Is it ok for homeschoolers to count down until the end of the year? Because I am doing just that!!
I have the rest of our year planned out, our tentative last week of school will be May 27th, which is the week of Memorial Day.
At that point, we will be at a good stopping point for our Sonlight and Bible curriculum. We will pick this up again in the fall. Hopefully we will be done with both of these curriculums by Christmas.
I will need to continue to work on math, English, and Spelling at least through June; we are behind because of our five week trip last fall to the east coast. I really want Megan's 4th grade math and 4th grade English done before she starts the 5th grade. I also would like Courtney's 2nd grade spelling book and her 2nd grade math done before she starts "2nd" grade. We will probably continue to work on her phonics during this time because we will not be able to finish it. We will pick that back up next fall.
We are talking about doing another five week trip later in the summer or next fall again. I think we are going to head west this time! If we do this, I am going to be behind next year again. This is another reason to keep working through June! I really don't want to keep going on our Sonlight material, but I might have to. I eventually want to get through this material and onto the next core!
Like I said earlier, we should get core e (American history) done by Christmas next year. Then what do we do?? My first thought is to take that 2nd semester and work on Nebraska history. Isn't that what Megan would be studying in 4th grade if she was in public school? Even though we aren't in public school and Megan will be in 5th grade next year, I think it is still worthwhile. I could go this route and supplement with reading, writing, and geography OR I could start on the next core in Sonlight, which is core f. In this core, you study the eastern hemisphere! You spend 3-4 weeks on a major country, it is more of a culture study than a history study. I think the best part of it is that you read about missionaries in each of the countries. It is the only curriculum that I have seen that you study this part of the world so in-depth, I am looking forward to it!
As I was at the homeschool convention this last weekend, I looked at another all-in-one curriculum and it wasn't for me. I look at it every year and every year I come back to Sonlight. I love the challenge that Sonlight gives us and I love the knowledge we gain from all the living books. Even though it will be a challenge to add more subjects to Courtney next year and add some preschool with Christian, I think it will be worth it!! I will just need to make Megan more independent. :)
As for now, we need to concentrate on the last nine weeks of school!!!
Monday, March 31, 2014
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Busy Weekend!
It has been a crazy weekend for us! I spent Friday and Saturday in Lincoln at a homeschool conference and Matt attended a computer conference there on Saturday too. We had some great babysitters who helped with our kids and we are very thankful for their willingness to help, so we could go to our conferences!
But now, we're back and it's time to get back into a routine. It is time to catch up on laundry, plan for school, and spend some time as a family before Monday hits!
In addition to these items, I also want to do some other things this weekend. We will see if I get to them. :) Honestly, I just want to sit around and do nothing!! A nap might even be nice. :)
But now, we're back and it's time to get back into a routine. It is time to catch up on laundry, plan for school, and spend some time as a family before Monday hits!
In addition to these items, I also want to do some other things this weekend. We will see if I get to them. :) Honestly, I just want to sit around and do nothing!! A nap might even be nice. :)
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Logical Friday
Tomorrow is logical Friday for me. It is the last day of school for the week! On Friday and Saturday, I will be attending a homeschool convention in Lincoln. I am pretty excited!!!
But now that I know I will be attending a homeschool convention, I know there are three HUGE rooms of curriculum to look at. This got me to thinking...is there anything I would change for next year? Am I happy with what I am doing? Can I do this curriculum for awhile yet?
My answer is mixed. I am completely happy with Rod and Staff math for both girls, Rod and Staff English for Megan and Phonics for Courtney, and Spelling Workout for both girls. They are wonderful and work great for my kids!!
My problem is the rest. I absolutely love our Sonlight curriculum, but can I keep the pace up?? Will it work well for me in two years? Are my girls going to be behind when they get to high school? Which cores will I need to skip to make it all work? How can I continue to do Sonlight and yet add Christian to our school day??
I have been asking myself these questions lately and wonder how long I can make Sonlight work. As the way I see it, it will be a challenge in the next year or so. My problem is that we are at the end of March and only on Week 15 of our 36 year study. (But we didn't start until October due to our five week trip) It takes us two weeks to get through one "week" of material at the moment. If I keep going this pace, I will not get done until after Christmas next year. These subjects include history, geography, language arts, reading, and science. What do I do then?? Do I start the next core (Core F) and just go until we get done with that or do I switch something altogether that I can move faster through? OR is it ok that I am going slow and taking my time? Are the girls getting more out of it that way??
My other problem is adding Courtney. Sonlight is not very sibling friendly, in my opinion, unless they are close in age. With my girls three years apart, it is a big enough gap that Courtney will not be able to keep up with Megan's material. And with her getting into middle school, it will be a lot for Courtney to take in! I would love to do a curriculum that Courtney and Megan can do together. I could add a lower core for Sonlight for Courtney but that is WAY too much! I also want to keep challenging Megan!
My other problem is that I not only have to switch history, but also geography, language arts, reading, and science!!!
I have two thoughts.
