Becoming A Family of God

Becoming A Family of God

Summer's over? Seriously? It seemed only yesterday that we were ending the school year with much anticipation for the summer and our trip to the Philippines... and all that is done? How?

There was one little girl who was all excited to start school though. Yep. My little Kindergartener. As soon as she saw the books arriving on our doorsteps, she would ask which ones were hers. When she I showed her the books she was going to use, she squealed, "Can we start school now?"

I did not share the same enthusiasm. In fact, I kinda dreaded it. How was I going to do this? Homeschooling 4 kids, K, 2nd, 3rd and 6th with a very active 1-yo toddler in tow? I must be crazy indeed! I made some changes in our curriculum choices that I hoped would make it easier for us. I've scaled back on our activities outside the home. I think that by this time, our 3rd year, I am more realistic in my expectations of what we can accomplish as a family.

I used to enjoy crafting and thought that this was something I would enjoy doing with the kids. I would choose to make things on my own instead of buying premade materials. Why buy expensive puzzles when I could make the best jig saw by creating my own with photos I take? Right? But no...my plans never get done. I realize that my perfectionism prevented me from enjoying crafting with my kids. And there was really no time to do any crafting without kids so my projects never get done.

So this year, I'm not DIYing anything. I've bought the premade stuff. I bought the DVDs that will teach the lesson to me and the kids. I bought the premade & preprinted lapbooks that I've been wanting to create with the kids. Yes, I spent more than I have in the past. But if the past 2 days are any indication of the year ahead, I think it will be worth it. The kids are happy. I am happy. DS remarked yesterday, "I think I'm going to enjoy this because of that," pointing to the DVD set of lessons I bought. That's a big thumbs up, coming from my now-brooding, all-too-serious tweenager.

I am more realistic and accepting of how we work as a family. I am more realistic and accepting of what works for me. During the first 2 years of home schooling, I was pulled in all sorts of different directions. I was reading about different philosophies, different families sharing their successes. I wanted to copy them. I wanted to be successful too. I wanted to be like them, except that we weren't them! We were getting stressed because I was trying to mold our family into something that wasn't us. I understand that now. It's still a work in progress, trying to figure out what works for us but I'm more at peace with it.

I am a little more relaxed now. Our daily schedule used to be packed tight. I felt that I needed to pack in as many hours of learning as we can in our routine. That only stressed me out because we almost never really finished all our work. It then made me feel like we were always behind. So this year, I'm relaxing a little bit more. I can't cram 7 subjects into 1 school day. It just doesn't work.

A few days ago, I dreaded the start of the year. Now that we've started, I feel more optimistic. This might be the year that I won't be burnt out by June. Maybe we'll laugh more. Maybe more kind words will be uttered. Maybe conversations will be more pleasant. Maybe a sense of peace and joy will permeate the atmosphere. Maybe we'll be more consistent. Maybe there'll be more time for prayer. Maybe we will move towards becoming the family that God wants us to be. Maybe. Hopefully. Joyfully.

Curriculum Choices 2012-2013

Curriculum Choices 2012-2013

It's that time of the year again. As August rolls in, so do boxes of books and bags of school supplies. They herald the beginning of another school year.

One major change for our home schooling family is the addition of our Kindergartener! Yup! I'm officially home educating 4 children now. Add to the mix an ever-growing and demanding toddler. I am not sure how our daily schedule will be.

Our curricula for this year won't be much different from last year's, except in Language Arts. My choice for DS last year was not a good fit for us. It required too much work from this mama.


Math
6th - Saxon 7/6/ALEKS
3rd - Math-U-See Gamma/Spectrum Math/ ALEKS
2nd - Math-U-See Beta/Spectrum Math
K- Math-U-See Primer/MCP Math K

DS is very comfortable with the Saxon system. This works for him so we continue with it. He actually started on Saxon7/6 in 5th grade. I have 8/7 for him once he's done. ALEKS is just an additional math resource for him. It's an online Math program that is intuitive in that it gives additional problems for areas the student has not mastered yet. DS has been on this program since we began. I will try it with DD1 and see if it will be a good fit for her.

I am supplementing the MUS programs with other workbooks for additional practice and to cover any of the holes we might have in our Math program.

