Monday, February 6, 2006 - I've worked out how to include pictures!
I don't know if you have a dedicated "classroom"? For us, we use the dinning room part of our kitchen/diner. We put cork tiles on one wall and then painted them over in the same paint as the wall. When the boys have finished a worksheet or drawing, we pin it onto the tiles, moving pieces upwards all the time. When a piece reaches the top, it is taken down and put away into their own folder. We keep this folder for our own benefit, but also with a view to producing it should we wish to at an LEA inspection.
I am also a keen collector of teacher packs - so far, we have bought precisely two resources for our homeschooling - everything else is free from the internet or made ourselves. The posters that accompany some packs make useful additions to the walls both there and in the boys' bedrooms.
This morning, S & W made Valentine cards, which were quite beautiful. J worked on a science CD called "Stuff & Substance" from SEP. It "uses videos and animations to illustrate phenomena and the related particle explanations in a structured programme". Although it is aimed at children some 3+ years older than him, J found it fascinating and his answers to my questions showed that he understood what he was seeing. No wonder he was so bored in school!
We had a lunch date with some HE friends, after which we all went to play in their nearby park. I love the chance that HE gives the boys to mix with all other ages, and I definately prefer to see them playing with toys rather than watching the sort of cartoons that all their "peers" enjoy watching.
I was going to mention something else that I did today, but as it is a secret for dh, and he reads my blog, I'd better not! I'll tell you soon ;-)
Tomorrow we are hoping to have several of the new families in the group turn up to an event for the first time. It is so rewarding to see the group growing and to watch the relationships forming.
However, I am quite behind on a lot of things that I have been working on, so advice on how to manufacture at least 5 more (child free) hours a day would be appreciated (that don't involve me having to stay up through the night!).
Comments
Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by BritishColumbia
Your display walls look wonderful. They are bright and cheerful. Good idea to paint the cork the same as the wall. Our kitchen/diner has a large map of the world, and another wall has posters that we rotate. The boy's bedroom has various posters on their walls to that relate to schooling. Mainly nature and science themes.
It's easy to see that you adore home educating. We do too. Keep up the good work. Who knows, you could be influincing generations!!
Laurie
Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - yeah!
Posted by lvg4him
You got pictures up! It was neat to see your homeschooling area. And thanks for telling us how you did it! I think that is a GREAT idea about the corkboard!
Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by blessedmom3
Your pictures came out great. I'm glad homeschooling is going really well. It's so nice to be able to get together with other HS'ers. I also love that the kids can play well with others, no matter the age. I know that wouldn't happen
if they were in public school. Hope you have a blessed day!
Cheryl
Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Debismumto4
Hi
Thanks for asking re my amateur dramatics!!!!!!!
It went surprisngly well. I made my costume out of an old sheet with a hole cut in it for my head and another piece of fabric for a shawl.
It is over and done with and I think I will go into hiding next year!!!!
Love Deb
