Homeschool Freaks!

Student of the Month

2012-01-12T22:51:00.000-08:00

This is the face of a young man that has put in a lot of extra academic hours! (like working through summer and holidays) Via tutoring and regular academic work. Some of you may not know this but my son, this handsome fella here, has a learning disability.

We are blessed with an amazing friend (and pastor's wife) that has been volunteer tutoring Sammy for the past 2? 3 years? She was the one who unofficially diagnosed him with the learning disability to begin with. Her heart is so devoted to serving God that when He told her to help Sam--she did not hesitate. She has put in her own time and energy to not only feed his mind, but his soul.

I haven't written much about it yet but our current academic adventure involves home educating through a public charter school. We haven't always done this (but we've always home schooled) but the past 4 or 5 years, it's been a good fit for us. We meet with an Education Specialist every 20 days to turn in work samples and fill the ES in on what we have been doing.

This year she started awarding a Student of the Month from one of the families she over sees. This time it was Sammy. She told him such nice and sweet things; how she had seen so much improvement in his work, how he has worked so hard and she recognizes it.

What a blessing. She made this award and gave him a full size of his favorite candy bar: Three Musketeers.

I am so proud of him and grateful for the help he has received.

Here's one of his most recent watercolors. He personalized it by adding the ear phones. Pretty creative, huh?

Ca Science Center

2011-12-07T23:44:00.000-08:00

I had an opportunity to do an extra credit paper for my own science class. One of the extra credit choices was to visit the science center and write a paper on it. Of course I took the middles with me (& the toddler). We have been there before but not for a long time. We had such a great time.

The center now has a two story aquarium. From the top floor, there is an outdoor viewing area and downstairs is a full length viewing area. You can even walk through a glass tunnel that goes through the aquarium, sharks and schools of fish swim above you. It's really impressive.

Birdy had so much fun in this wind tunnel. On her arms are simulated plane wings. You feel the air resistance according to how you direct your wings.

Both Sam and Birdy loved pretending to do a newscast. They didn't skip a beat when our toddler decided to join them. Birdy just ad-libbed and pretended like K was also an 'expert' on the show. It was hilarious.

They all couldn't get enough of this hang gliding simulation. I thought laying on that thing looked pretty comfortable.

Here are all three of them, using a giant lever to lift a truck. It really works and accurately demonstrates the various support it offers at different points on the lever.

We had a really fabulous time, so much fun. I'd like to go back. The aquarium was our favorite part and we spent the most time in that area. There are also different rooms representing different eco-systems. One was a desert and features flash floods. Kurtis was a little scared of the mock lightening and thunder. I was creeped out by the room that was all about compost and decay. I couldn't tell if the floor was supposed to be the floor of a forest or decomposers. EEwweee....!!!

I can't wait to go back. There is so much to see and do there, too much for one day, for sure. We went in the late afternoon for only a few hours. It must've been a great time because we nearly had the place to ourselves.

Days like this remind me WHY I love home-educating so much. The freedom to step away from the books and learn via hands on in a fun and relaxing setting.

Linked to:

November Learning Record

2011-12-01T18:02:00.000-08:00

Time for our 20 day meeting again. The kiddos always do better than I initially perceive them to have done. We really enjoyed doing paper marbling. It was interesting, fun & produced really pretty papers. It has turned into more of a challenge than I initially imagined, with me being in school while still having school-age children at home. I could do more checking up on them to help with follow-thru.

Sammy is really enjoying his science. He gets a lot done because he enjoys it so much. Right now he has an experiment going that shows how plants turn to follow the sun.

Birdy prefers the non-assigned work, like writing in her journal. She is learning how to create entries that aren't just: "Today I woke up and...." For awhile she was stuck with every entry beginning in that same.exact.way.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Birdy

LANGUAGE ARTS
letter writing to pen pal
daily journal entries
Oak Meadow LS 8-10
Grammar: recognizing & using conjunctions, prepositions, pronouns
spelling words: since, money, mean, ready, princess, idea, pony, share, buy, guess, train, least, opinion, always, those, because, lose, want, different, does, write, owe, dollar, more, meant

