The CURRICULUM we are using in our HOMESCHOOL || saying goodbye to old habits

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Welcome, friends! I am curious...have you settled in, or are you still making adjustments and shifting things around? I'd love to hear from you! 😊 Thank you SO much for watching! Don't forget to subscribe before you go! 💜

[@FLMegan]

Please tell me how long the new tgtb math is taking you AND if I can skip the video parts? We will be in 5 next year- currently doing the old version 4. My boy does not like anything but me teaching math. However, my girl LOVES Teaching Textbooks. If it's taking over 30/40 mins with the new, I may have to go to Apologia. 😬Help.

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Hey Megan! In my opinion and experience, yes! You can ABSOLUTELY do TG&TB without the video instructions and definitely within 30/40 minutes. With the video instructions (depending on video length) it takes my son about 25-35 minutes. We don't always do everything in the lesson though. Some is simply review on concepts mastered and we don't always spend time in those areas, every lesson.

[@FLMegan]

@SimplyLivingIt ohh thank you!! I heard the hour long rumor, and that's what I should think is normal for math in 4th/5th, but we think differently, so this is fantastic news and eases my brain so much!! Also- you packed so much good stuff in this video! I'm going back and taking notes. 2 curriculums were new to me! Thanks so much.

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Again, this is my opinion! I know nothing about the hour long rumors...but we wouldn't be doing it if that was so! 🤪 Hahah! I'm so happyl that you found it helpful! ❤️

[@SuperTopher01]

Yes, I change too! I am trying to figure out what works daily for my daughter. Do you have a review on Notgrass History? I have not made the switch to Fix it Grammar or Structure and Style yet! Thank you.

[@tnctnc5972]

We are on year 6 of homeschooling and you've helped me so much to accept that we get to pick our own way it doesn't look like others and doesn't have to !!! Keep sharing!!

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Ellen, that is amazing! Good job, mama! 🌻💜🤗

[@Olgaleigh]

Oh man this is so good! I’ve felt this way lately and just simplify it and knowing what we have is solid and don’t need to keep adding.

[@JoeMonicaLuke]

Love this❤

[@FlowerLover88]

🥰 yes! We changed so many things. I am more relaxed now about everything. I try not to get FOMO anymore. lol. I feel like kids will only retain what they are interested in. 🤷

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Doesn't it feel so much better?! 😄 I am understanding that in such a different way these days. 😊

[@FlowerLover88]

@@SimplyLivingIt It does. I don't worry about grade levels anymore either. Such a big lift off of my shoulders.

[@reneegouge9698]

I'm only 2yrs in on homeschooling but you have helped me sooo much I really appreciate all you've done .I know we all change curriculum and I don't have to feel bad about it.

[@deannaelliott5523]

I always love your videos. So peaceful, practical, and inspirational. We have added some resources to help my son with a language disorder get more practice, including Explode the Code. He loves these! We also added Fix It Grammar and IEW SSS 1A recently for the other son.

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Thank you💜

[@faith.and.wonder]

We too are using IEW this year for the first time. I’m planning to transition my 4th grader to it in 6th grade. We’ll spend 5th grade working on reading more books, keeping grammar skills sharp, narration plus writing for fun. I think it’ll be a great year!!

[@SimplyLivingIt]

That's so great! 🌻

[@connievanmeter3206]

We are STILL trying to find a good fit for several subjects! I’m about to switch things up for my 9th grader.

[@brittany.powell]

This is our first year homeschooling. We ditched what I originally bought (boxed set) by week two because it was awful. And I found that simple, old school, explicit instruction workbooks is what my daughter loves and it works. We cut all extras, and we only do core subjects. Because of the pandemic my daughter’s kindergarten and first grade year with public school were a hot mess. Because of this she’s a struggling reader and needs one on one support with every subject. I’m happy to provide her with a custom education at home to meet her needs. So yes we’ve settled in, found what works, and have been in a really good place for several weeks.

[@kristyjo5745]

We've been homeschooling our 4 kids (this is our 6th year) but very curious what you use for reading writing and math?!

[@SevenInAll]

Nice seeing the resources you're using!

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Thanks Rachel! 💗

[@CheyenneMarie]

so off topic but i LOVE your home. i need a tour of ur design style!!!

