I have not updated on the homeschool for a while....
In our co-op for history we have been going through the Medieval Period. The kids continued to do hands on projects while at home we read Story of the World, Usborne History Encyclopedia and Kingfisher Encyclopedia.
This past Monday in order to bring the Medieval period to a conclusion, we had a Medieval Feast. We served dinner on pita bread plates (trenchers) We served Leek and potatoe soup, chicken (instead of a pork roast) bread, salad and castle pies.
Prior to entering the hall, there was a handwashing station in which the childrens hands were washed in herbed water...
The older kids portrayed the King and Queen as well as visiting Kings and Queens, and were heralded in by trumpets...We took a collection for the poor (canned food). The upper grammar class gave an explaination of the importance of salt, one child gave the explaination of the origin of the "upper crust", and yet another gave an explaination of weapons used in that timeframe.
For entertainment, one of the kindergarteners was dressed as a jester and danced for the King and Queen, there was a beheading of 3, however the third ran off...and a sword fight.
At the end was a dance lesson which was truly enjoyed by the kids.
Since there were photographers there I did not bring my camera, however, next time I will as I would like a lot more photos.
In Science they have completed the Botany semester and have started on Flying Creatures. In last week they made "quill pens" from peacock feathers (since the chapter was on feathers)
We are about 3/4 of the way through Treasure Island. The teacher is awesome, so far the kids have done a small report on Robert Louis Stevenson, they have each researched a real pirate and this weeks assignment was to listen to 5 pieces of music written by R.L. Stevenson and copywork one of his poems. (Each child did their own poem from www.robert-louis-stevenson.org where all of his works are listed.
We have already decided that if the coop continues (which it looks like it will as the only family not returning is because they are moving and we have a list of others who want to join)...we will be going back, God willing.
They all continue with their SOS studies. The older two have been incorporating a video series to go with their American History, called Liberty's Kids. I found it on netflix, and the kids love it and they are learning from it!
TaeKwonDo continues 2ce a week and I have scheduled them for the 20 minutes a day on the WII fit. They love trying to beat the "records" and when they do, I go on, bump up the record time/hits etc and give them a new goal to work for.
Showing posts with label homeschool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homeschool. Show all posts
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Back into the swing of things
After a 3 week Christmas break, we resumed co-op today. Tomorrow we break out the books for the other subjects.
For World History, we are continuing our medieval studies, these will culminate on January 30 with a medieval feast, and celebration. Each level (primarily the dialectic and rhetoric) have been assigned "roles" in the feast. They will dress as knights, peasants or any other character from that age. We are continuing with Story of the World Vol 2, which I am enjoying as much if not more than the kids.
The new semester starts with a new book, this time Treasure Island. I am looking forward to reading this with the kids. Their teacher has found some awesome activites in the past, and I look forward to seeing what she has found for this book.
Science we are starting Zoo1 from Apolgia for Flying Creatures. We had started this book, but set it aside, for which now I am grateful. With this book the kids will be compiling a lapbook.
The kids were thrilled to see their friends, I was happy to see the kindergarteners. As one of my kindertots says, it was like coming for the first time all over again because of the fact that we had such a long break, however, it did not take long for them to settle in again.
We had a new girl for my kindergarten class, however I dont think her mom will come back. She is looking for a structured kindergarten class, my attitude with the blessing of the mothers is we will have fun and play and maybe learn a thing or two in the process. These are all "young" kindergarteners and the ages and abilities of each differ to far to try to attempt a structured class. This works for us.
I did find a "curriculum" that we are going to loosely follow. Each week a different country, next week we will do crafts, snacks and a game from Africa. We will then assign them "homework" of praying for missionaries and Christians in Africa.
For World History, we are continuing our medieval studies, these will culminate on January 30 with a medieval feast, and celebration. Each level (primarily the dialectic and rhetoric) have been assigned "roles" in the feast. They will dress as knights, peasants or any other character from that age. We are continuing with Story of the World Vol 2, which I am enjoying as much if not more than the kids.
The new semester starts with a new book, this time Treasure Island. I am looking forward to reading this with the kids. Their teacher has found some awesome activites in the past, and I look forward to seeing what she has found for this book.
Science we are starting Zoo1 from Apolgia for Flying Creatures. We had started this book, but set it aside, for which now I am grateful. With this book the kids will be compiling a lapbook.
The kids were thrilled to see their friends, I was happy to see the kindergarteners. As one of my kindertots says, it was like coming for the first time all over again because of the fact that we had such a long break, however, it did not take long for them to settle in again.
We had a new girl for my kindergarten class, however I dont think her mom will come back. She is looking for a structured kindergarten class, my attitude with the blessing of the mothers is we will have fun and play and maybe learn a thing or two in the process. These are all "young" kindergarteners and the ages and abilities of each differ to far to try to attempt a structured class. This works for us.
I did find a "curriculum" that we are going to loosely follow. Each week a different country, next week we will do crafts, snacks and a game from Africa. We will then assign them "homework" of praying for missionaries and Christians in Africa.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Co-op
We missed co-op yesterday, over the weekend I developed a wicked stomach flu, I awoke Monday still feeling ill. The kids were very disappointed but understood. I apologized throughout the day, which in retrospect is really silly as I did not do it intentionally. It's just one of those things.
Their mom came up last night to take them to a "harvest festival"...yet another one of those things I struggle with...Taking a satanic high holy day, sticking Jesus on it and calling it good. The kids still went and had a good time. They did not get much candy as they were hoping for as they did not want to wait in the lines. The oldest dressed as Mario, the princess was Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and the youngest as Indiana Jones. Needless to say they are all exhausted and dragging today as they don't sleep in. The best part for me as they got up, ate, got ready for the day, we start with reading and I have them around my feet as we read and they are all back in their costumes.
Today, I am feeling a little better, just tired and drained. This stuff kicked my butt!
This week involves plans of prepping for Thanksgiving dinner at my house. I have been doing a deep clean in the kitchen, starting with a round on the upper cabinets today. Cleaning the tops and my trinkets and treasures. Before bed, I hope to have all the upper cabinets wiped out and sorted through again. The large pantry is tomorrow then the lower cabinets on Friday (Thursday my mom and I are spending the day together).
I need to write up our menu (which is mostly by memory now) and shopping lists...my sis, mom and I will split the food. I keep hoping my mom will offer her house as it is bigger and can hold everyone easier, however she struggles with this since my dad died. Her joy of the season revolved around his sitting at the table, eating way to much and smiling as he ate each bite, then complaining he ate to much. Her beloved, her friend...she misses him so, I imagine she always will.
Today with schooling...the youngest wasn't grasping the concept of regrouping for subtraction so I put on the khanacademy.org for him...and he got it. I had forgotten this site for a while but it really is a great supplement. I noticed today that the kids could "earn badges" and points, but they each have to have a google mail or facebook acct. I am not sure how I can set this up so that this is all they use it for. The oldest watched a 20 minute overview of American History from Jamestown to Abraham Lincoln. He is so enthralled with history lately...love it!!!
