Jun. 11, 2008 - First Fish!

My Bug caught his first fish yesterday.  Went out on Lacamas Lake with friend's of the family while I was working.  I'm sad I missed this first for him, but out of all of them to miss, it's not the worst. :-) We got one picture of him with his fish... it was taken with a cell phone, so not the greatest.  He was VERY proud of himself. (although this morning he's sad he didn't catch FOUR fish like he wanted!)
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Jun. 4, 2008 - I think I'm done...

playing with my blog.  It looks decent at this point (not great, but decent).  I figure I should really put more time into the actual act of homeschooling as well as updating the blog.  If you find anything that is not working or is annoying with this blog, please let me know.  Thanks for your patience!
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May. 12, 2008 - School Day

So we actually did some school work today. We've been very busy and have done little structured work, although we have been working on certain things throughout the day.  But we did some things that people would look at and call 'school' today. (not that this is what I'm striving for, but feels like I accomplished something!)
  • We've been working on numbers up to 100, so we did a couple counting worksheets and used stamps to 'write' the correct numbers in.
  • Did a couple lines on a scissor skills page.  His fine motor skills are very lacking, so I try to get him to do as much as possible.  Unfortunately, it's the thing that turns him off the fastest too.
  • Some sentence reading from Explode the Code 1 - "at" family.
  • Read "Nan and Pap" from reading a-z. 
  • Half a dozen mazes from his maze book.  Again, working on the fine motor skill of writing, he loves mazes and has been promised as many mazes as he wants if he holds his pencil correctly!
  • Introduced 4 sight words: the, and, is, on.  I showed them to him, and then wrote each one on a piece of paper and he jumped to them and said what they were. He LOVED this (moving and learning at the same time!) and we will definitely be doing this some more.  If I can find my camera, I'll take some pictures. It was loads of fun.
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May. 7, 2008 - Picture for the Day....


Just two boys, playing outside! (notice the dirty face on Bug?)
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May. 2, 2008 - Template....

So I've been playing with my template.  Obviously I've got next to nothing on here at the moment.  Maybe one day I'll get it all spiffy looking. :-) I'm still trying to figure out how this whole thing works! Anyway, just wanted to ask you to please be patient with me on the looks thing.  I'll get there... eventually!
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Apr. 29, 2008 - Things We Wish We'd Known...

A Must Read!


I picked this book up randomly at the library.  I thought from the cover and title that it would be full of funny anecdotes.  I was pleasantly surprised with wonderful essays on the really important things in homeschooling, family and God.  There are topics on not stressing the curriculum choices, setting goals, and bringing God into school.  Very inspiring!
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Apr. 21, 2008 - Vote Kayeen!

So apparently I did a bad job in the communication department.  If you came to my site to vote for Kayleen - you are in the wrong spot! Go HERE: http://www.zinch.com/Anonymous/ViewMatchUp.aspx?u1=17089&u2=294113

Thanks for visiting my site anyways! :)  And if you don't know anything about Kayleen, go to the above site and vote for Kayleen Hannaway to win a scholarship!! PLEASE! She rocks and you will to if you vote for her! :)
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Apr. 20, 2008 - Homeschool Share Blast!

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Apr. 20, 2008 - Thought for the Day....

I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: "I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim to be God." That is the one thing we must not say.  A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic--on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg--or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.  CS Lewis in Mere Christianity
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Apr. 20, 2008 - Not a Tame Lion

I recently finished reading The Chronicles of Narnia series.  I've read the first book - The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe to Bug.  I think I'm going to wait a few years to read the rest of the series to him. I had never read the Narnia series myself, so it's been quite fun to get to go on this adventure for the first time.  It sparked my interest, and I've been learning more about CS Lewis, his life, and the books. 

The book I'm reading right now about it is awesome.  Not-a-Tame Lion: Unveil Narnia Through the Eyes of Lucy, Peter, and other Characters Created by C. S. Lewis written by Bruce L. Edwards.  It's exploring Christian character traits using the various characters Lewis created in the Narnia series.  It's been an excellent read from an educational angle and a Christian angle.  It's brought out a variety of things I didn't see when I first read the series. Edwards also ties in Lewis' life and other writings.  It's given me the want to read "Mere Christianity" and "Suprised by Joy" by Lewis. 

The great thing about doing this on my own - is that it's not required reading! If I get bored - I can put it down and be done.  But right now, it's fun and interesting and giving me some great starting points for Bible Study as well as expanding my knowledge!
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Apr. 20, 2008 - Socialization?

I wrote this a couple weeks ago and sent to myself, but haven't had a chance until now to get it posted. I don't have time to spell check and read over it - so hopefully it makes sense!

