We've had another smooth day. We did start our lessons a little late. When I got up this morning I realized our internet was out. So I played with that a little longer than I should have. Only to call the tech support to find out they knew all about it and were working on getting it up and running soon. Thankfully by the time I was done with our bible time, it was up and running. Sarah and Paulie both are doing quite well with their lessons. Paulie is reading much better and Sarah's math is going much better. I'm almost thinking of staying with Saxon, now that I've seen an improvement. But I will still probably get Teaching Textbooks for her. I do want her to learn how to read and listen to things on the computer and just listening to others speak to learn. I don't know if she'll be going to college or not, but I do think regardless, she needs to work on her listening skills. I've been having Paul explain things to her and I like her hearing other things. She's getting a little to hooked on how I explain things, and for a while there, was having a hard time learning from anyone else. So I think the Teaching Textbooks will not only help her with her math, but learning skills too. I still haven't found an English program I like. I have found one that sounded interesting. Has anyone heard or used Character Quality Language Arts, CQLA? I read about it in the Old Schoolhouse magazine. They had an interview with her, and I thought it sounded interesting. They have partial curriculum you can download to try, so I'll probably do that. I just thought I would see if anyone else has heard or used it.
I was thinking about getting Paulie a more interactive math program next year, but I can't decide. I don't mind Sarah having it. She's going into 7th grade, and I want her to do more independent learning. I want Paulie to also, but he also needs lots practice with his handwriting. So I don't want to get a program where most of the answers will just be typed into a computer. So I'll probably stick with what I have for him for one more year, and then go from there.
I know it probably seems like I'm a bit wishy washy with my decisions, but it's how I think. I go from 'here' to 'there' and then back to 'here'. Looking, praying, thinking, then I make my decision (of course all of this includes talking with Paul). I didn't start blogging until after I had already bought our curriculum last year, so you were spared my back and forth chatter about it. This year I am including you all in it. So, just to let you know, this won't be the last time I talk about possibly going with this curriculum or that curriculum. Just to give you a warning.
I'm looking outside, and we are getting pounded with snow again. They've been saying for days we were to get snow, but thankfully it kept missing us. Then today, when they said maybe a couple of inches, we've gotten a good 5 or 6 inches already, and it's still snowing. Our neighbor is plowing his driveway, but the snow keeps blowing back on. I've decided that we are either going to have our neighbor or our other friend plow the driveway. It's getting to deep, and the wind is blowing nasty. I don't want the kids out in it as long as it would take for them to do the driveway. So we'll have that done by someone else, then the kids will just do the sidewalks. They are quite excited about not having to do the driveway.
Well, I should be starting dinner instead of sitting here typing on the computer. I hope you all have a great evening.
I did not realize how much snow you get. Is this a typical weather pattern. I am the same way when I am trying to decide about curriculum. I go back and forth and back again, get really excited and then cool off. And then I ask my husband what he thinks. (lol) I am glad that things are going so well. My little ones have done better today.
Jenn
Hello JoAnn, thanks for stoppong by my blog. I love to see new comments. I can't imagine having all that snow. IF we get snow here, it's gone by lunch time :) Rarely do we get a really good cover. I don't mind though, I only think it's pretty for a day or two then I'm ready to see grass again!
Corey
Hi my sweet JoAnn, I am feeling so much better this morning. thank you for all of your support while I was sick, you are such a encourager when it comes to comments, I believe you are my number commentator.
Call me soon, I won't be here this afternoon, for I am very behind on my week, since I was sick. I am also very behind in visiting my friends.
Sarah is definally an auditory learner, she is so much like me, but I also need to be able to put my hands on in order to be able to remember later.
((((hugs)))
Katia
The snow has not not been missing us! This morning is the least we've had. Yesterday I had to go to a meeting by 7:30. All schools were closed and there were about 5-6 inches all over my vehicle, steps, etc. And, Dave has been very good at shoveling us out.
I can relate to figuring out curriculum! This is the first year where I feel like I know where I'm going. This has definitely been our best year yet.
English and Math are my big hang ups with curriculum also. Most years I've just used stuff like McGraw- Hill workbooks and stuff because none of the programs really reach out an grab me, but with 7th grade, it's a little harder to do that. I'm still poking around some, but I just haven't seen much for middle school in those subjects. For the early grades there is tons, but past 6th it's harder to find. Now there seems to be a lot for math once you hit algebra, but that doesn't really help for the middle grades!
This blog is so I can share my journey with the Lord, my journey as a wife and mother, and my journey as a homeschool mom. I pray that you will see the Lord in my life through happy and sad times, and that this blog glorifies the Lord.
This is an award and tag free zone, thank you.
We did start our lessons a little late. When I got up this morning I realized our internet was out. 
So I played with that a little longer than I should have. Only to call the tech support to find out they knew all about it and were working on getting it up and running soon. Thankfully by the time I was done with our bible time, it was up and running. 
So, just to let you know, this won't be the last time I talk about possibly going with this curriculum or that curriculum. Just to give you a warning. 
They've been saying for days we were to get snow, but thankfully it kept missing us. Then today, when they said maybe a couple of inches, we've gotten a good 5 or 6 inches already, and it's still snowing. Our neighbor is plowing his driveway, but the snow keeps blowing back on. 
I've decided that we are either going to have our neighbor or our other friend plow the driveway. It's getting to deep, and the wind is blowing nasty. I don't want the kids out in it as long as it would take for them to do the driveway. So we'll have that done by someone else, then the kids will just do the sidewalks. They are quite excited about not having to do the driveway.