Language Arts
6th - Easy Grammar 6/Daily Grams 6/ IEW Student Intensive/Phonetic Zoo Level B/Latina Christiana 2

3rd - First Language Lessons 3/ IEW Student Intensive/Phonetic Zoo Level A/Handwriting without Tears Cursive
2nd - First Language Lessons 2/Writing with Ease 2/All About Spelling 1/Handwriting without Tears Printing Power
K - Primary Arts of Language: Reading & Writing

I've been watching the DVD's of IEW's Teaching Writing Structure and Style and I am excited! I think this will be a good match for us - for the kids and for me. I've been looking for solid composition curriculum that matches my need for structure and yet is not stifling. From what I have seen so far, this looks very promising. I am really looking forward to seeing how this plays out in our home school.

Science
6th - NOEO Physics 2
3rd/2nd/K - Behold & See 3

The younger ones will piggyback on our Science time with DD1. This is a subject, along with History that I feel can be taught multi-levels.

History & Geography
Connecting with History 2 - The Middle Ages

We never did get around to the Middle Ages last year so we're doing it this year. Again, this is a multi-level course.

Religion
The kids will continue to go to Fr. Francis' class on Wednesday mornings. This year, he will take on Vatican II. We will also use Baltimore Catechism to continue learning about our faith. I also plan to follow the liturgical year and have activities/crafts that follow the different seasons/feasts throughout the year. I hope that in this way, our Catholic faith will be lived out more vividly in our home.

Electives
Art - Meet the Masters Track B
Foreign Language - Rosetta Stone:Filipino
Music - piano lessons at Upland Music School
PE - weekly classes at EMH

Most of our books have arrived. I expect to receive the rest this week. My next goal is get our daily schedule mapped out and their first month's worth of lesson plans laid out. It's going to be a busy week for me. I hope I can shake off the jet lag completely by then.

STAR testing

STAR testing

Please keep my children in your thoughts and prayers this week as they take part in the state's standardized testing.

We homeschool, yes. However, we home school through a charter school that is publicly funded. Thus, we are subject to the standardized tests that the state requires all public school children take.

This is DD1's first time to participate in testing. To prepare her, I gave her mock tests at home. I tried to simulate the testing environment as much as I could. Everything was quiet. The other kids were upstairs and were told not to come down till I got them. All media was off, of course. She got a bit unnerved. She burst into anxious tears. She said that she was afraid to make mistakes. She was also afraid because I would not be in the room with her.  I assured her that we were doing the practice tests precisely to help her get used to it.

After her mock tests, she felt better and more confident. I was also glad that we did the mock tests because it revealed some areas where she was a little weak, particularly in Math.

I find it rather odd that in the Math exams, the questions are going to be read out loud by the proctor. The answers/choices are in the students' test booklet but not the questions. The questions are read twice and the students are expected to answer by filling in the bubble of the correct answer. We definitely needed to practice this with DD1 to train her to listen well to the question. As a visual learner, I probably would have had a difficult time with this type of testing. DD1 however caught on fairly quickly and did not struggle as much as I though she would.

There were some multiplication and division problems already but they were fairly simple. They were word problems like if you buy gold bars online from Golden Eagle for $5each and you bought 6 gold bars, how much did you pay in all?

Anyway, they had their first day yesterday. They will continue to test until Friday. I'm not really worried about their test scores. I feel like the tests are not really an accurate reflection of their abilities. If anything, their test scores will likely be more a reflection of how well (or badly) I have taught them. Maybe their test scores will reveal any gaps that I will need to fill up in my children's education.

Co-Op Participation

Co-Op Participation

We've been part of our homeschool co-op for 2.5 years now. It has been great. It has provided my children and me friendship and support. We are greatly blessed to be part of this wonderful community of families.

Our classes end on May 17. During the summer break, some families continue to get together. We've met at the outdoor water fountains in the local town center. While the kids play in the water, the moms chitchat in the shade. There have also been picnics and beach days.

As we end this year, I kinda feel burnt out. Going to our weekly classes feel like a chore. I see that my children enjoy going. I do not. It feels like it is just one more thing we need to do. It has become more like a burden. I really need to reassess our priorities for the coming school year. I need to make an honest assessment of our commitments and activities. I need to see which ones contribute to the health of our family life and which ones cause stress to us. For now, participation is our co-op seem to be at the lowest rung of the ladder. I am just tired. It is probably my fault too because I have done most of the work in teaching our preschool class. If I were to come back and teach again next year, it will definitely have to be more of a collaborative work, from conception of the class to execution.

