all fall down

This one I had on FB a while ago.  You get knocked down, but you get up again!

More snow is coming our way, yeah!
 

Woke up, got outta bed, dragged a comb across...

I can't let the year go by without participating in Simple Homeschool's "A Day in the Life".



I'm putting this post together sort of last minute, but it has been such an amazing year here at our homeschool, that I need to document it for the ages!  By that, I mean, I'm really hoping our kids will be able to look back at our family blog as a sort of journal of their young lives, thus far!

So, here is our "average" day and we do have more of those than not, for which I'm thankful to God!

7: I wake up, and Paul has already started his wake up routine.  I grab the iPad (from bed if I'm lucky) and read the Daily Bread.  I spend some time in prayer and get a few minute snuggle from PJ (4) who is usually up and crawled in to bed with me by now.

7:30  Jackson (10) has been reading for a half hour already and I've got all the kids dressed and ready for devos and breakfast with Dad.

8: Paul leaves for work and kids do chores.  I'm dressed by now and grabbing a quick breakfast and tea.

8:30  I've got a special backpack of toys set out just for PJ today, and Jackson & Lena (7) and I hit the couch for around an hour.  We read a psalm, pray, read from one of our magazines we get (usually Clubhouse) read from our chapter book, practice our memory work for our co-op and talk about what else is going on in our day.

9:30  Lena & I spend time practicing her reading with a kids Bible, Hooked on Phonics, and an easy reader.  Jack takes a look at his work schedule for the day (thanks to Sonlight) and usually starts with reading (wouldn't you?)



9:45 Snack break and I start the coffee brewing.  I water the chickens and meet Lena back at the table.



10:  Lena continues work on her language arts, Awana, art lesson, and piano while I check in with Jack here and there.  PJ works from his "desk", a table on the floor by us as long as he wants then he heads off to room time.  Room time is anything longer than 5 minutes which then earns him some computer time.  Usually if he heads off to his room, he gets engaged in something and will give me at least 20 minutes to work with Lena.  Then he does Starfall or Jellytelly around 30 minutes or so.



10:30  If we're having a good day, Lena and I start math by 11.  We spend around 45 minutes on this subject just her and I together, so I'm pleased as punch if we get started on it by lunch time.   Jack is "mostly" an independent worker with me acting more as the tutor.



11:30  I dismiss Lena to play with PJ (peacefully?) while I make lunch.

12:30  I read PJ & Lena two books and they head to an hour of room time (bliss!)  Jack takes an hour to free read or play legos or something else for free time.  I check on email, read a book, paint something, walk the dog, or do something fun for me.

1:30  Lena is done with school unless we need to tie up loose ends.  If we save something it's either her reading to me or a math lesson together and it varies when we try to finish this during the day.  If she and PJ are playing well, we'll work on it after dinner.  If they are discontented with each other, sometimes I'll ask Jack to play with PJ and she and I will work.  Jack heads back to school work and usually does another hour or so.



3: I feel very inept at getting us all outside each day.  It seems such a struggle 6 months out of the year.  But I attempt here sometimes with bribery of ice cream or hot cocoa for them taking time to play outside.  Again, once I get them out there, they take off on their own fun, but it is hard getting over that first cliff.  Otherwise, the kids play and I work on household stuff or lessons for co-op/Awana.

4: Media time!  Whatever screen they want is theirs for one glorious hour (they say!).  I start on dinner and finish up housework, etc.

5:30  Dinner and sometimes an evening activity.  Otherwise, Dad is the games leader and I get to just follow the crowd (and take photos).



7: PJ & Lena head to bath and books and bed.  I usually am the reader for them.

8: I read aloud to Jack and then he heads off by 8:30.

Our pattern has been to school September thru May.  We are a pretty traditional homeschool, though I don't worry too much about "grade level" as I feel we've got motivated learners.  We give them enough free choice that most of the time, even with seemingly laborious tasks, they have helped choose the what and how of their learning and practice.  We participate in a homeschool co-op one morning a week for all three kids.  We try to keep evening activities to a minimum or at least ones that we can do together.