1. I can either piece something together. I can buy a separate history, separate geography, separate language arts and reading, and a separate science.
OR 2. I can buy an all-in-one program like I use now. I have looked at two other programs in the past and I have found myself looking at them again. They are Heart of Dakota http://www.heartofdakota.com/ and My Father's World http://www.mfwbooks.com/.
Both of these programs are geared toward elementary school age kids and you repeat the same curriculum every 4-5 years and they also both use living books. This would be ideal! Especially with Christian coming up in a couple of years. These have many of the subjects I am looking for and even sometimes it includes music and art. I think Heart of Dakota has a reading/ language arts program included too. I also know both include science. Both of these programs have much more hands on activities than Sonlight, but you only read half as many books!
I also looked at Tapestry of Grace http://www.tapestryofgrace.com/index.php but my problem with this curriculum is they had different assignments for each age group- that would defeat my purpose!!
But do I like change?? No, I don't!! I love Sonlight and I would hate to walk away from it. But when does it come to a point when it will not work anymore? Or do I do my best to make it work?? Maybe I could make it work for another year and then switch?
I will have to continue to think about this!!!
But now that I know I will be attending a homeschool convention, I know there are three HUGE rooms of curriculum to look at. This got me to thinking...is there anything I would change for next year? Am I happy with what I am doing? Can I do this curriculum for awhile yet?
My answer is mixed. I am completely happy with Rod and Staff math for both girls, Rod and Staff English for Megan and Phonics for Courtney, and Spelling Workout for both girls. They are wonderful and work great for my kids!!
My problem is the rest. I absolutely love our Sonlight curriculum, but can I keep the pace up?? Will it work well for me in two years? Are my girls going to be behind when they get to high school? Which cores will I need to skip to make it all work? How can I continue to do Sonlight and yet add Christian to our school day??
I have been asking myself these questions lately and wonder how long I can make Sonlight work. As the way I see it, it will be a challenge in the next year or so. My problem is that we are at the end of March and only on Week 15 of our 36 year study. (But we didn't start until October due to our five week trip) It takes us two weeks to get through one "week" of material at the moment. If I keep going this pace, I will not get done until after Christmas next year. These subjects include history, geography, language arts, reading, and science. What do I do then?? Do I start the next core (Core F) and just go until we get done with that or do I switch something altogether that I can move faster through? OR is it ok that I am going slow and taking my time? Are the girls getting more out of it that way??
My other problem is adding Courtney. Sonlight is not very sibling friendly, in my opinion, unless they are close in age. With my girls three years apart, it is a big enough gap that Courtney will not be able to keep up with Megan's material. And with her getting into middle school, it will be a lot for Courtney to take in! I would love to do a curriculum that Courtney and Megan can do together. I could add a lower core for Sonlight for Courtney but that is WAY too much! I also want to keep challenging Megan!
My other problem is that I not only have to switch history, but also geography, language arts, reading, and science!!!
I have two thoughts.
1. I can either piece something together. I can buy a separate history, separate geography, separate language arts and reading, and a separate science.
OR 2. I can buy an all-in-one program like I use now. I have looked at two other programs in the past and I have found myself looking at them again. They are Heart of Dakota http://www.heartofdakota.com/ and My Father's World http://www.mfwbooks.com/.
Both of these programs are geared toward elementary school age kids and you repeat the same curriculum every 4-5 years and they also both use living books. This would be ideal! Especially with Christian coming up in a couple of years. These have many of the subjects I am looking for and even sometimes it includes music and art. I think Heart of Dakota has a reading/ language arts program included too. I also know both include science. Both of these programs have much more hands on activities than Sonlight, but you only read half as many books!
I also looked at Tapestry of Grace http://www.tapestryofgrace.com/index.php but my problem with this curriculum is they had different assignments for each age group- that would defeat my purpose!!
But do I like change?? No, I don't!! I love Sonlight and I would hate to walk away from it. But when does it come to a point when it will not work anymore? Or do I do my best to make it work?? Maybe I could make it work for another year and then switch?
I will have to continue to think about this!!!
Because you're the Housekeeper!!
Lately, Courtney has been playing "hotel." She has given us "room keys," given us wristbands for the water park, and has graciously showed us our rooms. Every morning she asks us how we have slept and if we liked our stay.
Today, Matt was getting ready to walk out the door to go to work.
Courtney stops him and said: "Are you leaving? Stop! You owe me $10!"
Matt: "For what?
Courtney: "For your stay. You have been here, um..." (She was trying to think of how many days he has been here.)
Matt: " But this has been the worst hotel stay ever. I have had to cook my own meals, wash my own laundry, and make my own bed!"
Courtney : "That's because you are the HOUSEKEEPER!"
I cracked up laughing!!!! And then Matt walked out the door!
Today, Matt was getting ready to walk out the door to go to work.
Courtney stops him and said: "Are you leaving? Stop! You owe me $10!"
Matt: "For what?
