Resource person: 254-831-3070

Location: Bending Branch | 1 Bending Branch Way, Belton, TX, 76513

Description:

Our Monday and Wednesday program is our core academics, using Core Knowledge and Singapore Primary 2021 as the foundation of our English and Math program. These curriculums are supplemented and customized to our students to create an appropriately challenging course.

Our Tuesday and Thursday program is our dynamic and hands-on history, custom made to be a deeply enriching course utilizing Core Knowledge as the textbook spine. For example, when learning about the ancient Aztecs we read the accounts of how they lived, followed by making traditional corn porridge, a lego Aztec pyramid, and a playable model of their ball courts. Our math on Tuesdays and Thursdays enforces grade level appropriate math concepts based on Singapore Primary 2021 edition as a spine as a small group collaborate. For example, students learn to create tables through creating a table that has to be read as a secret agent decoder to decode a secret message written by another student.  

Friday's Academic Club (Fridays 8:30 to 1) is open to all students ages 8+ who are in our MTWTH Core Classes at no extra cost.

At Homeschool House LAB, students are not merely participants. We deliberately cultivate leadership, stewardship, and independence. Because our students of all ages are grouped together throughout the day, children have the opportunity to take on roles that may not be available to them at home. For example, a child who is the youngest at home has the opportunity to mentor younger children at school. 

Our day starts with the Morning Meeting, where we discuss the primary learning targets for the day, weather and its impact on our schedule, significance of the date, leadership & stewardship roles, and announcements. Students note important information in their planners. Our time concludes with tea and a light snack. 

Following the Morning Meeting we begin our academic studies. Depending on the activity all the children may work together or we may divide into small groups for teacher instruction, independent work, or collaborative studies. Yes, even our youngest students are able to develop independent and collaborative study skills. You won’t see students engaged in digital learning platforms. We use technology for research. To every extent possible we use hands-on-learning methods for primary instruction. 

Halfway through our morning we rest our minds and exercise our bodies in PE. Our focus in PE is on having fun with playground games and practicing good sportsmanship. For example, we might play variations of tag & dodgeball, jump rope, frisbee, tug of war, four-square, etc. Additionally, we integrate social & analytical skills, as well as, stewardship & leadership.

After our morning academics are completed is everyone’s favorite time of day: lunch & recess. Weather permitting we ensure all students are outside to enjoy our 1.5 acre property. They play games learned in PE, explore nature, read, draw, or just sit and enjoy the day. 

Before core only students head home, we have a quick afternoon check in. During this time the children name things that went well during the day and things that did not go so well. Teachers moderate this discussion as the children brainstorm how to improve things that require improvement. This time, though very short, is possibly the most powerful part of our day. It is not the adults identifying issues (though we may participate in the conversation) it is the children. It is not the adults coming up with solutions (though we may make suggestions), once again, it is the children. This practice gives the children agency in their school and a safe place to voice their concerns.

At Homeschool House, children most certainly receive high quality academic instruction and, most importantly, they are in an environment that values growth beyond metrics.

Price: $4,750.00 Taxes waived

Required age: 5 - 13 years old on the day of the activity

Prerequisites: Contact us at 254-831-3070 for assessments if you are concerned your child is not socially or academically prepared for this course. Social Expectations: Student can handle all bathroom duties independently. Student can try to resolve conflict through communication. Student can listen and follow instructions a reasonable amount for their age. Academic Expectations: Student must know their alphabet and letter sounds, have the ability to correctly hold a pencil, understand basic kindergarten math. If you have questions about your child's readiness for our ELAR course, please call the store to schedule an assessment at 254-831-3070.

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