Homeschool 2008-09

I have been homeschooling officially for 3 years now. I really feel like this past year was the best one yet! I have tried full curriculum, unit studies, "eclectic"...and enjoyed the way we did it this year best. I have had several friend ask me about homeschooling recently, so I thought this would be a good way for me to share what has worked for me.

First and most important is to trust that God will give you all you need to get through each moment, week, month and year! He is so good, and our children truly are a blessing from Him. So, when He gives you the desire to homeschool, he will also give you the grace and patience to be with your children 24/7.

To me, the second most important thing is to be scheduled, but flexible. Does that make sense? I don't think the two are mutually exclusive. I think having a plan for the year is great; it really kept me on track this year. I also have a "schedule" for the day (I will share mine, but do what works for your family!)
My kids are early risers, so from 6:30-7:30 they do their chores and we have breakfast.
7:30-7:45 is our opening (Pledge of Allegiance, Prayer, Psalm of the day, Song)
7:45-11:00 is Language, Math and Reading (While I teach each child their math, the others do quiet reading)
11:00-11:15 is recess while I make lunch
11:15-noon is Lunch (often I read something to them while they eat)
noon-2:00 is Nap time for anyone under 5 years old. That is also when we do our Science, History and Health classes.
That is the scheduled part of school. The flexible part is realizing that they are kids, and things happen. Kids get sick, the teacher gets sick, everyone loses focus, classes take longer...so be flexible. When you get off schedule, just try to get back on track as soon as possible.

I have struggled with curriculum for Language Arts, but was surprised to find some that I liked at Barnes & Noble this year (if you take the paperwork that the state sends you to B&N, they give you 20% off all "school" books). It is from Harcourt Family Learning. We used "Writing Skills" and "Creative Writing"
For Math, I like A Beka for Kindergarten through 1st or 2nd grade. For older elementary, I like Saxon Math.
I think that A Beka has the BEST phonics program for Kindergarten through 1st grade. Beyond that, for reading, I just recommend getting tons of books from the library, and encouraging your kids to read a lot.
We really loved our Science this year. (DinoDude and KarateChopper both said it was their favorite). We used Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day, by Apologia. It had a lot of pictures, a variety of experiments, and was very creation-centered. We also enjoyed a few nature walks to observe birds.
The History was amazing, and I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed it. It is called Ancient Civilizations and the Bible, by Diana Waring. We learned about ancient history, from Creation to Christ, and how it related to God's people.

Whew!! I realize this post has become too long, but I am just so passionate about my kids and their education. If you have any questions, comment here or email me.

Easter

Just a few Easter pictures to share...of our family...our kids with their cousin (my brother's 20 month old daughter)... and my girls in their matching dresses. My wonderful mom bought matching Easter dresses for my girls and my niece. They were all so beautiful. And, my boys were so handsome in their spring green shirts.

Snickerdoodle has grown and changed a lot in the past 6 weeks!
So...here are a few more photos to share with you all...

Papa loves to hold her, look at her & talk to her.

This adorable coat was a gift, and I think she looks so cute in it!!
*Like an Easter Peep that you just want to eat up!*

Her daddy loves her so much, too.

I really cannot believe that my oldest child, Dino Dude, turned NINE this month! He is getting more handsome and mature all the time! He has been saving his money for over a year now, to buy a Bearded Dragon. So, the day before his birthday, we went to the reptile store, and bought two of them (thanks to money from Nana & Papa and Gramma) His birthday was also a dragon-themed party *see my orange dragon cake & Gramma's creation with the fan*.

I think the hardest thing for me, as he turns 9 is that his time here, in our home, is half over. The past nine years have gone way too fast, and I can't even think about how quickly the next nine will pass by! What a blessing to be his mom, however fast time flies!!

Princess Ladybug turned 5 earlier this month. Wow! I cannot believe it! The day after her birthday, we spent the day in Chicago, with Gramma and Nana & Papa. The girls spent a few hours at American Girl Place, while the boys went to the Lego store and a few other places. Princess Ladybug had a great time, along with her Bitty Twins, Nella & Bella.

On her birthday, we just had a family dinner followed by cake. I made this adorable Tinkerbell Purse cake. I was quite proud of how it turned out.

The special birthday crown was made special for Princess Ladybug by her loving big brother, Karate Chopper.

Just a quick post...to introduce our newest member of the family.
"Snickerdoodle"

Enjoy these few photos...hopefully I will keep up with this blog better. :)