Friday, April 23, 2010
April 23 - weekly wrapup
Our "schoolwork" started on Saturday...I had purchased some grape vines to try to grow around my front deck. The kids were thrilled to help. I had 8 vines so enough for everyone.
We dug up an area around the deck, where the boys soon found treasures in God's earth...worms. Kids are so amazing, each worm (and there were many) was treated like a treasure, we looked at the different sizes, we looked at how some were active and others weren't, each one new to them. We found pill bugs, and spiders (eeewww) and a few other creatures I would rather stay outside.
As we planted the vines, I showed each child the roots. I reminded them that our learning about God and his word are like the roots of the plant, offering stability, food, nourishment we need to grow our lives in HIM. Without nourishment, the plants would die, just like us, and we need to be sure to feed our souls.
We moved some Iris's tubers around as I had to many in one area, we examined the root system on these to compare against the vines and how different they were.
Monday, we bought some "new" laptops for the kids. This way I am not trying to coordinate 3 kids to do their computer time. I have strictly set their internet capablities, but already this is proving to be such a blessing to our day.
Little man had art on Monday afternoon, so after we dropped him off the older two and I headed to the Library, with the oldest groaning the whole way that he did not want to go. Of course, the princess was eager as she is loving being able to read.
The oldest has to write a report on one of the apollo missions, he chose Apollo 11. He still needed some info, so we found a couple of books and a DVD called "When we left earth". His excitement increased as he found a book on racoons, the legos...he checked out 3 lego books. Little Miss checked out another owl book and 5 others, her favorite being a book about "Tinkerbell".
Tuesday, the oldest started watching the DVD set.I told him he only had to watch the Apollo mission, but he ended up watching about Mercury missions and Gemini Missions as well. His report is only suppose to be one paragraph, think I will give him "extra credit" for the additional research.
Tuesday the kids were all anxious to get on their own computers. Schoolwork was a breeze!!!
Wednesday, again to the new computers (I hope the newness doesn't ever wear off!) Right into their lessons, I had to remind them breakfast comes first! Even tho' the youngest is not able to do the SOS yet (it starts in 3rd grade) I did load the teacher side of it and manually put in what his lessons are and showed him how to report to me with it. He loves being included.
The two older kids had their art class so the little one and I headed first to a thrift shop where I found two laptop cases (at .90 each, we can afford that!) Then we headed to the Library. The little one was looking for some books about "Biscuit" He loves being able to read them, but we looked and looked and were unable to find them. Just before we left, I found where they were and he came home with 6 of them! He was so thrilled, and read one of them on the way home.
Little Miss cooked dinner solo for the first time once we got home...grilled cheese and tomatoe soup.
Thursday, we took the day to practice Home ec...catching up on laundry and doing odd jobs that kept getting overlooked.
Each day we check on Molly and McGee, tracking what they are eating, and the size. The kids were concerned when Molly started leaving the nest for the day, I reminded them this is what owls do. With this, we also were watching Owliver and and Owlivia, yesterday one Owlivia's babies died, we learned this morning another one died. There is a lot of speculation as to the "why's" but I remind the little ones that this is part of life on earth.
A sad ending to the week. Today Schoolwork as normal...we tend to keep it light on Fridays.
Overall, a very wonderful week!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Week in Review
http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/search/label/Weekly%20Wrap-up
The 3r's were accomplished this week under the groans of less enthusiastic "students", our goals however have been accomplished.
The oldest is researching his first paper, on one of the space missions, no suprise he chose Apollo 11. He is actually enjoying it, his growth in getting work done and not complaining (as much) has been wonderful over the past few months. Nice to see.
Sunday we went to a children's museum after church, the kids had a ball playing house, dressing up, running from one exhibit to the other. They were also having a book sale so of course I could not pass it up. All 3 picked out a book. Princess's book was actually 4 books in one and I figured she would take a week or so to read it...she read it all once we got home.
We have been checking in on Molly and McGee all week. I don't know who is enjoying it more, me or the kids. Watching the owlets grow is amazing and a full reminder of God's wonderful creatures. Princess is not so anxious to watch feeding time, but the boys think it is cool. We have done some reading on Barn Owls and Birds of Prey, and we did a virtual disection of an owl pellet that the kids had a ball with. We will probably be wrapping up the research part of this next week, but will still follow the babies until they fledge and are on their way.