It's funny. As a mom who's known since before I was even pregnant that I wanted to homeschool, the 'socialization' issue has never been something I've seen as a big deal.  We are definitely not an anti-social family, and are very involved in our church that has many many children, and many of them are homeschooled as well.  He has no problems playing with the children at church, those his age and those who are not. He's also able to hold conversations with adults, and only pulls the shy act when tired or hungry.  He's even been known to strike up conversations with strangers in the store or on the bus.
 
But in the last few days, he's had a couple incidents of shyness with other children. Both were at the park, with children a little older than him. I'm hoping this is just a case of normal childhood behavior.  He's starting to reach the age where he feels self-conscience. I think he is afraid to look silly or get rejected. He's never said so much, but he always asks for me to take care of the problems.  I encourage him, even give him the words to say, but he still gets scared to just go up to talk to the kids.  In one case, I had to help him 'meet' one of the kids (who was so little he didn't talk yet) and this made it all better and he was able to play.  
 
I'm just baffled as how best to handle these situations.  He's usually such an outgoing social kid, I wasn't expecting a shyness around kids he doesn't know.  I hope it's something he'll out grow, as I don't want him to have trouble making friends in the future.
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Mar. 7, 2008 - Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

So I'm a little late on this post - but the great Dr. Seuss's birthday was last Sunday. Monday was Read Across America day in honor of his birthday.  We spent the last week reading and re-reading Dr. Seuss books. It was great fun! Starting the week, Bug didn't know who Dr. Seuss was.  He now can recognize many of his books and his favorite is: "The one with the fish, and thing one and thing two." (The Cat In The Hat!)

On Wednesday, we made Cat in the Hat hats! Although most of the work was done by me, the kids had great fun making them and wearing them. Bug even wore his home on the bus and everyone commented.



(sorry for the quality of the pics, they are from my cell phone!)
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Jan. 29, 2008 - I caught my son...

reading on his own!! woohoo!! I was making breakfast and looked over and he was reading "Mat" (Bob Books). Just sitting on the floor and reading!  I'm so very proud of my little man.  He's finally realizing that yes, he can read.  Any time he sees a 3 letter word, he tries to sound it out.  Good Job Bug!!
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Jan. 8, 2008 - Sorry its been so long!!

We've been busy busy! Quick updates -- Bug can read.  Like really read! Just about anything 3 letters he can sound out.  He still has trouble with a couple of constants and sometimes the short e and i sounds.  But he'll just ask what sound it makes. He read the word 'God' last week as well as his first 4 letter word 'stop'.  We haven't really been working on anything else.  And even the reading is just when we feel like it. 

I've been doing a lot of home canning the last few weeks.  It's been an adventure for the both of us.  Bug has been learning about what makes the food healthy.  He really likes mashed potatoes, so one of our next experiments is potatoes.  I am going to print out the food pyramid and we'll start talking about how many of each kind of food we need to have.

I'll try and get some pictures up here eventually. 
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Nov. 17, 2007 - A Thankgsiving Cookbook

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Thought this was really cute, and just had to share. 

A Thanksgiving Cookbook
by Mrs. Geraghty's Kindergarten Class

Thanksgiving dinner prepared by kids.

Ivette - Banana Pie

You buy some bananas and crust. Then you mash them up and put them in the pie. Then you eat it.

Russell - Turkey

You cut the turkey up and put it in the oven for ten minutes and 300 degrees. You put gravy on it and eat it.

Geremy - Turkey

You buy the turkey and take the paper off. Then you put it in the refrigerator and take it back out and cut it with a knife and make sure all the wires are out and take out the neck and heart. Then you put it in a big pan and cook it for half an hour at 80 degrees. Then you invite people over and eat.

Andrew - Pizza

Buy some dough, some cheese and pepperoni. Then you cook it for 10 hours at 5 degrees. Then you eat it.

Shelby - Applesauce

Go to the store and buy some apples, and then you squish them up. Then you put them in a jar that says, "Applesauce". Then you eat it.

Meghan H. - Turkey

You cut it into 16 pieces and then you leave it in the oven for 15 minutes and 4 degrees. you take it out and let it cool and then after 5 minutes, then you eat it.

Danny - Turkey

You put some salt on it to make it taste good. Then you put it in the oven. Then you cook it for an hour at 5 degrees. Then you eat it.

Brandon - Turkey

First you buy it at Fred Meyer. Then you cut it up and cook it for 15 hours at 200 degrees. Then you take it out and eat it.

Megan K - Chicken

You put it in the oven for 25 minutes and 25 degrees and put gravy on it and eat it.

Christa - Cookies

Buy some dough and smash it and cut them out. Then put them in the oven for 2 hours at 100 degrees. Then take them out and dry them off. Then it's time to eat them.

Irene - Turkey

Put it on a plate and put it in the oven with gravy. You cook it for 1 minute and for 100 degrees. Then it's all cooked. Your mom or dad cuts it and then eat.

