First Week back in "school"

Something we have in common with public schools, I think, is that the first week is spent getting used to routines and curriculum, and getting everything organized. We did begin our first unit study: Music. It's been so much fun. The kids made kazoos out of toilet paper tubes and decorated them, then we use them to review things like pitch, volume and tempo, and to play simple rhythms. Nathan especially has really done well at reading notes and understanding how long to hold a note or how high to play.

We also worked on our 'Mini Classrooms' which are table-top dividers to give the kids a little privacy and also have reference material they might need, such as a cursive alphabet for the boys, maps, a calendar, and colors and shapes for Sadie. I love the idea that they'll be able to be a bit more independent instead of relying on me when they can't remember a times table, or how do draw a certain letter, or what month comes next. I'll try post pictures of them when they're complete.

This week we also went to a 'Not-back-to-school-party' at Castle Park in Kaysville, as well as a regular park day here in Centerville. My wonderful mom took them on a fieldtrip to Thanksgiving Point, as well. I also had two planning meetings, one for a small preschool co-op for Sadie and one for a bigger homeschool co-op. So much for a relaxed, stay-at-home week!!! We had fun though, and even managed to squeeze in some math reviews.

Today was a big day as well. Our family was asked to sing in sacrament meeting with two other families. We did a primary song medley and the kids were adorable! I don't think anybody even noticed the adults being there, they were all watching the children sing. I wish I could have watched their faces; it sure makes me excited for the primary program in a few weeks.

Sadie also gave her first primary talk! She got up and started out great "I'm going to talk about prophets!" Then she noticed everyone watching her and clammed up. After trying a few times, unsuccessfully, to get her to say the next part, I just held up the picture of President Monson. This was her favorite part and was going to be the end of the talk. When she saw that picture she brightened up, said "This is President Monson; He's our prophet today. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen." So it was short and sweet and she was thrilled to just sit down and be done.

My kids truly are the best. They make me smile and laugh, and fill my heart with love. I thanks God for the amazing opportunity to be their mom and their teacher.

Homeschool Plans for the year

The kids and I have been working out a calendar for what we'd like to learn about this year in our unit studies. Each month or two we will start a new topic, learn all about it, do reports, games, projects and lapbooks. We use the topic to find spelling and vocabulary words, books, and art projects. It's a pretty loose schedule and we may take longer or finish sooner than expected. The nice thing about homeschool is we can just go with it... :o)

So, I thought I'd post this for those who may still be a bit curious about my children's education.

Music - Aug-September

Instruments, Composers, Theory, History, Types

Human Body - October

Systems, senses, health/nutrition, Scientists,

Middle Ages - November

Castles, Chivalry, History, King Arthur, Knights

Electricity - December

Inventors, experiments, how it works

Exploration – January-February

Maps, History, Geography, compasses

Ecosystems – March

Rain forests, Deserts, Arctic, Savannah

Renaissance - April

Inventions, history, discoveries, people, Europe

Computers – May

Parts, how they work, inventors, history, programming

Farewell to Summer

The summer has rushed by far faster than I imagined possible! Once again the days of camping, parades and swim lessons are behind us and school is looming in the near future. We have been busily preparing and shopping sales, the weather has turned chilly and I've also spent a lot of time contemplating our homeschool experience last year. No matter how much thought and effort I put into it, there's no denying it was completely an experiment; a new adventure into a way of life we'd never tried before! There were times that were fantastic and wonderful, and some that were torturous for me and the kids.

That said, we're definitely doing homeschool again this year. I'm working with an online school program called K12 Online for math for the boys, as well as Spanish and Art (which they'll be doing with Nick). K12 also has activities and fieldtrips and a teacher who will support us. Fortunately, we can do these classes with them and still do the things we loved on our own, such as science, history, social skills, unit studies, lapbooks and language arts. It seems to be a good middle ground and I'm excited to get started.

Here are a few pictures of our wonderful whirlwind summer...

Brandon on a playground









Jumping pillow at a family reunion in Wyoming









Sadie at This is the Place Park









After a fun hike with the Larson kids