Homeschooling and Farming with a Large Family
Here on the blog, I love to share not only our family life homeschooling, but “our life” collectively as homeschoolers. That is why I regularly post interviews with everyday homeschool moms just like you! I hope you will be encouraged by reading this interview with Laura as she talks about homeschooling and farming with a large family.
To see more interviews from other homeschool moms, see the Our Life Homeschooling Gallery of Homeschool Mom Interviews.
Introduce Yourself
Hi, my name is Laura Stahl. I have been married to my high school sweetheart, James, for 21 years! We have ten children ranging from 20-2. Yep, it’s a LOT of food and a LOT of crazy, but we love it and wouldn’t have it any other way! We live on a busy farm that produces field crops, vegetables and fruits for our farm market, and a layer chicken house. We’ve had the privilege of raising our family on the farm where my husband grew up.
What attracted you to homeschooling?
We both had the privilege of being homeschooled, so it was not a foreign concept to us! I couldn’t imagine sending my children off for so many hours each day! And being that our family lived on a farm, we wanted to give our children the extra time to enjoy being outdoors and work alongside my husband who is self-employed. This has been such a gift that has built a strong family unit.
How do you do it!?
As a mom of ten, I often get asked, “How do you do it?!” “One day at a time!” -my mother of 14 would say! I find myself saying the same thing😊 And of course only by the grace of God! But the truth is I don’t do it all… and there are times that I have to ignore the growing to-do list to focus on my husband or children’s needs. The older children also take turns with childcare and/or household chores to assist in keeping the home running. Many hands make light work! In recent years I have hired my graduated daughter part-time to help with food prep, teaching, cleaning, or childcare. That has been a huge blessing!
How does farm life work with homeschooling?
The beauty of living on a farm is the many opportunities for outdoor exploration and education about agriculture, husbandry, nature, hunting and business. It is also useful for teaching good work ethic with the many jobs it creates. This has been especially beneficial with having 6 sons! It has also created a wonderful place to build relationships as a family and with grandparents and great-grandparents as we work together. Homeschooling allows us the flexibility to ease into academics when there is still work on the farm come September. Then during the winter we can maximize our time, and still wrap up in the spring when the outdoor work ramps up.
What curriculum do you use?
While I have tried various approaches and curriculums over the years with a growing family, I have often come back to using the traditional textbook approach. This allows for seamless learning and encourages independent study at their individual level. Currently our middle students are using a lot of Abeka Academy classes that provide excellent Christian teachers for them to learn from and work through at their own pace. Our high schoolers enjoy drop-off co-op classes for a good portion of their credits. This is helpful to me to have another teacher grading homework and keeping track of grades. In addition, most of our older children have been a part of MACSA Bible quizzing, which includes an intense memorizing schedule and competitions later in the year. My husband has been able to be a part of coaching his own children in this, which I love!
Laura’s Favorite Resources
Hands down our favorite audio dramas are from Lamplighter! We also love many of their classic stories including, Charlie’s Choice, Teddy’s Button, Ishmael, The White Gypsy, The Treasure of the Secret Cove, The Hidden Hand, and The Lamplighter to name a few!
BJU Press
LEAVE A COMMENT?
Has Laura’s story encouraged you? Leave a comment and let her know!
