~My Curriculum choices will be continued...~

     My husband asked why I was talking about school curriculum instead of continuing our story after our wedding day. "You went from marrying to me, to home schooling three children!" he pointed out, encouraging me to add a few more stories....
Let's just say I became quite distracted by my everyday life of home school.  lol! :)
   In case you were anticipating my curriculum choices (or maybe just math), I'm listing them briefly, planning to expound on them after my stories are finished.
 
Sara's curriculum choices:

Elementary Math: Christian Light Publication (Mennonite based)
Middle school Math & up: Saxon Math- additional help readily available for parents struggling to teach higher-level math.
English: Shurley English if your child enjoys hands-on English with mom. If child is an independent learner, s/he will not like this program.
English for Independent Learner: Rod & Staff, if you can stand the diagramming.    :)
Handwriting: A Reason for Handwriting- wonderful program, and it goes through 6th grade.
Spelling: Spelling Workout series- we all love it!!!!
Science: Apologia Science, The Young Explorer Series (Elementary)
Latin: Latin for Children is pricey, but well worth every penny! My boys are loving the lessons on DVD, and I'm glad I don't have to teach Latin.  Praise the Lord!!   lol!   :)  :)
History/Literature/Church History/ Writing: Tapestry of Grace! I don't think we would be successful with this curriculum without being part of a local Tapestry co-op. We're kept accountable to complete each week of reading and study- for discussion and participation during Friday's co-op. The pace has kept us all on our toes, which is a very good thing. It's what we need!!  

~As mentioned above, I'll expound more on these curriculum choices once I've finished sharing more of our story.  I look forward to my next post about our Honeymoon and (my) move to Missouri!!!   :)

~On Teaching Reading~

     As you may know, I am a home school mom to three children, and have taught them to read for what seems like... forever???
 My children have not been easy to teach~ but, I have finally found what works!  Straight forward, simple, and to the point. :)
          A couple of months ago, I struggled with frustration over my oldest continuing to dislike reading (he's in 6th grade), my middle child having trouble "seeing" certain words, and my youngest constantly confusing several letters. A visit to the eye doctor proved there were problems with my readers' eyes.  My oldest needed to begin eye exercises to increase his "tracking" skills (otherwise, readers grow weary too soon); my younger two children had an Astigmatism in both eyes.  Knowing this information at least helped calm  mommy fears that I was doing something "wrong". I should have taken them to the eye doctor sooner!  
No glasses yet for my two youngest, but if they were in a regular classroom, they would for sure wear glasses and be near the front of the classroom (not a "bad" thing, of course).

She'd rather be singing in the rain ...   :)  :)

     At times I'm tempted to worry about my 1st grader confusing letters, then remember where we started and how far she's come. Knowing that her astigmatism sometimes causes phonics confusion, I force myself to slow down and practice more patience (Ack, I don't like that word, do you? I am lacking!!!).  :)
     How easy to complain to myself that I've never had an easy reader (how silly of me), instead of being thankful for what I've found works for us.
     Every child and parent has different learning styles, and I hope the following list is helpful to you, too:

     The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading  may seem to move slowly at first, but I have loved using this book with my kids- all the way through the 3rd/4th grade reading level. I strongly recommend purchasing the supplemental magnet board, magnet letter tiles, and flashcards. Using the book without the supplements will seem dry, and a bit boring. Children look forward to playing with magnet letters after their lessons, and will make concrete connections with what was learned in the book. Also, mom can have flashcards ready & handy, instead of rushing to create some at the last minute. Sometimes, saving time is well worth the money spent. Check Amazon out for deals!!   :)

    Explode The Code workbooks are simply wonderful!!!  I love using them in addition to the above resource, and the children absolutely look forward to their phonics work/practice.  I've alternated days between The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading and the Explode the Code workbooks. Using both in one day for an early reader would overwhelm the child, unless you have an advanced student. Older grades (like 3rd), may be fine using both in one day (don't bother purchasing the Teacher's guides, unless it's important to you that your child completes all the post-test's at the back of each workbook). I usually purchase the workbooks from a Mardel store or online.

