Our first experience with opposition:
Saturday, the girls were playing with some other kids in the neighborhood and one of the little girls asked Kayti why they don't go to school.
Kayti answered, "Our mom likes to teach us herself."
Then another kid said, "yeah but you don't get to hang with your friends"
And Kayti said, "well, what do you call what we're doing right now!"
I was so proud!!!
I did caution her about turning the tables and making fun of school kids. I told her every family has to do what's best for them and just because you get another choice that most families don't get/want doesn't mean you have to act like you're better than they are. But I was so glad to see her stick up for herself and be proud that she is homeschooled!
We are continuing with all our regular stuff--The Human Body, World War II, etc. but we are also taking the time to do some Fall crafts and recipes. We are studying the origins of All Saints, All Souls and Halloween and talking about why some people choose not to celebrate Halloween and why some choose to look for the good in it. We hope to visit the Pumpkin Patch in the next week.
Monday, May 12, 2008
January 31, 2007
I love New Year's! I guess the main reason is that it usually means new beginnings and who doesn't love a new beginning. It reminds me of the new beginning we get when we ask Jesus to be the Lord of our lives and the new beginning He gives us over and over when we inevitably keep screwing up!
So much has happened since I last updated and I am definitely going to be more diligent about it. This journey with my girls is too important not to record the details and we have a new beginning with our homeschooling, too.
Last semester was not very productive. We did unit studies on the Human Body and World War II but for some reason, I just was not satisfied with the quality of education I was providing for the girls. No matter how diligent we were, it just didn't "feel" right and I still don't know why.
So I consulted a professional to advise me on curriculum. I told her our learning styles/teaching styles, curricula that I had tried and liked, curricula that I had tried and did NOT like, what my expectations were, etc. Anyone who knows me knows I'm pretty structured but not TOO structured. I am not rigid on times, etc. but I am pretty set in a "laxed" kind of routine. I wanted more hands on things but also like a curricula that is rich in literature and reading. So she basically customized a curriculum for me and I made final adjustments and that is what we're going with. So far, it has been WONDERFUL!!! I am so pumped about their progress!
She recommended Bob Jones for Social Studies and Science. It's a Christian curriculum but not 'overly' Christian like A Beka if you know what I mean. I wasn't sure I wanted to spend that much on books sight unseen. So I checked eBay and what do you know...I got great deals on used books to use for the remainder of the year. If we do indeed like it, I'll consider getting the whole kit and caboodle for next year.
I declined to take her advice for the Language Arts segment. I was very happy with the Spectrum Spelling and A Reason for Handwriting that we were already using, I just wanted to add a few things. So I looked at Spectrum's Writing and Language Arts and got those books instead.
And of course, we're sticking with Saxon Math.
I also ordered both girls a Bob Jones Reading textbook, although I'm still waiting to receive Kayti's.
Last week, we did a sample lesson from Myklin Vinson's "What Every Girl Should Know". Contrary to the title, it's NOT about puberty and sex but about Biblical ways to handle problems preteens face. The lesson we did was on choosing friends and role models and each of them was required to select a woman from the Bible and write what they liked about her, what they disliked, what they felt they could learn from her, etc. Kayti at first chose Esther but decided the story was too long! LOL She ended up choosing Abigail. Brooke chose Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus. I hope to order the rest of the Bible study soon.
In the meantime, we are reading Hero Tales Volumes 1 & 2 by Dave & Neta Jackson. You just can't go wrong with Neta! She is the author of the Yada Yada Prayer Group series which I LOVE so much! She and her husband have written a family treasury of true stories from the lives of Christian Heroes. This week, we read about Corrie Ten Boom, which was fitting after last semester's study of WWII and yesterday our latest movie from Netflix arrived---The Hiding Place about the Ten Boom family!
Since we only received our new textbooks this week, we are finishing up a chapter in some old A Beka books I already had on Mesopotamia (Social Studies) and Rocks and Minerals (Science). We may take a field trip to Rickwood Caverns tomorrow.
