Nov. 7, 2008 *** Mini Offices ***
This week I learned something new and exciting at the HIVE! (The Well-Trained Mind Forum) Someone mentioned "mini offices" so I googled it to investigate further. Squidoo has an excellent resource on how to make your own mini office. http://www.squidoo.com/minioffice
My three youngest (dd10, ds9, ds6) work on their language and math lessons in the kitchen with me. This had always caused problems with distractions, comments on siblings work, impatience, etc. Even with two tables set up in the kitchen I would have to send two dc to play while I worked with the other. Sadly, this dragged out our school day.
Now with the help of three mini offices each child has their own personal, private space. Hoorah!!! I went to the dollar store and bought science fair project boards for $4. I cut them in half to make a large mini office. Then I added lists, maps, and pictures. I made smaller file folder size mini offices on specific topics and for ds12 who works alone in the den.
Ds6 : alphabet in upper case and lower case
phonic chart from ACE
Canadian coin chart
map of Canada color-coded by province/territory
left and right hands
number line
color words
Ds9: calendar
list of months
map of Canada
flag of Canada
list of provinces and territories
penmanship model
monthly spelling words
family names
SOTW3 timeline
number words
skip counting strips
Dd10: calendar
list of months
map of Canada
list of provinces and territories
penmanship model
monthly spelling words
names of family, friends, and pen pals
SOTW3 timeline
number words
phonics charts (digraphs, blends, etc)
Dd10: Specialized Language Mini Office
blends and digraphs with picture cues
.....still adding to this one :)
Ds12: pronoun chart for verb conjugation
parts of speech
list of prepositions
Greek alphabet
months in French and Latin
penmanship model
Dewey Decimal system
map of Canada with provinces and capital cities
O Canada in English and French
3 levels of government
7 wonders of ancient world
5 kingdoms of living things
human body systems
periodic table
books of Bible
Romans road
major wars (1600-1850)
rulers of England (1600-1850)
rulers of France (1600-1850)
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Sep. 8, 2008 First Day of School Aug. 28, 2008 Countdown to School
We are in Week Nine of our ten week summer break.
This summer we visited two local living history events that correlated with our history study of SOTW3. We went to various museums.
The children played baseball, basketball, and swimming. The children attended DVBS and summer camp.
We visited the beach, went on nature walks, and raised tadpoles into frogs (two species!)
I think we had a very busy and educational summer.
Now it is time to get ready for serious, classical study. I also need to plan some Charlotte Mason activities, esp. character training.
I am trying to learn French and Latin. I would like to excel past the logic stage into rhetoric.
My writing and speaking skills leave much to be desired. My intention was to learn along with ds12, but now I am thinking that I would like to be a few steps ahead!! |
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Jun. 4, 2008 Planning the Summer and 2008-2009!!!!!
Summer 2008
Family Time:
1. Theme Park
2. Baseball
3. Swimming Lessons
4. Summer Camp and Family Camp
5. Museum Crawl
6. Family Devotion...Scripture, memory verse, praise, prayer, character-building read-aloud (Lamplighters)
7. History...Story Of the World 3...
8. Science...chemistry
ds12..finish work in Math, Vocabulary, Latin, Grammar, Handwriting
dd10..continue Spelling, Grammar, Handwriting, Reader, Workbook, Math
ds8...continue Spelling, Grammar, Handwriting, Reader, Workbook, Math
ds6...finish phonics program
The Harp and Laurel Wreath
Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum (Laura Berquist)
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May. 9, 2008 Another school day in the Maritimes.
Spring is here to stay in Nova Scotia. The snow has finally stayed away long enough for me to pack away the snowsuits, boots, mitts and touques. The children are outside playing baseball with the neighbours. I need to sign up for baseball. Each child is on a different team this year! T-ball (5-7), Rookie (8-9), Mosquito (10-11), and PeeWee (12-13).
I cannot believe it is May! Where did the year go? We are going to finish up lessons. I like to linger into June and July. I plan to take off beach days, baseball days, etc. The three oldest each have a separate week at Christian camp. (www.camppeniel.ca) The best place in this world!!
I still have not figured out a reasonable schedule. I love classical teachings, history-based learning, Charlotte Mason nature study and narration, real books, and Saxon Math. I am so eclectic that it is hard to get it all worked out. Any ideas out there friends?!
