In beefing up daughter's literature program I have decided to add more readers for her.
Monday, August 24, 2015
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Another New Plan
Life is fluid. Apparently, so is our school curriculum. *sigh
Once again, I've noticed there are some things that just aren't working for our family and I'm earnestly praying for the Lord's guidance in how and what changes need making. What's bothering me most is my beloved Ambleside Online history. I want it to work! So much that I incorporated it with Simply Charlotte Mason's Module 1. Well, really I use SCM as our Bible study spine.
However, the more I use SCM the better I like it. But its not just me... the kids really love it. SCM Module 1 covers history, geography and Bible. Sonya Shafer has added several resources to her website to coincide with her modules. One is the activities page for each module. I don't want to lose them so I'm adding them here.
I've reconsidered our science program too. I want to incorporate a formal science program. We, as a family, have reviewed and really like Jeannie Fulbright's Young Explorers series. The kids want to start off with Zoology I which covers zoology, animal classification, dynamics of flight, birds, bats,
prehistoric flying reptiles, and insects from a creation science
perspective. Its nice because its geared for K-6, perfect for my 1st and 4th grader.
They have journals that the kids can keep too. One is a junior version for early writers, perfect for my 1st grader.
My 1st grader is enjoying his Math U See Alpha program. My 4th grader has been joining in on the fun too. I'm considering changing her math, which is currently PACES from ACE ministries, to Math U See as well. The program really teaches the "why" behind the math. Sometime this coming week I will have her take the assessment exam on their website and go from there.
I've also discovered issues with our handwriting. The plan was to let the children trace their laminated sheets to get a feel for writing the letters, whether it was manuscript for brother or cursive for sister. But after watching them I realize they need a more formal program for that too. Both brother and sister are "drawing" their letters more than writing them. I have been really focused on cursive for sister but she needs to practice her manuscript as well. So, I will start a copywork program for her in manuscript.
We are moving into our third week and still haven't quite settled into our groove. The kids seem to be enjoying their home education we just want to tweak it some.
Once again, I've noticed there are some things that just aren't working for our family and I'm earnestly praying for the Lord's guidance in how and what changes need making. What's bothering me most is my beloved Ambleside Online history. I want it to work! So much that I incorporated it with Simply Charlotte Mason's Module 1. Well, really I use SCM as our Bible study spine.
However, the more I use SCM the better I like it. But its not just me... the kids really love it. SCM Module 1 covers history, geography and Bible. Sonya Shafer has added several resources to her website to coincide with her modules. One is the activities page for each module. I don't want to lose them so I'm adding them here.
- Genesis through Deuteronomy & Ancient Egypt projects and tips
- Joshua through Malachi & Ancient Greece projects and tips
- Matthew through Acts & Ancient Rome projects and tips
- Middle Ages, Renaissance, Reformation projects and tips
I've reconsidered our science program too. I want to incorporate a formal science program. We, as a family, have reviewed and really like Jeannie Fulbright's Young Explorers series. The kids want to start off with Zoology I which covers zoology, animal classification, dynamics of flight, birds, bats,
prehistoric flying reptiles, and insects from a creation science
perspective. Its nice because its geared for K-6, perfect for my 1st and 4th grader.They have journals that the kids can keep too. One is a junior version for early writers, perfect for my 1st grader.
My 1st grader is enjoying his Math U See Alpha program. My 4th grader has been joining in on the fun too. I'm considering changing her math, which is currently PACES from ACE ministries, to Math U See as well. The program really teaches the "why" behind the math. Sometime this coming week I will have her take the assessment exam on their website and go from there.
I've also discovered issues with our handwriting. The plan was to let the children trace their laminated sheets to get a feel for writing the letters, whether it was manuscript for brother or cursive for sister. But after watching them I realize they need a more formal program for that too. Both brother and sister are "drawing" their letters more than writing them. I have been really focused on cursive for sister but she needs to practice her manuscript as well. So, I will start a copywork program for her in manuscript.
We are moving into our third week and still haven't quite settled into our groove. The kids seem to be enjoying their home education we just want to tweak it some.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Online Support
Sometimes starting something new can be completely overwhelming. Finding someone to share your journey with can be a lifesaver. Partnering up with another newbie is great fun but having a mentor who has been there is an amazing resource too.
In my circle I only know of two people using CM and this is their first year too. But there is this amazing group of people on Facebook, in forums and groups, all online, that is willing to share your journey with you.
A few places I love to frequent are:
AmblesideOnline It's a closed group with nearly 4000 members so far. This is Ambleside Online's "official" fb group. They moderate this group and its purpose is to serve those who are actively using AO in their homeschool or classroom and those interested in learning about AO. (LOVE THIS GROUP!)
Charlotte Mason Homeschoolers Another totally amazing group of nearly 9000 members!! This group strictly supports the traditional CM approach. Its an active and friendly group full of wisdom.
Charlotte Mason Inspired Homeschoolers Is a secret group with a little more than 3000 members. They've had some issues with spammers as of late and are trying to get that under control but its definitely an active group. As the title implies its more for those who aren't strictly CM. They welcome a variety of topics about different curriculum, blogs, apps, so on and so forth.
Marshall County Homeschool Network This is a local group for my county. I post here with the hope that you might find a local group for your area too. This group is really neat because people share local events that might be of interest, they post curriculum for sale, and just general homeschool stuff.