One thing I keep asking myself is the reason we joined co-op. We basically joined co-op so that my children will develop friendships with other homeschooled children. I wanted to surround myself with supportive families. I wanted to gain friends as well. I think we have achieved this goal. My children and I have made friends with wonderful families. I think that right now, I am hoping to develop deeper relationships. If we skip co-op, will the friendships we've made survive? Will my children still have solid Catholic friends outside of the co-op environment? As I pray about it, the Lord seems to remind me not to base any of my decisions on fear. I cannot make decisions based on the fear of "what if?" I need to decide based on love. I love God. I love my family. How do my choices reflect this love? How will my choices affect how I love?

There is a lot to think about. There are a few months to pray about it. I ask the Lord's guidance so that I may make the right decision. I pray that I do His will for our family.

Second semester is on!

Second semester is on!

We're halfway through the school year! Woohoo!

This school year seem to have zipped through quickly. It's midyear and I like to assess where we find ourselves at this time of the year. I want to see where we might need to make changes. Is my home school running smoothly and precisely like Wenger Watches' clockwork? Or are we constantly interrupted, flitting through one thing to the other?

My biggest challenge this school year is this baby in tow. At the end of last school year, she was such a newborn that I could nurse her while I helped the other children with their work. Or I would carry her in our
Ergo and she would sleep through anything. It's a whole different story nowadays. She is much more active and mobile. She likes to be part of the action so I cannot leave her in her swing as I help the girls with their grammar lessons. Or I can't simply nurse her to sleep as I teach the kids their math lessons. She wants to be engaged. She wants my attention. That's the challenge.

I don't have the answers. It's going to be trial and error, see  what will work and what does not. The beauty of this is that we have the luxury of adapting our learning environment to our family's growing needs.

Colonial Farm Life

Colonial Farm Life

The kids and I went on a field trip to Riley's Farm once again. This time it was to experience Colonial Farm Life. It was a shorter field trip than our Revolutionary War one. Some of the activities were similar like the games, weaving & blacksmith stations. The kids still enjoyed though. I probably would have enjoyed it better if it were not so cold and wet!

It was so cold that the air from your mouth formed like puffs of smoke from dutch masters cigars. The way up to the farm was so foggy. It was almost zero visibility! Scary to be driving on a narrow mountainous road in those conditions. I am so thankful that God had His angels guarding our way.

Activities that the children participated in included candle dipping, apple grinding, butter churning & an introduction to manners and etiquette. The boys were taught to bow and the girls to curtsy. At the end of the fieldtrip, we were rewarded with a caramel apple. The kids were delighted of course. By this time, the fog had lifted but it was still cloudy and drizzling. We made it back home safe and sound.

We're all looking forward to the next field trip to this place. Gold Rush adventure perhaps?

Curriculum Choices 2011-2012

Curriculum Choices 2011-2012

We continue to home school through a charter school. I do not know how other charter schools operate but we have been very fortunate that ours allow us full control over the materials/curriculum choices we make. Obviously, they will not pay for materials with religious content or from religious publishers but that's ok with us. The funding we get is still quite helpful with school expenses like black ink cartridges. We are allowed to get a maximum of 6 ink cartridges per family per semester. This year, we have been able to get color cartridges too which is awesome as printer ink can get terribly expensive!

We are on week 5 already and I am pleased with the choices I made. They seem to be working for us quite well.

Math:
5th: Saxon 6/5
2nd: Math-U-See Alpha & Spectrum Math 1
st: Math-U-See Alpha

Language Arts
5th: Grammar Voyage, Essay Voyage, A World of Poetry, Caesar's English II (all from Royal Fireworks Press), Latina Christiana 1, Spelling Workout Level E
2nd: First Language Lessons level 2, Writing with Ease Level 2 (both form Peace Hill Press), Spelling Workout Level B, MCP Phonics Level B
1st: First Language Lessons Level 1, Writing with Ease Level 1, Spelling Workout Level A, MCP Phonics Level A

Science
5th: NOEO Chemistry 2
1st/2nd: NOEO Chemistry 1

History 1st/2nd/5th: Connecting with History Volumes 1 & 2 (We started volume 1: Ancient History last school year but did not finish it. We started this year where we left off in June and will continue on to volume 2: Middle Ages)

Religion 1st/2nd/5th: They go every Wednesday morning to religion class taught by a Norbertine priest. This is our first year in this class but we have heard nothing but good things from other families who have taken classes from this priest. I'm also supplementing with St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism.