Courtney: "For your stay. You have been here, um..." (She was trying to think of how many days he has been here.)
Matt: " But this has been the worst hotel stay ever. I have had to cook my own meals, wash my own laundry, and make my own bed!"
Courtney : "That's because you are the HOUSEKEEPER!"
I cracked up laughing!!!! And then Matt walked out the door!
Monday, March 24, 2014
Inventions
Megan's language arts has been a little crazy this week. She has been working on a biography of her grandma for about two weeks now. It has been quite the process- writing questions, interviewing, re-interviewing, writing rough draft, and now she's typing it up. I want her to do a good job!
But while we are still working on our biography, we have to continue to move forward.
We have been talking about the late 1800's lately and all the inventions that were invented during that time. For language arts this week, she is going to be writing in her own inventor's log. She will need to understand inventions and how people come up with ideas. I thought this website would help her understand a little background information.
http://www.kidskonnect.com/subjectindex/15-educational/science/86-inventors-a-inventions.html
Do you know the difference between an invention and a discovery? I knew they were similar, but things are much clearer after I read this article.
http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-invention-and-discovery/
Don't be surprised if Megan calls you tomorrow and wants to know if you have any ideas for a new invention!
But while we are still working on our biography, we have to continue to move forward.
We have been talking about the late 1800's lately and all the inventions that were invented during that time. For language arts this week, she is going to be writing in her own inventor's log. She will need to understand inventions and how people come up with ideas. I thought this website would help her understand a little background information.
http://www.kidskonnect.com/subjectindex/15-educational/science/86-inventors-a-inventions.html
Do you know the difference between an invention and a discovery? I knew they were similar, but things are much clearer after I read this article.
http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-invention-and-discovery/
Don't be surprised if Megan calls you tomorrow and wants to know if you have any ideas for a new invention!
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Bible Class
I usually don't post things for Bible class, but today I am.
http://pentecostinformation.weebly.com/pentecost-in-the-new-testament.html
We need some background information tomorrow on Pentecost, so I am going to use this during Bible class.
Surprisingly, I have nothing to post for science class!
http://pentecostinformation.weebly.com/pentecost-in-the-new-testament.html
We need some background information tomorrow on Pentecost, so I am going to use this during Bible class.
Surprisingly, I have nothing to post for science class!
My goal today
My goal today: Find my 3 hole punch!
Now you probably don't think this is a big deal, but when you are teaching two children and everything is in binders and NEEDS to be 3 hole punched, it is a big deal!
I am really frustrated that I cannot find it. I will probably have to clean out every drawer and every craft area before I find it!
On a side note, laundry is another goal this weekend. :)
Now you probably don't think this is a big deal, but when you are teaching two children and everything is in binders and NEEDS to be 3 hole punched, it is a big deal!
I am really frustrated that I cannot find it. I will probably have to clean out every drawer and every craft area before I find it!
On a side note, laundry is another goal this weekend. :)
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Ocean Life
I have totally slacked on blogging this week! I am so sorry!!
I have no good excuse. I usually can find SOMETHING to write about!! :)
Anyway, we are back to science class tomorrow!
We are done with Antarctica and the Arctic Circle and now we are on to ocean life. We just have four more sections in our book on animals and then we are going to start studying the human body for the next 10 weeks!
We are going to learn about the smallest fish in the world.
http://species2011s.wikispaces.com/Dwarf+Pygmy+Goby
And the largest fish in the world- the Whale Shark!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUMUSFLyZpU
We are also going to talk about poisonous animals, like the sea slug.
http://discovercreation.org/kids/seacreatures.htm
I like this article because it does NOT say the sea slug "evolved" or "developed" over time, but said that only God could create an animal like this- we are definitely reading this article tomorrow!! I wish there were many more like them out there!!
We are then going to talk a little bit more about whales and how they feed underwater. To learn more about them, we are going to read out of our Zoobook on Whales.
Our last animal is the sea turtle! I wish we could go to the zoo tomorrow and just talk to the zookeepers at the aquarium! We won't though. :) We again are going to use our Zoobook on turtles to learn about them.
As we read about turtles, the Zoobook mentions the largest sea turtle that was ever found was Archelon. We might read about this turtle if we have time.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archelon
I have no good excuse. I usually can find SOMETHING to write about!! :)
Anyway, we are back to science class tomorrow!
We are done with Antarctica and the Arctic Circle and now we are on to ocean life. We just have four more sections in our book on animals and then we are going to start studying the human body for the next 10 weeks!
We are going to learn about the smallest fish in the world.
http://species2011s.wikispaces.com/Dwarf+Pygmy+Goby
And the largest fish in the world- the Whale Shark!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUMUSFLyZpU
We are also going to talk about poisonous animals, like the sea slug.
http://discovercreation.org/kids/seacreatures.htm
I like this article because it does NOT say the sea slug "evolved" or "developed" over time, but said that only God could create an animal like this- we are definitely reading this article tomorrow!! I wish there were many more like them out there!!