I also implemented my own accelerated reader program. I gathered a list of recommended books from several resources, including the Children's Book Council and sifted through it to find ones I thought were appropriate to their interests and reading level. They can choose a book, they can even read the books together but they each much write their own book report on the book following criteria that I have posted on our bulletin board. After they present their report, they can go into the reward jar and this reward jar is ONLY for accelerated reader--and these rewards are GOOD! They have already selected their first books! Kayti has chosen The Dollhouse Murders by Betty Ren Wright and Brooke has chosen a book about horses by Seymour Simon. Since we took her trail riding last year shortly before her birthday, she has been obsessed with horses. I'm sure watching endless hours of The Saddle Club on TV didn't help either!
Next week, we will have our first lesson with our new co-op that we started!! Right now, it is very small and is only offering Spanish for Children. But if all goes well and the Lord willing, we may expand it to include other enrichment classes such as Art, gym and maybe even a small group Bible Study.
Kayti is going to DiscipleNow this weekend with our old church. I know she will have a great time. And that gives me some one on one time with my youngest which I am looking forward to!
Blessings for a great homeschooling week!
So much has happened since I last updated and I am definitely going to be more diligent about it. This journey with my girls is too important not to record the details and we have a new beginning with our homeschooling, too.
Last semester was not very productive. We did unit studies on the Human Body and World War II but for some reason, I just was not satisfied with the quality of education I was providing for the girls. No matter how diligent we were, it just didn't "feel" right and I still don't know why.
So I consulted a professional to advise me on curriculum. I told her our learning styles/teaching styles, curricula that I had tried and liked, curricula that I had tried and did NOT like, what my expectations were, etc. Anyone who knows me knows I'm pretty structured but not TOO structured. I am not rigid on times, etc. but I am pretty set in a "laxed" kind of routine. I wanted more hands on things but also like a curricula that is rich in literature and reading. So she basically customized a curriculum for me and I made final adjustments and that is what we're going with. So far, it has been WONDERFUL!!! I am so pumped about their progress!
She recommended Bob Jones for Social Studies and Science. It's a Christian curriculum but not 'overly' Christian like A Beka if you know what I mean. I wasn't sure I wanted to spend that much on books sight unseen. So I checked eBay and what do you know...I got great deals on used books to use for the remainder of the year. If we do indeed like it, I'll consider getting the whole kit and caboodle for next year.
I declined to take her advice for the Language Arts segment. I was very happy with the Spectrum Spelling and A Reason for Handwriting that we were already using, I just wanted to add a few things. So I looked at Spectrum's Writing and Language Arts and got those books instead.
And of course, we're sticking with Saxon Math.
I also ordered both girls a Bob Jones Reading textbook, although I'm still waiting to receive Kayti's.
Last week, we did a sample lesson from Myklin Vinson's "What Every Girl Should Know". Contrary to the title, it's NOT about puberty and sex but about Biblical ways to handle problems preteens face. The lesson we did was on choosing friends and role models and each of them was required to select a woman from the Bible and write what they liked about her, what they disliked, what they felt they could learn from her, etc. Kayti at first chose Esther but decided the story was too long! LOL She ended up choosing Abigail. Brooke chose Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus. I hope to order the rest of the Bible study soon.
In the meantime, we are reading Hero Tales Volumes 1 & 2 by Dave & Neta Jackson. You just can't go wrong with Neta! She is the author of the Yada Yada Prayer Group series which I LOVE so much! She and her husband have written a family treasury of true stories from the lives of Christian Heroes. This week, we read about Corrie Ten Boom, which was fitting after last semester's study of WWII and yesterday our latest movie from Netflix arrived---The Hiding Place about the Ten Boom family!
Since we only received our new textbooks this week, we are finishing up a chapter in some old A Beka books I already had on Mesopotamia (Social Studies) and Rocks and Minerals (Science). We may take a field trip to Rickwood Caverns tomorrow.
I also implemented my own accelerated reader program. I gathered a list of recommended books from several resources, including the Children's Book Council and sifted through it to find ones I thought were appropriate to their interests and reading level. They can choose a book, they can even read the books together but they each much write their own book report on the book following criteria that I have posted on our bulletin board. After they present their report, they can go into the reward jar and this reward jar is ONLY for accelerated reader--and these rewards are GOOD! They have already selected their first books! Kayti has chosen The Dollhouse Murders by Betty Ren Wright and Brooke has chosen a book about horses by Seymour Simon. Since we took her trail riding last year shortly before her birthday, she has been obsessed with horses. I'm sure watching endless hours of The Saddle Club on TV didn't help either!