Arts: Meet the Masters, Rosetta Stone:Filipino, Music Appreciation via our homeschool co-op

Preschool - We are following Along the Alphabet Path by Elizabeth Foss and throwing in storybooks from Catholic Mosaic.

Is Home Schooling Hard?

Is Home Schooling Hard?

My family officially entered our 3rd year of homeschooling. I am by no means a veteran. I know I have a lot to learn yet. I still consider myself a semi-newbie. This much I know - I am here because I know this is God’s will for my family. How long will I homeschool? I do not know. For as long as it works for us. For as long as the Lord wills it for us.

I continue to have apprehensions. Mostly worries about possible gaps in the education I provide. I still feel insecure that they might not be receiving the best academic education which they might be getting at a regular school. Yet, they’ve been tested and they’re testing way above the CA standards. Still, I am a mom and I continue to worry. However, I also realize that my children are learning more than academics in our home school. They are learning to love and serve. They are growing in their relationships with one another and with us, their parents. Home schooling has really strengthened our family dynamics. I believe that we are stronger and closer as a family because we home school.

One of the first questions I encounter from friends is: Isn't it hard to teach different grades at the same time? I suppose it would be a challenge if I taught each child separately. However, we combine studies when we can. Obviously, Math and Phonics/Grammar have to be taught separately because they are at different levels. However, with subjects like History & Science, we learn together. The older ones also enjoy helping the younger ones with their lessons.

It is not the academics that I find most difficult. What challenges me most is that I find that I have to give of myself more than I have ever given of myself. I have to be more disciplined. I am constantly challenged to be a better person, a better parent. I am learning to be more generous of myself, to be more understanding, more forgiving, more merciful, more loving. In other words, I am challenged to be a better disciple of Jesus. I think this is also one reason I know this is where God wants me to be: because I am drawing closer to Him than ever before. Home schooling is leading me to God, helping me on the path to holiness. I am growing in my faith, gaining a deeper love and appreciation for our Catholic faith because of this journey we are taking.

So, is home schooling hard? Yes it is but with the grace of God, we are thriving. All the sacrifices are definitely worth it!

Moving Past Being a Frustrated Writer

Moving Past Being a Frustrated Writer

I realized that teaching writing to my kids requires skills that I do not have. I do not remember how it was taught to me. And I have a hard time putting into words how I write creatively. I know I am not the best writer but when I put my heart and mind to it, I can put together a pretty good piece.

Last month, DS needed to submit a written essay as a requirement for our charter school. There was no pressure to submit an excellent essay. It was mostly for diagnostic purposes. Still, I felt the pressure to push DS to write a good piece. It was a difficult process for us. I knew what good writing was but could not explain it. He was getting frustrated and so was I. With our brows furrowed and forehead wrinkled, we were getting nowhere. Finally, I let it go and let him write whatever he thought of. I only proofread.

At the start of this semester, our charter school emailed us about the writing extravaganza/workshop that they were putting up. I was excited to go, except that it was going to be in Temecula which is about an hour away. I did not want to drive that far. Plus, because of limited seating and the activity, they could not accommodate little ones.

Thank goodness for DH! We were able to go to the workshop this morning. It was awesome. The kids and I came away from the activity with ideas and enthusiasm for writing. I am so glad that we were able to go. I now feel more empowered as the teacher. I learned some techniques on how to help the kids develop their writing. What was also comforting in a way was to realize that other parents were having the same struggles as I was. I was not the only "dumb" homeschooling parent there who did not know how to help their child/ren.

I am truly thankful for this day! Thank you God for the blessing.

Field Trips Galore

Field Trips Galore

One of the many benefits of homeschooling is the many opportunities to take the children out on fieldtrips. Learning is not confined to the classroom or to books.