We are then going to talk a little bit more about whales and how they feed underwater. To learn more about them, we are going to read out of our Zoobook on Whales.
Our last animal is the sea turtle! I wish we could go to the zoo tomorrow and just talk to the zookeepers at the aquarium! We won't though. :) We again are going to use our Zoobook on turtles to learn about them.
As we read about turtles, the Zoobook mentions the largest sea turtle that was ever found was Archelon. We might read about this turtle if we have time.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archelon
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Antarctica!!!
We did it! We finally made it to the page that Courtney has been waiting for all year in our science books! Page 100- Antarctica!!!
We are going to do a brief overview of the continent and look at the largest animal that lives there and no, it is not a penguin, those guys live in the water and not actually on the land. The largest animal is the midge!
http://www.factsmonk.com/facts_about_Antarctica
http://www.marinebio.net/marinescience/04benthon/AAlife.htm
There are seven species of penguins that live in Antarctica!
http://www.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/wildlife/antarctic_penguins.htm
Balleen Whales
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_BqC9IIuKU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsfSNN1HRyo
https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=A2KLqIMBZCZTpAsAdp37w8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTBzcmQxMWhmBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDdmlkBHZ0aWQDBGdwb3MDMTg-?p=baleen+whales&vid=b0dff4d9306d8cd2c6aecb1f3a49a9f7&l=1%3A45&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts3.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DVN.607997842540334226%26pid%3D15.1&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fscience.howstuffworks.com%2Fzoology%2F428-corwins-quest-whales-video.htm&tit=Corwin%26%2339%3Bs+Quest%3A+Whales&c=17&sigr=12b610vbq&sigt=10q56bqt8&pstcat=animals&fr=slv1-yie9&tt=b
Lastly, we will look at the variety of seals that live in Antarctica.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/03/140311-paul-nicklen-leopard-seal-photographer-viral/
https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=A2KLqIJ6aCZTl2YAs2n7w8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTByYXI3cnIwBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDdmlkBHZ0aWQDBGdwb3MDNA--?p=elephant+seals&vid=2bb3acbc0f6dc605442c299ed293b820&l=1%3A46&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts3.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DVN.608051765852964270%26pid%3D15.1&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DDU4xW79ASsg&tit=Vicious+Elephant+Seal+battle+on+South+Georgia&c=0&sigr=11ah5bome&sigt=11da4cnrb&pstcat=nature&age=0&&tt=b
List of Antarctica animals that I thought Courtney might like. :)
http://www.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/antarctica_animal.htm
We are going to do a brief overview of the continent and look at the largest animal that lives there and no, it is not a penguin, those guys live in the water and not actually on the land. The largest animal is the midge!
http://www.factsmonk.com/facts_about_Antarctica
http://www.marinebio.net/marinescience/04benthon/AAlife.htm
There are seven species of penguins that live in Antarctica!
http://www.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/wildlife/antarctic_penguins.htm
Balleen Whales
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_BqC9IIuKU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsfSNN1HRyo
https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=A2KLqIMBZCZTpAsAdp37w8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTBzcmQxMWhmBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDdmlkBHZ0aWQDBGdwb3MDMTg-?p=baleen+whales&vid=b0dff4d9306d8cd2c6aecb1f3a49a9f7&l=1%3A45&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts3.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DVN.607997842540334226%26pid%3D15.1&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fscience.howstuffworks.com%2Fzoology%2F428-corwins-quest-whales-video.htm&tit=Corwin%26%2339%3Bs+Quest%3A+Whales&c=17&sigr=12b610vbq&sigt=10q56bqt8&pstcat=animals&fr=slv1-yie9&tt=b
Lastly, we will look at the variety of seals that live in Antarctica.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/03/140311-paul-nicklen-leopard-seal-photographer-viral/
https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=A2KLqIJ6aCZTl2YAs2n7w8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTByYXI3cnIwBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDdmlkBHZ0aWQDBGdwb3MDNA--?p=elephant+seals&vid=2bb3acbc0f6dc605442c299ed293b820&l=1%3A46&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts3.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DVN.608051765852964270%26pid%3D15.1&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DDU4xW79ASsg&tit=Vicious+Elephant+Seal+battle+on+South+Georgia&c=0&sigr=11ah5bome&sigt=11da4cnrb&pstcat=nature&age=0&&tt=b
List of Antarctica animals that I thought Courtney might like. :)
http://www.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/antarctica_animal.htm
Saturday, March 15, 2014
New Bicycles!!
Poor Megan, she has been riding a bicycle that has been too small for her for over a year now and Matt and I finally decided that she NEEDED a new one THIS year!!! We had been telling her for quite a while now that we would buy her a new one and today, we finally did!!
We headed out to Wal.Mart this afternoon and found her a new bright purple 26 inch bike! She tried a 24 inch, but with the way she is growing lately, I didn't think it would last her very long, so we went with the bigger one.