Next week, we will have our first lesson with our new co-op that we started!! Right now, it is very small and is only offering Spanish for Children. But if all goes well and the Lord willing, we may expand it to include other enrichment classes such as Art, gym and maybe even a small group Bible Study.
Kayti is going to DiscipleNow this weekend with our old church. I know she will have a great time. And that gives me some one on one time with my youngest which I am looking forward to!
Blessings for a great homeschooling week!
September 30, 2007
It is true that the second year of homeschooling is MUCH easier. We're used to our own little routine (if you can call it that) and I see the girls developing good study habits on their own which will help them in the long run!
I still love Saxon Math! One night, a few weeks ago, the girls actually ASKED if they could get their math out and work some problems! Thank you, Lord!!!
They are loving co-op but sadly, our homeschool group has decided not to do a co-op next semester. I'm so torn. I joined this group in part because of all the things they offered but of course our success isn't dependent on that. I just wish someone would step up and take over the administrative part of it because the girls have really enjoyed it. And before you suggest me, let me just go ahead and tell you God has already reminded me that He does not want me setting myself up again for trying to lead. I felt God leading me to step up last year and when I did, I got shot down. I know God will deal with those people (He already is) but I don't feel Him leading me to set myself up for so much hurt and disappointment again. He knows it's just not in my personality to care what other people think of me and to do something like that, well, you simply need to care. I'd rather continue being my imperfect self and be able to be happy with myself that to try and pretend to be something I'm not for the sake of others and be miserable. It's too bad that most Christians don't feel that way. They see someone of "good character" as being someone who is absolutely perfect all of the time. They need to read their Bible more, of course, as everyone God used to further His kingdom had issues. But that's not my fight, God will deal with those who try and hinder Him. He does not want me to prove His point. My talents and gifts can be used in other capacities. Like maybe a smaller kind of co-op or something! LOL
Anyhoo, back to my beautiful girls, we have been studying the Great Depression and all the other events leading up to World War II, getting ready for our big unit study on that. We continue to explore the human body and learn about manners. They did a week long study on Jackson Pollock and painted Pollock-style splatter paintings. Now we are learning about Leonardo DaVinci and they painted birds. DaVinci was fascinated with birds and flight. They are continuing along with their workbooks on Handwriting, Spelling and Grammar and of course, music. Brooke catches on so fast with piano that I am soon going to need her to start taking lessons from someone else! Kayti is progressing nicely in violin.
One thing I hope to do soon is get us some batons and teach them to twirl! I kind of miss twirling myself as I was a majorette in high school and briefly taught baton for a few years afterward. My mom loaned one of my batons to my cousin and I never got it back! Plus I think my arms must of grown a little after high school because the one I have left is just a few inches too short. But I noticed they sell batons at Dance and Things so maybe one of these days, I'll be able to get us some and we can twirl!
They are excited about their dance classes also and looking forward to their duet. They have submitted a list of songs they are thinking about!
They are also looking forward to the homeschool group's sock hop coming up on the 18th. I have made Brooke's costume already and am still working on Kayti's. She wants to be a carhop girl so hers is a little more complicated!
They just had their first practice for the school fall play and they are loving it. I've got to get to work on those costumes!
Brooke is doing track again and not only will she participate in the school's cross-country meet and the Maple Leaf Run but she and I are planning on doing the Race for the Cure together! Mommy has got to get her behind in gear and start training!
I just love this time of year! The Fall weather and foliage is so beautiful and there's so much to do! Pumpkin patch visits, fall crafts, getting ready for Christmas, etc. (did I just say that? ugh! I'm SO not ready! I don't even know where I'll put a tree this year now that we have the piano!) There's also football games, fall festivals, and if we're not careful, we can be overloaded and stressed out in a hurry. That's why I just love homeschooling. I feel so much more relaxed and shouldn't we be relaxed and not stressed when we're trying to learn? I think so!
I still love Saxon Math! One night, a few weeks ago, the girls actually ASKED if they could get their math out and work some problems! Thank you, Lord!!!