When we started homeschooling the girls last school year but kept the eldest in regular school, we were limited in the trips we could take. We really could not go very far or for too long because we had to be back by 3 pm to pick him up from school.

This year, since all the kids are now homeschooled, we were able to take more field trips!

In September, we had our field trip to the library where the kids were given access to what goes on behind the scenes in the library. They got better acquainted with the library. We also spent a day at Discovery Science Center. The kids enjoyed learning about their bodies. Up to now, the kids still talk about what they saw there. Even DD3 who is 3yo will remark, out of the blue, something about the germs and stuff they saw in the Planet You presentation! Amazing the impact of something hands-on compared to something they would have just read from a book. We were also able to watch the play, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Again, the kids enjoyed this and would even sing some of the melodies they heard.
In October, we went to the pumpkin patch, Goldilocks bakeshop and Heritage Park.
In November, we went to a horse ranch. Another fun trip for the kids as they got to interact with horses and other animals as well. They learned how to groom horses and how to approach them without spooking the horse. It was a working ranch so horse tacks, reins, spurs and other equipment were in plain view. The kids had a lot of questions on how things were used, etc. Aside from horses, there were also furry critters that the were able to pet. DD3's favorite activity was going through the dog training course. Of course! Wouldn't you enjoy it if you were asked to run as fast as you can through some hoops and jump over bars?
In December, we had a full week of field trips. We went to see the Elves and the Shoemaker. The next day, we had our Revolutionary War Adventure which I had blogged about previously. Later that week, we also saw The Nutcracker. The kids loved this!! DD3 had a funny remark when she saw the group dance sometime at the beginning of Act II. "That's funny Mommy, the boys are dancing like girls!" Haha...the sweet innocence of a child!

I'm glad that we were able to do all these field trips before 2010 ended. As I prepare to have our 5th baby, I am not able to take the kids out as often as I would like. But I'm not stressing about it. Such is the season of life. That is why it is important to seize the opportunities as they come. Savor the moment. Live and enjoy the present. Once they're gone, you can't bring them back but if you had lived in the moment, you will always have the memories.

Reading Progress

Reading Progress

We had our meeting with our ES (educational specialist) last Friday morning. It was a bit different from our usual meeting in that instead of coming over to our house, we met her at Panera bakeshop. It was a quick meeting in that we simply submitted to her our attendance sheets, the kids' writing projects and she gave us the learning plans we had discussed already before. We were in a cozy corner of the restaurant. She had her hp netbooks out and just checked off each family as they came. Isn't it great how technology is such a great tool that makes our lives easier?
Aside from the usual stuff we do, i.e. learning plans, attendance, etc, she also tested DS and DD1 for their oral reading fluency for the winter term. I am so proud of the progress these 2 kids have made. They were both already reading above their grade levels but they've just progressed so much more from their spring testing. At that time, DS was reading at 167 words per minute. Now he is reading at 196 wpm (words per minute) which is at 8th grade level. DD1, on the other hand, was reading at 44 wpm and now is reading at 73 wpm which is at 3rd grade level!! Woohoo! Hooray for reading!
I am so proud of these kids. I am so glad that they are enjoying reading so much!

Revolutionary War Adventure

Revolutionary War Adventure

I took the kids to a Revolutionary War adventure field trip last Wednesday. A friend and her son came with us. Rather, we hitched a ride with them! LOL! The place was not too far but it still was an hour's drive from our place which takes its toll on this pregnant lady. DH would not have let us go if I was the one driving. Thank goodness for friends. :)

DS particularly enjoyed the field trip. DD1, on the other hand, was sick! Ok... I did not know she was sick when we left. She seemed fine. Once we got to the place, she began to be lethargic. She really did not care for the activities. Instead, she lay on the grass under the sun most of the time. She was such a trooper though. Even though she was not feeling well, she let the rest of the family enjoy the adventure.

The whole group was divided into smaller groups or townships. We were in the Brooklyn township. DS was our flag bearer. He was so proud! There were several "village posts" that the groups rotated going to: period games, the blacksmith, the military drill, admiralty court, farmer's post, standing up for your rights and weaving.