We got it home ok and then we decided that it was time to move Courtney up too, except she wasn't too happy about it! We moved the seat down on Megan's old bike and put Courtney on. It took a little bit, but she soon got the hang of the bigger bike.
Now Christian. He still has his tricycle, but Matt had mentioned putting the training wheels back on Courtney's old bike and letting him ride that around. Christian was not going for it! I think he didn't like the idea because the bike is purple!!!
Matt, Megan, and Courtney disappeared about twenty minutes ago, I have a feeling they went to the trail to ride their new bikes!!!
We headed out to Wal.Mart this afternoon and found her a new bright purple 26 inch bike! She tried a 24 inch, but with the way she is growing lately, I didn't think it would last her very long, so we went with the bigger one.
We got it home ok and then we decided that it was time to move Courtney up too, except she wasn't too happy about it! We moved the seat down on Megan's old bike and put Courtney on. It took a little bit, but she soon got the hang of the bigger bike.
Now Christian. He still has his tricycle, but Matt had mentioned putting the training wheels back on Courtney's old bike and letting him ride that around. Christian was not going for it! I think he didn't like the idea because the bike is purple!!!
Matt, Megan, and Courtney disappeared about twenty minutes ago, I have a feeling they went to the trail to ride their new bikes!!!
Thursday, March 13, 2014
"But I like to listen to you, mom!"
It was time for Megan to take a shower tonight, but I was playing piano. Not just kid piano songs, the kids were actually letting me play by myself, so I pulled out some old songs by Beethoven that I played in high school and college. I got out "Moonlight Sonata" and some other ones that I played for scholarship application when I applied to college
I kept reminding Megan that it was time to go take a shower. Her response, "But mom, I like listening to you play. Can you play some more??"
How can I turn that down?? She can take a shower in the morning. :)
I kept reminding Megan that it was time to go take a shower. Her response, "But mom, I like listening to you play. Can you play some more??"
How can I turn that down?? She can take a shower in the morning. :)
Tundra and Taiga
We're getting closer to the end of our book. We are learning about the tundra and taiga tomorrow.
What is the tiaga?
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/taiga.htm
We are going to learn about small rodents that live in the tundra like mice and lemmings. Do you know these little animals don't hibernate but live in the snow year-round??
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemming
The caribou (or otherwise knows as reindeer!)
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/caribou/
We are going to look at pictures of the stoat and arctic foxes and see how they change their coats to match the seasons.
Courtney also found a book on our bookshelf that is about Eskimos, so if we have time, I may read that to them too.
We learn about Antarctica on Monday- it is the lesson Courtney has been looking forward to all year!!
What is the tiaga?
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/taiga.htm
We are going to learn about small rodents that live in the tundra like mice and lemmings. Do you know these little animals don't hibernate but live in the snow year-round??
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemming
The caribou (or otherwise knows as reindeer!)
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/caribou/
We are going to look at pictures of the stoat and arctic foxes and see how they change their coats to match the seasons.
Courtney also found a book on our bookshelf that is about Eskimos, so if we have time, I may read that to them too.
We learn about Antarctica on Monday- it is the lesson Courtney has been looking forward to all year!!
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Quality or Quantity??
I had a discussion today with a fellow homeschooling mom- what is better? Quantity or quality?
Is it better to get through your curriculum just to get it done by the end of the year and not put much time or thought into it? Or is it better to slow down, really learn things, and maybe not get done by the end of the year? Or is there a happy balance between the two??
I am a "slow down and let's really learn things" kind of person. This is why it takes me all day to get through with school. :) I don't want to go through material just to have my kids not understand it. If I am going to teach something, I want to make it meaningful and I want them to understand.
For example, if anybody reads my blog, you know that I always do some extra research everyday for science class. Yes, I could just read our two pages in our book and do the three questions and call it good, but honestly, I don't think that is good enough. (It may be for some and that is fine.) But I know my kids are capable of taking things to a deeper level, so I do. And they seem to remember things a lot better!
For example, last night "The Amazing Race" contestants were in Malaysia Borneo and I said to the girls, "We studied Borneo! Remember the monkeys with the big noses??" They remembered! Today when we were doing science, I flipped back to the pages on Borneo and saw the other animals we had studied that day. There was one animal that Courtney still talks about all the time- the mudskipper!
I also take time for Bible class. Today we started a new unit on the book of Acts and how Jesus gave his disciples (or are they apostles?) the commission to spread the gospel to every corner of the earth. Because I was unsure of the difference between "disciple" and "apostle", I looked it up and taught it to the girls. Hopefully they know now! We also were talking about the Sadducees today and how they were part of the Sanhedrin. A couple of weeks ago, we made a chart on the Pharisees, so today, we made a chart about the Sadducees. We learned the difference of these two groups and the role they played in society during Jesus' time. We also talked about how these two groups could not get along. But because I was going over this background information today, we didn't even get to the story! Would it be better to skip all this background information and just read the story? Or is this important?? (Honestly, most of our Bible stories don't need all this background information, so today was an exception!)