They are loving co-op but sadly, our homeschool group has decided not to do a co-op next semester. I'm so torn. I joined this group in part because of all the things they offered but of course our success isn't dependent on that. I just wish someone would step up and take over the administrative part of it because the girls have really enjoyed it. And before you suggest me, let me just go ahead and tell you God has already reminded me that He does not want me setting myself up again for trying to lead. I felt God leading me to step up last year and when I did, I got shot down. I know God will deal with those people (He already is) but I don't feel Him leading me to set myself up for so much hurt and disappointment again. He knows it's just not in my personality to care what other people think of me and to do something like that, well, you simply need to care. I'd rather continue being my imperfect self and be able to be happy with myself that to try and pretend to be something I'm not for the sake of others and be miserable. It's too bad that most Christians don't feel that way. They see someone of "good character" as being someone who is absolutely perfect all of the time. They need to read their Bible more, of course, as everyone God used to further His kingdom had issues. But that's not my fight, God will deal with those who try and hinder Him. He does not want me to prove His point. My talents and gifts can be used in other capacities. Like maybe a smaller kind of co-op or something! LOL
Anyhoo, back to my beautiful girls, we have been studying the Great Depression and all the other events leading up to World War II, getting ready for our big unit study on that. We continue to explore the human body and learn about manners. They did a week long study on Jackson Pollock and painted Pollock-style splatter paintings. Now we are learning about Leonardo DaVinci and they painted birds. DaVinci was fascinated with birds and flight. They are continuing along with their workbooks on Handwriting, Spelling and Grammar and of course, music. Brooke catches on so fast with piano that I am soon going to need her to start taking lessons from someone else! Kayti is progressing nicely in violin.
One thing I hope to do soon is get us some batons and teach them to twirl! I kind of miss twirling myself as I was a majorette in high school and briefly taught baton for a few years afterward. My mom loaned one of my batons to my cousin and I never got it back! Plus I think my arms must of grown a little after high school because the one I have left is just a few inches too short. But I noticed they sell batons at Dance and Things so maybe one of these days, I'll be able to get us some and we can twirl!
They are excited about their dance classes also and looking forward to their duet. They have submitted a list of songs they are thinking about!
They are also looking forward to the homeschool group's sock hop coming up on the 18th. I have made Brooke's costume already and am still working on Kayti's. She wants to be a carhop girl so hers is a little more complicated!
They just had their first practice for the school fall play and they are loving it. I've got to get to work on those costumes!
Brooke is doing track again and not only will she participate in the school's cross-country meet and the Maple Leaf Run but she and I are planning on doing the Race for the Cure together! Mommy has got to get her behind in gear and start training!
I just love this time of year! The Fall weather and foliage is so beautiful and there's so much to do! Pumpkin patch visits, fall crafts, getting ready for Christmas, etc. (did I just say that? ugh! I'm SO not ready! I don't even know where I'll put a tree this year now that we have the piano!) There's also football games, fall festivals, and if we're not careful, we can be overloaded and stressed out in a hurry. That's why I just love homeschooling. I feel so much more relaxed and shouldn't we be relaxed and not stressed when we're trying to learn? I think so!
October 18, 2007
Brooke counted down the days and finally, it came!
Jeff took off half day so he came along with us. I think it went very well. The floats were excellent! All the costumes were so cute but I was surprised to see some kids there had chosen not to dress up. I hate when people don't participate like they are supposed to. But that's my problem, just a quirk I have. I realize it's not really my business.
Anyway, Brooke won the hula hoop contest and walked away with $10 which she promptly spent on a Webkinz. Poor kid! She gets her money habits from her mom! I can't hold on to money with a baseball glove!
Kayti got upset that she didn't win anything and pouted for a bit but I think they both ended up having a good time. Some of the older kids were there, showing the younger ones how to dance and one little teenage boy asked Brooke to dance. She politely declined but couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear. Lord help us!
She ended up dancing with her little friend and her sister and posing for a few pictures:
Jeff took off half day so he came along with us. I think it went very well. The floats were excellent! All the costumes were so cute but I was surprised to see some kids there had chosen not to dress up. I hate when people don't participate like they are supposed to. But that's my problem, just a quirk I have. I realize it's not really my business.
