Jun. 27, 2007 - Our goals for the new school year

This is day one of my blog but we have been homeschooling for a year and a half now.  Our two oldest kids, Austin and Sam, came home January 2006 from a less than desirable public school environment.  I took a laid back, get to know my kids again, approach until that Fall.  When they entered 1st and 2nd grade I spent some time choosing the right curriculum and the right books for them.  I had a blast organizing and setting up their school year.  We school year round, sort of.  I believe that they are capable of learning no matter what we are doing.  I also happen to be a book junkie and I am always checking books out at the library and buying books at www.bamm.com.  I love learning myself and hope to rub off on the kids.  Right now we have five curious and crazy kids.  Two boys then three girls.  Our youngest just turned 7 weeks today and I was planning on starting school  back up in July.  Unfortunately we have had a medical crisis with baby Rachel and we will  be taking it easy until August at least.  I am looking forward to teaching and learning though.  I have plans to teach American history using The Light and the Glory by Peter Marshal using lots of lapbooks.  I have been pulling together an art history curriculum for them using, Discovering Great Artists by MaryAnn Kohl, postcards of works of art, large coffee table type books of artists and of course the library.  I am so excited to start learning too!  The boys are using Horizons Math in grades 2 and 3 and they are using AOP Lifepacs in grades 2 and 3.  We have a book log that the boys keep to help track how many books they are reading.  I look forward to the day when they read just because, but until then I am giving monetary incentives. 

That's it for now,

Christine