Their mom came up last night to take them to a "harvest festival"...yet another one of those things I struggle with...Taking a satanic high holy day, sticking Jesus on it and calling it good. The kids still went and had a good time. They did not get much candy as they were hoping for as they did not want to wait in the lines. The oldest dressed as Mario, the princess was Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and the youngest as Indiana Jones. Needless to say they are all exhausted and dragging today as they don't sleep in. The best part for me as they got up, ate, got ready for the day, we start with reading and I have them around my feet as we read and they are all back in their costumes.
Today, I am feeling a little better, just tired and drained. This stuff kicked my butt!
This week involves plans of prepping for Thanksgiving dinner at my house. I have been doing a deep clean in the kitchen, starting with a round on the upper cabinets today. Cleaning the tops and my trinkets and treasures. Before bed, I hope to have all the upper cabinets wiped out and sorted through again. The large pantry is tomorrow then the lower cabinets on Friday (Thursday my mom and I are spending the day together).
I need to write up our menu (which is mostly by memory now) and shopping lists...my sis, mom and I will split the food. I keep hoping my mom will offer her house as it is bigger and can hold everyone easier, however she struggles with this since my dad died. Her joy of the season revolved around his sitting at the table, eating way to much and smiling as he ate each bite, then complaining he ate to much. Her beloved, her friend...she misses him so, I imagine she always will.
Today with schooling...the youngest wasn't grasping the concept of regrouping for subtraction so I put on the khanacademy.org for him...and he got it. I had forgotten this site for a while but it really is a great supplement. I noticed today that the kids could "earn badges" and points, but they each have to have a google mail or facebook acct. I am not sure how I can set this up so that this is all they use it for. The oldest watched a 20 minute overview of American History from Jamestown to Abraham Lincoln. He is so enthralled with history lately...love it!!!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Another Week
As we draw to the close to the week, I look back over the past few weeks with our membership as part of a co-op, our schoolwork schedule, and life in general. I can sit back content with the direction God has taken us.
I have found for me, that the co-op is giving me long term direction that I had been looking for. Whether the coop succeeds or fails (for this is the first year, along with the occassional bumps in the road that will occur as this becomes established) or if for whatever reason it no longer fits our family, the "schedule" will be maintained.
The first couple of weeks the kids thought they were "overwhelmed" with work, but as we settled into a routine of expectations, they see that they are not being asked to do more than they are capable of. At 11:30 in the morning, both boys have completed all of their assignments, the older one even giving a "happy dance" as he feels the sense of accomplishment. Princess has been slammed with 3 tests today so is taking longer to finish her work.
I have never read our current literature assignment "A Conneticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court" and I don't know who is enjoying it more, me or the kids...What a fun story and we are only up to chapter 9!
They were required to do a biography on Mark Twain this week and the kids enjoyed learning about him...again I did to. We learned that Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) was a confederate (for 2 weeks he had his own militia), he was a miner in Nevada, he was a pilot on a Mississippi river boat among other bits of info.
We are also reading "Gullifurs Travels" this is a book from the "Wishbone" series. Unfortunatley these books are now out of print, so I am grateful when I run across them in thrift shops.
The oldest is loving his US History, often these lessons take longest because he will want more info so we search the internet or watch a movie or look through books to answer his questions. The growth he is showing this year is amazing and I am in awe of the growth.
My princess...she struggles so with her maths. I have learned that she is like her mom, she cannot just be given bits and pieces in lessons to reach one final goal, we have to jump ahead so she can see where she is going with new information. My daughter was described as a "batch" learner. I have yet to find a curriculum that teaches in this manner, so as she starts each new unit we have to jump ahead to see where she is going.
Co-op still continues to be the highlight of their week...wonder what the kids from PS would say when these three all declare how much they love "school". :)
This week I am giving the kitchen a real deep clean, and catching up on never ending laundry. My beloved bought me a new dryer as the old one was not doing the job and I am wonderfully thrilled to not have to run 2 cycles to get clothes dry. I did not know he was even looking so I was thrilled when he brought it home last nite...keep in mind we buy these used so I was even more thrilled with the $50 price!!!
801. girls smiles,
802. sense of adventure the boys share with me
803. excitement as "they" figure out their work is all done before lunch
804. the sounds of dissappointment as they realize our reading is done for the day and they want to go on
805. struggles with lessons in the past, now things done with ease.
806. a husband who watches out for me
807. mom who finds treasures for me...latest is a pressure cooker for dinner to cut time for cooking
808. my daughter, who despite her distance from the family seems to be coming back bit by bit.
809. plans for thanksgiving with family starting to be made
810. excitement of kids headed out to the garden to pull up plants as we learn about roots.
811. An 11 year old learning of how private property was established with the pilgrims and relating it to the current threats he hears in the news today.
812. Living a lifestyle that allows me to be the wife God intends of me.
813. knowing that HE is in control today
814. knowing He is already there tomorrow
815. provisions He has made, without me knowing I needed them at the time.
816. Did I mention my dryer???
817. day to day life, that often seems boring and mundane yet is the most fulfilling
818. hunting season
819. One deer hanging...7 to go
820. canning jars to fill
821. the ones that are full
822. a friend who gave us some homemade pickles (tried making them once...failed...will have to try again)
823. my wood floor
824. GRAFT co-op
825. Each adult who spends time to share with the kids during our co-op classes
826. Each child that I have the opportunity to impact.
827. Having the Kindergarten class...with Brooke, Quinn...and 3 Seths....tell me that isnt confusing sometimes.
828. today. I am overwhelmed with HIS love for me today.
I have found for me, that the co-op is giving me long term direction that I had been looking for. Whether the coop succeeds or fails (for this is the first year, along with the occassional bumps in the road that will occur as this becomes established) or if for whatever reason it no longer fits our family, the "schedule" will be maintained.
The first couple of weeks the kids thought they were "overwhelmed" with work, but as we settled into a routine of expectations, they see that they are not being asked to do more than they are capable of. At 11:30 in the morning, both boys have completed all of their assignments, the older one even giving a "happy dance" as he feels the sense of accomplishment. Princess has been slammed with 3 tests today so is taking longer to finish her work.
I have never read our current literature assignment "A Conneticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court" and I don't know who is enjoying it more, me or the kids...What a fun story and we are only up to chapter 9!
They were required to do a biography on Mark Twain this week and the kids enjoyed learning about him...again I did to. We learned that Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) was a confederate (for 2 weeks he had his own militia), he was a miner in Nevada, he was a pilot on a Mississippi river boat among other bits of info.
We are also reading "Gullifurs Travels" this is a book from the "Wishbone" series. Unfortunatley these books are now out of print, so I am grateful when I run across them in thrift shops.
The oldest is loving his US History, often these lessons take longest because he will want more info so we search the internet or watch a movie or look through books to answer his questions. The growth he is showing this year is amazing and I am in awe of the growth.
My princess...she struggles so with her maths. I have learned that she is like her mom, she cannot just be given bits and pieces in lessons to reach one final goal, we have to jump ahead so she can see where she is going with new information. My daughter was described as a "batch" learner. I have yet to find a curriculum that teaches in this manner, so as she starts each new unit we have to jump ahead to see where she is going.
