Dara McMichael

It seems as though I am in the minority when it comes to
putting the kids to bed at 9pm. My 9yod reads until 10pm
but the younger two like going to bed. Seem to crave it. I
too am a night owl and I could easily stay up till 2am but
it is tough to get up with the littlest ones at 7 or 8am. I
did not mean to imply that late bed times are bad just that
my husband would like one on one time with me before he goes
to bed at 11pm. He is also an early bird! I know friends
who home school and have late bedtimes who happen to love it
but there are quite a few who start their day earlier than I
do and love it as well. I think it depends on individual
preference and what works for your family.
I have been reading a lot this past week about the Charlotte
Mason method and would like to know if there is anyone out
there doing it? I like the Five in a row study and see an
abundance of materials to choose from. Just starting out in
this adventure, I would be more comfortable with some
structured curriculum but want freedom to go explore and
discover the world at our pace. Our state requires yearly
testing so I feel like a curriculum would help us to that
end but don't have much faith in testing in general. It
seems to cause extreme pressure in school children in the
month of May around here because their results determine
teacher pay raises! If anyone can help me with more
information, I would really appreciate it. I haven't
officially started home schooling yet but it is already
part of our lives since I have been doing it to a degree
since they were toddlers. I want to start this summer or in
the fall. I have read about decompression time they will
need. Does anyone have more info on this? Thank you.
Dara in South Carolina