Moriah - Turkey

First you cut the bones out. Then you put it in the oven for 10 hours at 600 degrees. Then you put it on the table and eat it.

Vincent - Turkey

You cut and put sauce on it. Then you cook it for 18 minutes at 19 degrees. Then you eat it with stuffing.

Jordyn - Turkey

First you have to cut it up and put it on a plate in the oven for 9 minutes and 18 degrees. Then you dig it out of the oven and eat it.

Grace - Turkey

First you add some salt. Then you put it in a bowl. Then you put brown sugar on it. Then you mix it all together with a spoon and then you add some milk and mix it again. And then you put it in a pan. Then you put it in the oven for 15 minutes and 16 degrees. Then you take it out of the oven and then you eat it.

Alan - Turkey

First you shoot it and then you cut it. And then you put it in the oven and cook it for 10 minutes and 20 degrees. You put it on plates and then you eat it.

Jordan Salvatore - Turkey

First you put it in the oven for 15 minutes at 100 degrees. Then you cut it up and then you eat it.

Jordan Simons - Chocolate Pudding

Buy some chocolate pudding mix. Then you add the milk. Then you add the pudding mix. Then you stir it. Then you put it in the refrigerator and wait for it to get hard. Then you eat it.

Whitney - Turkey

Cut it and put it in the oven for 50 minutes at 60 degrees and then you eat it.

Jason - Chicken Pie

Put the chicken in the pot and put the salad and cheese and mustard and then you mix it all together. Then put chicken sauce and stir it all around again. Then you cook it for 5 minutes at 9 degrees. Then you eat it.

Christopher - Pumpkin Pie

First you buy a pumpkin and smash it. Then it is all done. And you cook it in the oven for 12 minutes and 4 degrees. Then you eat it.

Christine - Turkey

First you buy the turkey. Then you cook it for 5 hours and 5 degrees. Then you cut it up and you eat it.

Ashley - Chicken

Put it in the oven. Then cut it up. Then I eat it.

Jennie - Corn

My mom buys it. Then you throw it. Then you cook it. Then you eat it.

Jordan - Cranberry Pie

Put cranberry juice in it. Then you put berries in it. Then you put dough in it. Then you bake it. Then you eat it.

Adam - Pumpkin Pie

First you put pumpkin seeds in it. Put it in a pan and bake it at 5 degrees for 6 minutes. Then take it out and eat it.

Jarryd - Deer Jerky

Put it in the oven overnight at 20 degrees. Then you go hunting and bring it with you. Then you eat it.

Christina - Turkey

Get the turkey. Put it in the oven. Cook it for 43 minutes at 35 degrees. Put it on a plate, cut it up, then eat it.

Joplyn - Apple Pie

Take some apples, mash them up. Take some bread and make a pie with it. Get some dough and squish it. Shape the dough into a pie shape. Put the apples in it. Then bake it at 9 degrees for 15 minutes.

Isabelle - Spaghetti

Put those red things in it. Then put the spaghetti in it. Then cook it in the oven for 2 minutes at 8 degrees.

Bailey - Chicken

Put pepper and spices on it. Cook for one hour at 60 degrees. Then eat it.

Nicholas - White and Brown Pudding

First you read the wrapper. Get a piece of water. Stir. Then you eat it.

Sean - Turkey

Put it in the oven for 5 minutes at 55 degrees. Take it out and eat it.

Lauren - Turkey

First you find a turkey and kill it. Cut it open. Put it in a pan. Pour milk in the pan. Put a little chicken with it. Put salsa on it. Take out of pan. Put it on the board. Cut into little pieces. Put on a rack. Put in the oven for 7 minutes at 10 degrees. Take out of the oven and put eensy weensy bit of sugar on it. Put a little more salsa on it. Then you eat it.

Olivia - Corn

Get hot water and put on stove. Wait for 8 minutes. Put corn in. Then put it on a plate. Then eat.

Siera - Pumpkin Pie

Get some pumpkin and dough for the crust. Get pumpkin pie cinnamon. Cook it for 20 minutes at 10 degrees.

Kayla - Turkey

Buy it. Take it home. Then you cook it. Put it in the oven for 1 hour. Take it out of the oven. Put it on a plate. Then you eat it.

Tommy - Pumpkin

Cook the pumpkin. Then get ready to eat the pumpkin.

Wai - Pumpkin Pie

Get a pumpkin. Cook it. Eat it.


**As a disclaimer, Mrs. Geraghty will not be responsible for medical bills resulting from use of her class' cookbook.**
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Nov. 16, 2007 - Freebies are Great - and Update

So E and I went to an 'open house' at an educational company of some sort (not really sure WHAT they do).  They were giving away a bunch of resources they had been sent by the publisher for their review.  They review them and get rid of them. Anyway, we brought home a ton of stuff! I think we had 6 or 7 paper bags full PLUS 3 boxes and another pile that didn't make into anything.  We filled the back of the Expedition.  We then sat down and went through it all.  Picked out what we wanted and we still have a few boxes to get rid of. I shouldn't have to get much in the way of math and reading/language arts for a few years.  I haven't even explored everything yet.

