Dear Friends,

I've been busy making plans for the coming school year and I'm so happy to share them with you.
These plans are not meant to be the perfect prescription for anyone-- not even us. We've been homeschooling for nine and a half years now, and if I've learned anything, it's that Plan "A" is only a
good beginning. It gets us off to a strong start, and then, the entire thing takes on a life of its own and morphs into something better than I could ever design. That's the simple humbling truth. I can't rigidly control the beautiful organic process of human curiosity and learning as it unfolds in the minds of my children-- nor would I want to.

The real plan belongs to God. I'll put my trust in that one for sure.

Haleigh will spend her 9th grade year taking co-op classes and tutorials all around town with other homeschooled teens. She truly seems to thrive in energetic groups like these, and I'm so grateful for the opportunities, the enthusiasm, and the generosity this community. This year, the choices are excellent and numerous; it seems to be a happy solution for all of us. It is a double blessing, really, allowing me extra time and energy to guide Kevin as he begins his 5th grade year.

So, for what it's worth... here's a peek at what's bound to be only the beginning--
otherwise known as Ephemeral Plan A.

 

Picture Study:

Highlights from the American Collection, NC Museum of Art, Raleigh, NC

Kevin and I thought it would be fun to study some local art treasures and then go to see them up close.  The North Carolina Museum of Art provides us with a pleasant outing since it's only about a 30 minute drive.

We'll also study this painting of the Transfiguration by Fra Angelico, though we won't be able to zip over to Florence and see the original. (rats!) This selection goes along with the Liturgical Calendar for August.

Latin & Greek:

Ongoing studies with Latina Christiana (review) & A Greek Hupogrammon

Episcopal Holy Days this month:

The Transfiguration (Aug. 6)

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St. Mary, The Virgin (Aug. 15)Guido Reni (Italian, 1575-1642)
Madonna and Child, about 1628-30
Oil on canvas, 45 x 36 in. (114.3 x 91.4 cm.)
North Carolina Museum of Art

Young Mary of Nazareth by Marianna Mayer

Who can resist such a lovely tribute to The Blessed Virgin sung in Latin and medieval English?

This is a favorite on my ipod: “Star of the Sea” Mediaeval Baebes

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St Bartholomew, Apostle (Aug. 24)

The Twelve Apostles: Their Lives and Acts by Marianna Mayer pp. 16-17

Kevin will read and do a written narration and illustration for his own book of the Apostles.

For an excellent and inspiring plan go see Katherine's.

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Ongoing Project: Watercolor paintings for Eucharistic Prayer D

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Poetry:

Poetry for Young People Series: Robert Frost

History & Literature for this month and next: The Trojan War

Voices of the Trojan War by Kate Hovey

Black Ships Before Troy by Rosemary Sutcliff

The Odyssey for Boys and Girls by Alfred J. Church

Selections from the Odyssey (Fitzgerald translation)

We'll be discussing these in September with our book group.

Natural History: Bambi by Felix Salten

Geography: Europe

Science: (Biology co-op begins in September.)

Math: Saxon 6/5

Have you been making plans, too?

I'd love to see them if you get a chance to post.

xoxo Ann