So... I was feeling adventurous yesterday and it seemed to be a pretty nice day, so we took the day off and headed to the zoo. It was well worth it- I think we were one of about three families at the zoo- I wasn't even afraid of losing anyone (which usually accounts for much yelling during our zoo trips). Here are some of the pictures we took... enjoy:
So my sweet hubby and I are hashing out the final decision for curriculum we want to use for next year. I had first thought we would take the eclectic route and just try a little bit of everything. We know that we like Headsprout for phonics and Math Mammoth for math, but I was having a bit of trouble putting the rest of the pieces together.
Well- then I stumbled onto the Ambleside online curriculum that I previously mentioned and I was intrigued at the idea of an all inclusive curriculum once again- especially since it is FREE!! I really spent some time looking at it and reading all the message boards, and as much as I love Charlotte Mason and her philosophies concerning education, it just didn't feel quite right to me. There is so much information and not a lot of structure, which I think I need if trying an all inclusive curriculum.... so now what???
Well- just yesterday I ran into the My Father's World curriculum online. I didn't want to get too excited too quickly, but I spent a lot of time yesterday and this morning reading comments/suggestions and asking questions of others who have previously used or are using this curriculum and I really liked what I heard. It is an all inclusive curriculum that has the framework of Charlotte Mason but uses some of her methods in a more unit study manner. It is not free- one of the drawbacks, but it is not super expensive either and most of the materials are reusable for the next child. So after much ado and prayer and a long chat with the mister- we have decided to give it a go for next year. I am feeling really positive about the decision, mostly glad it has been made and I don't have to think/ponder/question/freak out about it any more.
So now we are just waiting for the funds to come in- hopefully in the next few days and we will place our order. I have put off our start date for school two weeks due to our move. We wanted to start as close to the first as possible, but it just doesn't make sense to do that in the misdt of our move. If things go really smoothly and we are able to settle in quickly ( we are becoming pros at moving- six times in the last 5 years) then we might only put it off one week, but we'll just play it by ear. The kiddos are so excited and would love to start today, but I am finding plenty of activities to keep their little minds busy for now.
We'll let you know when we finally order and recieve our supplies and I will post pics!! Oh and pics of the house are coming soon as well. That's all for now.
Another resource we are currently using is the Math Mammoth Workbooks which are a wonderful, very inexpensive tool in teaching math to children. We are currently using the Addition book in the Blue Series and my little guy is catching on so quickly to the concepts. They are all presented in a really clear manner and a logical sequence of learning. Below is some more information about Math Mammoth products:
Math Mammoth Blue Series
The books in the Blue Series are worktexts: they contain both explanations and exercises. In other words, it is like a textbook and a workbook together.
Each book concentrates on a few interconnected topics, and may thus be suitable to one, two, or even three different grade levels (please see the chart below). They are especially good for remedial or supplemental work, and can work as part of a complete curriculum as well.
The books were originally designed for grades 1-5, but since the typical US curriculum is very similar in 5th and 6th grades, several of the books are usable even for 6th grade topics.
As always, the books can be bought in the downloadable PDF form, and you print the pages you need, when you need. Alternatively, these books are ALSO available in printed form via Lulu.com.
The books in the Blue Series are worktexts for grades 1-5: they contain both explanations and exercises.
Each book concentrates on a few interconnected topics, and may thus be suitable to one, two, or even three different grade levels. They are especially good for remedial or supplemental work, and can work as part of a complete curriculum as well.
Math Mammoth Lightblue books constitute a complete mathematics curriculum for grades 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Following the same practically self-teaching format as my Blue Series books, LightBlue series is designed to cover all topics for a given grade level. Designed especially for homeschooling, each grade level includes two part of a worktext (A and B), tests, an answer key, and a worksheet maker. Now available as downloads!
These are worksheet collections by grade-level (from grade 3 through Algebra 1), and provide very variable problems in a convenient one-topic per sheet format. These are great for teachers to give for classwork or homework, or for general review, reinforcement, or practice material. NOTE: These collections do not contain explanations such as you find in a textbook.
Math Mammoth green series brings you worksheet collections by topic. These are pulled out of Golden Series collections) so are duplicate content with them, BUT will serve those teachers and parents who wish to have worksheets on certain topics.