Aside from that, we've been taking it easy.  Haven't been doing TOO much school time, but I've been trying to do more with him randomly throughout the day.  I was home all this week (no nanny job) and we've been home, so I've been able to catch his interests right away and use them as learning times. He's loves mazes, and I've been encouraging this to help with his fine-motor skills.  We got rid of a bunch of coloring books this week, but I pulled all the mazes out of them first.  He's working on that right now (he's done like 10 of them already!)  Its time to start looking for maze only books!

We also just learned what a dictionary was.  He asked me what the word 'accident' means.  He's been using the word, but I don't think he really understood it. So I pulled out his Richard Scarry Picture Dictionary and showed him how we use it.  But of course, the word 'accident' wasn't in there.  So I showed him how we can also look it up online.  In the process I found Wordsmyth. It has a children's dictionary, which I think will be helpful. It definitely put the word 'accident' into better to understand terms for a 4 yr old!

Anyone use del.icio.us? Its a site to store your links, but you also share them with others. And they are searchable by tags.  I like it because I can save my links by tags, instead of just into folders like in your favorites.  You can also share your saved sites with those in your network.  So if you want to join my network, go to my bookmarks here: http://del.icio.us/djbartch.  Oh, and they have buttons for you to put on your IE, Firefox, etc, so adding sites is as easy as adding them to your favorites!
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Nov. 2, 2007 - What do Rhinos eat?

So I was surfing around online today when Bug came up and asked me "What do Rhinos eat?" Well, since I just happened to be online (and wasn't completely sure about the answer) I showed him how we can look the answer up online.  We found that Zoobooks had the answer.

Then he asked me "What does a rhino foot print look like?"  Since the answer wasn't available at Zoobooks, I did a search on rhino hoof prints.  And before we could find the answer, my internet connection cut out. (I'm on a very sketchy wireless connection.)  So my son learned two things today:
1. That rhinos eat grass or trees and bushes depending on what type they are.
and
2. Although we can look up the answers to our questions on the internet, mommies connection doesn't always let us!! But, we'll put it in our question book and look it up later!! :)

Oh - and before I forget to share!  Bug read his first "Bob Book" all the way through!! I don't think he knows he can read yet, but I know!
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Oct. 30, 2007 - It's been break time...

not that I wanted it to be! We've been in the process of moving, and we just haven't had the time to do 'school time'.  It doesn't mean my son hasn't been learning! In fact, just last week, he read his first two words!! "Mat" and "Sat".  He started reading a Bob Book!  It takes him a while, and he quickly gets frustrated (hence, he only got through Mat and Sat).  But I'm so proud of my little guy.

We've also gone on a couple field trips lately.  One to a pumpkin patch, and the other was swimming with the Home Grown group.  Both were a blast! The swimming gave me a great opportunity to get to know one of the other moms better.

I'm hoping by next week we'll be settled in enough in this house to be able to start schooling again! I'll keep you updated!
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Oct. 13, 2007 - Home Grown

So Thursday night, I went to my first homeschool group meeting.  It was kind of an experiment.  I didn't know a lot about the group, but the meeting was on a day I could attend, so I went.  It was AWESOME! That group of ladies was SO fun.  They are a Christian group, started the meeting in prayer, and the topics went from curriculum, to field trips, to natural foods, to diapers!  I enjoyed myself immensely and look forward to meeting up again.  We've already got a fieldtrip planned to the Aquatic Center in Clackamas.  We're getting the whole thing to ourselves!  It will be fun to get to know the moms more, and allow Bug the oppurtunity to get to know some homeschool kids.

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Sep. 9, 2007 - One Step Closer to Reading

Last night we were reading out of 'Richard Scarry's Best Storybook Ever' and there was one page that just had a bunch of toys with the word written next to it.  I let Bug tell me what the word was by looking at the picture.  When we got to one he didn't know (Toy Soldier) I helped him sound it out.  He got the 't' and I told him that 'o' and 'y' together say 'oy'.  So he said 't' 'oy' and actually got the word 'toy'!  This is the first time he's been able to do it.  He then did it with the word 'cat' on the next page.  This has been the biggest hurdle for him as he knows the phonics but couldn't get the sounds to make a word.  He's got a way to go before he's actually reading, but he's made the step, so now I need to nurish it and help it grow. 

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About Me

I'm a homeschooling mom of a 4 yr old boy - Bug. We use a bit of eclectic/unit studies method with a plan to start a relaxed classical program in a couple years. I'm trying to raise my son to follow God, and feel so far I'm succeeding. We live in the beautiful northwest city of Portland, OR and love it!