Co-op still continues to be the highlight of their week...wonder what the kids from PS would say when these three all declare how much they love "school". :)
This week I am giving the kitchen a real deep clean, and catching up on never ending laundry. My beloved bought me a new dryer as the old one was not doing the job and I am wonderfully thrilled to not have to run 2 cycles to get clothes dry. I did not know he was even looking so I was thrilled when he brought it home last nite...keep in mind we buy these used so I was even more thrilled with the $50 price!!!
801. girls smiles,
802. sense of adventure the boys share with me
803. excitement as "they" figure out their work is all done before lunch
804. the sounds of dissappointment as they realize our reading is done for the day and they want to go on
805. struggles with lessons in the past, now things done with ease.
806. a husband who watches out for me
807. mom who finds treasures for me...latest is a pressure cooker for dinner to cut time for cooking
808. my daughter, who despite her distance from the family seems to be coming back bit by bit.
809. plans for thanksgiving with family starting to be made
810. excitement of kids headed out to the garden to pull up plants as we learn about roots.
811. An 11 year old learning of how private property was established with the pilgrims and relating it to the current threats he hears in the news today.
812. Living a lifestyle that allows me to be the wife God intends of me.
813. knowing that HE is in control today
814. knowing He is already there tomorrow
815. provisions He has made, without me knowing I needed them at the time.
816. Did I mention my dryer???
817. day to day life, that often seems boring and mundane yet is the most fulfilling
818. hunting season
819. One deer hanging...7 to go
820. canning jars to fill
821. the ones that are full
822. a friend who gave us some homemade pickles (tried making them once...failed...will have to try again)
823. my wood floor
824. GRAFT co-op
825. Each adult who spends time to share with the kids during our co-op classes
826. Each child that I have the opportunity to impact.
827. Having the Kindergarten class...with Brooke, Quinn...and 3 Seths....tell me that isnt confusing sometimes.
828. today. I am overwhelmed with HIS love for me today.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Week in Review 10/10 - 10/14
From Co-op. The kids made "plant bubbles" from kneehigh panty hose! Each is now laying in a little pot to see if the seeds grow! The leader for the science has made this so much fun for the kids as we go through their botany book. They love this!
They all finished reading Around the World in 80 Days, and were surprised with the ending of it. Pleasantly so. This week will be wrapping it up writing a simple book report and analysis/opinion of what they read. They all like looking in their binder and seeing what they have accomplished in the past few weeks. Next week they start "A Conneticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court" by Mark Twain. Literature is their least favorite as it involves worksheets and vocabulary words, however with this new book comes a promise of some very interesting hands on activities.
World History is another favorite subject! I was trying to use Mystery of History however have purchased Story of the World to keep on track with the group better. This is as much for me as for the kids. They all LOVE the SOTW time, and I have started reading it to them as it opens discussions between us that would not otherwise happen.
The lower grammar class held their own mini feast on Monday. Here the teacher is cutting up "elephant trunk" (Made from brownies). They had "peacock eggs", fruit, crackers and cheese. They all had a ball!!!! We are planning a feast for everyone closer to Christmas break.
The kids are already asking if there will be co-op next year as they love it so much. We shall see. So far the coop has been amazing. The pieces seem to be falling together quite well (this is the first year) The unity of the parents is amazing, and the kids behavior is wonderful. The only real hiccups have been with communication, but this is all being ironed out bit by bit. Each Monday starts with praise and prayer time, and this has been instrumental in setting our hearts on target for the day!
This past week, the oldest is showing signs of maturing, he is buckling down much better as far as his acadmic work and this is nice to see. I pray it will continue as it makes his work easier for him, and his attitude rubs off on the younger two. I dont know if it surprises me or not but the oldest has become intregued with history. He is doing American History this year with Switched on Schoolhouse, and supplementing that with reading. He has become facinated with that.
In the meantime. We have laid laminate flooring in the livingroom and dining room. We still have to put the trim around the edges, but the flooring is fantastic. The kids love it! We quickly learned it is a two person job, hubby did the cutting while I was able to lay in the lengths, stair stepping them so he could get cuts done. It will still take some time to get the living room finished.
They all finished reading Around the World in 80 Days, and were surprised with the ending of it. Pleasantly so. This week will be wrapping it up writing a simple book report and analysis/opinion of what they read. They all like looking in their binder and seeing what they have accomplished in the past few weeks. Next week they start "A Conneticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court" by Mark Twain. Literature is their least favorite as it involves worksheets and vocabulary words, however with this new book comes a promise of some very interesting hands on activities.
World History is another favorite subject! I was trying to use Mystery of History however have purchased Story of the World to keep on track with the group better. This is as much for me as for the kids. They all LOVE the SOTW time, and I have started reading it to them as it opens discussions between us that would not otherwise happen.
The lower grammar class held their own mini feast on Monday. Here the teacher is cutting up "elephant trunk" (Made from brownies). They had "peacock eggs", fruit, crackers and cheese. They all had a ball!!!! We are planning a feast for everyone closer to Christmas break.
The kids are already asking if there will be co-op next year as they love it so much. We shall see. So far the coop has been amazing. The pieces seem to be falling together quite well (this is the first year) The unity of the parents is amazing, and the kids behavior is wonderful. The only real hiccups have been with communication, but this is all being ironed out bit by bit. Each Monday starts with praise and prayer time, and this has been instrumental in setting our hearts on target for the day!
This past week, the oldest is showing signs of maturing, he is buckling down much better as far as his acadmic work and this is nice to see. I pray it will continue as it makes his work easier for him, and his attitude rubs off on the younger two. I dont know if it surprises me or not but the oldest has become intregued with history. He is doing American History this year with Switched on Schoolhouse, and supplementing that with reading. He has become facinated with that.
In the meantime. We have laid laminate flooring in the livingroom and dining room. We still have to put the trim around the edges, but the flooring is fantastic. The kids love it! We quickly learned it is a two person job, hubby did the cutting while I was able to lay in the lengths, stair stepping them so he could get cuts done. It will still take some time to get the living room finished.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Week in Review 9/26-9/30
The kids came home with "treasures" from coop. They are currently studying the Roman Empire, and this week they finished up maps of Italy. It my be my personal opinion, but these are great!
The princess definately is the "artist" in the group.
The oldest...let his imagination run wild...I am glad to see the attempt as normally he does not like "artsy fartsy" activities. Whether it is maturing or just because he is in a group, I don't care...he is trying.
In Botany, they put together terrariums made from pop bottles...the Princess' is growning well. I think the boys drowned theirs and it did not help that the youngest took it on himself to shake it up to look for the seeds when his did not sprout...lesson learned!
They also did a study on leaves, culminating with these wreaths made from the leaves they had collected.
They are continuing their "Journey" of Around the World in 80 Days, and really enjoying it. They read about 4 chapters a week and the part they do not like is the worksheets they are assigned to review each session. The older two have paragraphs and sentences to write each week, whereas the youngest is not assigned these yet (altho I he has mentioned that he might like to try some of these)
Last Monday, the youngest had to pick an animal from India and had to write a report and do a picture of it. He choose peacocks (actually peafowl he has learned) because our neighbor has two peacocks and a peahen that often roam in our yard. The neighbor has given the kids a fist full of peacock feathers that had molted and the little man took some for each child in class...it was a huge hit!