MATH
Teaching Textbooks:Lessons 49-61
multiplication speed drills to 12: 8 min

SOCIAL STUDIES
Oak Meadow: Lessons 8-10
documentary: Pompeii - Vesuvias volcano
Met artisan from Africa: free trade products

SCIENCE
how seeds spread, how seeds travel (get to their new home)
concepts of nutrition

PE
WII Sports: bowling, basket ball

ART
marbling paper
sketches of shapes w/ shading
self-portrait

Sammy

LANGUAGE ARTS
Reading Comprehension work books Level 6B (21-25)
Oak Meadow Lesson 7-10 Vocabulary (dictionary skills & alphabetizing): mosaic, righteous, personify, stanza, palace, citadel, eternity, theme, geometric, sewage, reincarnation, elaborate, sanitary, sacred, spiral, heir, subservient, humility, cocoon, shirk, ceremony, fiance, harmony, spontaneously, scholar, paradox, quietude, ambition, frugality
Adverbs: sentences containing “how” & “when” adverbs.

Wrote letter to pen pal. (emphasis on *present tense*)
wrote letter pretending to be in a *caste*.

MATH
Teaching Textbooks Lessons 89-108
percentages, multiplying & dividing decimals GEOMETRY: point & line segments, angles, types of angles, pairs of lines, polygons, perimeter, area, circles, geometric solids,
UNITS OF MEASURE: units for length, units for liquids, units for weight, metric system, combining units GRAPHING CONCEPTS: number line, measuring w/ a ruler, negative numbers

HISTORY
Oak Meadow: Ancient Civilizations & religious beliefs; Persia: Zoroastrianism: mono-theistic culture, art: stonework, rock wall carvings called *reliefs*, objects made of bronze, silver & gold, walls & domes paved w/ mosaics. India: Himalayan Mountains: highest in the world (Mt. Everest), India’s name comes from Indus River, 2 major religions: Hinduism (worship many gods) & Buddhism (8 fold path), caste system: Priests, Warriors, Traders, Servants, Outcasts. Family Relationships: close, extended family in one home, meal time important. China: established along 2 rivers: Yellow River & Long River, Girls & boys could mingle (play) as children but @ age 15 (girls) & 20 (boys) parents arranged marriages. Children expected to obey parents & women were expected to obey husbands. Boys were regarded as more valuable than girls, have high regard for elderly wisdom: researched Chinese Tea Ceremony, Confucius
Geography: locate countries on the map
Documentary: Pompeii: Vesuvias

Cultural: Business & artisan from Africa, learned about free trade business, how it bolsters economy & helps others.

SCIENCE
Oak Meadow Lessons 7-11
Soil & Nutrients: 1)function of soil; difference between dirt & living soil 2) understand how plants use nutrients, how nutrients cycle in the environment & how compost is produced by soil organisms: fertilizer, bacteria & compost, soil food web. Stems & Transportation: 1)difference between herbaceous & woody plants, & functions of stems & wood 2) Understand & describe transportion of water & nutrient through specialized plant tissues 3) understand & describe function of leaves: what stems are primarily made of, function of xylem & phloem, photosynthesis. Photosynthesis: 1)importance of the process to all life on earth 2) able to describe process 3) transpiration: photosynthesis equation, why important, difference between atom & molecule, how gases enter & exit plants. Flowers & Plant Reproduction: 1)distinguish between angiosperms & gymnosperms 2) main parts of a flower 3) how flowers reproduce through pollination: 3 ways pollination can occur, define deciduous, main parts of a flower, importance of pollination. Plants Sense & Respond: 1) why leaves turn toward light (phototropism) 2) why roots grow down into soil & stems grow up (gravitropism) **Current Experiment**: plant in box w/ light only from one side: observe plants gradual movement toward light source (sun)

ART
marbling paper
self-portrait

PE
scooter 1 mile (20 min)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I am so grateful that I live in an area where home-educating is a legal option.

Paper Marbling

2011-11-16T16:00:00.000-08:00

One of Sammy's ancient cultures lessons included marbling paper as an art lesson. It was very easy.

You add water to a flat container. Then you place a dot of paper on top and squeeze drops of ink paint on the dot. The paint will slowly spread across the surface of the water. When you have added the colors you want, you gently place your sheet of paper on top, wait a few seconds and then lift it up. the designs are one of a kind and not exactly repeatable.