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Thank you! ☺️

[@JoyfulNoiseLearning]

I can't wait to use Phonetic Zoo!

[@abundanceintheson_316]

It is lovely to see you content and restful in what works for you guys and what you are doing. Last night, I finally felt that and immediately prayed to thank the LORD because it has felt like quite a journey. I would say we settled into some great routines and materials. We are doing C.C. Essentials (which uses IEW) for my oldest Language Arts (she is 10). We do E.P. Math (online, Christian, free). She is reading really well. I am having her read some biographies to spice up her fiction. Most subjects we do with our C.C. Co-op and at home we read great related stories. My other two kids also use E.P. math (each at their own level). We use some handwriting books for my kindergarten (handwriting without Tears). Otherwise, my sorta 2nd grader copies sentences from her reading books or Bible story books. My sorta 2nd grader uses HOP books, E.P. reading, and whatever else is on my shelf to work on her phonics. My Kindergartener is using flashcards to learn his ABCs I am truly using materials I own and avoiding spending too much money on new things. So, this year has been very smooth because of that. I did try some "new" things at the beginning of the year that I had owned for years and it was ok but ultimately we settled here.

[@juliequates9529]

Do you have a recent schedule video? As in what subjects happen when if you're working with them? Or what subjects are done together. Thanks so much!

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Hey Julie! I don't have a new one out... but I'd be happy to get one filmed for you if that would be helpful? 🌸❤️

[@JoyfulNoiseLearning]

My youngest is working through Explode the Code as well! He just started Book 4.

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Hey Ashley, thanks for watching friend! 🌸🤗 Hope you're doing well! ❤️

[@Mariellen_]

Wonderful video! Your house is beautiful❤

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Thank you so much. 💜

[@ErikaJereka]

Can you please show us how you store your homeschooling stuff? Like where the bins go lol! I love your simple style!!

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Yes, girl! I totally will! I'd be happy to! 💜

[@hollyhall4236]

I know that you have been homeschooling a long time; so I trust your judgement. I realize all children are different. But, what curriculum worked best for your boys when they was in kindergarten and 1st grade? Just wondering what curriculum gave a good foundation in math and reading/LA?

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Holly, I love this question! For us...it was Abeka. It truly was. That was what we started with and all I knew at the time. I truly am grateful for the curriculum. I DO NOT RECCOMMEND following the teacher's guide with it unless you want all the things. The sheer magnitude of what was lined out each day was TOO MUCH for our family. Way too much! It was designed to be used in a school setting, so I do see the need for ALL the things. I loved the math (basic, simple math), the language/phonics, the readers and even the reading comprehension. However, I do not advise using with the teachers guide. It was SOOOO MUCH and created many tears. This is just our experience and our journey thus far. After 2nd/3rd grade...we branched out!! 😃 I hope this helps and doesn't lead to more confusion! ❤️🤗

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Oh.. and also we LOVED All About Reading at that age! 😊

[@hollyhall4236]

@@SimplyLivingIt it makes perfect sense. Do you think that science and social studies should be added in 2nd or 3rd grade?

[@hollyhall4236]

Thank you for always encouraging and sharing your wealth of knowledge with us!

[@SimplyLivingIt]

I think it doesn't hurt but depends on what YOU want! By 2nd, we added in a few extras that were interest based and natural! However, that's just how we roll! I didn't pressure the extras super early on and focused on what the boys were interested in as well as the basic things like math/reading/spelling/LA. Definitely earth/animal/nature science sprinkled in ....everywhere around us! 😃 Then, we entered the world of unit studies and the rest is history! Hahahaha!

[@Dreblueskies]

I’m keeping things very simple and always wonder if we are doing “enough” 😕

[@SimplyLivingIt]

I swear that whole concept is a lie from the enemy! We are so much happier and at peace when we trust the process. It's been a learning experience for sure! 🙌🌸🤗

[@Dreblueskies]

@@SimplyLivingIt You are spot on there! 🙏 thank you for the encouragement.

[@Libertyschoolhouseplans]

We are LOVING gather round psychology!!

[@SimplyLivingIt]

That's so good to hear!!!

[@tonabean7506]

What kind of things for science are you doing for your 9th grader? Also do your boys struggle with spelling or dyslexia? I'm interested in switching to structure and style do you think it would be a good fit for them if they struggle with that? Thanks for your videos!

