Thanks for the comments on my blog asking about schooling! Things with Tapestry have been going SO well! The first couple of weeks were pretty overwhelming, good but overwhelming. I spent some time in prayer and decided at this time and age/grade we are going to slow Tapestry down so we are taking about 1.5 to 2 weeks to complete each week of Tapestry so we can really focus on certain things and also so we don't feel so overwhelmed. At his age (seven) we are still spending most of our school time on reading, math, phonics, spelling etc so I wanted to make sure we have time for everything without feeling stressed.
One of the main reasons I wanted to homeschool was so that we could have fun and do all those cool projects and focus on Bible stories, history etc so I am trying to be very careful and mindful that I don't gloss over those things b/c I feel like I have to keep up with some imaginary timeline!
We are really, really enjoying ourselves. After the first couple of weeks I sat and down and tweaked a few things with our schedule. Basically, instead of saying here is what we need to do on this day and then stressing if I fall behind, I write in the boxes each topic (egyptian pharaohs, moses and the burning bush etc)I want to cover with the reading, assignment (we do notebooking pages) and project if applicable. Then when I accomplish that I cross it off, most days we finish one of those, some days we finish two and occasionally we don't have time for history so we don't get to cross off any but that's ok! It is kind of hard to explain but one day I am going to upload that stuff b/c I think it might be helpful for others with younger children who want to take Tapestry on the slow track for awhile!
This week we finished up talking about the 10 plagues and focused in on the first Passover and the crossing of the Red Sea. We had a lot of fun making a diorama of that scene! We also cooked a small Passover dinner and Caleb was able to tell my husband what each element of the meal meant.
I think that is also one the best things about homeschooling is everything I learn! Like, did you know that each plague was specifically chosen by God to prove that one of the Egyptian gods was not real and that the Egyptians were making a mistake by worshipping false gods. Here is the chart we used to talk about it:
http://highland.hitcho.com.au/plaguesongods.pdf
I thought it might be a little over Caleb's head but he really looked forward to learning that part! It was also interesting to hear him ponder why the Bible says God hardened Pharaoh's heart and what that means. We mulled that over and discussed what that might mean for awhile!
Well, that is a quick update for now, I hope to update this blog more often! Things just get so busy around here! My husband took Caleb to the movies and Layla is napping so it's very quiet around here! I am baking cookies for church tomorrow and keeping busy until the Pistons game starts!
Comments
May. 5, 2008 - Aloha!
Posted by pro3128
I'm so glad you've moved out of the "fog" and are beginning to enjoy TOG! That's wonderful!
BTW, Marcia says that when your children are in the grammar stages, she recommends taking 2 weeks to complete each week of the plan. So you're right on track!
May. 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by blessedwith2angels
It sounds like your are having and your son are having much more fun with your schooling now and that is awesome. I love the name of your blog, to cute!
Pam
May. 30, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by boysrus
I am starting Year 1 in the Fall for the second time around and I can't wait! Your post makes me even more anxious to get started. You are very wise for stretching it out and taking your time.
Blessings, Dee