It was actually very fun to do because every design is so different. It was fun to mix the paint colors and see what develops. That is ONE of the joys of home educating....all the fun YOU get to have as a parent.

Marbled papers can be used for all sorts of crafts and projects. The middles cut small sized pieces of paper to use as Artist Trading Cards. (they are about the size of a standard trading card, cut from various art papers) You could use the marbled papers as stationary, journal or book covers. Even background & decorative papers for scrapbooking! So many possibilities.

People will notice...

2011-11-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

(This is reposted from my main blog because it has to do with home-educating)

We were all at the park today while the Mr. was across the street for an audition. I noticed a lovely woman with a pre-school aged son. She sat on a bench watching him play, initially. Then she began pushing him on the tire swing. They were having a conversation that was basically about making friends. She told him what a good job he did introducing himself and gave him suggestions on other ways he could make new playmates on the playground. It was reminiscent of conversations I used to have with oldest around the same age.

Oldest was staying close to the kiddos while I did a little writing. Later I moved closer to them while he relaxed under a shady tree. The middles, the toddler and her son were all playing nicely together. His mother eventually approached me to compliment me on how nice my children were with her son and to play with him. She was very sincere. I told her I thought it was because they were used to having a little brother around and also their older brother was a good example.

"Well, they all must have got it from somewhere." She said referring to me.

"Thank you." I responded, accepting her compliment.

She inquired how I felt about the age gaps. (oldest is 7.5 years older than #2 and #3 is 7 years older than the toddler) I told her , honestly, how much I really loved it, actually. Admitting how over whelmed I felt when the middles were younger being only 2 years apart. Plus, what a great help older kids are to younger ones.

"So..I have to ask then, what is your secret for such wonderful children? you've obviously done a really great job," she finally said.

I smiled, unsure how to answer. Do I say what I really *want* to say? Do I beat around the bush? Do I really have an answer to give? After a split second hesitation I finally decided to just go for it and respond how I honestly felt like answering.

"Well, if there is a secret, if I'm being honest, I know everyone can't do it but I really think it's due to homeschooling," I smiled. "I mean, I really love it. I tell everyone that I think everyone should homeschool. Life is just so short and your children have such short childhoods, it's so great to be able to spend all that time together. And since they are together so much, I think they realize, they've got to make it work because all they have is each other. I mean they have outside activities but for the most part, we're together most of the time. And when you are together so much, everything is magnified but you can address issues right then and there and really be on top of it."

I was ready for her to gently begin to walk away and smile politely but she stayed put and responded sincerely. We continued our conversation talking about the weather, our desire to go to the snow this season and the fact that she's from New York. I told her how I recognized the conversation I over heard her having with her son earlier, from conversations I used to have with oldest on how to make friends. She recommended a website for condo vacation rentals by owners.

I left feeling so encouraged. It's nice to hear compliments like that, right? It's reassuring. It was a great highlight of a wonderful day. And reminder that people are noticing, not that that is why we choose to parent well, but it's good to remember when we're tempted to NOT parent so well either.

October Learning Record

2011-10-27T18:18:00.000-07:00

Being enrolled in a public Charter school requires us to meet with an "Education Specialist" every 20 days and turn in work samples to add to the children's portfolio of work and create a "learning record". These meeting used to stress me out, primarily because of the previous ES we used to have and partly because I tend to not be so organized.

This is what my LR looks like when I AM organized:

* * * * *

BIRDY

LANGUAGE ARTS
Writing Sample: compare & contrast essay
letter writing
daily journal entries
cursive writing; paragraphs (Thanksgiving poem)
Reading Comprehension Lessons 1-4 work book
Oak Meadow Lessons 5-7
Punctuation: recognition and proper usage of question marks & exclamation points
copied paragraphs & fixed missing punctuation marks
recognition of proper nouns & common nouns; copy a paragraph & fix capitalization of pn & cn
recognition of prepositions: copy paragraph & underline the prepositions

MATH
Teaching Textbooks:Lessons 33-48
perpendicular & parallel lines, (identifying) types of triangles; Scalene, Isoceles & Equilateral, Acute, Right, Obtuse, polygons, perimeter, area, intro to fractions, adding with 4 digits, regroupong, rounding & estimating w/ 4 digits, decimals; tenths & hundredths, decimals & fractions, decimals in words, dollars & decimals, dollars/cents/decimals, adding & subtracting decimals
multiplication speed drills to 12: from 15 min to 9 min.