     I've loved starting my readers out with Bob Books! I've been able to check-out all the book sets through our Public Library, but have often thought that I should have purchased them when my oldest was learning how to read. We would have put them to good use over and over again.  :)
      I also love Abeka's Basic Phonics Set and their First Grade Readers. As a former Abeka user, I can tell you that I'll always love their readers!!!!    :)   :)
        FYI, Peace Hill Press recommends this list of Beginning Readers. Most of these books can be found through the Public Library.
     
     Now to figure out math programs .... lol!! I'll tackle this more difficult subject next time (hopefully). I'm not promising I'll have it all figured out, I'll simply share a few discoveries.

My introduction ...for writing class (Articles II)

I thought I'd share my introduction here in case you have been wondering why on earth I'm going back to school. :) I have until August 1st to finish the 13 assignments and extra papers (including research paper). I'm anticipating this new challenge. I have erased my opening "hello" to my mentor (not sure that she wants her name out here). Hmm...the photo is not showing up in this format. Oh well... at least the one I turned in looked good. :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My name is Sara Sorrell, and I take pleasure in the art of writing. As a child, one could find me outdoors scribbling in a notebook, my imagination running wild. I did not realize that writing was a gift from God until after I received an AA degree in Early Childhood Education, married my sweet husband, and then became a mother of three beautiful children.

Several years ago, a desire to sharpen my writing skills began burning inside my heart. My husband encouraged my return to school, providing opportunity for me to focus on studies two evenings a week and one week-end day. I am pursuing a Certificate of Professional Writing through Taylor University online, and am thankful for the patience and support of my family.

Home life is often chaotic with home educating two children and shuttling one child to and from private school. Our family calendar stays full with school, church and extracurricular activities. Though I love our family life, most days I cannot wait until the quiet of the evening when I can sit with my laptop and write to my heart’s content. Writing is fun work to me and provides relaxation after a full day caring for my family.

I am not completely certain what my goal is with pursuing a Professional Writing Certificate beyond personal satisfaction and a desire to use my talents for God. My strengths lie in writing for children and young mothers, and I entertain dreams of writing a children’s book or two. However, I continue to work on articles and ideas gleaned from the “Articles I” class, knowing that becoming a “skilled” writer requires much perseverance.

While anticipating the continuation of my writing journey, I pray that God will bless me with wisdom in balancing life and being efficient with time.

[side note: honestly....this probably means I will need to stay away from the distractions of Facebook...] :) :) lol!

School, etc. :)

We attended the 4th grade chapel service at Caleb's school yesterday, and enjoyed the music and skits. :) :) There are chapel services every Thursday, but the 4th graders were officiating, if that makes more sense. I was very proud of my son, Caleb, who carried and led pledges to the Christian flag. He also did great with his part in the class skit. I also enjoyed hearing the class play hand chimes. :)