As far as the home part. The kids seem less than anxious to get the work done, becoming a little bit of a battle to get them moving, but this will be temporary. I was doing Mystery of History for world history, but in order to make life easier for me, have opted to move to Story of the World and save MOH for their highschool years.
The oldest is the only one doing US history currently, he is going through a workbook and should be done with this by Christmas break. From their he will do small studies on the US presidents, learning a little more about each, once that is complete, he will be using a curriculum on www.raisingrefounders.com. I went over it and it is an awesome curriculum and free at that. It is true history, not the watered down and twisted history often taught today. (the younger two are currently doing world geography instead of US history and will roll into the history once these units are complete.)
I have been handling the kindergarten group at the coop. I put that I would like to help with this group but I was the only parent to "volunteer" for this, so it is just me. I am a little frustrated with it, as initially I was given a list of books to read with them and a science curriculum to use with them, however none of the 5 are ready for this, so I am having to backtrack all the planning I had done. Last week we covered dino's this week I think we will do senses. The problem is that with only 2 1/2 hours I really cant teach much that will be retained. It is not the idea of the coop that I teach them the ABC and 123, that's their moms job, so I really am trying to figure out how to keep them busy, productive and learning something.
On top of this, I was given a case of pie apples by a friend at church, I now have learned to can pie filling...I canned 12 quarts, however two did not seal. I was going to reprocess them, but the kids and my beloved ate them. My beloved has also learned that he likes the syrup used for the pie filling on toast.
The kids and I salvaged bunch of the seeds from the apples and will see if we can grow some apple trees. These apples came from a grove of trees near townsend and are old, so I pray that if we get them to grow, they will not be to far off of the apples we took the seeds from as they are beautifully tart for the pie filling.
We are back in the boat of praying about my beloved's job. He is due again to renew orders, again praying for a waiver to come through so that he may continue to work (this is old!!!) He is applying for a couple of jobs (full time/perm). With the changing of the guard mission, there should be new openings that he is more than qualified for.
HE has been going bow hunting this week, but he has had no luck (he is not an experienced bow hunter...waiting for rifle season now) He has seen, an owl, a porcupine waddling along and climbing a tree, deer that were to small to consider, and a variety of other creatures...I told him he needs to carry his camera, not his bow he may have better luck shooting something!)
All in all, a productive week.
The princess definately is the "artist" in the group.
The oldest...let his imagination run wild...I am glad to see the attempt as normally he does not like "artsy fartsy" activities. Whether it is maturing or just because he is in a group, I don't care...he is trying.
In Botany, they put together terrariums made from pop bottles...the Princess' is growning well. I think the boys drowned theirs and it did not help that the youngest took it on himself to shake it up to look for the seeds when his did not sprout...lesson learned!
They also did a study on leaves, culminating with these wreaths made from the leaves they had collected.
They are continuing their "Journey" of Around the World in 80 Days, and really enjoying it. They read about 4 chapters a week and the part they do not like is the worksheets they are assigned to review each session. The older two have paragraphs and sentences to write each week, whereas the youngest is not assigned these yet (altho I he has mentioned that he might like to try some of these)
Last Monday, the youngest had to pick an animal from India and had to write a report and do a picture of it. He choose peacocks (actually peafowl he has learned) because our neighbor has two peacocks and a peahen that often roam in our yard. The neighbor has given the kids a fist full of peacock feathers that had molted and the little man took some for each child in class...it was a huge hit!
As far as the home part. The kids seem less than anxious to get the work done, becoming a little bit of a battle to get them moving, but this will be temporary. I was doing Mystery of History for world history, but in order to make life easier for me, have opted to move to Story of the World and save MOH for their highschool years.
The oldest is the only one doing US history currently, he is going through a workbook and should be done with this by Christmas break. From their he will do small studies on the US presidents, learning a little more about each, once that is complete, he will be using a curriculum on www.raisingrefounders.com. I went over it and it is an awesome curriculum and free at that. It is true history, not the watered down and twisted history often taught today. (the younger two are currently doing world geography instead of US history and will roll into the history once these units are complete.)
I have been handling the kindergarten group at the coop. I put that I would like to help with this group but I was the only parent to "volunteer" for this, so it is just me. I am a little frustrated with it, as initially I was given a list of books to read with them and a science curriculum to use with them, however none of the 5 are ready for this, so I am having to backtrack all the planning I had done. Last week we covered dino's this week I think we will do senses. The problem is that with only 2 1/2 hours I really cant teach much that will be retained. It is not the idea of the coop that I teach them the ABC and 123, that's their moms job, so I really am trying to figure out how to keep them busy, productive and learning something.
On top of this, I was given a case of pie apples by a friend at church, I now have learned to can pie filling...I canned 12 quarts, however two did not seal. I was going to reprocess them, but the kids and my beloved ate them. My beloved has also learned that he likes the syrup used for the pie filling on toast.
The kids and I salvaged bunch of the seeds from the apples and will see if we can grow some apple trees. These apples came from a grove of trees near townsend and are old, so I pray that if we get them to grow, they will not be to far off of the apples we took the seeds from as they are beautifully tart for the pie filling.
We are back in the boat of praying about my beloved's job. He is due again to renew orders, again praying for a waiver to come through so that he may continue to work (this is old!!!) He is applying for a couple of jobs (full time/perm). With the changing of the guard mission, there should be new openings that he is more than qualified for.
HE has been going bow hunting this week, but he has had no luck (he is not an experienced bow hunter...waiting for rifle season now) He has seen, an owl, a porcupine waddling along and climbing a tree, deer that were to small to consider, and a variety of other creatures...I told him he needs to carry his camera, not his bow he may have better luck shooting something!)
All in all, a productive week.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Week 2
Another week of homeschooling under our belts.
Monday started with our coop. Gosh the kids love the opportunity to do the hands on stuff that they would miss at home.
The literature is quickly becoming a chore as the older two are suppose to write the full definition, then a sentence for 16 words chosen from the story. The catch here is my oldest has always struggled with writing, he has a problem with fine motor skills and this is becoming a weight on him. I have adapted the assignment that he is to just write the correct definition and sentence. They begrudingly completed their assignments.
My princess struggles with comprehension (I did so I fully understand how frustrating it is for her) so her literature worksheets where she has to answer questions relating to the story is a struggle. I did find a different version of the story that has been simplified a little so I will have her pick up from that book
Science is their favorite, their teacher "Miss Rebecca" makes the class fun for them and they adore their science. She does not assign to much, strickly reading the the chapters, however, I have found some sheets that I have the children fill out and put in their binders for each chapter, to keep them honest in their reading.
I have been assigned to the kindergarten, when I first was given what was wanted done, I tried to figure out how to incorporate it, however...I have 5 kids ages 4 and 5, four of them are boys, and none are ready to do the work that was originally schedules, so we are doing a change of plan. I am setting up "themes" for the next few weeks (On Monday...dinosaurs) This is causing me to backtrack and redo a lot of the planning I had already done.
