reading, really good books, exploring, history, basic subjects it’s all gonna stay the same, just at a different level.

[@rebeccachen2528]

Do you have a video about why you choose to homeschool as an orthodox Jewish family ? I really want to homeschool my children but am struggling to take the leap and pull them from the school they are in now. (Just discovered your channel and am loving it btw ! )

[@jaroffireflies]

I don't have a video exactly about that topic alone, but mainly I know that at home I can give my children a broader and deeper education than they can get in any brick and mortar school building. Also welcome! I am so happy you are here!

[@Kaleidescope66]

Hi Chana! I googled Charlotte Mason, out of curiosity lol What a beautiful philosophy! Good for you! You seem so devoted to your children and you enjoy it. There are so many vloggers saying they homeschool, but it doesn't come close to what you are doing here ❤❤ Go you!!!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you 😊

[@Sharon-st9st]

Another wonderful video!!!! Thank you Chana!!

[@jaroffireflies]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for being here!

[@shawndavis824]

I totally agree with you on TGATB Math and Science. We love both. I especially love that the Science curriculum can focus in on a child’s interests. We did Field and Flowers for Littles, Marine Life, and Space this past year. I love how the math gave little looks into the cultures of various countries while teaching math skills. I recommend it to anyone that asks about homeschooling. Because of Winn Dixie is such a wonderful book. I am going to have to get it to read aloud to my grands. And thank you for recommending the illustrated Harry Pitter books. We did Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone as a read aloud this Spring. My grandson loved the illustrations-so did I. We have just begun The Chamber of Secrets. We have the entire series in hardback in the original form, but I am going to get the entire series in the illustrated form also. (He has seen all the movies, been to Harry Potter World at Universal Studios Orlando and is a huge fan.) Have you read any of the Lemony Snicket and the Series of Unfortunate Events? Very silly and nonsensical, but very enjoyable and quick reads. Your kiddos might enjoy them as a fun read aloud. Thanks for sharing your hs planning. Such great resources and information! Have a blessed week and restful Shabbat!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much for the book recommendation! I’m going to have to check that out :) So fun that you are enjoying some of the same curriculum as us also!!!

[@kwonjuoak]

Oh my gosh....love the penderwicks stories...it's a great series for ALL ages and rather heartwarming with good lessons along the way that aren't in your face type of lessons. love it!!

[@jaroffireflies]

I can’t wait!

[@lyricalaska]

You certainly have done a lot of work into what you teach your children! You are amazing and obviously an excellent teacher Keep up the good work! I'm impressed.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much 😊😊😊

[@kimtoney4823]

I want you to homeschool me! And I'm 63! I feel that my education was lacking, especially in the more cultural aspects...I got excited for you and your children while watching this! It promises to be a fun and informative school year! Blessings to you and yours.

[@jaroffireflies]

I wish you could come! I always say one of the best part of this is that I get to go back to school too :)

[@martaupward5992]

Are you still do composer studies? Did I miss that? Seeing your excitement makes me wish I were homeschooling.

[@jaroffireflies]

Oh yes! I might have accidentally left that out! We are keeping our composers in line with history, so the composers I chose are composing during the same years we are learning in history. So much fun!

[@debbiesnavely4676]

Love u. Thanks for helping other homeschooling families. I love the broad range of study. And handwriting! Hallelujah!

[@jaroffireflies]

You are so welcome! Thanks for being here!

[@janicebeckett7287]

How do you do everything you do?!!! Creating your own curriculum had to take a lot of time. What is your super hero/Mom name? 😂 ❤

[@jaroffireflies]

😊😊😊❤️❤️❤️

[@damealeta3541]

First, I totally admire that you are able to do home schooling at all. It's not so much that I wouldn't have the patience but lack of confidence and organization would play a big part. I really like how you will be using the artist study and dove tail it into your other courses that contain the same era/time. I can see how will that may help reinforce the learning from one to another. One size does not fit all and that what is wrong with public education and frankly a lot of non-secular schools as well. Happy you are getting ahead of the game so you can truly enjoy your camping ⛺ and other summertime activities! 💚

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much!!! 🌻🌻🌻

[@knighted428]

Love your binder. As another homeschooling mom, don't discount your camping trips and planned activities as school time. Those can count towards your day count total. School doesn't have to be just book work. Meet ups, museums, family vacation can all count towards schooling days. Idk about your state but mine requires us to keeps tabs on your day counts and report them. As they get older you have to test and submit ciriculum plans to. Your binder would be perfect ever think of selling a template?