I consider myself to be a good planner of many things....except when it involves my own "fun time" lol! :)
Richard and the boys will be gone all this evening on a cub scout trip thingy (Magic House in St. Louis; gone until 10pm!! wow!). I'm sitting here asking myself what on earth my daughter and I will do all evening! I think we may end up shopping...maybe we'll go to the library first to check out a girly movie.... :) I know this will be a great mother/daughter bonding opportunity. I just need a plan!!! I need to clean our house and finish laundry so those tasks won't distract me later on when I'm supposed to be bonding with my daughter. :) :) Too bad I didn't plan something with another mom/daughter team. Friday nights (wknds in general) are difficult to find other available moms to go out with. Sadly, I don't know the other moms within the cub scout pack because Caleb's den meets right after school...and because Antonin's den has not gotten together all year [yes, we're taking them out of cub scouts next year, Lord Willing. We really miss the home school scouts we used to be a part of. We switched to a different pack when Caleb started private school].
Yesterday I enrolled Caleb @ Zion for next fall (5th grade). I'll be interested in knowing who his teachers will be! He's has done well in beginning band, so we agreed to another year of music. 5th grade is the first year of changing classes and having more than one teacher (oh wow--what will parent/teacher conferences be like?). As for the younger two kids, I am considering a curriculum change at home. My mother-heart is hopeful that through all our schooling journey, Antonin doesn't resent our not send him to private school (later in life complain to us). We simply cannot afford to send both kids (we could if I had a part time job; see my "mom struggle"?) I honestly desire to be a SAHM.
After taking care of Caleb's registration for next fall, we walked out of the school to pick up Caleb (outside a main entrance), I took the opportunity to speak with his teacher.
Near the end of our friendly chat regarding that mornings chapel, the teacher made a comment to Antonin that was meant to make him feel welcome (good intention). She looked at Antonin and said, "...see what you have to look forward to?" (assuming we were planning on sending Antonin to school soon, too.) I didn't feel it necessary in that moment to explain how we were continuing our home school with the younger ones, so kept my mouth shut and went on with our day. I can read my kids pretty well, however, and know that Antonin was wanting to say more than simply nod his head. Like I said, I hope he doesn't end up resentful years from now.... [he has made it known to me that he wants to go to school too]. I honestly enjoy home schooling ... and think at times that I'd like to bring Caleb back home (especially with certain curriculum). However, changing too many times is not healthy, and children need consistency. Another year at Zion for Caleb .... along with prayers that God would guide us. :)
ok... I need to do LA with Antonin now that he is finished with his handwriting and math. :)
We'll tackle our History readers, then we'll be finished--before noon/1 pm! :) :) :) Of course, then it's time to finish laundry and clean house, and a mother is always in need of help with those tasks.... : ) Oh--Ashlyn's K4 ABC's are coming along fine too....but her instruction only lasts about an hour in the morning or so... she's so easy ... :) :)

School daze ... and other thoughts ... :)

Today has been interesting because even though I started out "late", time froze and I was able to catch up! The morning began with rushing Caleb to school with both younger siblings not dressed. I felt guilty dropping Caleb off since it was "band day" and he had to wheel his large percussion set behind him--without my help. He looked mighty proud walking with it (and pulling the case up the steps ... I cringed, hoping he was pulling the case "just so" on its wheels and not dragging it on the cement--we're only renting it!). I think He was just fine, so I can stop the guilt now. :) :) :)

After returning home, the younger two finally dressed and then played while I exercised with P90X. I actually did more than two pull ups today!! yeah! Then, I finally ate breakfast! yum! I don't intend to wait so late in the morning to eat, but that's how it seems to work with having to refrain from eating at least 30 minutes [Dr.'s prefer waiting closer to an hour] after having taken my medication each morning. Add the A.M. rush to get everyone breakfast and out the door, and I simply do not eat. Once home, the kids see me eating and then enjoy their second breakfast. lol. :)
I honestly need to get up earlier in the morning and go to bed earlier. I've been saying this for years ... my energy naturally revs up around 8 pm....

We surprisingly completed our school work in record time even with beginning our school day a bit late. I don't always work out in the morning, by the way, most times I exercise at night when the kids are in bed.

Ashlyn nearly has the hang of writing her name ... how exciting! :)
She struggles with making letters "s" and "y", but we are working on them. :) She totally enjoys coloring her school work pages. :) :)

Antonin has been doing a fantastic job in school, and listens intently while we read about children around the world and their need for a Savior. We are nearly finished reading Charlotte's Web, our all time favorite book to study. :)

Mid-afternoon, I decided to practice some old Hymns I used to play many years ago. I hadn't played on our keyboard for so long, but the Hymnal my mom had written chords inside was nicely marked and familiar. I was amazed by how the music came back to me . The kids loved it, and I felt like such a celebrity with their exclamations of, "Oh, what a pretty song ..." :) :) :) In reality, I'm a below average player, and am needing lessons. I just won't tell them that. LOL! :) :)

Well, for some reason I was feeling energetic today, so after picking Caleb up from school, I tackled the decorative grasses in the backyard. I was so tired of their monstrous blades reaching up to touch our roof. I'm pleased to report they are cut down for the fall/winter season!! :) :) :) :) Oh--Caleb helped me cut them down. :) :)
Now that he's ten years old, it's amazing what all he can do ....