I also take time during our Read-Alouds. Yes, I could just read everything straight through and not stop to make sure the kids are comprehending or even listening, but then what happens if you don't understand something on page 14 and by page 20, you are really lost? I know some education experts say to keep reading no matter what, I don't agree with that statement! I would rather stop every so often and explain words, plot, etc. than have to re-explain 5-10 pages at a time! Yes, this takes longer, but does it help any? I would say so. And yes, there are some books that I can read straight through because I know the kids get it, but others are really "thick" that even I had a hard time understanding the first time I read them!
So because of all the "extra" stuff we learned today, we didn't get to math. Is that ok or is it detrimental to my kids that we were focusing on Bible and science today and didn't get to math? I think it is just fine. Yes, we will be doing one more extra math lesson this summer, but we may be able to catch up by doing five math lessons next week. I would like 4th grade math done before next fall, I think we will be able to get Courtney's 2nd grade math done too. Can we do school in the summer? Yes. Is it ok not to finish our curriculum by the end of May? Yes. Do I want to rush my kids through without really understanding? No. Would I rather slow down and make sure they understand? Yes! But is there a point when I could slow down too much and not get things done? absolutely! Do I have a goal to get curriculum done? Yes! Will it all work out in the end? Yes!!
The goal is a happy medium, I want to keep moving forward in our curriculum, but not so fast and no so slow. :)
(Speaking of school, I need to go type out an English test for Megan!)
Is it better to get through your curriculum just to get it done by the end of the year and not put much time or thought into it? Or is it better to slow down, really learn things, and maybe not get done by the end of the year? Or is there a happy balance between the two??
I am a "slow down and let's really learn things" kind of person. This is why it takes me all day to get through with school. :) I don't want to go through material just to have my kids not understand it. If I am going to teach something, I want to make it meaningful and I want them to understand.
For example, if anybody reads my blog, you know that I always do some extra research everyday for science class. Yes, I could just read our two pages in our book and do the three questions and call it good, but honestly, I don't think that is good enough. (It may be for some and that is fine.) But I know my kids are capable of taking things to a deeper level, so I do. And they seem to remember things a lot better!
For example, last night "The Amazing Race" contestants were in Malaysia Borneo and I said to the girls, "We studied Borneo! Remember the monkeys with the big noses??" They remembered! Today when we were doing science, I flipped back to the pages on Borneo and saw the other animals we had studied that day. There was one animal that Courtney still talks about all the time- the mudskipper!
I also take time for Bible class. Today we started a new unit on the book of Acts and how Jesus gave his disciples (or are they apostles?) the commission to spread the gospel to every corner of the earth. Because I was unsure of the difference between "disciple" and "apostle", I looked it up and taught it to the girls. Hopefully they know now! We also were talking about the Sadducees today and how they were part of the Sanhedrin. A couple of weeks ago, we made a chart on the Pharisees, so today, we made a chart about the Sadducees. We learned the difference of these two groups and the role they played in society during Jesus' time. We also talked about how these two groups could not get along. But because I was going over this background information today, we didn't even get to the story! Would it be better to skip all this background information and just read the story? Or is this important?? (Honestly, most of our Bible stories don't need all this background information, so today was an exception!)
I also take time during our Read-Alouds. Yes, I could just read everything straight through and not stop to make sure the kids are comprehending or even listening, but then what happens if you don't understand something on page 14 and by page 20, you are really lost? I know some education experts say to keep reading no matter what, I don't agree with that statement! I would rather stop every so often and explain words, plot, etc. than have to re-explain 5-10 pages at a time! Yes, this takes longer, but does it help any? I would say so. And yes, there are some books that I can read straight through because I know the kids get it, but others are really "thick" that even I had a hard time understanding the first time I read them!
So because of all the "extra" stuff we learned today, we didn't get to math. Is that ok or is it detrimental to my kids that we were focusing on Bible and science today and didn't get to math? I think it is just fine. Yes, we will be doing one more extra math lesson this summer, but we may be able to catch up by doing five math lessons next week. I would like 4th grade math done before next fall, I think we will be able to get Courtney's 2nd grade math done too. Can we do school in the summer? Yes. Is it ok not to finish our curriculum by the end of May? Yes. Do I want to rush my kids through without really understanding? No. Would I rather slow down and make sure they understand? Yes! But is there a point when I could slow down too much and not get things done? absolutely! Do I have a goal to get curriculum done? Yes! Will it all work out in the end? Yes!!
The goal is a happy medium, I want to keep moving forward in our curriculum, but not so fast and no so slow. :)
(Speaking of school, I need to go type out an English test for Megan!)
Monday, March 10, 2014
Family Bike Ride
After spending the weekend in Kansas City, Matt and I both agreed to take Monday off. I knew I would need a day to get everything put away and laundry done and Matt just wanted a day away from work.
I am glad we came home Sunday because it was beautiful out today!! We knew we wanted to do something as a family in the afternoon, but couldn't figure out what we wanted to do. The girls really didn't want to go to the zoo, so we agreed to go on a bike ride. Little did we know that we would be gone for 2 1/2 hours and bike about 11 miles!
