Planning our Homeschool Days!

[@TaiwaneseAndBeauty13]

It’s great that Bailey’s new school is easing students to acclimate to the school year. I don’t remember much of the pacing when I was a freshman, but I definitely remember orientation. The first week of school was just getting to know our schedules, and doing a lot of ice breaker activities with my peers. The second week was the time where we actually started to do lessons and solid homework. Good luck to Bailey on her next chapter in High School! Sending so many hugs 😊

[@xxsydneypopytxx]

I stated high school last year and I did sorta the same thing but we jumped into stuff fast

[@loveland852]

Bailey, focus on you and all your awesome classes. You have no obligation to us to to be in the videos. Live your life and have fun learning all the things!

[@riversongsmelody]

So happy for Bailey! I know she’s been looking forward to getting into this school for a while now! Glad she’s enjoying it!

[@izzybwood3498]

Ok I'm 5 mins into the video and you cook the bacon outside so Jess doesn't have to smell it. That's adorable.

[@josiebranham]

I'm so glad I'm not alone. I hate smelling bacon in my house too lol

[@elizabethkoobs1060]

That's so considerate!

[@samg873]

@@josiebranham I used to not mind it but now I can't stand it.

[@danandjenh6935]

My son did that when he had to move back home for bit…so thoughtful 💯💕

[@Lilalouuugly]

Awe Bailey!! We’ve missed seeing you in the vlogs, but are also so happy for you and support you as you go through this new transition in life!!

[@princessfaith925]

I'm so excited that Bailey is excited for school! I went to a magnet high school and loved so much of it, and I see a lot of myself in her so I think she'll enjoy herself too. But also since I do see a lot of myself in her...definitely make sure she isn't overextending herself, and knows it's okay to not do everything all at once. It sounds like she's taking a full courseload at her school, plus an online class, college class, and I'm sure she'll do activities like theatre, reading, and writing on top of all of that. It can be a lot and looking back, I really wish my parents had checked in with me more and made me realize I didn't have to do *so* much all the time

[@carrieaung5419]

It's great that Bailey is now in highschool. I'm sure she will have a great time! Freshman year can be hard sometimes, but as the year goes on, you really get adjusted to your new school and know what to expect. Best wishes!

[@emilytrnka3992]

Watching this on my first day of class as a junior in college…started watching y’all in the 8th grade. Thanks for growing up with me💜

[@Paiices]

Go Bailey! Just do what you do and enjoy HS! We’re rooting for you.

[@ashlynnbrockmiller]

Ohhh I did Lego robotics as an extracurricular in middle school!! So so so fun, I talk about that experience frequently!

[@alicerice8506]

The kids learned so many things by doing this project. I love how you teach them by doing. I always learn better by actually doing a task instead of reading or someone telling me how. You guys are doing a great job with the kiddos

[@SuperMusicalPassion1]

It’s so crazy how grown up Jacob is. His voice is so much deeper. Surprises me EVERYTIME I watch y’all

[@maya-gur695]

I can't believe Bailey won't be homeschooled this year! She's going to high school! They grow up so fast!

[@jenniferkastenbaum9336]

Yes!! They're all getting so big! Such a beautiful Family ♡ (Not to embarrass Jacob, but His Voice changed literally over just a few Vlogs! Man, it seems like a year ago that Parker was just a 'Baby' and now there's Six!! 😉)

[@MissAmanda616]

@@jenniferkastenbaum9336 I noticed the same thing about Jacob! It was like he broke his arm, and during the healing process his voice changed!! Haha. I remember coming back after being on summer vacation, and a bunch of the boys in the class had new voices.

[@KatieSparkles]

Wow Jessica you are incredible when it comes to scheduling home school! 😃 It seems like it would be so difficult to organize so I’m super impressed! I know you have done this for a long time but still amazing! 🤩

[@zoikya]

I was on the FIRST robotics competition team in high school where we make the really really big robots, you should definitely get him involved! It made getting into college and applying to jobs so much easier for me and is right up Jacob’s alley

[@kenzeebellamy6027]

I did this! It was a really fun experience but I think he's still to young.