The art classes, the little guy loves his, he loves his teacher, the older two are not as excited to go, their teacher makes them sit at the table quietly until I come to get them....not something we do at home since we use most of the house for schoolwork and don't sit much. I did not realize this until this art class, but we move from one room to the other, on the floor, cuddled on the couch, stretched out on the table, guess we are all ADD! I explained to the kids they must follow the rules of the classroom, and explained that this is to control the kids in the classroom. Princess asked me if that is what PS is like...she doesn't want to go to PS now or ever....
All in all...a very good week!
The 3r's were accomplished this week under the groans of less enthusiastic "students", our goals however have been accomplished.
The oldest is researching his first paper, on one of the space missions, no suprise he chose Apollo 11. He is actually enjoying it, his growth in getting work done and not complaining (as much) has been wonderful over the past few months. Nice to see.
Sunday we went to a children's museum after church, the kids had a ball playing house, dressing up, running from one exhibit to the other. They were also having a book sale so of course I could not pass it up. All 3 picked out a book. Princess's book was actually 4 books in one and I figured she would take a week or so to read it...she read it all once we got home.
We have been checking in on Molly and McGee all week. I don't know who is enjoying it more, me or the kids. Watching the owlets grow is amazing and a full reminder of God's wonderful creatures. Princess is not so anxious to watch feeding time, but the boys think it is cool. We have done some reading on Barn Owls and Birds of Prey, and we did a virtual disection of an owl pellet that the kids had a ball with. We will probably be wrapping up the research part of this next week, but will still follow the babies until they fledge and are on their way.
The art classes, the little guy loves his, he loves his teacher, the older two are not as excited to go, their teacher makes them sit at the table quietly until I come to get them....not something we do at home since we use most of the house for schoolwork and don't sit much. I did not realize this until this art class, but we move from one room to the other, on the floor, cuddled on the couch, stretched out on the table, guess we are all ADD! I explained to the kids they must follow the rules of the classroom, and explained that this is to control the kids in the classroom. Princess asked me if that is what PS is like...she doesn't want to go to PS now or ever....
All in all...a very good week!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Molly
We have been working through Apologia's Fifth day of Creation and was thrilled to find this site on Homeschoollounge.com.
The kids check on Molly and the crew daily and have actually listened to some of the Q&A sessions offered by Carlos, the man who has the box in his back yard.
On You tube, (look under Sircarlosr) there are snippets of various things that have happened including the hatching of the owlett named Wesley.
All 3 have been watching the growth of the owls, the little princess was the first to notice that Max (the oldest) has started growing the heart shaped face of an owl already.
The male (McGee) has been a great provider, and we listen for signs that he is on the way, (only the oldest and I) as McGee usually shows up after the little two have gone to bed. Be we do get a "head count" of what McGee has brought home the night before.
We are looking forward to see the growth and development of the babies.
The kids check on Molly and the crew daily and have actually listened to some of the Q&A sessions offered by Carlos, the man who has the box in his back yard.
On You tube, (look under Sircarlosr) there are snippets of various things that have happened including the hatching of the owlett named Wesley.
All 3 have been watching the growth of the owls, the little princess was the first to notice that Max (the oldest) has started growing the heart shaped face of an owl already.
The male (McGee) has been a great provider, and we listen for signs that he is on the way, (only the oldest and I) as McGee usually shows up after the little two have gone to bed. Be we do get a "head count" of what McGee has brought home the night before.
We are looking forward to see the growth and development of the babies.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Weekly Wrapup
This week, school was week, but the learning was not.
We got the 3 "r's" done, and from the Shiver Acadamy, we have been using their Book of Vitures Project as a guide for Character Studies as well as the bible studies from Christian Liberty Press.
The oldest was definately challenged this week, starting with math, doing equivelant fractions. Then for Language Arts, he had to Start a project Essay as well as a couple of other small writing projects, he is so afraid of getting it wrong, he gives up before he starts. He did okay once he got rolling.
Little Miss, still struggles getting her addition down, I wonder if it is her doubting herself and wanting to double check or if she is still having a problem with them. She worked on a couple of crafty projects.
My little man, pushes himself over and over,he continues to try to work on his mulitiplication tables with his older brother (The Timez Attack game is proving to be worth the money spent). He loves doing Italian, especially since it also is computer based and he has figured out that he can hear himself and get feedback.