It is a pretty organized and well oiled machine.  Our first born, Jackson, seems to thrive on schedules and lists like me, and the other two kids have really had no choice but to follow our lead as we've been on this schooling journey.  We're a little classical education and a lot of literature based learners.

I wouldn't trade our situation and set up for the world. I love what the good Lord has blessed Paul & I with here and we are trying to just soak up each day as it comes. 

Thanks for checking in with our family!

Click here to see what we were up to last year in 2012!

What do you want on your tombstone?

You can see this little table I pull out for PJ while we're doing school work.  He has his own "desk" and works right by us (but not on top of us!).  This day he was playing with a felt pizza making kit.  Lena and I spent a bit of time last summer making some fun baggies of felt fun like this.  PJ's desk is a new addition to our school room since Christmas and it is working really well.

Also working well...I packed away 5 different toy backpacks and bins.  We pull one out each day for PJ to play with while I read to the kids.  That way he is right by us and included, but not interrupting.  So far...working great!

We have been over fevers for 48 hours from Influenza A and I'm so grateful for restored health.  We had a family movie night tonight and it was snuggly and fun.  Now Jack is curled up with a new Rick Riordan book and I'm catching up on down time where I sit on the couch and try to stay awake until a decent hour to go to bed!

Thanks for all the prayers and support sent our way during illness!

books outside

 

books r us

 

So many books, so little time!

 

Jackson and I have been busting through our stash of chapter books for the year.  I read from one of them to him each night.  He reads a bit from several each day (then usually insists that I MUST read this one...it is SO good!)  Because he is studying the Eastern Hemisphere this year, they are focused on Asian people groups thus far.

 

This is not to say that he's given up Garfield completely...just focusing more efforts on enjoyable and valuable reading rather than just reading for the sake of enjoyment!

 

Jackson was recently heard saying to a friend "The author of that one is on the New York Time's bestseller list." 

 

This from the same kid who recently declared "We're having a revolution...The Thompson kids are revolting!" (Clearly, he was not thinking of ALL the definitions for the word.)

 

 

Beginner's Luck

 

 

 

Are we too cool for school?  Eh, let's go mini golfing.

No, really, though.  School has gotten off to such an amazing start this year!  I'd say we always enjoy the "back to school in the fall" phase, but this year we just hit our groove so easily.

Our pre-set curriculum has helped in that regard.  Also, because we started slowly back to work in August, we have been able to add one thing on more each week until we hit the full pull of academics.

I have had some tired kids at the end of the days, too.  After a rigorous school schedule and then just enjoying the mostly warm days, they are done by nightfall!

As always, I feel like now, no matter what curve balls we might encounter through the year, having a good start keeps us feeling positive and confident to make it through to the end!  But we're not even looking toward the end of this year, we're having too much fun in the now!

 

 

 

Summer Butter

Nothing says "homeschool field trip" like a huge pile of butter, right?

like Newton, man

just keep trying....

and success!

As we work through a Janice VanCleave Science for kids book, we recently conducted an "objects in motion" science experiment!  Also, a good example of why kids should wear their seat belts!

Woke up, got outta bed, ran a comb across my head....

I always enjoy the SimpleHomeschool series titled "A Day in the Life". It is fun to see how many ways there are to be homeschooling families.  I highly recommend anyone thinking about schooling their kids at home to give a good hard look at the list of others who post along with me today.  It helps to find a family you can identify with and think "Yes, that could work for us."

I hadn't planned to post this year, as I did last year, but the thought occurred to me early enough in the day.  So I thought, yes, that would work today.  Let me tell you, though, if you don't keep at least a few notes, a lot gets lost through the course of the day!  But if we stick with mostly major points, then no one gets bored to tears!

After a few night time kid checks (due to recovery coughs/colds) the alarm went off at 6:10am.  I didn't hop up for it, though.  Paul and I were up a bit late the night before (uh, by late, I mean 10:30...ooohhh).  Many of you know that as your kids age and go to bed later, you have less and less of that glorious evening time to work on stuff you'd like to work on!  That's a spoiler alert, for all you parents of young tots!!!!