One game (tap ball) that we got to play was very similar to a game we used to play as kids called sha-to (sp?). Theirs was just a more elaborate version since they had a contraption that would shoot out the ball when you hit it. In sha-to, we only needed a stick and stone. :)

While we were in the blacksmith's post, he mentioned that in those days, boys of 10 years of age were usually sent off from their parents' homes to become an apprentice somewhere. 14 years was the marrying age. Anyone in their 20's and had not married yet were probably considered unmarry-able! How different those days were, weren't they? He also mentioned that they did not buy too often. Instead, they bartered a lot with other folks. Why? Well, buying stuff required paying taxes. Bartering did not. Makes a lot of sense, doesn't it? Because of the difficult living conditions back then, the only "life insurance" they had was their trade. Life expectancy was much shorter too!

I learned a lot during this field trip. I was not born in this country so I was not very familiar with the details of colonial life. It was very interesting to have a glimpse of how life was lived back then. I bet that a similar "adventure" of life back in colonial Philippines would definitely make history come alive for kids back in the Philippines, would it not?

All Saints Day Celebration

All Saints Day Celebration

I have a confession to make. Back when I was in the Philippines and dressing up in costume was starting to become a popular thing to do, someone had suggested that instead of having a halloween party, there should be an all saints party. I thought it was cuckoo and smelled too much of religiousity. What was wrong with dressing up in costume? Why even have a halloween party if we were just going to turn it into a religious event?

Well, look at me now. My stance has obviously changed. I suppose my views changed when I started to see this as an opportunity to introduce my children to the different saints. It was not just about dressing up as saints and having a party. It is more about giving these children holy people to emulate. My children, aside from DD3, all chose which saint they wanted to dress up as. Maybe they liked what they saw in the picture book of saints we have. Maybe they were drawn to the saint's name. Whatever drew them to choose that particular saint, I'd like to believe that somehow, the Holy Spirit had a hand in it. Maybe their choice expresses their desire to emulate this saint. Maybe their choice represents a part of their personality. What I shall be doing this whole next year is pray to these particular saints to watch over my respective children. They will be my children's patron saints of the year.
DS has St. Ignatius de Loyola. DD1 has St. Therese of the Child Jesus. DD2 has St. Agnes. DD3 has St. Scholastica.

The celebration itself went well. The weather was perfect. It was overcast but did not rain. The sun did show itself a bit towards the end. There were game booths. There was the ever-reliable playground. DD3 chose to play in the playground the whole time and was disappointed at the end of the day that she did not get prizes like her siblings. LOL! DD1 & 2 played the different booths and recieved holy cards and small toys and candies as prizes. DS played in the beginning but had real fun manning some of the activity booths. He had a blast. He has always enjoyed being useful like that. I used to worry that he is too serious for his own good but I am now accepting that this is how he really is. If it makes him happy to be serving and helping, who am I to stop that? Most of the other people manning the booths were teenagers and parents. As I looked at DS, it hit home that he will become a teenager soon too. And yes, we will be mindful about puberty changes, hygiene, pimple removers, etc. For now, I will enjoy having him at the stage where he is, accepting who he is and relishing the joy he brings to me.

P.E. without the sweat

P.E. without the sweat

Me: So, what do you think of homeschooling so far?
DS: I like it. I like that I can go advance when I want to and when I'm a little tired, I can lay back and relax a bit.

I'm glad that DS is enjoying our first few weeks of homeschooling. It was a huge decision for us to pull him out of regular school. It seems like it was the right decision.

Another fun aspect of this that DS pointed out was that we have swimming for P.E. "It beats all that sweating," said DS. We're taking advantage of the warm weather and will be having swimming until it become too cold to do it. Our community pool was spruced up a little bit over the summer. The association added some benches. Should they add some outdoor chair cushions, then it would be perfect for summer night parties. Just sayin...

Anyway, I am happy to say that the kids are indeed having fun together learning and just being in each other's company. I have a feeling that homeschooling will be a very good thing for our family.