SOCIAL STUDIES
Oak Meadow: Lessons 5-7
identify & sketch animals of local region/environment, sketch animals in their environment; squirrel, bat, rabbit, lizard, pigeon
foods & living quarters: bird: worms/insects-nests in trees, rabbits: grass, lives in a burrow, squirrel: nuts & live in trees, bats; fruit, live in caves, lizards: insects, live in gardens
identify and (begin) research local/regional native peoples/tribes: Chumash, Gabrielino, Cahuilla, Lauiseno, Tipal-ipal : foods & living quarters

SCIENCE
identify, harvest & dry: sunflowers seeds
inspect & observe peanut, sketch the inside of peanut
plant flowers in garden
farm animal observation: pigs, cows, goats, bee observations: hive, bee language & communication, matching animal eyes to the correct animal.

PE
rode bike 7 laps around block: (1.4 mi)
walk 1 mi

ART
crochet: shoelaces, cross-stitch, Paper Mache pumpkins
water color pencil: master copy of an abstract painting
sewing class: Made a BEE costume: sewing a seam, attaching appliqued stripes

FIELD TRIP
La County Fair
* * * * *
* * * * *

SAMMY

LANGUAGE ARTS
letter writing, journal writing
Reading Comprehension work books Level 6A (10 lessons)
Vocabulary (dictionary skills & alphabetizing): plague, nomads, drought, famine, prophet, migrate, monotheism, faith, courage, justice, proverb, ethics
vocabulary words used in sentences
Creative writing: fictional story of a bully/under-dog
Retold/wrote story of Moses (rough draft: Ancient Civilizations)
Writing Sample: Compare-contrast essay

MATH
Teaching Textbooks Lessons 73-88
adding/subtracting a decimal & a whole number, multiplying a decimal & a whole number, multiplying decimals by 10, 100, 1000, zeros in the quotient w/ decimals, dividing 2 decimals, thousandths & decimals, dollars & cents, adding money, rounding decimals, comparison shopping, percents,

HISTORY
Oak Meadow: Ancient Civilizations & religious beliefs; Hebrews: Egypt: Abraham, David & Goliath, Moses, 10 Commandments,
Geography: locate & label Middle Eastern countries on the world map (accidentally located & labeld South American countries instead!)

SCIENCE
Oak Meadow
Green plants: 1.basic anatomy & biological composition of a seed 2. basic requirements for seed germination & growth 3. several methods of seed dispersal in nature: difference between growth & reproduction of plants & animals, 3 ways plants are important to Earth, 3 parts of seed (seed coat, embryo, endosperm), importance of each part, 3 requirements for seed germination/growth, 3 ways seeds can be dispersed
Seedlings: 1. Identify & describe structure & function of basic parts of green plants: roots, stems & leaves: explained functions of parts of a green plant: leaves, stem, roots, root hairs, bud, bud scale. Described 2 main types of root systems, main functions of roots in green plants: describe 3 functions, roles of leaves in function of plant, 3 parts of plant commonly eaten by humans
Farm animal observation: cows, pigs, goats

ART
Mastered water color pencils
cake water colors, perspective drawing
Paper Mache Pumpkin

PE
football: played various positions: receiver, lineman
rode bike around block 6 x = 1.2 mi
rebounder

FIELD TRIP
La County Fair
* * * * *
* * * * *

Pretty impressive, huh? It looks impressive to me BUT they can certainly accomplish more than this.

It would help if I kept a log of work DAILY instead of trying to keep track only every 20 days, try to remember, look back their work. Duh. I know. The first two meetings of the year I was very over whelmed with my own school so I wasn't as prepared for our LR meetings and did not create a LR at all. I think I am back on my game now though.

Paper Mache Pumpkin

2011-10-21T20:38:00.000-07:00

This month the middles (4th & 6th grader) tried paper mache for the first time. They created pumpkins. I thought they would find this craft fun and easy. As usual we needed to wing it.

