This is the second part of an interview with Kimberly. The first part is can be found here: https://winterpromise.com/journey-winterpromise-kimberly-osborn/

What about WinterPromise do you love? How does it fit your family? 

We are using Quest for the Ancient World and homeschooling is finally what I’ve always envisioned it to be!! I have both of my children in one core with a bunch of ways to bring the work up or down to their level.  The “spine” books they use are fabulous and “meaty” and spot on in History as far as I’m concerned! (Have I mentioned how important that is to me?! lol!)  The living books are wonderful, both my kiddos ask to read past the assigned chapters and we love our read-aloud time together. I suppose the reason for that is because we feel less stress about “getting everything done.”  While the lessons are informative and challenging, they are never too difficult to accomplish in a decent amount of time.  Both of my children are done with school by around lunchtime (even with their other subjects like math and Latin) so that they can pursue their own interests in the afternoon and evenings. It’s funny though, we always seem to discuss our lessons throughout the entire day!

There was a time I thought that more books meant better education, but what I’ve come to realize with Winterpromise is that the smaller selection of living books is actually a huge blessing!  They are of top quality and the schedule doesn’t rush us through them so we can really enjoy and discuss and digest the stories.  There are so many projects and hands-on activities, but part of the actual planning was to remind you that there no pressure to do them all – just the ones that sound interesting to us! We actually chose which we would do before we started the program so that I can be ready to go all in and have the items needed when they come up.

Of course, the best part for me are the teacher’s guides.  They are so incredibly thorough and simple to follow – I actually feel organized, something I could never quite achieve in so many of the other curriculums we’ve tried!  I cannot say how much that has blessed our experience in the classroom – for all of us!

Of course, the best part for me are the teacher’s guides.  They are so incredibly thorough and simple to follow – I actually feel organized, something I could never quite achieve in so many of the other curriculums we’ve tried!

Both of my children have told their father that we’re Winterpromise people for life! 🙂

 In what ways does homeschooling add to your family? 

We have noticed such a change in our family since we’ve begun homeschooling!  My husband and I have found such joy in watching our children discover, and achieve, find wonder in their surroundings, and form healthy friendships with other children that share their outlook.  We also love how close it has brought us while we, as parents, try to instill the importance of family life that we often see missing in our society today.

 

What would you say to anyone struggling to find a good fit in curriculum for their family?

Oh, goodness!  Do NOT give up just because one curriculum doesn’t fit!!  Keep researching, keep going to those conventions, keep asking your friends!  And don’t be afraid to try new things!  I did, on a total whim, and it has changed all of our lives for the better!! 🙂

 

Thanks so much Kimberly! We loved hearing from Kimberly about how WinterPromise has impacted their lives.

If you a story you want to share, email us at “michaelforwinterpromise@gmail.com.”