Two Weeks of Homeschooling

Two Weeks of Homeschooling

Our first two weeks of homeschooling went smoothly. Our routine still needs a little getting used to but we're getting there. I think one major thing that helps with our flow is that I've got the week's lesson plans and activities planned and written out. The kids, particularly DS, sometimes just looks at his list for the day and does his studies himself. I knew from the very start that DS would fit right in with homeschooling. He studies and works independently which works out very well for us with our multi-level homeschool.
Our experience with the charter school and our educational specialist(henceforth known as ES) continue to be very positive. We ordered school supplies through them and our ES delivered them to our house personally on the first day of school. It was so fun to see the kid's excitement as we opened the boxes of supplies with new pencils, crayons, paper, rulers, etc. You'd think we hit a gold mine and discovered gold bullions with their oohs and aahs and big eyes filled with excitement.
We will be going to our first field trip next week. There will be 2 in fact. On Thursday, we will visit the library. The librarians will be giving us a special tour. Then, on Friday we go to the Discovery Science Center where the kids will be treated to hands-on activities on body parts and functions. Both should be fun. DS is looking forward to it a lot. This was one of his reasons why he wanted to homeschool - so he could go to more field trips!

Looking Forward to the New School Year

Looking Forward to the New School Year

As I mentioned in an earlier post, we've decided to homeschool DS too who will be in 4th grade. As such, we will have a Kindergartner, a 1st grader and a 4th grader in our home school, plus of course our youngest who will be in "preschool." ;) Officially teaching 3 grade levels has me a little worried. I've done my homework and chosen my curricula. I've decided to use the same history and science programs for all 3 kids. How is that possible? One of the beautiful things in home schooling is that you can tailor your lessons to your family's needs. We really do not need to follow a particular curriculum. With both the history and science programs, we will use "living" books to study about the same time period (history) and science topics. It's an approach that is based on the work of Charlotte Mason who believed that children learn best when they are exposed to "living" high-quality books and time outdoors instead of dry stale textbooks. With this approach, we can discuss and study about the same topic but each child will be reading different age-appropriate books.

Earlier this afternoon, I met with our assigned ES (educational specialist). This was our first meeting so I was a little apprehensive. This is my first time with the charter school too so I was not sure if they were going to "approve" of my curriculum choices. To my relief, our ES was warm and easy-going. She kept reminding me that as the parent, I had the final say on what I would like to teach my children and what materials to use. "Is that not why you've chosen to home school?," she asked.

She was very organized and had her gadgets with her - her laptop(with scanning software) and a printer. She typed up our learning plan for the first month as we discussed it. We will be meeting once a month and type up a new learning plan for the coming month. I think that this will be very helpful for me to keep me current on our lessons. And having our goals typed up ahead of time will make it much simpler for our daily lessons. I have a tendency to be overwhelmed so breaking down our work a month at a time will definitely be good for me.

She also gave a reading fluency assessment on DS and DD1. DS scored 167 words per minute which was 6th grade level. I was not surprised about that because he is such a voracious reader. He was always topping the accelerated reading program at his former school. On the other hand, DD1 has never been assessed so I was not sure how she would fare. Well, DD1 scored 44 words per minute which was the level expected for the end of 1st grade. She's ahead too so I was very proud of her. Hooray for my kids. :)

We start school in 3 weeks and my kids are so excited too. I could hardly believe my ears as they chanted "We can't wait for school to start" as the ES was leaving. Really?! Now, this is the way to start the school year!!