...except for finishing his homework. No, I shouldn't say that. I was a bit frustrated this evening when I discovered he had not completed his English homework correctly or re-written his book report, which is due on Friday. Richard had told me that Caleb only had a few corrections to make and would soon be finished with his book report. Umm ... I'm the writer in our family and cannot stand fragmented sentences [not saying hubby is a poor writer, he was not being as picky]. There were many spelling errors along with confusing information, which required us to refer back to the book several times. Long story short, we spent a long time marking up his paper, and I was very frustrated whilethinking to myself, "I might as well be homeschooling!!!!!!!!!"
Yes, Caleb works on his homework when he first comes home from school, but there is always something to work on (requiring us to spread it out through the evening). I'm grateful for the time Richard does spend helping with school work, because I know it's a sacrifice for him too. He's in the middle of studying for his CFE (still). :)
I am thankful for being able to turn to God (no matter how frustrated) to yell out, "HELP!!!"


Caleb is doing a wonderful job re-working his book report, and he should be able to hand it in on time Friday!!! :) :) :) :) :) :) I'm probably an overly-concerned mother, especially since he has always moaned & groaned at the very thought of having to write just one sentence! I'm very proud of all his hard work. [this is the next day ... I'm adding to this blog post to tell you that Caleb finished his report!!! Yeah, Hallelujah!! It took much sweat and tears, but he finally handed in his three paged cursive handwritten report this morning!!! I am quite pleased and relieved!!! I'm praising God for this.... it was not an easy task!]

I need to stop writing now and start cleaning (& cooking).... :) :) "Til next time ....
Me... the big, bad mom who stands over her kids and makes them write. ha ha [evil laugh]. :)

Nothing uncommon with kids

I am very pleased with the effort Caleb has been putting forth in the 4th grade at Zion Lutheran. He has been working very hard and his teacher has been wonderful. Caleb loves going to school each morning and is "fitting in" well w his classmates (from what I hear). The problem we have run into with Caleb, is his not remembering to bring home all of his homework... or completing his homework but leaving it in his folder at school. Even though he has an assignment notebook to keep track of work due, sometimes he doesn't write everything down because he decides it is already finished ( but leaves it at school in his folder). I could share more, but I think this is enough. :) :)

While taking my son to school today, a mom was speaking quite sternly to her son for having left his math homework at home. This particular child has never been home schooled and I felt relieved that homework trouble must be common for other 4th graders! ;)

I'm not certain that forgetting and/or correcting home work are necessary to the life-learning process, but I understand that it teaches responsibility for ones' own work ... which is very important. I am praying that I will have (and keep) a good attitude and not tire reminding my son to bring home ALL his homework. :) :)

Another topic for another time is the fact that I don't think tests and lists accurately test a child's knowledge and understanding on a subject. I will elaborate later. :)

I WILL say that I am very proud of Caleb's hard work in all of his subjects at school. He had not studied Spanish before, and did very well on his test (which I had been concerned over since I don't know Spanish myself). His teacher had given us a CD to practice with and I'm certain that is what helped us. All the other students have had Spanish since first grade. I'm thankful for Caleb's success with Spanish (so far) because I do not want him to become discouraged with the tests and quizzes among all the other schoolish things to adjust to within the school year (remembering to bring home his homework, for instance).

Beginning band begins Wednesday and I'm looking forward to hearing his percussion practices (I think ...we'll see). ::)

I need to go now and enjoy the beautiful fall weather. :)
oh-- I went to a school meeting this morning .... and will try to help more in Caleb's school (helping with different events during the year, school awards, etc.). I know that it's important for me to be an involved parent, but don't want to become overwhelmed with everything else I need to do. I am praying for wisdom.