So... having officially made the decision to homeschool (which I think we knew we would do all along) the search is now on for our curriculum decisions for next year. We will begin our next homeschooling year August 1st, so the time is slowly closing in on us. I have decided to post a list of all the items we are considering for next year and over the next few weeks I will be closely examining each one and posting my thoughts about them in hopes of making the decisions a bit easier. I hope this might help anyone else on the quest as well.
The only decision we have made for certain and already begun working on is Headsprout Homeschool Reading and Phonics Program. We began this program with *E* a few weeks ago and it is outstanding!! My little guy has so much trouble sitting still and paying attention usually- not with Headsprout. The sights and sounds keep him interested and he is having so much fun that he forgets that he is learning how to read. He and I recently completed lesson 15 and read one of the many Companion stories (stories that have both parent and child parts) together. It was truly a wonderful time for both of us. Below is a little more information about Headsprout if you are interested.
Headsprout Reading Products
Headsprout combines scientifically-proven, patented instruction with engaging animations to teach your child to read with fun, personalized online lessons.
• Online learning lessons average 20 minutes each
• Entertaining animations keep your child motivated
• Personalized instruction helps children go at their own pace
• "Ready-to-Read" stories ensure reading becomes real
• Progress reports keep everyone informed
Headsprout Early Reading, Episodes 1-40
• 40 online lessons - lessons average 20 minutes
• 6 full-color Headsprout Readers
• 30 "ready-to-read" printable stories
• Over 100 printable sound and word flash cards
• Progress Map, stickers, and Completion Certificate
• Individualized, detailed progress reports
Headsprout Early Reading, Episodes 41-80
• 40 online lessons - lessons average 20 minutes
• 6 full-color Headsprout Readers
• 50 "ready-to-read" printable stories
• Over 300 printable sound and word flash cards
• Completion Certificate
• Individualized, detailed progress reports
With Headsprout's Amazement Guarantee, you have 30 days to try Headsprout Early Reading and if you’re not amazed, we’ll issue a full refund. You don't have to return a thing. All these great Headsprout materials are yours to keep.
Headsprout is research-based, guaranteed effective, and kids love it too!
Headsprout's patented instructional process helps ensure children learn. Over 90% of learners achieve over 90% correct when learning to read with Headsprout.
"In sum, the content and design of Headsprout Early Reading reflect scientific research with an abundance of instructional strategies in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension..."
From the nationally-recognized Florida Center for Reading Research
To find out more about Headsprout reading program go to their website: www.Headsprout.com
Here are the other products we are considering that I will be posting about in the near future. I would love to hear your thoughts about these products as well.
I would love to hear your thoughts/opinions about any of these resources as well if you have experience with them. I would also love to hear your favorite resources that I might have missed in my search. I hope to have some decisions made in the next few weeks.
Good morning all. I was wondering if anyone knew of a good, wholesome series of read-aloud books for my ds (5 years old). I really want to begin a series (in addition to the 30+ library books each week ) that he can really get into that will be a mommy and son time for us. He loves adventure type books, but it has to be one that can really keep his attention. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
January 10, 2008 - a wonderfully inspiring contest...
So... in light of my last post and the fact that we are still hoping to have the $$ to purchase our curriculum needs this month, the wonderful new homeschool magazine- The Heart of the Matter is hosting a wonderful contest. To win this contest would be a wonderful morale booster for us at this tight spot we have found ourselves going into 2008. There are so many wonderful resources included in the prize that would be a wonderful addition to any homeschooling family. Check it out:
Homeschool Care Package Contest
Sometimes it is just a bit hard to get back into the swing of things after the holidays so how about a Homeschool care package to bring a little excitement back?
One lucky winner will receive everything in this package below:
AHHHHH!!! I am so frustrated, upset, glad that the Lord is giving me a wonderful opportunity to work on the quiet, meek spirit I am trying to cultivate. I am so glad that we have a schedule that is working well for us, however I am having a hard time because we STILL do not have the funds we need to purchase the curriculums that I wanted to start at the first of this year. I don't know when we will have the funds coming either, so I am pulling from the resources that I am finding on the internet.