One of the things originally scheduled for the littles was "Wishbone" classics. I purchased a set of 13 of these, but the chapters are to long for the boys. And altho' most little ones this age can maintain interest in chapter books, to have it only read once a week they lose interest quickly as they lose the continuity of the story.
All is not lost with the wishbone books though. Beowolf is from the same history era as they are learning in coop this year, so I have the kids reading "Be A Wolf" ... an adaptation of the classic (in reading the info in the book, it is more designed for this grade level anyway). So far they love it. So I am incorporating that into their assignments at 3-4 chapters a day which seems doable to them.
I had never heard of these books before, but have quickly fallen in love with them. There are a lot of the classics retold as if a dog (Wishbone) is narrating the story. Intresting perspective, and fun for the kids. Along with "Be A Wolf", there is a "Romeo and Juliet" version that I will have the kids read prior to reading the version assigned for coop.
Friday was a bit different for them, as their Papa handled them while I went to Helena then Missoula with my mother and sister. We went to thrift shops (I found my favorite things...books) and had lunch. It was a joy to spend the day with them, which I have not done in years. They are already planning a trip to Bozeman...just to go to thrift shops. I will go just to be with my mom again.
Today...Planning dinosaurs. My kids lessons already planned out bar the coop assignments.
Monday started with our coop. Gosh the kids love the opportunity to do the hands on stuff that they would miss at home.
The literature is quickly becoming a chore as the older two are suppose to write the full definition, then a sentence for 16 words chosen from the story. The catch here is my oldest has always struggled with writing, he has a problem with fine motor skills and this is becoming a weight on him. I have adapted the assignment that he is to just write the correct definition and sentence. They begrudingly completed their assignments.
My princess struggles with comprehension (I did so I fully understand how frustrating it is for her) so her literature worksheets where she has to answer questions relating to the story is a struggle. I did find a different version of the story that has been simplified a little so I will have her pick up from that book
Science is their favorite, their teacher "Miss Rebecca" makes the class fun for them and they adore their science. She does not assign to much, strickly reading the the chapters, however, I have found some sheets that I have the children fill out and put in their binders for each chapter, to keep them honest in their reading.
I have been assigned to the kindergarten, when I first was given what was wanted done, I tried to figure out how to incorporate it, however...I have 5 kids ages 4 and 5, four of them are boys, and none are ready to do the work that was originally schedules, so we are doing a change of plan. I am setting up "themes" for the next few weeks (On Monday...dinosaurs) This is causing me to backtrack and redo a lot of the planning I had already done.
One of the things originally scheduled for the littles was "Wishbone" classics. I purchased a set of 13 of these, but the chapters are to long for the boys. And altho' most little ones this age can maintain interest in chapter books, to have it only read once a week they lose interest quickly as they lose the continuity of the story.
All is not lost with the wishbone books though. Beowolf is from the same history era as they are learning in coop this year, so I have the kids reading "Be A Wolf" ... an adaptation of the classic (in reading the info in the book, it is more designed for this grade level anyway). So far they love it. So I am incorporating that into their assignments at 3-4 chapters a day which seems doable to them.
I had never heard of these books before, but have quickly fallen in love with them. There are a lot of the classics retold as if a dog (Wishbone) is narrating the story. Intresting perspective, and fun for the kids. Along with "Be A Wolf", there is a "Romeo and Juliet" version that I will have the kids read prior to reading the version assigned for coop.
Friday was a bit different for them, as their Papa handled them while I went to Helena then Missoula with my mother and sister. We went to thrift shops (I found my favorite things...books) and had lunch. It was a joy to spend the day with them, which I have not done in years. They are already planning a trip to Bozeman...just to go to thrift shops. I will go just to be with my mom again.
Today...Planning dinosaurs. My kids lessons already planned out bar the coop assignments.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Week in Review
This year is going to be challenging for all three of the kids. The coop lessons are a little more intense as far as assignments than they are use to but they seem eager to get them done.
Literature: They are reading Around the World in 80 days. I have chosen the Illustrated Classics and the had to read 4 chapters. On top of this, they had 2 worksheets to fill out and a list of 12 words they had to look up in the dictionary. Altho' they were suppose to copy the entire definition and pick out/underline the appropriate one for their story, I adapted that to where they only have to write the pertinant definition. As we go on I will start to incorporate more of their writing.
This was for only the older two
The youngest is thrilled, for his "homework" he has to chose a hobby and bring it in for "show and tell" so he is finishing up a lego project that he recieved for his birthday.
History we are struggling a little with because the coop is using Story of the World, and we have Mystery of History. I ordered the book for SOTW but did not get it until today. It is to difficult to try to coordinate the two, and we will still run into some problems in the beginning because the coop is using vol 1, the last few chapters and we now have vol 2 which they will be starting in a couple of weeks.
The Science is the apologia Botany, which the kids are loving. We walked down to my mothers yesterday and the oldest was picking out/spotting all the "Angiosperms" ...he likes saying that word.
Math/Language arts they are quickly falling into the swing of things...again.
Today I had to run out to buy food (cant believe how much these little people can eat!) and we stopped by the mall and I had them get some of the small photos from the photo booth. They want homeschool id cards so this weekend I shall try to pull them together for them.
We still are having "time management" problems with the kids as they are taking all day to complete their assignments, but they are getting better with each day.
All in all a pretty good week and I am grateful for the opportunity to homeschool them.
Literature: They are reading Around the World in 80 days. I have chosen the Illustrated Classics and the had to read 4 chapters. On top of this, they had 2 worksheets to fill out and a list of 12 words they had to look up in the dictionary. Altho' they were suppose to copy the entire definition and pick out/underline the appropriate one for their story, I adapted that to where they only have to write the pertinant definition. As we go on I will start to incorporate more of their writing.
This was for only the older two
The youngest is thrilled, for his "homework" he has to chose a hobby and bring it in for "show and tell" so he is finishing up a lego project that he recieved for his birthday.
History we are struggling a little with because the coop is using Story of the World, and we have Mystery of History. I ordered the book for SOTW but did not get it until today. It is to difficult to try to coordinate the two, and we will still run into some problems in the beginning because the coop is using vol 1, the last few chapters and we now have vol 2 which they will be starting in a couple of weeks.
The Science is the apologia Botany, which the kids are loving. We walked down to my mothers yesterday and the oldest was picking out/spotting all the "Angiosperms" ...he likes saying that word.
Math/Language arts they are quickly falling into the swing of things...again.
Today I had to run out to buy food (cant believe how much these little people can eat!) and we stopped by the mall and I had them get some of the small photos from the photo booth. They want homeschool id cards so this weekend I shall try to pull them together for them.
We still are having "time management" problems with the kids as they are taking all day to complete their assignments, but they are getting better with each day.
All in all a pretty good week and I am grateful for the opportunity to homeschool them.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Fun with devotions
In order to include Papa during devotional time, we do a devotional after dinner. We are currently doing a 45 day study on Self Control for this year we are studying Christian Character traits.
We have had times when Papa cannot be here and oftentimes the 11 year old will step up as the "acting" man of the house. Tonight, I did not give him the chance.