Another mom in my Bible small group is experiencing some of the same things with her daughter who is in a school setting for the first time after having been home schooled, and we are praying for each other with our adjustments. I'm thankful we can take everything to God in prayer ... though I often forget and fret in the process. I'm grateful for friends and family who pray for us; they have been a huge blessing. My prayer is that I in turn pray for others as if their need(s) are my own.

Exciting things about school...

Caleb has begun his 4th grade year at Zion Lutheran, and I'm so glad we sent him this year. I honestly feel like he needs more of a challenge. I'm used to schooling real little kids, not older children. Seeing his homework after the first day of school, I realize how much more he has been capable of (compared to what we were doing at home). No, the work is not too overwhelming ... he is memorizing his memory work quite well, and doing a good job studying his 24 spelling words. For some time I've needed guidance and help with schooling him, and I know this is exactly what I've needed-- well, my preference would have been a UMS or something like it, but we can't pine away for schools that do not exist in our area, can we?! Classical Conversations was really close to what we desired ... but felt I needed more guidance than what CC offered. Positive peer pressure is very good for Caleb (his personality), along with the guidance of a good school teacher for me to partner with. I am feeling much more at ease with this school year. I am continuing to school Antonin and Ashlyn at home, enjoying our time together. :) :) :)
We shall see what the schooling future holds. :)
Good luck to you all with your new school year ..... :)

school concerns

We are enjoying a lazy, rainy morning...so I thought I'd catch up on choosing our curriculum for the next school year.

Yes, Caleb will be attending Zion Lutheran (4th grade), and I'm just a bit nervous about the up-coming adjustments. He will be one of 24 students...we don't know a whole lot of details yet for next year. I really like Veritas Press' online Classical schooling program and would jump at this type of schooling in a heartbeat, but the price tag is not much different than attending Zion. We're not sure the online schooling would be worth the cost, and my hubby feels positive peer pressure would be good for our son (too long of story to share--sorry). My "ideal" schooling option would be a Classical Christian school where children attend two days a week and home school the rest of the week (being accountable to their teacher; parents and teachers work together). This area we live is not progressive enough to have a University Model school, though it's across a river from a very progressive city. The only choices are: Public schooling, traditional private schooling or traditional home schooling. Public schooling in our district is out of the question ("middle of the road" school in a large suburb).....

Thought I'd share links in case you are interested or curious for yourselves:

http://www.naums.net/index2.html (University model school --not in our area)

http://resources.veritaspress.com/Scholars_Online/Scholars_Online_Grammar_Schedule.html
(Veritas Press Scholars Academy online program--I'd do this if my husband agreed. lol :))


I'll be using Shurley English for Antonin (2nd grade), and mixing Sonlight materials with a little from Veritas Press (we already own the Sonlight materials we went through through two years ago). We will be studying Ancient World History. My plan is to continue with Abeka math...and to use Abka K4 with my youngest. I can't believe my daughter is old enough for school! Where has time gone?!?!? I cannot describe this bittersweet feeling other than to say I have a sinking sensation in my gut. lol.... :) :)

I need to enjoy our summer vacation for now....the next school year will come around the corner quickly enough....have a blessed day! I'm going to clean the house and play with the kids..... and practice not worrying about the future. God is in control (and dislikes being put in a box)....when will I ever learn...? :)

God is Sovereign and good. :) :) : )

I chose the above title for this post because I am thankful for Who God is. :) : ) : )
As you probably already know, Caleb will be attending Zion Lutheran school this coming fall for 4th grade. We stopped by the school the other day to talk to the principal, etc., and ran into Caleb's old kindergarten teacher from 3 years ago [he had attended half-day K]. We had such a pleasant conversation which made Caleb feel more comfortable with going back to school there. I could tell a difference in him; I think he will adjust fine. I'm certainly feeling much more encouraged myself.
As mentioned previously, I would have liked to have home schooled Caleb longer, but my husband put his foot down in our home [he doesn't mind my blaming him]. :)