There are some great resources that I have found and that is a blessing, but I was really wanting to work with *E* in a bit more structured manner this year. I was hoping that we could really work on reading/phonics and hoping to have some good sucess with that by the summer. I don't know if that is going to be possible now, but I will continue trying.
I don't like that this is upsetting me so, I am trying to be more positive in my approach to challenges and I am sure that I really just need to take a breath and put this in perspective. I am still able to be home teaching my children, my little *E* is very good at learning in everyday situations, so I know that he will continue to progress with or without a curriculum. I know that the Lord is taking care of our finances and our ultimate goal of purchasing property to build on is still in the near future. AND I am getting a wonderful opportunity to grow in my faith and trust that the Lord knows what we need and how I can best instruct my children. See I feel better already....
Okay... I am done venting for today!! Thanks for listening...
I have spent much of the past few weeks in prayer and pondering about how to best get us back on track with schooling. After much thought, I have comprised a new schedule that we will be beginning just after the first of the year. I am NOT a schedule-oriented person, so this will be a stretch for me. I do (of course) understand that everyday will have variences and I will be continually tweeking this to make it fit more and more the needs of my family. The time frames are really just a guide, not set in stone, the more structure I have, the better I do with it. My little ones thrive on a schedule and this will be a wonderful lesson in discipline for me. So here goes:
6:30- Mom up/Dress/Quiet Time
7:30- Little ones Up/Dress/Make Beds
8:00- Breakfast
8:15- Brush Teeth/Morning Chores
8:30- Morning Exercise- Nature Walk/Outside Time
9:00- School Block A
10:00- Snacktime
10:20- School Block B
11:00- Outside Playtime or Inside Independent Play
It is a lot of structure and I have to admit it is a bit overwhelming, but I do think that following it will make the days go much smoother and allow us to make progress in the areas we are struggling.
I am still working to find the funds to purchase the curriculum pieces we have decided to work with, hopefully we will be able to do so in the next week and school will begin once again right after the first of the year. I will be spending much time in prayer between now and then asking the Lord to give me the strength and discipline to make this schedule work for my family.
So it's been a while since I have blogged about homeschooling... this is because we have taken an extended "break" while I spend some time really seeking God for His direction into our journey. We have taken this year an a "trial run" for homeschooling as *E* turned 5 this year, but he was six days beyond the cutoff for PS. Do to *E*'s struggles with self-control and concentration, we had been discussing homeschooling for a few years. When we realized that he would be "ready" for school before he was eligible for PS, we decided homeschooling was a good alternative. This was our "nothing ventured, nothing lost" year, if it doesn't work for us *E* can attend PS next year without being behind in any way. So that was our plan.
Two days into our homeschooling trial I knew that I wanted to keep him and all the rest of our children home to learn for good. It just felt so right to be waking up and spending the day learning through reading books, learning outings (field trips), hands on activities of all kinds, and the unstructured structure of learning together as a family.
I was completly unprepared, however, for the vast array of challenges to find the "right" way to teach and the best curriculum for us to use. I have found that except for math, workbooks are not working for us so well. I also have found that Science will be the easiet for *E* as he is facinated by all aspect of it. Reading/Phonics/Writing has been a bit of a challenge for us, as has math. I decided around the middle of November (amidst our three week flu experience) that we would break from school until January and I would spend this time really praying and reasearching which direction we needed to go when we resume schooling.
I do know that we will continue with lapbooking/notebooking/unit studies as we have had sucess with those already. I am wading through our options for Reading/Phonics/Writing as HWoT is not working for us so I need to find a replacement and I am not sure that I am totally pleased with Singapore Math so I need to look a bit further into that as well.
This break has been good for us, but I can tell that *E* is a bit off kilter since we are not on a set schedule as he would prefer. I am looking forward to building a new schedule for the new year as well as working on our "Family Blessings Notebook" which I will be sharing with you all soon into the new year as well.
I have some great pictures that I will be posting soon from our trip to buy our Christmas tree as well as the decoration process and the gingerbread cookie baking which we will be partaking in later this morning. I hope you all are enjoying the holidays and the blessing of spending time with your families. I know that this time can be stressful for many, so I pray peace and blessings for all. Until next time....