We are going through a remodel of the house. We have been spending time painting and finishing the new bedroom for the boys. The are tickled as we have new beds for them in the garage awaiting the ground work, and I was able to find some old gym lockers for their room.
The Book of Virtues project, I bought the kids each a composition book for notes and pictures and where we can put the lapbooking components. All three really enjoy the work, it is putting the lessons into practice they are not so thrilled with. Right now we are working on Self-discipline (like I am the one to teach that).
Our Math and Language Arts Curriculum are both through computer based, and I wished I would have used these sooner. I love both subjects but am learning that I do not teach them well. This relieves a lot of the pressure from me on "am I doing it okay", because I can supplement as needed.
Now we start looking forward to next week....
We got the 3 "r's" done, and from the Shiver Acadamy, we have been using their Book of Vitures Project as a guide for Character Studies as well as the bible studies from Christian Liberty Press.
The oldest was definately challenged this week, starting with math, doing equivelant fractions. Then for Language Arts, he had to Start a project Essay as well as a couple of other small writing projects, he is so afraid of getting it wrong, he gives up before he starts. He did okay once he got rolling.
Little Miss, still struggles getting her addition down, I wonder if it is her doubting herself and wanting to double check or if she is still having a problem with them. She worked on a couple of crafty projects.
My little man, pushes himself over and over,he continues to try to work on his mulitiplication tables with his older brother (The Timez Attack game is proving to be worth the money spent). He loves doing Italian, especially since it also is computer based and he has figured out that he can hear himself and get feedback.
We are going through a remodel of the house. We have been spending time painting and finishing the new bedroom for the boys. The are tickled as we have new beds for them in the garage awaiting the ground work, and I was able to find some old gym lockers for their room.
The Book of Virtues project, I bought the kids each a composition book for notes and pictures and where we can put the lapbooking components. All three really enjoy the work, it is putting the lessons into practice they are not so thrilled with. Right now we are working on Self-discipline (like I am the one to teach that).
Our Math and Language Arts Curriculum are both through computer based, and I wished I would have used these sooner. I love both subjects but am learning that I do not teach them well. This relieves a lot of the pressure from me on "am I doing it okay", because I can supplement as needed.
Now we start looking forward to next week....
Monday, March 8, 2010
Just let him go!!!
When the youngest was about 4 (barely) I would settle down the older two to start some work and the youngest would we his pants. He would stand there, look at me and wet.....Sometimes I am not the brightest lightbulb in the box, as this went on for about 3 weeks.
SO at his young age I picked him up a kindergarten curriculum, we started with the abc's and numbers, and the wetting stopped. He wanted "real" work like the older two.
Fast forward to today. He is now 6, I decided to buy his 2nd grade curriculum with our tax return so we would have it when he was ready...he looked through the first units of both Language Arts and Math and proudly proclaimed "this is easy stuff"...so we agreed that we would try it...
He is whipping through these no problem...this child scares me, will I be able to keep up with him?
We were at Ross' a while back and they had some "Talk now" disks for the computer...Italian and French. For just a couple of bucks I figured I would give them a shot. I put them in the little book we have for disks for school and forgot about them. My little man/child found them and proclaimed he wanted to do them. He has now learned colors in Italian and is going through the numbers...
My oldest was doing his Timez Attack (he cant seem to get passed the 4's)...my youngest starts telling him the answers...by the time his sister goes through this, he will have no need as he will have them all down. Today he wanted to know how they worked, so I showed him. A little while later, he came to me and showed me that he had figured out the 5's....
This child is amazing with what he is learning...he is knocking my socks off!!!! Thank God I homeschool this child, for he would be bored and frustrated in ps.
SO at his young age I picked him up a kindergarten curriculum, we started with the abc's and numbers, and the wetting stopped. He wanted "real" work like the older two.
Fast forward to today. He is now 6, I decided to buy his 2nd grade curriculum with our tax return so we would have it when he was ready...he looked through the first units of both Language Arts and Math and proudly proclaimed "this is easy stuff"...so we agreed that we would try it...
He is whipping through these no problem...this child scares me, will I be able to keep up with him?
We were at Ross' a while back and they had some "Talk now" disks for the computer...Italian and French. For just a couple of bucks I figured I would give them a shot. I put them in the little book we have for disks for school and forgot about them. My little man/child found them and proclaimed he wanted to do them. He has now learned colors in Italian and is going through the numbers...