Lingered in bed, spent time in prayer.

Got up at 7, fed and watered dog.  Two kids were already up and lounging.  Reading morning devos and new library books.  I let the little guy sleep as he was up a bit at night coughing.

Took the opportunity to do a quick workout tape in the basement while Dad does devos, breakfast, and kids follow suit and start chores. Before I start workout, I throw a coat of paint on a bathroom door that will be hung back upstairs when dry. Puppy & PJ make their way downstairs as I'm stretching and give lots of hugs and licks.

After workout, I come upstairs and crack a few windows to let in some fresh, mild winter air.  As I meander through rooms checking on progress of kid chores, I put away laundry (mainly to find the clothes I'm rewearing from yesterday).  I put PJ's jammies away and think of tonight when he'll slip them back on and I can "check out" as caregiver even now as I'm "on duty".  I opt again to wear a skirt...it makes me feel like a girl and I'm kind of tired of pants.  The tights and slippers complete the ensemble! 

I get ready for the day as I assist with chores and help PJ on the potty.  He sits there a long time.  As he does, I take the chance to straighten up the bathroom.  I warn the kids that after they finish chores, they can either play or hit the couches with free reading time, but I'll be a little longer than normal because I'm still getting dressed and haven't eaten breakfast.  Paul is out the door and it is 8:10.  I get tea and toast and am excited that there is homemade bread to slather peanut butter on!  I check my computer for my morning updates of the world I watch and the house is strangely subdued which is glorious.  I credit it to new library books.

PJ continues to play like a quiet little angel which though unusual, I take full advantage.  I hit the couch with the big kids for our morning meeting, of sorts.  It's 9 am.  A bit later start than usual.  I prefer between 8 and 8:30, but as I am in charge of this outfit, and no one else to answer to, I say to myself, it's great this way, too!

We hit the school table about 9:45 and as PJ has peeked in and out here and there, he is still playing on his own like a rock star.  Usually he needs more re-direction and has an active, and vocal, part in our couch/table time.  I go through writing, grammar, math and nature study with Lena.  Jack works independently except when he shows me something he has done or needs help on computer math.  Lena and I finish about 11.  She is a bit of a dawdler today as she watches Jack do typing practice on the computer.  Probably in part, too, because I keep getting up from the table to put laundry away or do a bit of pick up as she works.  I also had the laptop on the table, which distracts me and therefore, I'm sure, her.  I'll try better to keep it away tomorrow.

Jack finishes up odds and ends as PJ and Lena start a fort in her room.  Creates a mess, but occupies them until lunch is ready at noon.  Tortilla pizza today is a hit with everyone. 

As it is quite mild, and the dog needs exercise, I bribe all with a sucker if they'll go outside and muck around a bit with me.  Jack also has a load of wood to bring to the small barn to begin drying out.  It is fun, we make it outside nearly an hour.  I take the chance to finally take some portrait type pictures for our school pictures this year.  They are 4 months late, but I just never found the exact perfect moment for good ones like last year, so we went with what we had today!

We're back inside around 1:15 and PJ & Lena help me give Scouty her monthly bath while Jack finishes his chapter book.  Pup gets a treat and the littles and I hit the couch for me to read to them.  PJ goes off for a nap around 2 because he's been fighting a cold and we have AWANA tonight.  He gives in easily to sleep. 

I head to my comfy chair with coffee and spend some time crocheting, writing, correspondence.  Jack and Lena are firmly planted reading and coloring, respectively.  Until about 4 we'll just hang out, paint, play games, and rest.  If there are leftovers from the morning we need to work on, we'll wrap that up.  I'll pop in and out with painting the door, and any other projects I'm working on for home or hobbies.

At 4 the kids choose media time.  They vacillate between tv (Phineas & Ferb) and Wii football.

Dinner is right at 5 tonight (beef sandwiches and tater tots) and we all go to AWANA to participate/help.  Straight to bed for kiddos when we get home and then a good hour or two to hang out with the hubs.  We talk, do computer work, craft, house projects...just chill out!  Love it! 