[@alexisnewell3623]

im in highschool and i have competed with FIRST too its so fun and such a great opportunity

[@ewhitmo1]

I have so much respect for this family 🤍 Chris and Jess are so respectful. To each other as partners, and to their kids. And the work ethic is impressive! Jessica's planning made my poor little brain hurt , that is just not my forte. I admire the dedication

[@robyncavanagh8]

It was so nice to hear from Bailey, I have been thinking of her since she was entering HS. Such an exciting time and I ma glad it is going so well for her.

[@georgiakc9]

Luke being disappointed about not getting sushi 😂

[@MrsPerdueArt]

I would love to hear what curriculums you use and how you combine the kids? I love your parenting, so I’m sure I would love your homeschooling style! ❤️

[@thebusybee7080]

For anyone just starting to use screwdrivers and doesnt remember which direction does what, here's a neat little poem. Righty tighty, lefty loosey. Turn right to tighten, turn left to loosen. The little poem is a little goofy and so is easily remembered.

[@elizabethkoobs1060]

You're so sweet, Bailey! I'm wishing you everything great this year in high school. Sending my love&hugs from GA.💜🤗📚📚

[@HanneM]

i just feel the need to say how amazing of a job you guys have done with rue! she is so calm and collected and seem really happy ❤

[@barbwatchesyt4084]

Duncan and Parker at the end was so adorable lol so pure 🫶

[@chaz12582]

I always love a vlog when we get a hello from everyone! That schedule planning seems like a lot, but that’s one of Jessica’s many strengths! I’m glad to hear Bailey is enjoying school so far! She’s had a strength in who she is, a great work ethic, and a love of learning, so I had no doubts!

[@mariavalentinam]

I would love to see a homeschool session with you and the boys or snippets of it if you guys are okay with sharing that!

[@the_ambracer]

Bailey, you're going to do amazing in high school. I just know it! You concentrate on that and we'll be happy to see your gorgeous self when you're able to be in the vlogs.

[@cassie6349]

I could never be so organized & do homeschooling for all the kids like you do. That's just amazing.

[@mothermarie6057]

Rue looks so nice 😊 and a Lego club sounds amazing!!! ☀️

[@sarahlawarah3105]

Love the Bailey vlog. So excited to hear about her HS experience… when she is ready/ wants to!

[@biddiemutter3481]

Maybe the slow start for Bailey's school is an attempt at helping people after c19. If that makes any sense. England term starts in September. A lovely vlog of a really busy day! I could never keep track.

[@classictalkies]

Bailey is doing such a great job - so glad she is loving classes. I hope this is a great year for her ❤️

[@PrincessPeyten]

Hey ballinger family one thing about homeschool is that you don’t have to stress about getting out of the house on time😁😁😁

[@melissacoviello2886]

Kinda they have so many munchkins in so many extra curricular things, supplementary things, doctors etc…

[@PrincessPeyten]

@@melissacoviello2886 Yeah that’s true and the kids are all so sweet like they don’t fight over silly stuff like do you remember that one vlogmas video they did I think it was in 2020 they were picking out their advant calendars and I think it was Duncan that Bailey was talking about but anyway Bailey said since he didn’t have a chocolate advent calendar last year he can have it and I’ll be fine with any other advent calendar like how sweet of her I wish more siblings were like that😍😍😍

[@AdrienneMcGuire]

I just realized that Bailey may have the added pressure of being recognized from the vlogs or from her relation to Colleen/Miranda. I hope she’s able to have a normal high school experience!

[@RobotGirl]

omg what Jacob is doing sounds like FIRST lego stuff. I love the whole FIRST program. Doing FRC was the best part of my high school experience

[@HollowWaterso]

Take your time Bailey! Do what you need to succeed!

[@Claire_96]

No pressure at all, Chris! But I do miss the “what we learned today” guitar outros!

[@sharikurzh732]

A good trick to teach the kids regarding building is "Lefty Loosey - Righty Tighty" 😊 💖

[@Dreamprism]

A lego robot competition sounds awesome. The experience working with a team of his peers will be helpful just as much as the coding/robotics.

[@annalevermore7857]

Glad you're happy with school Bailey. Good to see you in the vlog when you can.

[@graced8502]

Congratulations Duncan you have joined the big boys club

[@graced8502]

Bailey keep up the great work So proud of you.

[@mvela9877]

HI BAILEY!!! I wish you much blessings in all you are doing. Miss ya too🥹

[@MultiSkittles98]

Teddy looks so much like Jacob!

