Aug. 22, 2008 - Time for a New School Year

It's time. 


The pencils are sharpened and ready to go. 

We have been doing "some" school throughout the summer, but now we are in "official" school mode.   That  means we have picked back up those subjects that we just don't gravitate toward naturally, like geometry, biology, chemistry, SAT prep, etc. 

One of the things that we did a lot of last year and will do again this year is give the girls a large block of time to work on their favorite subjects; art and graphic design. For us, a large block of time means around 2 hours of the school day .  Since these are their favorite subjects they also work on them in their free time.  So they could be working on art and graphic design 2-5 hours a day. 

I am so thankful that we have been able to homeschool all these years.  This will be our 12th year and it has been such a wonderful adventure.  We had Breezy in public school for K and 1/2 of first grade and her teachers were concerned that she doodled too much on her papers - it was a problem for them.  A year ago, I spoke with a teacher at the high school that the girls would have gone to and she told me they had no graphic design teaching at all.  None.  Nada.  Nothing at all in that field.  Wow.  When we began to homeschool it was the Lord's leading in our life, it had nothing to do with these issues.  12 years later, I see that not only was He leading us to homeschool for biblical reasons, but also He knew what the girls giftings were when we didn't.

This will be Breezy's senior year and Emily Rose's sophomore year.  Our schedule looks full and busy and it is, and we may not get everything done that we want to, but that's OKAY.  Life doesn't stop at the end of the school year.  We are life-long learners and that is what we are about.  Learning is a way of life.

Here is a list of the subjects and curriculum that we will be using this year.
Polished Cornerstones (this will be a life-long study)
Tapestry of Grace (finish Year 4 and begin Year 1 on Sept. 2)
High School Essay Intensive with Andrew Pudewa
One Year Adventure Novel
Geometry with Math-U-See
Chemistry/Physics with a focus on light and color (Breezy)
Biology - Apologia (Emily Rose)
Art using a variety of books and practice (Breezy)
Graphic Design using a variety of books and practice (Emily Rose)
Piano (Breezy)
Violin (Emily Rose)
Life Skills/Consumer math/Driver's Ed (Breezy)
Blogging
Copywork using the copy can
Latin & Greek roots

Earlier this summer we worked on our summer schedule and used Titus 2:3-5 to help us prioritize and get our schedule the way it should be; I kept that in mind with this new schedule. 



This sweet little clock is a new addition to our home.  My mother gave this to Rob and I for our 25th wedding anniversary.  It is engraved on the back.  It will be near us in the dining room to help keep us on track this year.  Thanks Mom.

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Comments

Aug. 22, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

I am so encouraged and inspired by your family - I can't say it enough! I so long to have what you have, and I want to learn from you (you already know this, I just don't know how!) My husband and I are on different pages, which can be disheartening. He is a wonderful man of God and a great father, but he thinks homeschooling past 7th grade is more harmful than good - he doesn't even want Christian school. He works in the public high school and thinks they have more opportunities for kids there. Please pray for us. I know are kiddos are only 1, 2, and in the womb, but at some point, I just want us on the same page.

Sarah Mae :)

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Aug. 23, 2008 - Clock and Oliver

Posted by magg93

Fun!
I love reading schedules...and if I could, I would reach through the computer and snatch that clock! Aahhhh! I love it!

Oliver (previously Stewart) is doing very well and has been eating and sleeping and eating and crying...and last night he slept the ENTIRE night like a good little boy.

Well Have a Good Day!
Love
Your Niece

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Aug. 26, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Jocelyndixon

Dear Mrs. Blue_Eggs *I* am so thrilled that you homeschooled your girls too... where would I be then!? without my dear EmilyRose and Breezy! Oh the thought is too much, so thank you very much.

I'm so glad that you were led to homeschool because I know you've allowed Breezy to doodle a lot more than the gss would have. We have a lot of block time learning here and it's my most favourite part of school. lol

Love
MJ

Ps. You should do the Homeschool Memoirs with us. It'd be a lot of fun! And of course the girls are welcome too! http://homeschoolblogawards.com/?p=715 This post is almost perfect for the next assignment, posting it tonight. :)

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Aug. 27, 2008 - :)

Posted by JacqueDixonSoulRestES

Sounds like our house!
Except for goats too... :) lol

I need to send you an email. You all are welcome anytime. We can't leave the baby goats now. You all are more than welcome to come see them... and claim one too! :D One of the bucks, that is.

HUGS Friend!
J

http://jacquedixon.com

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Aug. 27, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

WOW! Sounds like a busy year!
Have a blessed year!

http://tonsofsons.wordpress.com/

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Aug. 28, 2008 - thank you

Posted by Anonymous

Thank you for sharing your agenda! You definitely have quite a bit of wonderful books and curriculum you are using. :D I'm trying to glean all I can from veteran homeschoolers, as I am a new homeschooler. Have a great day!
Sherry
http://lampuntomyfeetandalightuntomypath.blogspot.com/2008/08/homeschool-memoir-agenda.html

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