Praise God when He makes a direction clear, one doesn't need to question or second guess it. I am peaceful and content knowing that it's ultimately God Who made this decision for us (whether I totally like it or not)....and disciplining our children involves more than home schooling or even what school they attend. Sure, there might be more to discuss with our son when he comes home from school, but that can be a grand opportunity. There's no need to be hesitant about "problems" that arise at school; they can build character and maturity within a child (with God's help) . Also, this doesn't mean that we'll never home school Caleb again...one never knows what the future holds from one year to the next [ Zion only goes through 8th grade].

I'm looking forward to next fall...and thankful for God's guidance and peace in our lives.

One of these days, by the way, I WILL figure out how to fix photos on my new lap top so they will fit on this blog [decreasing pixel size]. I know....I have put it off for too long. I need someone to show me how. I might just need to purchase a computer software [like paint shop or something] that's easy to use. I had paint shop on our old computer before everything was erased from the memory when we had Windows re-loaded. My brother had added the paint shop to our computer years ago while working on our computer, but I can't add it back onto computer because I don't have the disk [and my brother lives 7 hrs away). Time to go "computer photo software shopping"......whenever you see photos appearing within my posts, you can rejoice with me! :) :) : )

Just wanted to "pop in" real quickly to let you know that Zion has room for Caleb! I am still in shock!!! I suppose I need to snap out of my shocked state and visit the school with him now so we can meet the teacher he will have next year. Caleb isn't talking much about this... I know he's just as terrified as I am. Perhaps visiting the school will help? :) : ) : ) We'll be going by there tomorrow.....
Just wanted to let you know the news.
I'm hoping this coming fall, the adjustment will be smooth for my [soon to be] fourth grader. This will be a totally new and different change for us. When school starts in the fall, I am hoping Caleb decides he likes his teacher and classroom, etc., because I'll be crying my own tears and won't be able to comfort/encourage him!!! MY BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WWWWWWWWAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH~! ;-{ I must be strong and courageous....ever forward, march! I can do this....[wobbly grin]....

I am thankful for the time we had together with home schooling, and am trusting that this is indeed God's Will for the next phase of his schooling adventure. I personally would have liked to home school Caleb a bit longer, but I know this is the right decision for our family. I have felt torn over this decision, and need to get on with it now and plan for the next school year. It's time to pick out what school stuff I need for the younger two and visit Zion Lutheran's 4th grade classroom. I'll continue to home school Antonin and Ashlyn, in case you're wondering. I cannot believe that Antonin will be in 2nd grade and that Ashlyn will be entering K4!!!

Cub scouts

Both boys are in cub scouts this year and enjoying themselves immensely!!! :) Caleb is a Bear scout this year, and Antonin is a tiger scout. At our first pack meeting, Antonin received his Bob cat badge (the very first badge one can receive) [above photo], which he had been looking forward to for weeks. Caleb and Antonin recently finished selling popcorn to neighbors in our area. Caleb was a bit upset that Antonin ended up with more names and orders.....but I think he's over it now. He has to learn that's just how life goes sometimes. Once the boys receive their prizes, I need to be prepared to deal with the situation...Lord help us! :0

Verbs, etc.

I just had to share something!! : ) :)

I was teaching Antonin about "state of being " verbs (am, is, are, was, were...) as taught in the First Language Lessons for the well trained mind. Antonin has also been learning about pronouns and action verbs. While trying to explain that "eating" would be an action verb, I made the comment, "When you decide to eat cookies, they can't just jump in your mouth; you are showing action by eating them! " I then wrote out a simple sentence for him to copy: "Antonin was hungry. He ate a cookie." I knew something was up when I heard Antonin giggling in the living room. He soon brought his paper to me, and it read: "Antonin was hungry. A cookie jupped in mine mowth." :) : ) : ) I don't know if my kids will ever understand grammar, or know how to spell, but at least we're having fun. :) :) :) :)