[@elizabethkoobs1060]

Yes!⬆️

[@elizabethboardman2605]

I literally thought that from the beginning! So true!

[@Savvy955]

Hey guys. As a Groomer here in Australia we call the "fanny" part of the groom a " sanitary " But I think the feet face and fanny sounds so much better hahaha

[@raexxrose]

We also call it a sani cut in the US lol but I think they forgot the term 😂

[@Savvy955]

Haha I think they did too. Didn't Rue look so cutw

[@cawrumin]

Oh my gosh I was a Lego Robotics kid, too! Such a cool program and you learn so much about science and technology

[@mothermarie6057]

So happy for you Bailey, you look so happy ♥️🎶🌟

[@caitlynrae05]

I work at an institution that hosts the FIRST LEGO League competition that Jacob is participating in. I help with it every single year and it's the absolute best time.

[@lynnethwaytes7944]

Wow so awesome those hash browns I'm going to try them. It's great that Bailey enjoys high school she's getting so grown up she will be doing alsorts with her friends now xx

[@raexxrose]

Sometimes at my work we call it the poop shoot 🤣 but we call the “feet, face, sani” a basic which is just a quick clean up! Also would suggest a grooming salon over Petco/PetSmart, many horror stories with them if you look into it, let alone all the stories we hear that are reported & you’ll get a better groom probably for cheaper! Plus support/shop local ☺️

[@SuperJezzara]

Chris, for the potatoes, try also squeezing out as much extra moisture as you can, even by wrapping them in a towel. They should get a bit crispier that way because they don't steam as much.

[@brigitterolens]

Love the "strawberry wild strawberry" reference 🤣

[@tjbrat44]

Oooooh man!!! You had me at #hashbrowns Chris!!! 👍 Love to the Ballinger from Utah!! ✨❤✨

[@ashlyfry3774]

I love and miss seeing your face Bailey.. you are wonderful and beautiful! All of the kids are.. growing so fast... I love watching all of you! Have a good time. Xo 🤗

[@alicerice8506]

An easy way to remember which way to screw things is righty tighty, lefty loosey. That’s how I remember. 😊

[@victoriasbooktalks8882]

What curriculum are you using? And can you share some of the extra classes the kids are taking online? Thanks!

[@WizardToby]

1) Absolutely wild that Bailey is in high school already. Blowing my mind. Feels not that long ago that she was 7 years old XD 2) Jake's voice change is blowing my mind. 3) Parker is such a mood 4) Luke is so observant and vocal about things.

[@Coco12769]

Hi Ballinger family , I'm a big fan of ur videos, thanks so much for these videos

[@linseylouwho]

So fun to see your new school year schedule! I love the joy your kiddos find in learning. ❤️❤️❤️

[@vc1278]

These videos are a highlight of my day

[@wendys9713]

I wonder if you rinse and drain the potatoes in a salad spinner if they would be even better getting extra dry.

[@sarahjordan2308]

At our groomer used to call that a sanitary cut because it keeps the doggies nice and clean and sanitary

[@kamirinc]

Duncan’s reaction when he sat on the bench was too cute!

[@rongarrett1366]

Splitting the hashbrowns is a brilliant idea.

[@katefeelsshs]

I was like “Wow nice kitchen where are they” but then I remembered that they renovated theirs 😂😂😂

[@KasTheRuler]

Add a little cornstarch powder and you get such a good crunch on those hash browns

[@moneysports1793]

Good luck 🤞 Bailey 🇦🇺

[@swoonkles2442]

I love your lip stick/gloss? so pretty!!

[@annabarr4069]

That was a very helpful hash browns tutorial!

[@katemedcraft]

Oh my Rue was a completely different colour!

[@shaytoledo6801]

OMG is it FLL? (first lego leauge) they also have big robots when he is a bit older FRC which was a big part of my life, amazing thing to be part of

[@renepare3996]

That's a great way to do it for Bailey! My school didn't do that, first day of school we went right into classes it sucked lol

[@SuperMusicalPassion1]

Duncan and Parker are adorable

[@AbbyElizabeth03]

I’m certain you’ve addressed this in other videos- but why exactly have you always homeschooled your kids? I fully support you doing what’s best, I’m just curious. Thanks!