My oldest was doing his Timez Attack (he cant seem to get passed the 4's)...my youngest starts telling him the answers...by the time his sister goes through this, he will have no need as he will have them all down. Today he wanted to know how they worked, so I showed him. A little while later, he came to me and showed me that he had figured out the 5's....
This child is amazing with what he is learning...he is knocking my socks off!!!! Thank God I homeschool this child, for he would be bored and frustrated in ps.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Last weeks wrap up
This past week we focused our attention in different areas. The oldest was "freaking" over his spelling and needs to get his multiplication tables down.
I purchased the timez attack upgrade...now the problem is getting him off of it! YEAH!. We worked on his spelling list, doing just a couple of regular language arts and he aced his test! A real confidence booster for him.
For the princess, we worked on her reading a bit. Seems she missed some of the lessons and was struggling so I sat and read with her, we also worked on addition and subtraction facts.
The little man...Aint no stopping this boy. He still was working his lifepacs..he just about finished unit one. (I thing these are suppose to take longer than 2 weeks arent they?)...But he is getting it...he has to be the best "student" because he asks until he is sure he understands, not skipping anything with him. The language arts is not as fast, he enjoys it, but at only 6, his reading is a little behind the work, so we have to do the reading portions a couple of times.
Today..my keyboard on the computer froze...so we took the day off of schoolwork time. After dinner, I was thumbing through a book I had...the little one climbed into my lap to see what I was looking at...an old book (actually one of a set) THE BOOK OF LIFE. I was thumbing through volume one...he started reading to me. He read and read until bedtime. How awesome.
On Saturday, I was "window shopping" on the computer, and found a refurbished laptop for under $200...talked to DH and he said to order it...so I have a laptop on the way that I will be able to dedicate to schoolwork...YEAH...Coordinating computer time for the kids is getting to be a challenge, as I have 2 on SOS, one on Timez Attack, and all 3 love spelling city. The youngest loves starfall.com and the princess loves addition games. This should ease up "waiting" time. Thank you Lord. My dream is in time each child have their own.
We had been using "THE NARROW WAY" curriculum, but I think we may need to set it aside as the kids arent seeing the correlations. I think we will work on The Book of Virtues first.
Oh how I love the flexibility of homeschool!
I purchased the timez attack upgrade...now the problem is getting him off of it! YEAH!. We worked on his spelling list, doing just a couple of regular language arts and he aced his test! A real confidence booster for him.
For the princess, we worked on her reading a bit. Seems she missed some of the lessons and was struggling so I sat and read with her, we also worked on addition and subtraction facts.
The little man...Aint no stopping this boy. He still was working his lifepacs..he just about finished unit one. (I thing these are suppose to take longer than 2 weeks arent they?)...But he is getting it...he has to be the best "student" because he asks until he is sure he understands, not skipping anything with him. The language arts is not as fast, he enjoys it, but at only 6, his reading is a little behind the work, so we have to do the reading portions a couple of times.
Today..my keyboard on the computer froze...so we took the day off of schoolwork time. After dinner, I was thumbing through a book I had...the little one climbed into my lap to see what I was looking at...an old book (actually one of a set) THE BOOK OF LIFE. I was thumbing through volume one...he started reading to me. He read and read until bedtime. How awesome.
On Saturday, I was "window shopping" on the computer, and found a refurbished laptop for under $200...talked to DH and he said to order it...so I have a laptop on the way that I will be able to dedicate to schoolwork...YEAH...Coordinating computer time for the kids is getting to be a challenge, as I have 2 on SOS, one on Timez Attack, and all 3 love spelling city. The youngest loves starfall.com and the princess loves addition games. This should ease up "waiting" time. Thank you Lord. My dream is in time each child have their own.
We had been using "THE NARROW WAY" curriculum, but I think we may need to set it aside as the kids arent seeing the correlations. I think we will work on The Book of Virtues first.
Oh how I love the flexibility of homeschool!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Weekly Wrap Up
I found this as I was surfing...what a good idea...