I guess it is approaching the time when I should look back over the school year and see whether I achieved my goals or not. Then it is time to finish up the necessities. After that my favorite part...planning what to buy/use next school year.
DS(12): This was his first year out of grammar stage and into logic stage! (My first year too,lol!)
Math: Saxon 7/6
He will work on this text until half complete and continue in 2008-9.
Bible: personal and family devotions
I would like to find a Bible survey course to start next year. Also a character building course. I am looking at Contenders for the Faith by Keepers of the Faith. Kay Arthur Bible studies for children look interesting too.
Science:
Nature: DS(12) is not as interested as the younger ones with a Nature Notebook. He has absorbed so much info about plants, animals, creation, etc that he sometimes teaches me..lol. This year he read Christian Liberty Press Nature Readers.
I started doing family experiments but I found that science was always pushed to the back burner (Bunsen:-P) This makes me sad because I enjoy science..my favorite subject.
Chemistry: I started Chemistry this week. A little late, I know! I am using Robert C. Mebane's Adventures with Atoms and Molecules book 1, Usborne's Science Encyclopedia (Kirsteen Rogers), and Usborne's First Encyclopedia of Science (Rachel Firth) as recommended in The Well-Trained Mind. It went well. Fun experiment and interesting books for resource. DS(12) started his Chemistry notebook.
History:
Late Renaissance/Early Modern - 1600-1850
I planned to study this period over two school years. I am trying to add Canadian content. Any tips or ideas, friends?
Topics covered to date: Charles V, Conquistadores in South America, Aztec/Inca/Mayan, William the Silent, Mary Queen of Scots, Jamestown, Samuel de Champlain, coureur de bois, Maisonneuvre and Montreal, Henry Hudson, Beothuk of Newfoundland.
Susan Wise Bauer's Story of the World 3 has been indispensible. I have the text and activity book. She lists real books, crafts, recipes,etc. FUN!!
English:
Grammar: Rod and Staff Grammar. This is the first year with a true grammar text so DS(12) is working through level 3.
Handwriting: Canadian Handwriting level E and F by The Resource Centre.
Reader: Pathway and Christian Light Education
Vocabulary: Vocabulary from Classical Roots and Pathway
Logic: Mind Benders A1-A4, The Fallacy Detective by Nathaniel and Hans Bluedorn.
Latin: Latin for Children: Primer A book and DVD by Classical Academic Press. I love the DVD. DS(12) gets to see other homeschool children chant Latin and he listens to another teacher besides mom:-)
Handicrafts: model cars, Kub Kar, scratch engraving, plastic bowls from pellets, Bionicles, Lego, hunting, knots, card making
Sports: baseball (Provincial Champs 2007), soccer, basketball
DD(10): This year I am so thankful that her reading has taken off!! We struggled through phonics for the last three years. Now she will go read in her bedroom at quiet time! It makes me so happy to hear her reading to herself or the younger boys:-D
Math: Saxon 3
Bible: family devotions
She does "Bible study" with her friends and younger brothers. She is the leader. Cute.
Science: Nature Notebook, studies on birds and trees, sugar crystal, flower garden, and family experiments (light and atoms)
History: same as DS(12)
English:
Grammar: Rod and Staff level 2
Handwriting: Canadian Handwriting level C
Reader: Pathway level 2
Spelling: Spelling Workout A
Handicrafts: crochet, scrapbooking, card marking, rubber stamping, plastic bowls from pellets, Kub Kar, baking, penpals
Sports: baseball, soccer, basketball
DD(10) began singing in church (solo). She had wanted to for about 4 years. Now she is the Sunday School worship leader. PTL!
DS(8): He does not want to do lessons. He would rather draw. His favorite items are sketch pad and pencil, Bionicle Lego, and dinosaur books.
Math: Saxon 2
Bible: family devotions
Science: Nature Notebook
History: same as DS(12)
English:
Grammar: Rod and Staff level 2
Handwriting: Handwriting Without Tears level 2
Reader: Pathway level 1
Spelling: Spelling Workout A
Handicrafts: sketching, Bionicles, Lego, Kub Kar, plastic bowls from pellets, card making
Sports: baseball, soccer, basketball
DS(6): This is his first year doing "real" school.