The girls did great. This was our half way point. McDonalds at 138th and Q!!! We love getting treats from McDonalds, so it was a good goal! After we were done, the girls wanted to continue down Q Street, but Matt insisted we head back. I am glad we did!
Everybody did great and I love it that it works out so well! I know one thing though, both girls need bigger bikes for this summer!!!
I am glad we came home Sunday because it was beautiful out today!! We knew we wanted to do something as a family in the afternoon, but couldn't figure out what we wanted to do. The girls really didn't want to go to the zoo, so we agreed to go on a bike ride. Little did we know that we would be gone for 2 1/2 hours and bike about 11 miles!
The girls did great. This was our half way point. McDonalds at 138th and Q!!! We love getting treats from McDonalds, so it was a good goal! After we were done, the girls wanted to continue down Q Street, but Matt insisted we head back. I am glad we did!
Everybody did great and I love it that it works out so well! I know one thing though, both girls need bigger bikes for this summer!!!
Back to School!!
After a 4 day weekend, we are headed back to school tomorrow!
We are continuing on in science in our study of animals and tomorrow we are moving to the Arctic Circle.
In order to understand the Arctic, we have to understand that the animals there depend on microscopic forms of life called phytoplankton. We talked about food chains way back in the beginning of the school year, so hopefully the girls will remember how they work!
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/phyto.html
http://www.thefreeresource.com/plankton-facts-information-and-resources
We are also going to talk about walruses and polar bears. I found a Magic School Bus book at the library last week about the artic, so we are going to read that too!
http://www.amazon.com/The-Magic-School-Bus-Arctic/dp/0590187244
The last animal we are going to look at are the hooded seals. I found a video that shows about them, hopefully it will help us understand these seals better.
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/southern-sea-lion-predation?source=relatedvideo
We are continuing on in science in our study of animals and tomorrow we are moving to the Arctic Circle.
In order to understand the Arctic, we have to understand that the animals there depend on microscopic forms of life called phytoplankton. We talked about food chains way back in the beginning of the school year, so hopefully the girls will remember how they work!
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/phyto.html
http://www.thefreeresource.com/plankton-facts-information-and-resources
We are also going to talk about walruses and polar bears. I found a Magic School Bus book at the library last week about the artic, so we are going to read that too!
http://www.amazon.com/The-Magic-School-Bus-Arctic/dp/0590187244
The last animal we are going to look at are the hooded seals. I found a video that shows about them, hopefully it will help us understand these seals better.
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/southern-sea-lion-predation?source=relatedvideo
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Thomas is whistling!
I wanted to write this story down before I forgot. It made me laugh. :)
I was in the kitchen making some muffins and Christian came in and he was looking for Thomas. He thought that he was in the garage, so he ran out there, but then came back and spotted the bag that he knew he was in. He got really excited said, "Peep, peep... don't you hear him mom? He's whistling!"
Sure enough, he went into that bag and pulled out the whistling Thomas.
Didn't you hear him too??
I was in the kitchen making some muffins and Christian came in and he was looking for Thomas. He thought that he was in the garage, so he ran out there, but then came back and spotted the bag that he knew he was in. He got really excited said, "Peep, peep... don't you hear him mom? He's whistling!"
Sure enough, he went into that bag and pulled out the whistling Thomas.
Didn't you hear him too??
Latest book favorites at our house. :)
We go through phases in our house when it comes to books.
Megan's favorite books right now are Nancy Drew and Geronimo Stilton.
Courtney's favorite books are Dr. Seuss books. She can read the entire books by herself. She still loves the Rainbow Fairies (I wish she would start to unlike these books real soon!)
And Christian, well, his are Dora the Explorer! (And of course Thomas and Cars!) But has been bringing me a lot of Dora books lately- good thing we have quite a few of them! There really needs to be more Diego books out there!
Megan's favorite books right now are Nancy Drew and Geronimo Stilton.
Courtney's favorite books are Dr. Seuss books. She can read the entire books by herself. She still loves the Rainbow Fairies (I wish she would start to unlike these books real soon!)
And Christian, well, his are Dora the Explorer! (And of course Thomas and Cars!) But has been bringing me a lot of Dora books lately- good thing we have quite a few of them! There really needs to be more Diego books out there!
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Redstone?
Today I was talking to the girls about how Matt and I were thinking about going to Yellowstone this year. Christian piped up and said, "I don't want to go there, I want to go to Redstone!"
I love it that Megan doesn't call it "Neapolitan" ice cream, but rather "Napoleon" ice cream!
I also love Courtney thinks that consonants are "continents."
These things just make me laugh every time. :)
I love it that Megan doesn't call it "Neapolitan" ice cream, but rather "Napoleon" ice cream!
I also love Courtney thinks that consonants are "continents."
