Meet Cassie of Kansas

Nathan (dad) enjoys his job at the Hospital in our town as supervisor in the Histology lab. Cassie (mom) is a stay at home mom and also cleans houses a couple times a week. Isaac has a very mathematical mind and is interested in how things work. We enjoy going on walks as a family around the neighborhood, hiking, paddle boarding at the lake in the summer, and playing video games.

How do you Timberdoodle?

I was introduced to Timberdoodle through a suggestion from the local homeschool group. I love the idea of having everything you need come all at once. The research is done for you as to what curriculum is the best and you can be confident you are getting quality product.

This is our first year using Timberdoodle. Isaac is in Kindergarten. We got the complete kit. Isaac especially enjoyed the science and geography books, worked ahead and have recently completed each. As we were adjusting how much he could handle in a day, we did set a few things aside but will be able to pick those up again as there is room for us to do them in the day now. He also loves the science kit with experiments. Isaac has a neighborhood friend that often requests that we do an experiment when she is over. Math-U-See has been great for him and he's learning the concepts really well. Developing the Early Learner he enjoys and I think it builds his confidence in himself.

Isaac does have some sensory, speech and ADD issues that play a factor in his reading ability. I did have to hold off on the All About Reading curriculum straight away, but now that we have done more foundation work, I think he is ready to start that soon. Spelling You See I am also waiting a while to start as letter sounds he is still having a struggle with.

Overall I am very happy with the kit we have and am amazed at the progress in Isaac. He went from not knowing how to write letters at all to now spelling words if I tell him the letters to write. Smart Farmer, Gear blocks, Djeco scratch art, and the Djeco modelling dough kit has all been very fun!

Tell us about a typical school day at your house.

We start school as soon as we wake up in the morning with breakfast or snack sitting close by to grab a bite and keep working. The subjects we do on a regular day are: Science (recently completed), Geography (recently completed), half a page of Channie's Easy Peasy Alphabet, math, reading, and Developing the Early Learner. Once a week we do the Spot the Difference and I Can Doodle Rhymes (which has been great to see the creativity that transpires in drawing the doodle with the rhyme). We are usually done within an hour.

Chores right now are teaching things like: cleaning up a mess that you make, putting your dishes in the sink, and putting dirty laundry in the basket.

If we peeked inside your home on a random Wednesday afternoon, what would we see?

Since at this age school isn't taking very long, that would depend what time of day you caught us! Isaac has a desk by the window that he sits at to do his work. When school is completed and the weather is nice, we love to be outside!

If you could take your family anywhere you wanted for vacation where would you go?

We do enjoy the lake that is near our town, but have also been to Florida and enjoyed that. One day we would love to see Hawaii.

What tips do you have for surviving a hard day?

Being present in the moment is the key to looking for the good. In that place we are able to be more patient because we are accepting the now and taking it in.

What’s something your child has done that thrilled your soul?

Sweet words such as "you're my best friend", or sweet actions such as giving me an apple "because you're the best teacher."

How does your family celebrate birthdays?

We have a party, make their favorite food, and get them something thoughtful.

What have you done recently for the first time?

Fly on an airplane.

What’s your favorite school day lunch?

Grilled cheese sandwich, fruit, and a veggie.

How would you manage if you had to homeschool without the internet?

I think we would do OK with the curriculum we have through Timberdoodle. We also could go to the library.

What tips do you have for other families?

If your child seems to not be on track for certain subjects, don't beat yourself up. It doesn't mean you aren't a good teacher. Take things at their pace and be patient by remaining in the moment.

What is something you appreciate about each of your kids?

I appreciate Isaac's sense of humor, his thoughtfulness, and unique mind.

What song is currently in your head?

Mighty Hand by Jon Thurlow.

Tell us about your family’s favorite games.

Isaac enjoys the board game Let's Feed the Very Hungry Caterpillar, table top pool, Foosball, Smart Farmer, and video games.

What is your exercise routine and how often do you do it?

I (Cassie) do 100 squats about every other day. We do a lot of family walks, and trampoline.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever done in your homeschool that you called a “science experiment”?

Blowing bubbles with slime.

What did you do just for fun with your kids recently?

Went on a walk while it was snowing.

What would you name your boat if you had one?

The Landing.

If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?

Wood lathe.

What’s the last recipe you looked up?

Oatmeal pumpkin bars.

If you could sum up your homeschool style or philosophy in one phrase what would it be?

Be present.

What does your kid want to be when he grows up?

Trash truck guy.

What extracurricular activities is your family involved in?

• wood working
• art
• music

If you have a moment to yourself what do you like to do?

Read.

What’s your favorite school day breakfast?

Fruit and yogurt.

What’s the best homeschool field trip you’ve ever been on?

Museums or nature trails/centers.

The grocery store cashier asks, “But what about socialization?” What do you say?

There are local co-ops you can get involved in, or just socializing with adults while out and about cultivates confidence and respect.

What’s the funniest thing one of your kids ever said?

Pronouncing words wrong such as "rememory", "grasshipper", "watermongon."

What do you do for fun as a family?

• walks
• outdoors
• games

What are favorite healthy snacks at your house?

• granola
• yogurt
• cheese
• fruit
• veggies
• nuts
• smoothies

What’s the best museum you’ve ever gone to?

Exploration Place in Wichita, Kansas.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome in homeschooling?

Learning to accept the current pace.

What is your favorite thing about having a kid?

The love and joy.

What’s the best vacation you have ever taken as a family?

Florida.

What’s your favorite in-a-pinch dinner option?

• eggs
• sandwiches
• salad
• pizza

What’s the strangest place you’ve done school?

On the trampoline outside.

Share a favorite organizational tip.

Schedule the week.

What special gifts or talents does your kid have?

Having an eye for shapes and memory. Balance.

What’s making you laugh these days?

Keeping a light-hearted attitude and being filled with joy.

What do you do for P.E. in your homeschool?

• trampoline
• walks
• park

Share a favorite inspirational quote.

What’s your best time of day to homeschool?

As soon as we wake up.