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you! So we are lucky that in Texas we don’t have to submit anything or track days. We have complete freedom and it’s wonderful 😀 But you are absolutely right that things like camp trips are education:) I have considered (briefly) selling the plans to the curriculum but really it’s just so much work and to set it up in a way that I could sell it would just be too much for me right now. It’s such a great idea but not for me right now 💜

[@tawnyac3160]

I love watching your videos. I rarely comment because I watch on a tv without that ability. I am so inspired and uplifted by your enthusiasm and love for your children, your home and life. I have no school age children any longer Mine have grown and left the nest, however, I just bought the drawing series you hightlighted because I want to learn to draw. I thought maybe I could share with my 5 year old granddaughter also. Thank you for the resources. I appreciate your time and talents.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much! I am so glad you found a resource that you could share with your granddaughter!!! Enjoy the time!!!

[@janithgottfried8320]

Hi Chana! I am so impressed! My mother was a teacher, my sister was a teacher, and I always was aware of how much work was involved. Planning and organization with the ability to adapt as needed seems to be key. As for summer plans....we are getting company. I am happy to say that we will be hosting a number of guests throughout July and August, really looking forward to it. A new addition to our family is due to arrive in mid August! More excitement and joy to look forward to! As always a pleasure to watch and learn.....

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you Janith! Enjoy your company! Sounds like a fun summer ❤️

[@Ceelle2]

Caddie Woodlawn was a favorite of mine when I was young (I am a Jones so a bit older than you but the book is timeless). Did you know she wrote a sequel? Magical Melons.

[@jaroffireflies]

So exciting! I’ll have to look that up!

[@kerriewootton37]

I love the 5 Children and It! Alongside reading the book, I watched the movie version too many times to count! "It" is such a funny character and your kiddos will find it hilarious how he does his magic spells!

[@jaroffireflies]

Wonderful to know there is a movie version that’s good! We love movie nights after a family read aloud :)

[@rhondas.3449]

Hello Chana I love the video I don't have any kids currently but I decided a few weeks ago i was going work on my math skills they could be improved and few other subjects plus practice crafts I love to crochet and sewing. I also want to read more books.

[@jaroffireflies]

That’s amazing! You’ll have so much fun I’m sure!!!!

[@blessedtrimability9626]

Bravo Chana! Your plans for the school year and curriculum are wonderful. I love how you’re using a spiral education approach to where you are integrating each subject thematically. I am a professor of early childhood and elementary education, and I think you are spot on.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much! That’s awesome to hear! I really appreciate it ❤️

[@breahnalawrence6725]

Thank you!! We are jumping into homeschool this year and this is very helpful.

[@jaroffireflies]

Amazing! I’m so glad it was helpful! There are so many amazing resources out there.

[@joybellamy5561]

Every year I ask, can I be in your class so this year I ask can I be in your class I bring my own wheelchair😂 what a beautiful curriculum your children will be well rounded and will be able to talk to anyone and have a great conversation

[@jaroffireflies]

I wish you could come! Its so much fun!!!

[@Belushi87]

i like your binder that you created. you know your kids strengths and weaknesses when it comes to subjects. you can adjust and move things around according to where they are and if they are having a hard time grasping a topic. you can simplify in areas where they are struggling and challenge them in areas where their thriving.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you!

[@loristoner851]

Your children are so fortunate to have you as their school teacher 😊

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you 😊

[@devorahfonn613]

Shavua Tov,enjoy the summer school breàk! Have a wonderful week ahead

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you! You too! Shavua tov!!!