Homeschool - Year 1

Homeschool - Year 1

We are almost done with our first year of homeschool! Whew! Technically, we're done with all our math lessons. We still have a few more lessons for language arts and religion but for the most part, we're just doing drills, etc. We're just coasting along until the second week of June which is when our school year officially ends.
I cannot believe that the year's almost done. This time last year, I was conflicted whether or not to homeschool. Right now, I am glad we took that step. It has not been easy. I still do not know for how long we will be on this journey. Maybe a few more years? Maybe until high school? Honestly, I am taking it a year at a time. I don't know what God has in store for us. All I know that right here, right now, this is where we have been placed. And so this is where we stay.
I've learned a few things during the past year that I hope will make the coming school year better. I will be officially homeschooling 2 kids by then - DD1 & DD2 so that is going to present some challenges that were not present this year.
One major change that I will be making is our school year. Our year is divided into quarters. For this year, I pretty much just followed the traditional school year and holidays. Next year, I want to try interspersing more breaks into our year. We will have a 2-week break after the 1st and 3rd quarters. Our Christmas break will coincide with a semestral break of 4 weeks. I am hoping that the breaks in between quarters will keep the kids and especially me more refreshed. I also think that it will be good for me in terms of planning and preparation. Having a couple of weeks between quarters will allow me to better prepare for that quarter. I can also better assess our progress after each quarter. I think that I now have a better grasp of the things I will need to do, etc. This year, it often felt like that I was just going with the flow, seeing where this was going to take us. It was a nice introduction to the whole system and since Kindergarten is technically not a requirement in our state, there really was no pressure for me to HAVE to finish and teach everything that was required. 1st grade will be different and I will have to be more organized in terms of record-keeping, etc.
Halfway through this school year, our "classroom" moved from DS's room/dining table to our living room. It took some rearranging but I think what we have right now is working for us. We did not have to buy any new office furniture. We're using mostly what we have already. We bought a set of TV tray tables and those are the kids' school tables to use for writing activities/worksheets. I like using them because when they are not in use, they are easily folded up and put away in a corner. I have a 4-shelf storage unit in the corner that houses most of our stuff. I use countertop storage units from Walmart/Target to organize school supplies. I have the bigger 12x12's for our paper supplies. Then we have smaller ones for loose pencils/crayons/erasers/glue sticks, etc. These things do not always end up there but at least there's a place for them. I think that we are keeping this storage system while it works for us. I think that we might outgrow it when the kids start using more books and stuff but we'll decide on a new system when we get there.
Right now, I am already planning our coming school year. I've pretty much decided what curriculum to use, the books I need and the schedule we will be following. I've bought some books also. I will wait until the used curriculum sale at the coming homeschool conference to see what I can get there for cheaper before finalizing my order for books. I will also need to order an assessment test for DD1 to see if I should use 1st grade language arts for her or advance her to 2nd grade language arts. The specific lesson planning will done in July. I'm really feeling reinvigorated thinking about the coming school year. I'm looking forward to new lessons and trying out new things. That is a good sign, isn't it?
Thank you Lord for blessing us this school year.

Easter Story Cookies

Easter Story Cookies

I had previously seen this recipe several years back at a MOPS magazine. I thought it was a good idea but forgot all about it. This year, I'm going to try it. I think it will make a good impact on my kids.

To be made the evening before Easter.

Ingredients:
1 c. whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
Pinch salt
1 c. sugar
Zipper baggy
Wooden spoon
Tape
Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F

Place pecans in zipper baggy and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested the Roman soldiers beat him. Read John 19:1-3. {Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe.They came up to him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and struck him with their hands.}

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1-tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30 {After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), "I thirst." A jar full of sour wine stood there,so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.}

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11. {The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.}

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27. {And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him.}

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing.

Add 1-c. sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Ps. 34:8 {Oh,taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!} and John 3:16 {For God so loved the world,that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.}

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read ISA.1: 18 {Come now,let us reason together, says the LORD:though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson,they shall become like wool.} and John 3:1-3 {Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him." Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.}

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matt. 27:57-60 {When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away}

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matt. 27:65-66. {Pilate said to them, "You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can." So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.}

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22. {20Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 22So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.}

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matt. 28:1-9.{Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he[a] lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you." So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.}

HE HAS RISEN!

A Peek into the Post Office

A Peek into the Post Office

The girls went on a field trip to a local post office last Tuesday. They got a little antsy through the tour but everything became worth it for them once they got the chance to ride the postal van. LOL. And then they got stickers and a coloring book. That just made the field trip for them.
It was actually more educational for us adults. Something new I learned was that all the junk mail that we receive actually is of benefit to us. It isn't simply there to annoy us. Haha. All these supermarket ads, flyers for the best weight loss pills, etc. subsidize postal costs which keep our postage costs low. According to the clerk that gave us the tour, were it not for these presorted bulk mail, postage would probably be more than $1. I now look at these in a whole new light.

Preschool Co-op

Preschool Co-op

The girls and I have started homeschool co-op. DD1 is in the Kindergarten class while I co-teach the preschool class where DD2 & DD3 attend. Two weeks ago, at our cowboy theme class, we had a real-life cowboy come. One of the dads is a real-life rancher. His "day" job is as a big animals vet but he also participates in rodeos. He joins team roping events. He brought along a roping dummy, pictured here, which he let the kids play with. He made it look so easy but it really wasn't. LOL!
Their family breeds quarter horses. Had we more space, they would have probably brought one. The kids did get to try on breeches and vests and boots. They also had fun playing with the ropes. :)