3 R's

I can't believe how much energy it takes to home school...by the middle of the day I'm exhausted and ready for a nap! The problem is, I don't have the time to take a nap! I usually have the kids take a quiet time while I escape to my room for my own quiet time. One particularly difficult day, I didn't want my quiet time to end. Caleb knocked on the door, "I'm ready to do my math, Mom."...and my response was, "I'm not ready to come out yet..." :) :) :)

Overall, there's so much I enjoy with teaching the boys at home. I love how I can individualize reading/writing instruction. The math area is a little harder for me, but at least Caleb is only in 3rd grade! :) : ) : ) Wouldn't you know.... Caleb's favorite subject is math, and could work in his math book all day long?!?! This morning I remembered to give him his math test after he had already started on a lesson in his workbook...and I told him that he could finish the rest of his lesson (in math book) the next day. He told me he wanted to do the test AND finish his lesson in his math book. He did it all--and with eagerness. I was thinking that Abeka math would probably be too repetitious for him, but he is actually enjoying all the work, and works out every problem. I don't remember being so joyful with math when I was his age! : ) : ) :) : ) : ) Antonin is also showing the same eagerness with math....his first grade Abeka math seems to be too easy for him. Since it's so repetitive, he doesn't get bored and loves the variety of problems. Isn't this how life goes? As a child/young adult, I was horrible in math and great in English. God then gives me two boys who devour their math books and who don't especially enjoy writing. : ) :)

We've been writing out of the Abeka LA program. I've heard before how Abeka's writing program isn't the best, but since Caleb agonizes over writing one simple paragraph, this program works great for him. I wonder if the Abeka curriculum was written for boys. : ) : ) : )

The boys are loving Spelling Power!!!!! This is the best program in the world! Caleb is a perfectionist and hates getting words wrong. This program is great as the children check their own spelling and "wrong" words are actually "words to learn". Awesome....and less attitude problems to deal with!!!!!!!!!

My boys don't do well with reading programs. They just don't. I have finally learned my lesson and am being guided by Sonlight's reading/book list for each boys' level....getting the books from the library if I don't already own them. I simply cannot get my boys to read any other way.

After finishing the basics of school, we really don't have much time for extra things (like teaching them Piano or tackling My Father's World geography lessons). I am hoping to finally include MFW into our schedule this next week. I was hoping to teach piano on the weekends, but it hasn't happened yet.

Oh! I need to mention that The Ordinary Parent's guide to Teaching Reading is an excellent way to teach your children to read! I also have the magnet letters/board, and the kids love it! I use some of Abeka's phonics program also.

Okay......now I need to go outside to get some fresh air and run around with the kids! : ) : ) : )

Random thoughts

Richard saw my last post and asked me, "You were for the bailout?? All conservative Republicans are against it...I'm surprised you were for it. " : ) : ) : ) Well....I simply think the Government should try and do what it can to help!! :)

Yesterday we went with our home school group to Eckert's farm in Millstadt and picked apples. I didn't know what to do with all of them...so made some apple crisp last night. Can you believe that it is now all eaten up (it was in a 9 x 13 pan) ?? There are still two bags of apples left, so I guess I can make more apple crisp for my dessert loving family. : ) : ) : ) :) I will share photos later on of our field trip to Eckert's...it was so much fun!

We have some new neighbors across the street who just had their first child in August. I'm sure that to her,I look like the typical disheveled home school mom. Today the kids were outside playing so well and enjoying the beautiful fall weather (our recess)....and then I realized that they were no longer in the backyard. They were in the side yard, playing too closely to the road, and I might also mention that Ashlyn's hair was a mess, and all three kids were barefoot. I had already called out the door for them to come back into the house, but they chose to ignore me and kept on playing (they know they are to have their "recess" in the back yard during school hours). Without stopping to grab my shoes, and with my own hair a mess, I flew open the door...rounding the corner of the garage yelling, "Guys..I said to come in here right now!!" This new neighbor was walking along with them (toward me)...and she was like, "hi!" My upset at the kids for not listening, quickly fled away. She was coming to tell me that the water pipe under the road had burst...and was wondering if we had water.