I'm grateful for every hour of the day, each with a different season and feeling it brings.  The busy hours that lead to the quiet ones and back again.  Finding the balance for each home is a challenge, and I try to flex with the seasons as they come and go.  But the balance in our home right now is good.

Every day isn't as peaceful as smooth as this one.  But I love just being home with the kiddos, and I'll take each day like this one with gratefulness and appreciation!

like Tiffany

Our recent art project was to replicate (loosely, I'd say) the art of stained glass, from the book "Great American Artists for Kids" which we've been working through.

Here you can see Jack drawing the glue lead-like lines.

The glue did spread more than we thought, so we made a second drawing with lines as thin as possible, and also simplified the design.

I always try to stress at the beginning of a project with kids, though, it won't look exactly like the picture.  Saying this, it seems to help kids know that their best effort at art work is wonderful.  Especially when the tools are sort of hard to work with, like watery glue!!

After letting the glue dry overnight, you can go back with glue/water/paint mix that colors in the outline areas.

It took up our school table for more than a day, but it was fun, and produced a nice end product.  I cut the edges of the plastic wrap stained glass, and framed it with cereal box cut outs.  Cool!

Write a Nature Poem

We are having such a fun time with our nature study this year using the book "The Nature Connection".

On a recent warm January day, we wrote a nature poem as we hiked.

 

:: "Warm Winter, Cold Day," by Jack & Lena  ::

::  Dead corn, Panting dog  ::

::  Light breeze, Fallen trees  ::

::  Cold ice, Grey rocks  ::

::  High sun, Stream run  :: 

So, that was that!  The lesson for the kids here, is that poems need not rhyme all the time!!

I felt a bit funny putting the kids in winter wear on such a warm day.  But as you can see by the puddle fun, it was a good decision!  They played in the creek for quite a while, too, and were pretty wet when all was done.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Well, sort of, parent teacher conferences.  In our house, it's more of a parent/teacher child conference!

I'd recently seen several lists of "year in review" type questions (see here or here) which got me to thinking.  First thing back to school Monday morning, we met on the couch.  It's a new aspect of our routine the last month, and it's working well.  Other than saying to Lena, wait for me to start this, etc....they do breakfast, chores, and then free read on the couch until we're all gathered.  I'm usually last ready, so they're not waiting for the day to start but having a good read until we can begin together.

Jack, of course, could start school on his own...but then by the time I sit down for a proverb and a prayer, he's already into a subject and hard to draw out.

But, I digress. 

So this morning, as was usual before our holiday break, we met and read the first chapter from our new novel "The Great Turkey Walk," had a proverb and prayed for our day.  Then we got down to brass tacks.  The kids traded chores as we do every few months.  They like switching around and picking new things to do and pawning the dishwasher job onto someone else.  Then we went through some questions to gage where we're at in school for the year.

Are we having fun?

Jackson:  Well, in parts, its fun, yes.  Like, not having 7 hours of school.  So it is kind of fun, in a way, yes.

Lena:  Sort uh.  Umm, hmmm.  Let's see.  All the different craft projects from around the world we've been doing is fun.  Painting.  Nature study and science projects.  There's not always so much interesting stuff. 

Mom:  The mornings are fun, definitely.  I really lose steam after lunch, though, and the tasks that we leave until then seem more of a struggle to get through.  I try like crazy to get it all done before noon, but some things (like Jack's math, craft projects with Lena) are better left when PJ is in his room for a bit resting or playing.  I'm finding having a hot cuppa coffe or tea is really helpful and helping us relax and enjoy the tasks after lunch.  Oh, and pandora radio, too.  I have a new station "January Music" I'm really digging.

Are we making progress?

Jackson:  Yes, we are, for sure.  In places like division, cursive, history, quite a few places.  Science, nature study. 

Lena:  Yes.  Uh-huh.  Ooh, I don't know.  I practice reading so much and can read books on my own.