ACE School of Tomorrow Reading Readiness program
Handicrafts: Lego, Kub Kar, plastic bowls from pellets, PlayDoh, card making
Sports: T-ball, soccer |
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Mar. 2, 2008 The Story of the World ..Vol 3
I homeschool four children this year!! Grade levels Primary, 3, 4, and 6. We started the classical approach of four year history cycle last year. 2006-2007 was our year of Medieval Times.
This year is Renaissance 1600-1850. I enjoy reading The Story of the World vol. 3. I also have the Activity Book. I borrow some recommended books from the library. The children enjoy the games and hands-on projects.
I am trying to include some extra info on Canadian history (ie. Champlain, Beothuk, La Salle, Madame La Tour, Laura Secord, Simon Fraser...)I am not a history buff. I would like help finding coloring pages, activity links, maps, and living books on these topics. Are there any other Canadians on here that are using The Story of the World?!
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Sep. 15, 2007 A New School Year Begins...
We started lessons on September 10th. I decided to start slowly since we had a wonderful summer of trips, outdoor playtime, museums, baseball, camp...
My youngest began kindergarten this year. The two middle children have only begun English so far. My oldest has begun English and been introduced to logic and Latin. He is in "grade 6" so I thought it was about time! I plan on adding Sonlight history starting Monday:-)
I am finding the schedule rather difficult to figure out. Some of the children are not enjoying their reading lessons:-( But I am praying for a better week to come! |
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Today we began school outside in the yard. What a beautiful, sunny, spring day! The children listened to our read-alouds while playing in the dirt with sticks. They acted out the Bible story using our playhouse as Abraham's tent! They had a good time. They hope it is fine tomorrow to have Sonlight outside in the sunlight. lol |
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Dec. 27, 2006 School Break
We have been having a great holiday. In December I eased off on the work load and each child only had grammar and reading. We officially stopped at Dec 20th.
We celebrated Hannakah and Christmas. Soon we will celebrate New Years!!! I read Mrs. Sharp's Traditions by Sarah Ban Breathnach in early December. The book is FULL of ideas for celebrating all year.
Does anyone have recommendations for Hannakah books?
My husband bought electric guitars for each of our three sons and an accordion for our daughter. The house has been very musical since |
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Nov. 23, 2006 Charlotte Mason Canadian History
I am searching for "living books" for Canadian history.
I found the Dear Canada series (16 titles). They are written in a diary format.
www.scholastic.ca/dearcanada
I also found the Our Canadian Girl series (20 titles). www.ourcanadiangirl.ca
Does anyone have any other recommendations?
Note: My sons are 10, 7, and 4. My daughter is 8.
Who are the "great Canadians" in our past who were also strong Christians that stood up for their faith?! I didn't learn that in public school!!lol!! |
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Nov. 15, 2006 Charlotte Mason
I am very interested in Charlotte Mason's approach to educating children. I have been purchasing "living books" instead of readers and textbooks. I read aloud and have the children "narrate" to me what they heard.
www.amblesideonline.org is very helpful (and free). I enjoy Karen Andreola's books, especially Pocketful of Pinecones.
I want to have the best home environment possible. I try to only allow "things" in that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praise worthy. (Philippians 4:8)
I must limit TV, DVDs, video games and even some Christian music. I do not want to be legalistic, but I need to protect my children and their minds. God wants our home to be full of wholesome things. |
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Nov. 15, 2006 Books I Want To Read
For The Children's Sake by Susan S Macaulay
Teaching the Trivium by Harvey Bluedorn
The King Without A Shadow by R.C. Sproul
The Priest With Dirty Clothes by R.C. Sproul
The Dangerous Journey
How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler
Confessions and City of God by Augustine
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Sep. 29, 2006 Organization Help, please!
I have four children ages 10, 8, 7, and 4. (Three boys and one girl.) I am finding it more and more difficult to schedule, organize, etc. The ideas in home deco mags just don't help me. I need to be practical and child-friendly, not stylish. Does anyone have any tips for me?
It is difficult for me to keep everyone happy and occupied with something all day. The housework is getting overwhelming. Some advice from another homeschooler who has survived would be greatly appreciated.
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I am now using PEGS system from Family Tools.
It is amazing! Discipline gently. Reward efficiently. Encourage and organize.
It is just what I needed at this time!!!
Thank you Lord for leading me!! |
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