;)

We have decided that the kids and myself will be accompanying Richard when he goes back to West Virginia in November. It's going to be a challenge, seeing that the hotel does not offer a laundry room for guests, and does not have a refrigerator or microwave in the room. This will not be like the trip we took to Florida in May!! With some planning, we should be able to make this trip work....

Morgantown, West Virginia is a very beautiful mountain town, but there really isn't much for families to do (it's a university town). I'm thinking that our home school will take up the first part of the day, and then we can hit the walking trails or do our Christmas shopping! :) :) Richard will be busy most of the time with his classes and projects.

I can do all things through Christ..... and will keep the phone numbers of family & friends nearby for possible times of frustration. :)

While in West Virginia (not sure if before or after Morgantown), we are planning on looking for the "Camp Allegheny" where my Great-great-grandfather, Thomas Bogue, died during the Civil War (he was on the Union side). Right now I'm having fun hunting down the Historical society folks-- for them to help me know what/where I should be looking [ for] in WVA. It sounds like this particular site is in the middle of nowhere--and in the mountains!

First week of school, and a field trip to the Belleville- News-Democrat!

Well...I would say that our first week of school has gone pretty well! Sure, we have a lot of ground to cover because the boys have forgotten so much over the summer, but they are enjoying the journey and that's what's most important. :) Caleb is working in the 3rd grade Abeka math and Language Arts this year, and we are using a variety of material to work on Handwriting, Writing, and Reading comprehension. Antonin is in the Abeka 1st grade math, and is going through the First Lessons for the Well Trained mind. If FLL continues to be over his head, I may change. We'll see. :) I'm using a combination of the Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading, Abeka readers, and other books that I find through the library. :)Both boys are going to be learning piano...I am hoping to give them lessons on Sat. or Sun.'s

We began our first week of school with a field trip to the Belleville News Democrat. The children thought it was very interesting how the newspaper is made from enormous rolls of paper, ink, and metal plates!! Here are a few photos of our trip:

Rolls and rolls of paper were everywhere! The machine pictured below, printed a smaller newspaper--not the Belleville News. Those large tanks hold colored ink. The black ink tank was huge, but is not pictured here. The machine that printed the Belleville News was so massive, I couldn't get a good picture of it.

After the newspaper is printed, it gets sent over to the area below, where a machine opens the newspapers up, and includes the inserts!! We were able to see what different ads we would be getting the next morning! [ btw, when morning came, the boys were excited to recognize the inserts in our newspaper! : ) : ) : ) We got the Kohl's ad today....I can't wait for Saturday or Sunday's paper because I know what's coming in the inserts!]

When our tour at the Belleville News Democrat was finished (the printing/distributing), we went for a treat--an ice cream cone at Eckerts!!! What a fun field trip!! : ) :)

First week of school

Yesterday was our first day of school (3rd year at home), and it's so great to see the children's excitement. I'm hoping their enthusiasm lasts for awhile. :) : ) This morning, Antonin was up before I was (6AM), looking through his math book. He had a pencil in his hand, trying to figure out the problems on his own. :) :) I told him to wait until 8 AM, when our school began. :) :) I have printed out a daily list for the boys, so they know what to expect, and it should curb any arguments. :) This year, I'm using the PER program (it's free) through home-school-inc.com. http://www.home-school-inc.com/ It's great! It's free! It takes a little while to add all your subjects and schedule into the program, but once it's finished, it makes you feel at ease knowing that all is planned, being recorded for you, and whenever you want to print out a report card, attendance report, or anything else, you can print in seconds! :) :) Well, I need to go look at our schedule to see what we're doing first. Happy beginning of the school year to you! : ) : ) : )