Anyway, Brooke won the hula hoop contest and walked away with $10 which she promptly spent on a Webkinz. Poor kid! She gets her money habits from her mom! I can't hold on to money with a baseball glove!
Kayti got upset that she didn't win anything and pouted for a bit but I think they both ended up having a good time. Some of the older kids were there, showing the younger ones how to dance and one little teenage boy asked Brooke to dance. She politely declined but couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear. Lord help us!
She ended up dancing with her little friend and her sister and posing for a few pictures:
September 8, 2007
We officially got started this week!
So far so good! I'm loving Saxon Math! Already I can tell a huge difference in both girls but especially Brooke.
We also had our first experience with co-op on Friday. I need to tweak my presentations a bit (I am teaching Creative Writing) but it was good. The girls love it! The feel like they are in real "school" with bells ringing and changing classes. Both are taking Critical Thinking Skills (different grade levels though). Brooke is taking Math for Fun and Alabama History and Kayti is taking Creative Writing and Beginning Painting. I am a parent helper in Beginning Painting. She was tickled to death with her art REAL supplies and the fact that she got to keep them. I told her she should keep them, I paid for them.
We start dance this week also. I thought we started last week but I was wrong but that's good. Gave me another chance to get Kayti some new clogs! Now I just have to get Jeff to put the taps on them!
Hope everyone has another great week!
So far so good! I'm loving Saxon Math! Already I can tell a huge difference in both girls but especially Brooke.
We also had our first experience with co-op on Friday. I need to tweak my presentations a bit (I am teaching Creative Writing) but it was good. The girls love it! The feel like they are in real "school" with bells ringing and changing classes. Both are taking Critical Thinking Skills (different grade levels though). Brooke is taking Math for Fun and Alabama History and Kayti is taking Creative Writing and Beginning Painting. I am a parent helper in Beginning Painting. She was tickled to death with her art REAL supplies and the fact that she got to keep them. I told her she should keep them, I paid for them.
We start dance this week also. I thought we started last week but I was wrong but that's good. Gave me another chance to get Kayti some new clogs! Now I just have to get Jeff to put the taps on them!
Hope everyone has another great week!
July 16, 2007
We finished our first year of homeschoolin!!! Yeah!!!
Things got quite a bit hectic there at the end of the year as I took a part-time job working for United Way. But we worked it all out and got it done!
Brooke had her track meet. She placed 2nd in one event, 3rd in another. Of course what made that day fun was we had dance recital for BOTH girls that afternoone! Whooeee! And Kayti had to do two shows! But they were great and even though it was a jam-packed day, we had fun.
We've spent a lot of our time since then divided between two places: the ballpark, as my 14 yo son plays baseball and my dh is coaching, and the daycamp.
You see, my part-time stint for United Way led to a full-time summer gig. I run a Summer Day Camp for approximately 70 inner-city kids. It has been an experience and an education for us all. I've been able to bring the girls with me which I think is good in some ways. Bad in others. I'm reminded now why it is that I choose to homeschool. And these are pretty decent kids for the most part. But as with most anything, there is bureaucracy and that drives me crazy. It gets in the way of really being able to make a difference in the world most of the time. Every time I've tried to help one of these kids, my superiors have chastised me in some way. It's a sad situation that the world is in, that people will totally turn their children over for you to raise for them but then tie your hands behind your back. I really feel for the teachers in public schools, I really do. And I'm glad that my "tour of duty" will be over in 14 more days!
That leaves me a good month to enjoy the rest of the summer with my girls before we start our school year. We will be participating in the co-op this year. I will be teaching Creative Writing for 6th and 7th grade girls and I'm really excited about that! I've already planned out most of our first semester and we'll be learning some great things. Our history and geography unit will be focused on World War II and the Holocaust but we have to cover a little bit of WWI and the Depression before we can really understand the causes of the conflict. I'm adding typing to our curriculum as well as a Health & Manners section but I've still not decided what to do about math. I'm leaning toward Saxon but I'm still undecided at this point.
The girls are at dance camp this week, having a great time I hope. They went to Summer Camp at Camp Fletcher for a week at the end of June and of course we celebrated two birthdays this summer also.