Gum in our house is a rare treat as I do not like to see kids that chomp on gum like a cow chewing cud, so when I brought out a pack of gum they were all anxious to have some. I sat a piece in front of each child's dinner plate and instructed them not to eat it. Now, if you dont know, Juicy Fruit gum has a temptingly sweet smell. But they had been instructed that if they do touch it, their gum will be removed. They ate extraordinarily quickly tonite.
After dinner plates were cleared, I laid down the rules. When I knew everybody understood, they would be allowed to place the gum in their mouth....but they could not chew it until after the devotional.
I read through the lesson slowly as the kids mouths watered. One wanted to get up to put something in his mouth to stop him from chewing, this led to a side conversation of how this exhibits self control, so he must do it on his own, just as he must control his own behaviour.
There was a sigh of relief after the devotion was read, a prayer was said and they could chew the gum.
While they were enjoying the sweet flavor of the treat, I pointed out to that sin can sometimes seem sweet and delicious, like the smell of the gum, but it is not good for us, no "nutritional" value.
I know they enjoyed the lesson, as did I, I pray that they shall carry it with them.
We have had times when Papa cannot be here and oftentimes the 11 year old will step up as the "acting" man of the house. Tonight, I did not give him the chance.
Gum in our house is a rare treat as I do not like to see kids that chomp on gum like a cow chewing cud, so when I brought out a pack of gum they were all anxious to have some. I sat a piece in front of each child's dinner plate and instructed them not to eat it. Now, if you dont know, Juicy Fruit gum has a temptingly sweet smell. But they had been instructed that if they do touch it, their gum will be removed. They ate extraordinarily quickly tonite.
After dinner plates were cleared, I laid down the rules. When I knew everybody understood, they would be allowed to place the gum in their mouth....but they could not chew it until after the devotional.
I read through the lesson slowly as the kids mouths watered. One wanted to get up to put something in his mouth to stop him from chewing, this led to a side conversation of how this exhibits self control, so he must do it on his own, just as he must control his own behaviour.
There was a sigh of relief after the devotion was read, a prayer was said and they could chew the gum.
While they were enjoying the sweet flavor of the treat, I pointed out to that sin can sometimes seem sweet and delicious, like the smell of the gum, but it is not good for us, no "nutritional" value.
I know they enjoyed the lesson, as did I, I pray that they shall carry it with them.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
God and Me...At least 30 minutes a day challenge.
On "At the well" a new challenge, to spend at least 30 minutes a day with the Lord praying and studying his word. The timing of this makes it quite easy for me.
We have started reading the bible nightly and incorpating prayer as a family. I found a reading plan that is broken down differently that I have ever seen, by subject:
Sundays: Gospels
Mondays: Law
Tuesday: History
Wednesday: Psalms
Thursday: Poetry
Friday: Prophecy
Saturday: Epistles
The kids keep this going by asking for clarification and meaning, which really causes my husband and I to slow down and really pay attention to what is being read.
These readings are quite lengthy and take 15 to 20 mins (considering the age of the kids, that is about enough)
I have been reading RADICAL by David Pratt. It is the first book I have read in a long time that has been challenging me, not the fluff to many Christian books are full of now. I was grateful to find a bible study online at http://www.sbcommunity.org/userfiles/Radical%20Study.pdf to go with this, that has caused me to slow down even more, to just stop and really think out what God's words really says.
I have also started a 30 day "bible book camp" to really immerse myself in HIM at the begining of this year. It involves daily reading a Chapter in Proverbs (to correspond with the day) 2 psalms, 2 chapters in Isaiah and 2 chapters in Matthew. I like the challenge of doing this.
On top of all this, the kids and I are doing a study on the book of James. It is called "Boy have I got Problems" and is published by Precept Ministries. I love these studies at it teaches them to really look at the word and break it down, understanding not just hearing the word.
So it is quite easy for me to get in my 30 minutes on this challenge. I truly love how it is broken down into the entire day, feeding me throughout the day rather than just a huge feast in the morning and evening.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Our School Year Plans
I have chosen to continue with SOS for Math and Language Arts. The curriculums are well organized and the kids really get enjoy it.
For science...maintaining Apologia, and Mystery of History for World History. American History I was able to purchase from Christian Liberty Press and the kids really enjoy the books and with the exception of the youngest they read on their own, we are also using "The story of US" video series to reinforce what they are learning. The oldest will be reading biographies on Nathan Hale, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln this year as well.
For our Bible study time, I have "Boy have I got Problems" a study in James, and from there I have The Book of John and Revelation for Kids all from Precept ministries. I find the inductive method of study to be complete and teaching the kids to discover for themselves the truths of the bible. As well as this our dinner devotionals (so Papa can be involved) we are currently doing a devotional regarding Self control (attitude and obedience are next) as well as reading the bible in a year.
We are reading together a book called Brothers and Sisters to help them with their relationships with eachother, since they will be family for a lifetime. They really enjoy the writings here as the book is written by siblings and there is a good perspective for them.
We are continuing studies with our McGuffeys readers, and the oldest is reading a series by Robert Elmer, The Down Under Series. He is about 1/2 way through this series now. After that he will be reading The Young Underground series also by Elmer. The princess is reading some of the Dear America Series (all fictional history). While the youngest is going through some of The Boxcar Children books.
I have incorporated the WII fit as part of their PE when it is to cold or wet to go outside, and we have started Tai Kwon Do. (okay, they have.) IF the youngest can maintain a learning attitude instead of being disruptive. This is based on the trainers experiences in the past with 7 year olds, then I will join next month. I like the class we found as it is not competition oriented.
With the curriculum we have, we have been able to have everything done by 1 (including lunch.)
Again we pray for renewing of work orders for my dearest in March so we have not planned out to far...just far enough.
For science...maintaining Apologia, and Mystery of History for World History. American History I was able to purchase from Christian Liberty Press and the kids really enjoy the books and with the exception of the youngest they read on their own, we are also using "The story of US" video series to reinforce what they are learning. The oldest will be reading biographies on Nathan Hale, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln this year as well.
For our Bible study time, I have "Boy have I got Problems" a study in James, and from there I have The Book of John and Revelation for Kids all from Precept ministries. I find the inductive method of study to be complete and teaching the kids to discover for themselves the truths of the bible. As well as this our dinner devotionals (so Papa can be involved) we are currently doing a devotional regarding Self control (attitude and obedience are next) as well as reading the bible in a year.
We are reading together a book called Brothers and Sisters to help them with their relationships with eachother, since they will be family for a lifetime. They really enjoy the writings here as the book is written by siblings and there is a good perspective for them.
We are continuing studies with our McGuffeys readers, and the oldest is reading a series by Robert Elmer, The Down Under Series. He is about 1/2 way through this series now. After that he will be reading The Young Underground series also by Elmer. The princess is reading some of the Dear America Series (all fictional history). While the youngest is going through some of The Boxcar Children books.
I have incorporated the WII fit as part of their PE when it is to cold or wet to go outside, and we have started Tai Kwon Do. (okay, they have.) IF the youngest can maintain a learning attitude instead of being disruptive. This is based on the trainers experiences in the past with 7 year olds, then I will join next month. I like the class we found as it is not competition oriented.