These things just make me laugh every time. :)
Monday, March 3, 2014
science class
Tomorrow we are going to be talking about the flightless birds of New Zealand.
Why don't birds in New Zealand fly?
Check it out: http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/land-birds-overview/page-3
http://www.liveanimalslist.com/birds/kiwis.php
http://kidworldcitizen.org/2012/11/24/the-flightless-birds-of-new-zealand-and-australia/
Along with flightless birds, we are going to learn about the tuataras.
http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/tuatara
http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/native-animals/reptiles-and-frogs/tuatara/
Last, the gentle wetas, which are the heaviest insects in the world.
http://www.geekosystem.com/record-breaking-giant-weta/
http://www.firstlighttravel.com/blog/new-zealand-giant-weta-contender-for-worlds-biggest-bug-status/
Why don't birds in New Zealand fly?
Check it out: http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/land-birds-overview/page-3
http://www.liveanimalslist.com/birds/kiwis.php
http://kidworldcitizen.org/2012/11/24/the-flightless-birds-of-new-zealand-and-australia/
Along with flightless birds, we are going to learn about the tuataras.
http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/tuatara
http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/native-animals/reptiles-and-frogs/tuatara/
Last, the gentle wetas, which are the heaviest insects in the world.
http://www.geekosystem.com/record-breaking-giant-weta/
http://www.firstlighttravel.com/blog/new-zealand-giant-weta-contender-for-worlds-biggest-bug-status/
Funeral Articles to Look at during Bible Class
So does anyone think it is weird that I am going to talk about funerals tomorrow in Bible class? I kind of this so, BUT we are just coming to the end of a section in our Bible curriculum on Christ and the resurrection. One of the final activities is to discuss the funerals of a Christian and a non-Christian.
http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-funeral.html
http://ask.churchleaders.com/220584/have-you-ever-conducted-a-funeral-for-a-non-christian/
I also found a website that discusses the meaning behind a wake, funeral, and burial service and the and the customs that go along with those services. Aren't these all good things to know??? Isn't this "life?" I feel bad talking about funerals tomorrow, but I am also glad I get to talk about these topics with my kids!!
http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-funeral.html
http://ask.churchleaders.com/220584/have-you-ever-conducted-a-funeral-for-a-non-christian/
I also found a website that discusses the meaning behind a wake, funeral, and burial service and the and the customs that go along with those services. Aren't these all good things to know??? Isn't this "life?" I feel bad talking about funerals tomorrow, but I am also glad I get to talk about these topics with my kids!!
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Laundry thoughts. :)
1. My new day to do laundry is Saturday. I don't even think about doing it during the week anymore. It's just not going to happen...
2. Why are there so many piles of dirty clothes around the house? Christian's dirty clothes are in about every room (I admit, I usually bring his new clothes to where he is in the morning and I do pick them. The problem is that I bring his pajamas to where he is in the evening, but then I am just lazy and don't pick them up!) I found Christian's dirty clothes in the living room, dining room, and one big pile outside his door to his room because that is where I will throw them. :)
Courtney has socks in every room of the house PLUS her floor to her bedroom is covered with dirty clothes! She fills as entire basket up every week. Ugh! (Yes, I do go and make her pick them ALL up!)
Matt has a pile of dirty t-shirts beside the bed.
As for Megan and I, I don't think we had any piles anywhere!
I should have counted how many different "piles" of dirty clothes I had around my house this week!
3. Megan has been complaining that did not have any clean jeans the last couple days and has been wearing skirts around the house from last summer. When I went into the laundry room today, I noticed there were two small piles of clean clothes from last Sunday! In one of those piles was a pair of her jeans!
Note to self: I should put away all the clean clothes from LAST week before starting on laundry for this week! There is also a basket of clean clothes in the hallway plus a basket in Christian's bedroom!
The laundry fairy is hard at work today!!!
2. Why are there so many piles of dirty clothes around the house? Christian's dirty clothes are in about every room (I admit, I usually bring his new clothes to where he is in the morning and I do pick them. The problem is that I bring his pajamas to where he is in the evening, but then I am just lazy and don't pick them up!) I found Christian's dirty clothes in the living room, dining room, and one big pile outside his door to his room because that is where I will throw them. :)
Courtney has socks in every room of the house PLUS her floor to her bedroom is covered with dirty clothes! She fills as entire basket up every week. Ugh! (Yes, I do go and make her pick them ALL up!)
Matt has a pile of dirty t-shirts beside the bed.
As for Megan and I, I don't think we had any piles anywhere!
I should have counted how many different "piles" of dirty clothes I had around my house this week!
3. Megan has been complaining that did not have any clean jeans the last couple days and has been wearing skirts around the house from last summer. When I went into the laundry room today, I noticed there were two small piles of clean clothes from last Sunday! In one of those piles was a pair of her jeans!
Note to self: I should put away all the clean clothes from LAST week before starting on laundry for this week! There is also a basket of clean clothes in the hallway plus a basket in Christian's bedroom!
The laundry fairy is hard at work today!!!
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