[@cupcakepinup1]

I’m in my forties and don’t have any kids but I’m gonna read along with y’alls selections for fun!

[@jaroffireflies]

You will love these books! I am so excited to be reading them! We need a Jar of Fireflies Book Club!

[@ChristinaFromFlint]

I think it's a fabulous thing that you can, and have, tailored subject resources for your entire family! It's so smart, and makes it so much easier on the kids AND the teacher-mom, I imagine!! I just think this is a GREAT plan!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much! I really love being able to do this for my kids 💜

[@susanhobbins3744]

A very informative video .All i can say is you are very dedicated homeschool mother to your children. Have a wonderful week and a peaceful shabbat.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much!

[@AnneTaylor-kk8ze]

Always enjoy your videos very interesting SHALOM

[@jaroffireflies]

Thanks for watching! 💜

[@rosebishop252]

Box car children is great book by the same author as 5 children and it

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for the suggestion!

[@elizabethmartineau-marshal341]

Looks great Chana, I used "Story of the World" as well.

[@jaroffireflies]

It's so good!

[@susananderson104]

Hi as a home school family to you have any obligations to the education dept by the way the school year looks great

[@jaroffireflies]

Great question! No, in my state we do not.

[@wendyhoward2699]

Great video, Chana. As a retired teacher, I love to see new curriculums. This sounds great. Blessings.

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you! 💐

[@witsonsmom729]

I made your puff pastry sandwich roll today, it turned out really nice.

[@jaroffireflies]

Wonderful!

[@louiseclark7967]

Hi, Chana! Love that you are encouraging homeschooling parents to be creative, and really giving them permission to be in control

[@jaroffireflies]

😊😊😊💜💜💜

[@Asasas222w]

Chana, Best of luck with the homeschooling. I'm not sure if it is permitted in New Jersey. I had to go to regular grammar school. Your children are fortunate to have a Jewish education. Thanks for the fantastic video!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@jeannelynskey6946]

I think it's permitted in New Jersey. You have to talk to your local school district and let them know the kids are being homeschooled.

[@CherylNoe]

Happy Monday! Always great to start my week with you!

[@jaroffireflies]

Happy Monday and have a wonderful week!

[@sandydugenske299]

Loved this video, if I had my son still at home and you as a source guide I think I could have home schooled him. I love to learn and it would have benefited us both. I think I'm going to have to move to Texas so I can come to school with your kiddos. Everything you have planned sounds so exciting and fun. I always wanted to learn how to sew. The one time I tried, I sewed my thumb in the machine. Because I'm a lefty I couldn't get my thumb out without help. That was interesting to say the least. Mom never let me near her machine again lol. If possible could you show some of those videos? I just might try again. Hope you and family have a blessed week. And don't forget to let me know when school starts. I don't want to be late on the first day lol

[@jaroffireflies]

So glad you enjoyed! Your comment made me chuckle 🤭 thank you for your kind words

[@sandydugenske299]

@@jaroffireflies glad I could make you smile!!

[@charisselane9518]

Good Morning, Jar of Fire Flies, Nice video about your Home School Curriculum. Who prove your curriculum for the year . Are your children required to taking exams and how do they get promoted to the next grade . Do you have graduation for them. Do you celebrate the July 4. Shalom. Peace be until you and your family. Be encouraged and Bless. I will be returning back to college in July. I'm so happy about it. Enjoy the rest of your summer season.🛐🔯🕎🏖️🫕🕊️🔥🎉😘🥳❤️✌️💐🙌🏾🙏👼🏾😇🙏🤗🤗💃🏽💓👍😉✋🇮🇱🩳🩱🥽🪣🪁🎇🎆🏊🏄📚.

