This Homeschool Mother's Journal: 11 Feb. 2011

In my life this week...

Well, this past week we had a couple of "bad" days in the sense that I felt we didn't accomplish much, but I do feel that as long as they get in their Bible, History, English, & Science...they it's a good day. We did attend our on-post co-op for this month on Tuesday and even though we have had to start from scratch again, we had two families (total of 7 children) attend and we had fun! Military life can be hard and frustrating sometimes. People come and go...so the level of participation is always in the air (especially for homeschool & overseas in the mix), but as a good military family---we adapt.

We use the facility on-post (before & after school building) and it has been wonderful...and so it's been 5 months since we started this co-op and only until this month did I get a complaint from one of the employees. The agreement is to leave the building as it was before we arrived. Okay- I totally understand. Last month though.. (it was two families, but only 5 children) and it was mentioned that we left it a mess. Yeah right. I told the guy that we always clean up after ourselves and I am not sure what area he was talking about but that we always leave the building as it was before we arrived.

He even stated that the 'room' is trashed right now, but to keep everything as is when we leave...sure no problem.

So, I suppose after 5 months, one small complaint isn't bad. I still felt some sort of small irriation with us being there...but when I approached them with a plan, they were nothing but supportive...so we will see how it goes until the end of this 'school' year. I really think it bugs them that they can't or don't have control of my children while we are present...goes to show the amount of hostility there is in a government school setting.


In our homeschool this week...

1. As I mentioned, we had our co-op.

2. The boys picked back up their guitar lessons (they were off in January at the instructor's request). *New guitars came in for both! Super excited about that one.

3. Started our new bible study for this semester: Life of Christ, A Beka-finished Exodus, and are writing out their verses for memorization. Right now it's Matthew 6: 31-33.

4. Math is going well for both. Ben: Math-U-See Ethan: Life of Fred

5. English could use more practice...switching out for Total Language Plus (just waiting for it to arrive)

6. World History: We use Ancient Civilizations & the Bible and we are into Unit 4: The Children of Israel, but just finishing up Exodus (for Bible) it's just reinforcing their learning--which I don't mind at all! ;) So, I have been reading aloud from my Mystery of History Vol. 1 for new material.

7.Spelling: Spelling Power --both do well with this...

8. Lots of reading



Places we're going and people we're seeing...

I have a Bible Study that I attend on Thursday mornings for 8 weeks (this week was week 5), but while I attend my boys get a playdate with another homeschool family. This week they watched a Moody Science Series DVD also. We all enjoy this day...and then they attend their guitar lessons in the afternoon.


My favorite thing this week was...

Having the time to get some deep-cleaning done (Friday). :)
Clean house = Happy home.


What's working/not working for us...

Well, my four & two year old boys are are coming to the point where they both do not want to nap in the afternoons...it's becoming more of a 'struggle' trying to keep them napping than not. So, I am going to have to revamp afternoon schedules for all of us. (afternoons are for Science and quiet reading)

I think I am going to start a workbox system for my younger boys...

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have...

I have been praying to God more often than not lately about homeschooling. I am totally for it 100%, but in all honesty, I hope that I am able to continue throughout their elementary/secondary education. Keeping up with news lately has been a let down mentally and spiritually, but just as my boys are memorizing Matthew 6:31-33, it lets me know that I should do the same.


A photo, video, link, or quote to share...

Here is a video for Total Language Plus:

I ordered:

1. (Ethan) The Incredible Journey Study Guide & Novel
2. (Ben) Shiloh Study Guide (already have the book)







Thanks for stopping by...