[@ldk1348]

The fact I remember when Duncan was born and now he’s in K/1st

[@whosjoe7490]

so glad i got my daily dose of luke eating breakfast

[@F.F.A]

Can you do another trying holiday and fall drinks with Bailey and Jacob? I think that video from last year is my favorite video from y’all ever. Also that’s so crazy that Bailey is in school now!

[@charlotte50224]

By all means, Bailey, don't feel obligated to be on youtube a lot. Being a teenager, and starting high school is overwhelming enough, without putting your life out to the world. Jessica, I've only been watching you guys for less than a year, so still kind of learning what you're all about. But, as a retired educator, I've found it interesting to see how various families handle home-schooling. I have to say I've been most impressed with you and one other channel. Some seem to have no rhyme or reason, and are just letting the kids pick what they want to study. And the kids seem to not be getting a well rounded education. You, on the other hand, clearly have a solid plan to what you're doing, and seem to be taking the whole thing very seriously, as well you should be. As for your son who wants to be in first grade classes, though he's not the normal age, I see that as only a good thing. For sure one of the plusses of homeschooling, is that kids can work at their own rate. Sometimes that might be a bit behind, and other times ahead of what they'd be in a regular classroom. I also love that Dad let the boys do the work. I know that takes patience, and probably was not as speedy as doing it yourself, but what a great learning experience for the boys. They're not only learning skills, but the confidence of knowing they can do it themselves!! Well done, Mom and Dad, you're doing great, and your kids show that!!

[@tracymathews1839]

Hi from Ohio i love your shirt Jacob & I love your vlogs & family

[@laurafelkerr]

Can’t wait for you all to experience the robotics event they are so fun!! You should check out FIRST robotics I did it in high school and loved it

[@sophieadam9702]

In Australia we start school the year end of January for all grades.

[@ashleir1498]

I really love the drive Bailey has but I am worried that she may be doing too much. She says she likes school now but with what it sounds like she is doing a lot of school and homework on top of it. I hope she doesn't burn herself out! Pace yourself and self care Bailey! We are rooting for you!

[@erwinignacio6453]

Good Morning everybody; love hash browns; I love your family vlogs so much. Does your family like turkey bacon? You are all awesome, hugs

[@jessicasmith1611]

I love your family you’re kids are so cute

[@mdaze9753]

Jacob's voice is getting so deep! 😊

[@moonbread2334]

Bailey! We love you too!!

[@marissaweeks6522]

What kind of food processor do you have? Do you like it? I’m in the market for one and I just don’t know what to buy.

[@susantrueman4651]

I 💖 how Jacob's voice has broke makes him sound older

[@ohhitskaylee]

What is the online program you use? I am a teacher in an actual classroom, and would love to do online teaching

[@thevneesasanka4833]

Love the structure and the transitioning in this vlog!

[@zoedignan8918]

Is Jacob’s new lego club called FLL? My older sibling did it for years, and the whole family loved the competitions! Good luck Jake!!

[@HamnaAmir-d7m]

Hi Ballinger fam! Love your videos!

[@maegandewys7973]

I would love to know what classes they are all in specifically and what you guys think is the most important classes? 😊

[@ScorpioKaylin1993]

Hi Ballinger family 😊

[@CaylaCoy]

Hey hey Polywood! Their located in my hometown! 👍🏼

[@ninopink1598]

Jacobs voice!!!! So cute

[@crystaltucker2166]

Jessica I remember there was a book that you used with Dunkin to help him learn to read. I was wondering if there's anyway you can get the link to that book to me.

[@BallingerFamily]

Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. It’s around $15 on Amazon and really great for some brains :) If your child is REALLY struggling with it, then I suggest considering switching to a different program, like All About Reading (uses an Orton-Gillingham approach, which is better for things like dyslexia).

[@CaraPicone]

How is Bailey taking a college class? That’s cool!

[@erinmavismurphy]

I think she’s doing AP or dual credit, it can be used for college credit, but it’s not actually a college class

[@CaraPicone]

@@erinmavismurphy I thought maybe AP, but as a freshman that’s super impressive!

[@adrialvarez6185]

Also, id you put the potatos on the fridge that “supposedly” takes more starch out… dont jnow if it is true but in my family we always put the potatos a few hours before in the fridge because of that!

[@delta9571]

Jacob is going through puberty. So cute his voice is cracking. They growing up so fast.

[@bethanybulone8759]

Now I want breakfast food