Mom:  Slow and measured, for sure.  That is the kind of progress we want, for sure, though at times teacher and student get impatient!

Is the curriculum working?

Jackson:  The books, for sure.  I've learned a lot of different words from books.  The computer, it's just as good as doing any normal studies.  Even though I'd like to learn more of my age group, like archery.  I like more active things.  Like, football flashcards.

Lena:  Yes, but I have no idea.  What does "how-so" mean.

Mom:  Yes, but there is always room for better planning on my part.  I try to do as much with the basics in our learning as possible.  I much prefer to teaching skills without worksheet and without purchasing things.  Pre-assembled curriculum, however, is beginning to sound more appealing.  So, I'm doing a little poking around into that topic.

We hope you join us in the next semester!

unplanned curriculum

I'd say 1/3 of the curriculum we work on at homeschool has been books and materials that have come to us freely.  Whether friends/family pass things along that they have found or used and didn't need any more or they've come from a certain camp related storage house that shall remain nameless, they are free to us none the less. 

Jack started the year off with Teaching Textbooks for math, but I wanted him to have a bit of book ciphering (sounds like prairie school) as well.  We have the time in our day for both and I like the idea of pencil to paper in computation.  How else can a homeschool kid get the phrase "SHOW YOUR WORK" emblazoned into his brain like we did as kids!

So while the last few years we've worked through Saxon Math we started this year out with a free to us book called "Multicultural Math."  Thus far, he's worked in every area of concentration within mathematics in levels ranging from too easy to too hard (yeah, like, I can't even figure it out WITH the answer key!!).  For the most part, I've been most thrilled with the diligence with which HE has had to pursue the topics... for instance, looking through examples to figure out how to solve a problem. 

He's got a month or so left on the book before it's back to the "same 'ol" routine.  But it's been a fun way to kick off the fourth grade year!

Meet Me

Right now we are just plugging along like the little engine that could.  We count each small success a victory in training attitudes and minds.

Jack is just reading like the plague (?!?).  He is doing a really interesting math book which cares less for computation and more for the process.  It's been a challenge for him to work long and hard on some different mathematical ideas.  For a concrete thinking kid, it is good growth!  His cursive and typing and spanish are some extra activities on the outside of the three "R's".  I've heard some talk of not bothering with cursive anymore because of typing, but the kids really enjoy that "fancy" writing, so we're sticking with it for some things.  Meeting new friends around town has taken up a lot of his thinking and time this fall and it's been fun to see how he relates to the numerous friends he's made.  He's also been as diligent at helping around the house as ever.  He says he prefers inside work (like using a knife for ANYTHING in the kitchen or mixing concrete for window frames) to outside work, but we plant them outside for a time each tolerable day nonetheless.

Lena prefers learning to read with trade books so we've put aside our "100 Easy Lessons" book for Dr. Seuss.  We were getting a bit lost in the lengthier pictureless stories of the text and the focus and interest go out the window as the frustration sets in.  She says she likes math and is learning more concrete ideas of computation.  Lena is doing a lot of writing, which has added benefit to boost her reading and doesn't groan at the journal writing as she did even at the beginning of the year.  She's involved in several activities outside the home and has made a few nice girl friends.  So far most of the crowd we're running with is comprised of boys her age, but we've made a point to schedule play dates with the girlies when we find ones!

PJ is still just cracking us up.  He's still wearing his bat costume from Monday night...yes, even for naps and meals.  Though I put my foot down at bedtime!  At 3, he is getting a lot of color, shape, and number ideas.  He occasionally gets letters correct, too, and I think, "Oh, NO, not yet!!!"  Just play for another year or so, okay!!!

We're adding in art, nature study, and science as often as we can (right now averaging once a week).  Still, we're just reveling in some of these nicer warm days (in between the sleet and cold days) and trying to soak in all the outside time we can before the big chill sets up in the driftless region.

Make sure to drop us a line if you haven't in a while!  We like to know you're out there, too!

Kids in School

Did I share our "first day of school" photos, yet?

Boy, do they make me crack up.

  Home Educated with capital HE (for hee hee haw).