Good evening everyone!!  Tiany has graciously set up an open house and I have been enjoying hopping around to everyone's school house!

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Tiany

Grab a cup of tea or coffee and let me introduce myself. 

My name is Michelle and I've been married to my wonderful hubby for going on 11 years.  We are a military family and currently living in Japan.  We have three children, Trey 9, Hallie 6.5, Courtnee 4, and another expected in October.  We have been homeschooling since the beginning.

Decision to homeschool:  Homeschooling was something that we discussed from day one with our son.  Being a military family, it provides our children with stability and the flexibility of taking time off when dad comes home from deployment and also allows time for family visits whenever we wish.

Our classroom:  Is our dining room.  We, unfortunately, live in only 1200 sq feet and every inch of space is used.  We have four large bookshelves that hold many reading books (I am stocking upon the classics) and all of our books that we use for school.  Since we are overseas, the library isn't really an option here.  Two years ago, while preparing a study of ancient Rome and Greece, I went to the base library and got the only book on each subject that they had.  Needless to say, we spend alot of money on books.

Our Curriculum:

Trey:  We are using AOP switched on Schoolhouse for science and bible this year.  One reason is that it will allow me time to work with Hallie without constant interruptions.  Trey has been struggling with reading on his own, but has made huge improvements this year.  I'm certain by the end of this year, he'll be at his grade level or higher.  Constant interruptions and inconsistancy did not help learning to read two years ago.  Last year we were more on track and he improved greatly.  However, I still have to sit with him and help him with most of his lessons. 

The other reason for using AOP is to lessen up my work with a new baby.  I probably need to explain that a little.  I am going to have a schedule c-section.  Complications with my other labors is why I'm going in that direction.  Also, my husband will be gone when the baby comes and not home until the baby is about a month and a half old.  Being overseas, having family come in is not really an option, so I'm making life as uncomplicated as possible.

For english, spelling, reading, writing, math, and history we use Bob Jones.  I wanted easy planning this year and I love their curriculum.  Next year, we will be back on track doing science and history together as a family.  We are also going to do a unit study on Australia and Africa this year.  Australia is already planned and I will have Africa planned before the baby comes.

Hallie:   Will be using Bob Jones for everything.  I do have the dvd program, which somedays works and somedays doesn't, depending on the mood she's in.  I'm not a huge fan of dvd programs, but I feel that I need every little bit of help that I can when the baby comes.

Courtnee:  Studying the alphabet and numbers

Our Daily Schedule: is not set in stone yet.  Both Hallie and Trey go to the school for speech therapy and I do not have their schedule for the upcoming year yet.  Basically, our days look like this:

8:30-9am   Work with Courtnee while Trey and Hallie work independently.  Hallie can work on coloring, etc and Trey will be working on silent reading, spelling, handwriting, science, and bible

9-10am  Work with Hallie.  Courtnee can color and do puzzles and listen in.  Trey will continue his independent work.

10-10:15  Snack and I read a story from the bible

10:15-12 Work with Trey on reading, math, and english.

12-12:30 lunch

12:30-1  Read aloud

1-2:30  Mondays and Tuesdays are history

              Wednesdays are for science.  Although Trey does AOP, I still want to review all he has done and do experiments and reading together.

             Thursday-geography-our units on Australia and Africa

             Fridays-finish up any work that hasn't been finished during the week

My schooling:  Yup, mom needs to do school also.  I was trying to finish my bachelor's but have put that on hold until after the baby's born.  In the meantime, I am reading, reading, reading.  I have several classics on the table to be read.  I'm in the middle of '20,000 Leagues under the Sea' and 'Great Expectations'.  To be read are 'Last of the Mohicans', 'Les Miserables', and 'Robinson Crusoe'.  I also have several historical fiction books to read.

For bible studies, I am currently working on 'Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit', which I love.  I also have 'Blessing my Husband' and 'Homeschooling at the speed of Life' lined up to do. 

I love to read, quilt, scrapbook, do genealogy research, and spend time with my family.  I also love to bake.  I hate to do laundry (probably because my machine and dryer are in a closet) and dust.  Thankfully, the kids are getting older and can help out in those areas more.

Thanks for spending time at my classroom!!  Look forward to visiting yours!