This week was a little off, Tuesday we celebrated my granddaughters 8th birthday. Wow, time sure goes quick. The intention was not to do schoolwork that day with the exception of our swimming lessons, but Little Miss was so thrilled with her math she did it anyway:)
I love new curriculum, as do the kids. The two oldest worked their Switched on Schoolhouse math, just yesterday we recieved the Language Arts for the 3rd grade, so Little Miss has not had a chance to use that yet. The oldest has learned to hate the spelling as hecannot do it all on the computer. He has to do some independent study of the words. He finds this challenging (I pray he lives up to the challenge)
The Little man (6 year old) has started his 2nd grade lifepac's for math and language arts, I really did not count on starting this for a month or so (he just turned six in September) but he was so anxious to try it. He now wants to finish the 1st grade AND work the 2nd grade stuff. It is challenging for him, but he can do it. With the other two doing their work on the computer, I am able to devote more one on one with him so he can do it. He does like to challenge himself (besides, he knows that when these are done he can go to the computer lessons like his brother and sister.
Science we have started Zoology 1 and wrapped up the first lesson this week, they all love when I break out Science.
American History, right now we are covering 4 presidents a week, learning about them and "notebooking"them. I am leaving room on the pages so they can add more over time.
Thursday was a bust, the new 8 year old caught a bug, she spent Thursday and Friday on the couch, running a fever, unable to move. She did manage a math lesson (because she wanted to)on Friday.
We have been using "The Narrow Way" for our bible studies,we are currently working on "faith" and we are up to lesson 14.
We have also been working on Italian, using the "Talk Now" programs, I was able to pick up French, Italian and Spanish. I try to have them each do 20 minutes a day, but since we are sharing computers and also use them for keyboarding (15 mins each) and SpellingCity.com time is often a factor.
The oldest is reading Magic Tree House Books, the8 year oldis reading level 2 and 3 books and the little man and I are working through "Teach your child to read in 100 lessons". Each child is reading a lesson a day in Mcguffeys, Little Man is working through the primer, Little Miss is on Level 2 and the eldest working on book 4. Personally I love these as the lessons are not to long, but they areall challenging and honing their reading skills. I also have the Abeka Readers for grades 1 and 2 and the little man will try to read those as well.
Overall a good week when we take into account illness and birthday.
This week was a little off, Tuesday we celebrated my granddaughters 8th birthday. Wow, time sure goes quick. The intention was not to do schoolwork that day with the exception of our swimming lessons, but Little Miss was so thrilled with her math she did it anyway:)
I love new curriculum, as do the kids. The two oldest worked their Switched on Schoolhouse math, just yesterday we recieved the Language Arts for the 3rd grade, so Little Miss has not had a chance to use that yet. The oldest has learned to hate the spelling as hecannot do it all on the computer. He has to do some independent study of the words. He finds this challenging (I pray he lives up to the challenge)
The Little man (6 year old) has started his 2nd grade lifepac's for math and language arts, I really did not count on starting this for a month or so (he just turned six in September) but he was so anxious to try it. He now wants to finish the 1st grade AND work the 2nd grade stuff. It is challenging for him, but he can do it. With the other two doing their work on the computer, I am able to devote more one on one with him so he can do it. He does like to challenge himself (besides, he knows that when these are done he can go to the computer lessons like his brother and sister.
Science we have started Zoology 1 and wrapped up the first lesson this week, they all love when I break out Science.
American History, right now we are covering 4 presidents a week, learning about them and "notebooking"them. I am leaving room on the pages so they can add more over time.
Thursday was a bust, the new 8 year old caught a bug, she spent Thursday and Friday on the couch, running a fever, unable to move. She did manage a math lesson (because she wanted to)on Friday.
We have been using "The Narrow Way" for our bible studies,we are currently working on "faith" and we are up to lesson 14.
We have also been working on Italian, using the "Talk Now" programs, I was able to pick up French, Italian and Spanish. I try to have them each do 20 minutes a day, but since we are sharing computers and also use them for keyboarding (15 mins each) and SpellingCity.com time is often a factor.
The oldest is reading Magic Tree House Books, the8 year oldis reading level 2 and 3 books and the little man and I are working through "Teach your child to read in 100 lessons". Each child is reading a lesson a day in Mcguffeys, Little Man is working through the primer, Little Miss is on Level 2 and the eldest working on book 4. Personally I love these as the lessons are not to long, but they areall challenging and honing their reading skills. I also have the Abeka Readers for grades 1 and 2 and the little man will try to read those as well.
Overall a good week when we take into account illness and birthday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