November 8, 2007 - playgroup and painting.... a great day!!
We attended a new playgroup this morning.... more for my little *A* than for the big guy. There were lots of kids... about 15, which is more that any other group we attend currently. There were two little girls right about *A*'s age and she had such a blast playing with them. *E* had a little guy that followed him the whole time, trying to be a "big guy" too!! *E* was so sweet to him and so patient, which is so unlike him usually. We haven't done much actual school work today, but I'll just chalk the day up to a social event--- life skills!!!
If you have a minute, you should check out this guy - He is an amazing painter... and he paints most of the picture upside down!! We should all be so talented!!
November 7, 2007 - dinosaurs, dinosaurs, everywhere
We have just begun our newest lapbooking project- Dinosaurs!! We are using the guide from www.Homeschoolshare.com and we are LOVING all the info that we are learning about the old guys. Did you know that Dinosaur means "terrible lizard"? Me either!! Our other project for the week is to learn to ride our bike without training wheels.... please pray for us!!
I have been working hard on this new template, and I do like it, but I want to tweek a few areas. Until next time...
I have been a bit worried about how I am going to teach *E* how to read. It took me a while to even understand the process of how someone begins to read. I have been so disillusioned by the public school's "whole language" approach to reading (basic memorization of words) that when I learned about phonic based learning, I was sure that was the way to go for us. So I began searching online for a good phonic based program to begin. We don't have a ton of $$ to put into this right now and while I really liked the ABEKA curriculum, it was a bit much for us at this time. Upon further research I found The Reading Lesson- which was much more reasonably priced and has the first two lessons online for free download. I downloaded the first lesson and we began trying it out last week. Within 2 days *E* had read his first word "cat"!!!! I am so excited to report that he has just continued learning and reading with this program. I am SO excited that it is going so well!! I haven't purchased the program yet, but hopefully we can by this weekend... and then I will officially have my first little reader!!
My little *A* thinks she is a school girl too... and she really is picking up all of the things we are working on with *E*!! I think before long they may be on the same level... that will be great for me, but I am not too sure how well *E* will take learning the same things as his little sister. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it I guess!!
So this is our first blog... and this is our first attempt at homeschooling... both of which seem to make me a bit nervous. We have actually been homeschooling for years- basically from birth, but now that *E* is 5, it is official. I have been preparing for this for some time, knowing that all the decisions I made before we started were subject to change once we actually began.... and they have.
The first adjustment we made in our day was to begin each day with outside play for about 30 minutes. This allowed *E* to be able to focus on his studies much better when we actually begin them. We also take LOTS of breaks between scheduled items as not to use up all the patience I have and the concentration he has. *A* has set her own schedule... and she is much enjoying participating in the day with her coloring books and blocks. She is the one who asks all morning, when we start schoolwork...when we start schoolwork???
We are beginning as a very eclectic and not so structured approach to schooling. We are doing a bit of unit studies (beginning this month with insects... Yipee!!) along with some workbooks to see how we progress in each area.
We are using Singapore Earlybird math which is a bit below *E*'s interest level currently, but I am looking for alternatives as soon as we finish this. We are also using Handwriting without Tears, Developing the Early Learner, Building Thinking Skills, Visual Perceptual Skill Building, & MCP Phonics. I think I have overdone the whole workbook thing, but I wanted to have a variety to see what works best for us.
We are also looking to add some excitement to our days (and some $$ to our pockets) by taking on the challenge of watching some addtional children during the day. We haven't found the right family yet, but we are hoping that God brings just the right ones to us ASAP!! I am going to build *E* his own blog and let him share in his own words what he is enjoying (and not so much) about HS. That should be really cute.
My SIL's Etsy Store
Some of the Sweetest things...
Books on my Nightstand:
Drawing from her own family's experiences and from interaction with other parents, Lisa Whelchel offers creative solutions for parents who are out of ideas and desperate for new, proven approaches to discipline.
From the nationally-recognized 
) that he can really get into that will be a mommy and son time for us. He loves adventure type books, but it has to be one that can really keep his attention. Any suggestions would be appreciated. 
Our other project for the week is to learn to ride our bike without training wheels.... please pray for us!! 
