Spirited Sons

Welcome to My Blog!

Schooling two active boys has never been more... interesting. That's the word I'm looking for! I love my boys! God has given them the blessing of strong, active bodies and minds. We continually pray the first will remain intact, and the second will remain engaged with Him first, and then the school work. You'll meet my sweet sons, both entirely different, but both loving God to the best of their ability in the way He made them. I lovingly refer to them as my Bell Pepper Boy and my Habanero or Hambone. That should say it all! This blog is an eclectic mix. The events, conversations, and the thoughts behind it all will be in here. Every once in a while I'll try to capture something I don't want to forget. I hope you find things you enjoy. Please let me know if you do! Blessings!

Our Curriculum

Mystery of History vol. 1
Saxon 5/4
Horizons Grade 2
A Beka Language
Spelling Power
Apologia Zoology 1

Books I'm Reading

The Bible (Isaiah)
Invitation to the Jesus Life
Discover Your Child's Learning Style
The Way They Learn
Archimedes and the Door of Science
(all things Trojan at the moment)

Favorite Links

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

When I Grow Up. . .

Posted in Curriculum Things

I should be an editor when I grow up. Few things can drive me absolutely bonkers like the abuse of our national language. Reading through curriculum samples over the last few days has been a constant reminder that so much is being overlooked in publishing. Some of what I've seen seems to indicate that there may be no official standard in our language anymore. How sad. To my knowledge, there really is a right way to communicate in the written form.

What was it that pushed me over the edge to write this entry? You'll love it.

Why would two, to, and too be too tricky to navigate? Should I trust a program targeting Language Arts that will allow such things? They are typos, no doubt. I'm sure of it. I don't have to feel excited about it, though, do I? *sigh*

Perhaps I am a bit of a "stickler" for grammatical things, but it seems only right in educational programs. After all, I chose home schooling to be sure my sons were getting the best. I am annoyed by having to correct simple errors. Sadly, if I miss it, I have a son "going lawyer" on me later. Surely, I'll hear, "But, Mom! It was this way in the ____________ book!" (insert appropriate whiny tone for effect and accuracy.)

*sigh*

I am particular. Perhaps I am too particular. At least I am sure I am not to particular or two particular. I know who I am and what I am. *lol*

If I make a grammatical error, I know I am taking license to do so. My college degree says I know what to do, even if I choose not to do it. I'm fairly certain the ellipses is rarely used in modern text. . .but I know how to use it.

Okay, I will remove myself from my soap box now. I apologize to all my friends who are too kind to read my entries, even when there are two in a day. An entry like this is probably too strongly worded.

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Wednesday, May 7, 2008

The Cursory Curriculum Glance

Posted in Curriculum Things

We've all been told you can't judge a book by its cover. We know it. We, as teachers, probably all subscribe to the old adage in our curriculum searches. Sometimes we've thought something looked good at a cursory glance, and it didn't pan out. I'm here to tell you that a cursory glance just might mean something else.

Have you ever written something off after a quick glance? Have you ever wished you hadn't later? Sometimes a title doesn't grab your attention or makes you leap to a quick decision. Sometimes the artwork is great, but you notice the paragraphs you skimmed didn't immediately arrest your attention.

I think I'm having a few "Whoops Moments" right about now. I've known about Knowledge Quest for some time. In fact, I've been receiving the newsletters and announcements from Terri Johnson for more than a year. I just never took the time to look. *sigh* I wish I'd been a bit more investigative now.

Maybe it's the adrenaline rush that happens during the curriculum hunt. Maybe it's the thrill of seeing something new and refreshing in comparison to what I've used. Maybe...just maybe...I see something that might work for us. In any case, I'm more than intrigued. Sadly, the budget may not bear some of what my wish list includes, but a girl can pray, right?

I'd love some of your thoughts on these materials, friends. Have any of you seen or used them? I'm really intrigued by A Child's Geography and a few other resources she has. The Blackline Maps selection looks really good, too. And, the Timelines and Figures look neat, too. (What kind of teacher doesn't make time lines for her students!? *cough*)

I don't know if I'm just caught up in it, or if this is the way to go. From what I could tell, my kids would love to learn along these lines and methods...as long as I pepper in the fun activities. ;')

I guess I'm just thinking outloud. What do you think?

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Saturday, May 3, 2008

Saturday Booksale Surge!

Posted in Curriculum Things

Yes, my day started at 5:00 AM. I have fed my dogs and children. We have packed lunch. We are walking out the door to the largest booksale that happens in this area!

I'm sooooooo stoked.

It's the Booksale Adrenaline high, right? ;')

See you when I get back. Pray for good "finds"!

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Saturday, April 19, 2008

Curriculum Thoughts

Posted in Curriculum Things

I mentioned yesterday that the book sales are starting up, full force, around here. So, I'm looking at what's available. I'm pondering my choices for next year. (Nothing is ever in stone around here until I've purchased the books.)

My thoughts for next year...and my holes:

Math - Horizons. I need Book 2 for 2nd grade and the whole set for 5th grade.
Science - I'm hunting for Apologia's Zoology 1. Astronomy and Botany were good.
Penmanship - We need to continue in this at 2nd and 5th grade levels. D'Nealian & A Beka?
Language - A Beka or something else, but I need something.
History - My nemesis. Mystery of History or back to something like TruthQuest?
Art - We are officially set! Barry Stebbing books abound! And I found other fun art books! *lol*
Music - I have an intro to music theory book I might break out next year.
Spanish - I have AOP's PowerGlide I might pull out.

I found a lot of fun things at the two sales I went to. I picked up some things I might not use right away, but they weren't to be passed up. (A Latin Prima workbook, some Vocabulary workbooks, books about the body, a pan balance, etc.)

So, what are you hunting for, if you are? What will you be using next year? If it's really good, tell me to use something YOU have and why! ;')

Love to hear about your deals, too, if you're finding them!

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