With the curriculum we have, we have been able to have everything done by 1 (including lunch.)
Again we pray for renewing of work orders for my dearest in March so we have not planned out to far...just far enough.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
I found this on the web...and love it!
I pulled this off the Internet a while ago when arguing with someone about being home schooled.
1. Please stop asking us if it’s legal. If it is — and it is — it’s insulting to imply that we’re criminals. And if we were criminals, would we admit it?
2. Learn what the words "socialize" and "socialization" mean, and use the one you really mean instead of mixing them up the way you do now. Socializing means hanging out with other people for fun. Socialization means having acquired the skills necessary to do so successfully and pleasantly. If you’re talking to me and my kids, that means that we do in fact go outside now and then to visit the other human beings on the planet, and you can safely assume that we’ve got a decent grasp of both concepts.
3. Quit interrupting my kid at her dance lesson, scout meeting, choir practice, baseball game, art class, field trip, park day, music class, 4H club, or soccer lesson to ask her if as a homeschooler she ever gets to socialize.
4. Don’t assume that every homeschooler you meet is homeschooling for the same reasons and in the same way as that one homeschooler you know.
5. If that homeschooler you know is actually someone you saw on TV, either on the news or on a "reality" show, the above goes double.
6. Please stop telling us horror stories about the homeschoolers you know, know of, or think you might know who ruined their lives by homeschooling. You’re probably the same little bluebird of happiness whose hobby is running up to pregnant women and inducing premature labor by telling them every ghastly birth story you’ve ever heard. We all hate you, so please go away.
7. We don’t look horrified and start quizzing your kids when we hear they’re in public school. Please stop drilling our children like potential oil fields to see if we’re doing what you consider an adequate job of homeschooling.
8. Stop assuming all homeschoolers are religious.
9. Stop assuming that if we’re religious, we must be homeschooling for religious reasons.
10. We didn’t go through all the reading, learning, thinking, weighing of options, experimenting, and worrying that goes into homeschooling just to annoy you. Really. This was a deeply personal decision, tailored to the specifics of our family. Stop taking the bare fact of our being homeschoolers as either an affront or a judgment about your own educational decisions.
11. Please stop questioning my competency and demanding to see my credentials. I didn’t have to complete a course in catering to successfully cook dinner for my family; I don’t need a degree in teaching to educate my children. If spending at least twelve years in the kind of chew-it-up-and-spit-it-out educational facility we call public school left me with so little information in my memory banks that I can’t teach the basics of an elementary education to my nearest and dearest, maybe there’s a reason I’m so reluctant to send my child to school.
12. If my kid’s only six and you ask me with a straight face how I can possibly teach him what he’d learn in school, please understand that you’re calling me an idiot. Don’t act shocked if I decide to respond in kind.
13. Stop assuming that because the word "home" is right there in "homeschool," we never leave the house. We’re the ones who go to the amusement parks, museums, and zoos in the middle of the week and in the off-season and laugh at you because you have to go on weekends and holidays when it’s crowded and icky.
14. Stop assuming that because the word "school" is right there in homeschool, we must sit around at a desk for six or eight hours every day, just like your kid does. Even if we’re into the "school" side of education — and many of us prefer a more organic approach — we can burn through a lot of material a lot more efficiently, because we don’t have to gear our lessons to the lowest common denominator.
15. Stop asking, "But what about the Prom?" Even if the idea that my kid might not be able to indulge in a night of over-hyped, over-priced revelry was enough to break my heart, plenty of kids who do go to school don’t get to go to the Prom. For all you know, I’m one of them. I might still be bitter about it. So go be shallow somewhere else.
16. Don’t ask my kid if she wouldn’t rather go to school unless you don’t mind if I ask your kid if he wouldn’t rather stay home and get some sleep now and then.
17. Stop saying, "Oh, I could never homeschool!" Even if you think it’s some kind of compliment, it sounds more like you’re horrified. One of these days, I won’t bother disagreeing with you any more.
18. If you can remember anything from chemistry or calculus class, you’re allowed to ask how we’ll teach these subjects to our kids. If you can’t, thank you for the reassurance that we couldn’t possibly do a worse job than your teachers did, and might even do a better one.
19. Stop asking about how hard it must be to be my child’s teacher as well as her parent. I don’t see much difference between bossing my kid around academically and bossing him around the way I do about everything else.
20. Stop saying that my kid is shy, outgoing, aggressive, anxious, quiet, boisterous, argumentative, pouty, fidgety, chatty, whiny, or loud because he’s homeschooled. It’s not fair that all the kids who go to school can be as annoying as they want to without being branded as representative of anything but childhood.
21. Quit assuming that my kid must be some kind of prodigy because she’s homeschooled.
22. Quit assuming that I must be some kind of prodigy because I homeschool my kids.
23. Quit assuming that I must be some kind of saint because I homeschool my kids.
24. Stop talking about all the great childhood memories my kids won’t get because they don’t go to school, unless you want me to start asking about all the not-so-great childhood memories you have because you went to school.
25. Here’s a thought: If you can’t say something nice about homeschooling, shut up!
1. Please stop asking us if it’s legal. If it is — and it is — it’s insulting to imply that we’re criminals. And if we were criminals, would we admit it?
2. Learn what the words "socialize" and "socialization" mean, and use the one you really mean instead of mixing them up the way you do now. Socializing means hanging out with other people for fun. Socialization means having acquired the skills necessary to do so successfully and pleasantly. If you’re talking to me and my kids, that means that we do in fact go outside now and then to visit the other human beings on the planet, and you can safely assume that we’ve got a decent grasp of both concepts.
3. Quit interrupting my kid at her dance lesson, scout meeting, choir practice, baseball game, art class, field trip, park day, music class, 4H club, or soccer lesson to ask her if as a homeschooler she ever gets to socialize.
4. Don’t assume that every homeschooler you meet is homeschooling for the same reasons and in the same way as that one homeschooler you know.
5. If that homeschooler you know is actually someone you saw on TV, either on the news or on a "reality" show, the above goes double.
6. Please stop telling us horror stories about the homeschoolers you know, know of, or think you might know who ruined their lives by homeschooling. You’re probably the same little bluebird of happiness whose hobby is running up to pregnant women and inducing premature labor by telling them every ghastly birth story you’ve ever heard. We all hate you, so please go away.
7. We don’t look horrified and start quizzing your kids when we hear they’re in public school. Please stop drilling our children like potential oil fields to see if we’re doing what you consider an adequate job of homeschooling.
8. Stop assuming all homeschoolers are religious.
9. Stop assuming that if we’re religious, we must be homeschooling for religious reasons.
10. We didn’t go through all the reading, learning, thinking, weighing of options, experimenting, and worrying that goes into homeschooling just to annoy you. Really. This was a deeply personal decision, tailored to the specifics of our family. Stop taking the bare fact of our being homeschoolers as either an affront or a judgment about your own educational decisions.