[@jaroffireflies]

Hello Charisse! No one approves their curricula outside of me. They are not required to do any testing. I haven’t had any graduation ceremonies with them. Maybe after 8th grade :) we do celebrate July 4 🎇🎆 Do you? ❤️❤️❤️

[@charisselane9518]

@@jaroffireflies Thank you for taking the time out to answer my question. Yes, I do celebrate the July 4, But not as much as I used to in the past. Until the next video. Enjoy your Summer season. Get some rest and relaxation for yourself. You will need it. ✌️🛐🔯🕎😇👼🏾👼🏾🇮🇱🙌🏾🙏💃🏽💃🏽😇💐.

[@jaroffireflies]

@@charisselane9518 you’re so welcome! Enjoy your week and stay cool!

[@swhitaker0311]

The Penderwicks is fantastic! My kids and I read the whole series and they love to go back and reread it.

[@jaroffireflies]

Yay! Thanks for the vote of recommendation! I’m most excited for that book and have it scheduled first for us :)

[@Sheriden.]

Hello Chana! I watch your videos with my mom and I think they are very interesting. Thank you for sharing your life. I have a question. In my studies I came across this verse in Genesis 32:32, about not eating the sinew because the angel dislocated Jacobs hip. Is that a belief that you follow in the Jewish faith? Im sorry for the random question. Have a good day 😊

[@jaroffireflies]

Hello! Thank you for your kind words. I’m so glad you and your mom are enjoying the videos together! That’s a great question. The answer is yes. We have a mitzvah called Gid Hanasheh which is what you’re talking about. It’s the sciatic nerve and we don’t eat it.

[@Sheriden.]

@@jaroffireflies That is very interesting. I appreciate the time you took to answer me! I’ll will do some more research into it. Thank you for sharing your faith 😌♥️

[@jaroffireflies]

@@Sheriden. you are so welcome! For your research, the Chabad website has very reliable information. So if you’re searching I’d suggest something like “Gid Hanasheh Chabad” and you’ll see some great resources come up

[@welbornsh]

Great Video! Love and appreciate your home school videos!

[@jaroffireflies]

Yay! Thank you!

[@danielday100]

I have a question: why don't you study the Bible? I don't mean the New testament Maybe I misunderstand, because you said 'Thora' and if I remember correctly this is the first book in the Bible. By the way, I loved Bible classes in my school!

[@jaroffireflies]

Hello! Great question. So when people say Bible in America, they are generally speaking about the Christian Bible. We study Torah specifically. Basically, as an American, if I say that we study Bible, it makes it sound Christian. That’s why I differentiate that.

[@danielday100]

@@jaroffireflies Oh thanks for your answer! I thought it sounded weird that Jewish people can't learn the Bible 😁😄

[@jaroffireflies]

@@danielday100 ya lol it’s just a cultural thing here. I guess I’ll confuse people no matter what I say!

[@117Pinkyflower]

Is there a test that the kids take to make sure they are on track?

[@jaroffireflies]

I assess my children throughout the year to make sure that they are understanding the content that they are learning. But really, the main thing is because I’m teaching each lesson to them, I see each day with their learning, what they are retaining, what they understand, what they don’t. So I’m able to see right away what we need to work on, loop back to, or move along ahead to.

[@kristinmiller4779]

I admire you for your enthusiastic attitude! Your such a great role model❤❤

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@consciousconfidencesarahma1521]

What do you do for writing, as in composition? Writing narrative stories, reports, procedures, etc etc. Thanks! Your curriculum looks wonderful, esp the Shakespeare and poetry!

[@jaroffireflies]

Great question! I’m not planning to start a formal writing curriculum until grade 6. I have a curriculum all picked out :) We do a lot of the Brave Writer curriculum things just for fun though so they are building up all these skills to be ready.

[@consciousconfidencesarahma1521]

@@jaroffireflies that sounds excellent! Your natural instincts and feel for quality education is really inspiring and impressive. Lucky children! All good wishes for another fulfilling and enjoyable year of learning. 💖

[@jaroffireflies]

@@consciousconfidencesarahma1521 thank you so much!

[@שולמיתרוש]

Hi Channah!! Good to hear and see you.. have a good summer and nachas from the kinderlach.. !!!

[@jaroffireflies]

Thank you! Enjoy your summer!