There are some FB groups that strictly sell curriculum too..
Charlotte Mason/Ambleside/ Living Books/USED materials for sale
Used Homeschool Books, Buy, Sell, Trade
Public Domain Books for Homeschooling
This FB group is really neat because its all out of print, public domain books that can be used in a CM inspired homeschool. Its a non-discussion group and still an amazing resource.
Yahoo Groups are another wonderful resource!!
I will continue this post a later date.....
In my circle I only know of two people using CM and this is their first year too. But there is this amazing group of people on Facebook, in forums and groups, all online, that is willing to share your journey with you.
A few places I love to frequent are:
AmblesideOnline It's a closed group with nearly 4000 members so far. This is Ambleside Online's "official" fb group. They moderate this group and its purpose is to serve those who are actively using AO in their homeschool or classroom and those interested in learning about AO. (LOVE THIS GROUP!)
Charlotte Mason Homeschoolers Another totally amazing group of nearly 9000 members!! This group strictly supports the traditional CM approach. Its an active and friendly group full of wisdom.
Charlotte Mason Inspired Homeschoolers Is a secret group with a little more than 3000 members. They've had some issues with spammers as of late and are trying to get that under control but its definitely an active group. As the title implies its more for those who aren't strictly CM. They welcome a variety of topics about different curriculum, blogs, apps, so on and so forth.
Marshall County Homeschool Network This is a local group for my county. I post here with the hope that you might find a local group for your area too. This group is really neat because people share local events that might be of interest, they post curriculum for sale, and just general homeschool stuff.
There are some FB groups that strictly sell curriculum too..
Charlotte Mason/Ambleside/ Living Books/USED materials for sale
Used Homeschool Books, Buy, Sell, Trade
Public Domain Books for Homeschooling
This FB group is really neat because its all out of print, public domain books that can be used in a CM inspired homeschool. Its a non-discussion group and still an amazing resource.
Yahoo Groups are another wonderful resource!!
I will continue this post a later date.....
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
New Strategy
Yesterday I learned that a few book selections were to difficult for the age of my children. Today I've learned I don't know how to pronounce some of the names in these stories!
Never fear, Librivox is here! Thank goodness!
We read 50 Famous Stories today and Our Island Story today and boy did I ever stumble over some of the language. So I went on the hunt and found these recorded stories. 50 Famous Stories & Our Island Story
As I began to dig around Librivox I also found Thornton Burgess' book Burgess Animal Stories.
Using this will be a nice break for me and for the kids.
Never fear, Librivox is here! Thank goodness!
We read 50 Famous Stories today and Our Island Story today and boy did I ever stumble over some of the language. So I went on the hunt and found these recorded stories. 50 Famous Stories & Our Island Story
As I began to dig around Librivox I also found Thornton Burgess' book Burgess Animal Stories.
Using this will be a nice break for me and for the kids.
Monday, August 10, 2015
First Day
Today was our first day and it went great!! I have discovered I picked a few read alouds that might be to much of a challenge but I can easily adjust that. I will drop Adam & His Kin and try to locate a copy of Boy of the Pyramids instead. I've also decided I'm going to stick strictly with SCM Genesis through Deuteronomy & Ancient Egypt for our Bible study.
After using GreenLeaf's Old Testament study today I felt we needed a bit more substance. I first believed GreenLeaf's questions would be a great addition but they really are to far above my children's heads.
I hung our schedules on my bulletin board so I can stay on track. I also noticed my daughter likes to check it out quite frequently to see whats next.
We are waiting on Math U See for my son. So today we reviewed addition facts and different ways to make numbers 10 and 6. I ordered the Language Lessons by Emma Serl for both kids but started daughter out on Intermediate (free on google books) today. She liked it but is excited to use the book.
We are putting off piano until next week. I'm not really prepared for it anyway.
My husband made a comment about putting way to much work into my schedules but I really need them. I added the chores to help me keep up throughout the week. I must say I really felt productive checking those chores off my list.
So there you have it, our day in post!
After using GreenLeaf's Old Testament study today I felt we needed a bit more substance. I first believed GreenLeaf's questions would be a great addition but they really are to far above my children's heads.
I'm excited for tomorrow. We are starting AO's Island Story , 50 Famous Tales, and Burgess Animal Stories.
I hung our schedules on my bulletin board so I can stay on track. I also noticed my daughter likes to check it out quite frequently to see whats next.
We are putting off piano until next week. I'm not really prepared for it anyway.
My husband made a comment about putting way to much work into my schedules but I really need them. I added the chores to help me keep up throughout the week. I must say I really felt productive checking those chores off my list.
So there you have it, our day in post!
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Art Appreciaton
I'm so excited I just sent our art appreciation prints to Staples for printing!! The entire term, 18 prints, for less than $12!
I went to AmblesideOnline's Yahoo group (AO Art Prints) and downloaded the pdf files and then just uploaded them onto the Staple website. Then chose the color prints on 80lb Elite Gloss cardstock. I chose glossy but I might choose matte next time. I'm not sure how they will look. Picking them up tomorrow!
I went to AmblesideOnline's Yahoo group (AO Art Prints) and downloaded the pdf files and then just uploaded them onto the Staple website. Then chose the color prints on 80lb Elite Gloss cardstock. I chose glossy but I might choose matte next time. I'm not sure how they will look. Picking them up tomorrow!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)