Money has been REALLY tight, even with me working this summer so please be in prayer for us as we try and tighten up our budget even more. Hopefully dh will pick up some extra hours once baseball is over! I know God will take care of us, He always does.
Also, please pray that He will lead us to a new home church. We are still desparately seeking where God would have us serve Him.
Blessings,
Things got quite a bit hectic there at the end of the year as I took a part-time job working for United Way. But we worked it all out and got it done!
Brooke had her track meet. She placed 2nd in one event, 3rd in another. Of course what made that day fun was we had dance recital for BOTH girls that afternoone! Whooeee! And Kayti had to do two shows! But they were great and even though it was a jam-packed day, we had fun.
We've spent a lot of our time since then divided between two places: the ballpark, as my 14 yo son plays baseball and my dh is coaching, and the daycamp.
You see, my part-time stint for United Way led to a full-time summer gig. I run a Summer Day Camp for approximately 70 inner-city kids. It has been an experience and an education for us all. I've been able to bring the girls with me which I think is good in some ways. Bad in others. I'm reminded now why it is that I choose to homeschool. And these are pretty decent kids for the most part. But as with most anything, there is bureaucracy and that drives me crazy. It gets in the way of really being able to make a difference in the world most of the time. Every time I've tried to help one of these kids, my superiors have chastised me in some way. It's a sad situation that the world is in, that people will totally turn their children over for you to raise for them but then tie your hands behind your back. I really feel for the teachers in public schools, I really do. And I'm glad that my "tour of duty" will be over in 14 more days!
That leaves me a good month to enjoy the rest of the summer with my girls before we start our school year. We will be participating in the co-op this year. I will be teaching Creative Writing for 6th and 7th grade girls and I'm really excited about that! I've already planned out most of our first semester and we'll be learning some great things. Our history and geography unit will be focused on World War II and the Holocaust but we have to cover a little bit of WWI and the Depression before we can really understand the causes of the conflict. I'm adding typing to our curriculum as well as a Health & Manners section but I've still not decided what to do about math. I'm leaning toward Saxon but I'm still undecided at this point.
The girls are at dance camp this week, having a great time I hope. They went to Summer Camp at Camp Fletcher for a week at the end of June and of course we celebrated two birthdays this summer also.
Money has been REALLY tight, even with me working this summer so please be in prayer for us as we try and tighten up our budget even more. Hopefully dh will pick up some extra hours once baseball is over! I know God will take care of us, He always does.
Also, please pray that He will lead us to a new home church. We are still desparately seeking where God would have us serve Him.
Blessings,
August 15, 2007
Well, work ended for me (thank you, Jesus!) and school started back for Dylan. He seems to be really liking High School and even though I can't believe my oldest child is actually in HIGH SCHOOL, I really like it, too. CCHS seems to really have it together a lot better than the middle school seemed to. He has some good teachers and is enjoying football AND he got assigned to a GREAT counselor--Miss Sharon Mixon!! Yes, the same Miss Mixon I had in high school at Tarrant--one of the best teachers I have ever had. I am just tickled to death because in high school, a good counselor is everything. They hold the keys to your future in a way and I'm glad he got someone I know I can trust.
As for the girls, since we didn't get much of a "summer" we are taking it easy for the next few weeks and plan to get started again after Labor Day. We are carefully picking out our curriculum, books, supplies, etc. and aligning out schedules with what we want to learn and accomplish this year. We signed up for co-op and mommy is even teaching a class in Creative Writing this year. Meanwhile, we are trying to relax and beat this heat!
We are still searching for a church home so please be in prayer for us as we resume visiting this week. Lots to do before our summer officially ends so off we go.....
Blessings,
Michelle
As for the girls, since we didn't get much of a "summer" we are taking it easy for the next few weeks and plan to get started again after Labor Day. We are carefully picking out our curriculum, books, supplies, etc. and aligning out schedules with what we want to learn and accomplish this year. We signed up for co-op and mommy is even teaching a class in Creative Writing this year. Meanwhile, we are trying to relax and beat this heat!
We are still searching for a church home so please be in prayer for us as we resume visiting this week. Lots to do before our summer officially ends so off we go.....
Blessings,
Michelle
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