11. Please stop questioning my competency and demanding to see my credentials. I didn’t have to complete a course in catering to successfully cook dinner for my family; I don’t need a degree in teaching to educate my children. If spending at least twelve years in the kind of chew-it-up-and-spit-it-out educational facility we call public school left me with so little information in my memory banks that I can’t teach the basics of an elementary education to my nearest and dearest, maybe there’s a reason I’m so reluctant to send my child to school.
12. If my kid’s only six and you ask me with a straight face how I can possibly teach him what he’d learn in school, please understand that you’re calling me an idiot. Don’t act shocked if I decide to respond in kind.
13. Stop assuming that because the word "home" is right there in "homeschool," we never leave the house. We’re the ones who go to the amusement parks, museums, and zoos in the middle of the week and in the off-season and laugh at you because you have to go on weekends and holidays when it’s crowded and icky.
14. Stop assuming that because the word "school" is right there in homeschool, we must sit around at a desk for six or eight hours every day, just like your kid does. Even if we’re into the "school" side of education — and many of us prefer a more organic approach — we can burn through a lot of material a lot more efficiently, because we don’t have to gear our lessons to the lowest common denominator.
15. Stop asking, "But what about the Prom?" Even if the idea that my kid might not be able to indulge in a night of over-hyped, over-priced revelry was enough to break my heart, plenty of kids who do go to school don’t get to go to the Prom. For all you know, I’m one of them. I might still be bitter about it. So go be shallow somewhere else.
16. Don’t ask my kid if she wouldn’t rather go to school unless you don’t mind if I ask your kid if he wouldn’t rather stay home and get some sleep now and then.
17. Stop saying, "Oh, I could never homeschool!" Even if you think it’s some kind of compliment, it sounds more like you’re horrified. One of these days, I won’t bother disagreeing with you any more.
18. If you can remember anything from chemistry or calculus class, you’re allowed to ask how we’ll teach these subjects to our kids. If you can’t, thank you for the reassurance that we couldn’t possibly do a worse job than your teachers did, and might even do a better one.
19. Stop asking about how hard it must be to be my child’s teacher as well as her parent. I don’t see much difference between bossing my kid around academically and bossing him around the way I do about everything else.
20. Stop saying that my kid is shy, outgoing, aggressive, anxious, quiet, boisterous, argumentative, pouty, fidgety, chatty, whiny, or loud because he’s homeschooled. It’s not fair that all the kids who go to school can be as annoying as they want to without being branded as representative of anything but childhood.
21. Quit assuming that my kid must be some kind of prodigy because she’s homeschooled.
22. Quit assuming that I must be some kind of prodigy because I homeschool my kids.
23. Quit assuming that I must be some kind of saint because I homeschool my kids.
24. Stop talking about all the great childhood memories my kids won’t get because they don’t go to school, unless you want me to start asking about all the not-so-great childhood memories you have because you went to school.
25. Here’s a thought: If you can’t say something nice about homeschooling, shut up!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Butterflies
I tried to post this the same day as I posted Christians, but my computer and I had a disagreement and it won!...
Lacy loved learning about butterflies. Her cover shows that she is all girl!
She learned so much about them, life cycle, different types etc.
She is very proud of her work.
This lapbook came from Homeschoolshare.com. Such an incredible site!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
A fish out of water
Christian did a lapbook on a FISH OUT OF WATER by Dr. Suess...care of Homeschool Share. Here is is finished work. He loved making this.
He learned about community helpers, food groups fish (of course). And in the book he listed important things about him, which includes his address and phone number
He also included some "Original Artwork"He loves lapbooking because there is a finished product at the end. He took quite a while trying to figure out where he wanted all the components, including the stickers we got for decoration.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Home school In The Woods
I had found this site a year or so ago and lost track of it. It offers some WONDERFUL history lapbooks, a little old for my 3 right now, but worth keeping the site available.
Included on my wish list now are the OT, NT and Artist studies, then the historical studies she has to offer. They are not just lapbooks but entire unit studies with some notebooking aspects to each subject. They seem quite thorough.
There is also an extensive listing of other web sites that can be used to pull information from. Excellent resources!
Worth checking out!
Included on my wish list now are the OT, NT and Artist studies, then the historical studies she has to offer. They are not just lapbooks but entire unit studies with some notebooking aspects to each subject. They seem quite thorough.
There is also an extensive listing of other web sites that can be used to pull information from. Excellent resources!
Worth checking out!
Home School Freebies
A while ago I signed up for this site and get updates on Monday mornings as to what is coming up for the week. They even throw in extras for those who have signed up for the "heads up" listing of what is coming.
This site has given me so many resources that I just cannot seem to find elsewhere. My favorite so far is a full curriculum from the early 1900's to teach my granddaughter to sew.
Todays is How to make the perfect Chocolate chip cookie!
Check this site out....now I need to go buy a box of paper and binders galore as I prefer to read in print!...
http://homeschoolfreebie.wholesomechildhood.com/
This site has given me so many resources that I just cannot seem to find elsewhere. My favorite so far is a full curriculum from the early 1900's to teach my granddaughter to sew.
Todays is How to make the perfect Chocolate chip cookie!
Check this site out....now I need to go buy a box of paper and binders galore as I prefer to read in print!...
http://homeschoolfreebie.wholesomechildhood.com/
Monday, August 11, 2008
TOS Giveaway
On this site I entered a contest for free TOS digital description. Lots of into for hs who use or want to use lapbooks
http://learningathisfeet.blogspot.com/2008/08/hope-for-today.html
http://learningathisfeet.blogspot.com/2008/08/hope-for-today.html
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
First Day of School
On Monday August 4th, we "officially" started our school year. I thought I would be pushing Christian to hard with doing first grade work (he won't be 5 until next month) but I cannot slow him down! He loves learning at the first grade level, and quickly becomes bored with preschool and kindergarten stuff.
Lacy was excited to start her new books for the year for our core classes of Math and English.
May God bless us this year! and be pleased with the work we do.
Lacy was excited to start her new books for the year for our core classes of Math and English.
May God bless us this year! and be pleased with the work we do.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Learning about Fishing
This morning I took the kids to an event hosted by FWP and Walleye's Unlimited in which the kids were taught a little about fishing. Because of the crowd I did not get pictures.
The first station was fish identification where the kids learned about different types of fish they may encounter and which ones to let go. They also learned of fishing ethics (ie. manners).
At the next station, we saw how to tie wolly bugger flies. All three kids were interested in the process of making them. They each recieved a free fly!
How to tie your hook was the third station, and the last station was casting. All 3 were able to cast successfully. At this point we went home as the wind was horrendous and the crowds to thick to cast safely.
This evening we had an impromptu science lesson when DH brought in a scorpion he found in the garage!
The first station was fish identification where the kids learned about different types of fish they may encounter and which ones to let go. They also learned of fishing ethics (ie. manners).
At the next station, we saw how to tie wolly bugger flies. All three kids were interested in the process of making them. They each recieved a free fly!
How to tie your hook was the third station, and the last station was casting. All 3 were able to cast successfully. At this point we went home as the wind was horrendous and the crowds to thick to cast safely.
This evening we had an impromptu science lesson when DH brought in a scorpion he found in the garage!
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