[@makenziegriggs2613]

Hi there! I’m a mama to a girly who will soon be starting kindergarten. I have had homeschooling on my heart for years now. I’m so glad I found you. How on earth do you figure out what homeschool curriculum to choose??? 😅

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Hey friend! Oh my goodness! That struggle is a real one for sure! I am so excited for you and this journey! I just started with what others around me were using. Now, there are SO many other resources out there...it all expends on what you want your day to look like, really! ❤️🤗 I'm so glad you're here!

[@1dc25]

Hi, what’s the name of the basket on the thumbnail? or where did you get it please? Thanks 😊

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Hey there, I got it at a farmer's market this last spring. I am not much help...I'm so sorry! 😊

[@jennc1516]

Where do you store the bins?! Need a new system for my 4 kids 😅

[@SimplyLivingIt]

They are stored in a cubicle in our dining room! Maybe I'll do a simple tour of our area in a future video for you! 🌸🤗

[@hollys6821]

Thanks for this! I feel like you and I are sisters. My boys are switching from Teaching Textbooks to Shormann math next week. They just finished pre-algebra and I'm debating having them do Pre-Algebra again through Shormann (to make the transition a bit easier as they adjust to a new style/teacher or if I should move them along to Algebra 1. What did you do? Did your boys adjust well coming from TT? Thanks for all that you share!

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Hey Holly! So I will share our experience and my opinion! My oldest went from TT Algebra to Shorman Algebra just fine. We made the switch in November/December and we'd do it all over again in a heartbeat. At first, it seemed a bit overwhelming navigating their website for lessons, etc. But after a couple lessons, it's a breeze to navigate. He does it all independently! He is so happy with the switch. The lessons can be a little longer on certain days, however... that's to be expected with high school math. 😊 I hope this helps! We are looking at Shorman PreAl for my 8th grader for next year. No decisions have been made just yet...but it is a very likely possibility.

[@jaimejewell9686]

awe! another day of your smiling face!!!!! can you just get phonic zoo? trying to look it up.... i bet i am so missing it some where! lol you editing.. all i can think of is Jimmy Fallon did his show the start of this mess of a world... and you should watch one. i don't watch him now his show has changed alot!

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Hello, friend!!! Yes! You can order Phonetic Zoo without all the other things IEW offers. That's how we started, just Phonetic Zoo. 😊

[@evad4395]

Same, we only got Phonic Zoo😊

[@thethistlesthread]

psychology was SO DRY FOR US ...my 14 year old LOVES psychology but we could NOT hang lol it was so much fact spitting and just too much...definitely suggest it for higher levels if at all....maybe it was just the wrong time

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Oh that's such a bummer! We felt that way with Human Body...however, psychology...we are LOVING! What a gift it is to get to choose, right?! 🌻

[@lagcity9262]

Do you need the audio cd's for Phonetic Zoo?

[@SimplyLivingIt]

No! We have them but haven't used them once. We use my phone for the downloaded files. 😊

[@Zzappybiz]

This is my first year homeschooling and My son is in 9th grade, would you say that what you are using it’s enough for him as a visual learner and if so would you direct me to the curriculum and resources you are using. It would help me very much, I feel so lost and don’t know where to start. Also, he is interested in Christian psychology in case you have any tips on that. Thank you!

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Gather Round has an incredible Christian psychology unit! We are using it now and love it! ❤️

[@DB-yn9qx]

Great update! Maybe I missed it, but is your oldest still doing GRH with the others? I have an upcoming 9th grader and I'm struggling with if I should let him do GRH independently (my other two are only 9 and 5) or if I should try to still do family-style?

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Yes! He sure is! He just threw his book work away already! The new unit will replace it the old one. Sorry, I should have clarified! We do GR together...always! 💜

[@DB-yn9qx]

@@SimplyLivingIt Ok, thank you, I love that! My bravery with moving forward with high school in GRH stems from seeing others who have gone before me and how they use it. I'm glad to hear it's still working for you all to do it together. 🥰

[@STARSofJEWELS]

Hey thanks for this reminder that shiny doesn't mean better or that we need it! I needed this. Also, I sent you a message on Instagram about your 5am routine. 😊

[@SimplyLivingIt]

Hey friend! Shoot me an [e-mail] I am no longer active on IG 🤗