The process involves inflating a balloon and covering it with strips of starched tissue paper. There wasn't ANY orange tissue paper at the store, believe it or not. So I purchased orange paper napkins instead. They tore them into strips but did not take apart the layers. I think it could have been smoother if they did. Once the paper is dry, they drew a face with a black sharpie and then the balloon is popped or deflated.

I think they came out adorable!!!

(even though we only got a pic of one)

Two Month Check-In

2011-10-15T10:19:00.000-07:00

...and I don't truly feel settled yet. This past week I took some time to reorganize and go through my inventory of 'school supplies'. It was SO helpful. It's never too late to reevaluate what is working, what is not and if something needs tweaking.

I never used to purchase curricula. I used the library mainly, followed the seasons, holidays and my heart. When we joined our charter school, I began to explore curricula options a little more. After growing a collection of odds and ends....I found a curricula I absolutely adore! I'll tell you more about it later. I still love supplementing though and that is what I've been doing lately to get us back on track.

Birdy seems to really need a timer--we've discovered. And to memorize her multiplication tables better. I found a pack of fill-in multiplication charts at Dollar Tree. She's been doing them every day for speed/time. After only a few tries, she's improved her time by minutes!

She is also working on her cursive. After cleaning out her cubby, I found some unfinished Thanksgiving cursive practice pages. Perfect timing and theme! I also went through my home school supply cabinet and found a set of comprehension workbooks I ordered last year for Sam, to help with his reading. This was one of those purchases I made initially through the charter school. I ordered the complete set. Each grade level has three work books of reading. The set included a perfect level for Birdy and for where Sam is at now. I pulled them out and they have been using them. This is good testing practice too because it includes a short story and questions pertaining to the reading. It matches the format of the standards testing they do every year.

Birdy tends to be very flighty (no pun intended) with her school work. I think having a timer, set in 20 minute increments, will improve that situation. Also, when I come home from school, I work on my own things with her *right next to me*, working on anything she hasn't finished yet. Being in close quarters where I can stay right on top of her, really helps her focus and move along.

Even though I have one graduated, I don't have all the answers. Each child is different and so are their needs and their learning style. Therefore, it's still an ongoing learning process for me, in knowing what will work.

Stage of development is important too. We often think developmental stages are only for babies and toddlers--not so. It's for every life stage and age. Everyone's home educating experience will not look alike and what works for one family may not work for another. That is the beauty of this academic adventure!

Life After Home-School

2011-08-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

Having a home schooled graduate is interesting. It's almost unnoticeable until you really sit and think about it. I mean I've had this 'kid' around 24/7 for nearly 2 decades. LOL

I have put in 13 years of intense effort and energy to produce a young man that can face the world intelligently. It was as much an accomplishment for me as it was for him! I seriously entertained the idea of throwing MYSELF a party.

Since Ern has graduated the questions abound, most commonly: "What is he going to do now?"Well, I can tell you he is NOT in college. I get mixed reviews on that statement. Some don't really care, others think it's cool & still others seem very concerned.

As a mother, personally, I wanted him to go to Harvard. There I said it. It was the only non-local school I was willing to part with him for. Honest. Well, he didn't apply there...or anywhere actually. So I figured he'd go to the local community college..."It was good enough for me..." Nope, didn't register for that either.

It's interesting having a 'grown, adult' child. It's a mixed level of relating. I have chosen to respect my son as a young *man*, key word being man. A man with his own ideas, dreams and plans for his future. A man with his own relationship with God. This young man of mine knows God has a plan for his life and he is choosing to wait and pray on it more before pursuing a more definitive direction. Isn't that part of what I've been training him to believe and do all his life?

He didn't really feel college was the next step for him at this time in his life. It makes sense. I know more than anybody that college is not required to pursue your dreams or necessary to have a good life. The Mr. is living a career that would be a dream for most, no college education required, and supporting our family with it. Why would I expect any different from my grown son? He's an artist, and from what I hear, a very good one. (of course *I* think he's great but my opinion might appear to be biased, therefore I mention 'others' opinions. ;-) )

What he did do was graduate from highschool, spend a fabulous summer with our family, intern and substitute teach at the art studio he was taking classes at. Now, he begins working. Working at the same art studio teaching regularly scheduled and substitute teaching art classes and getting paid for it.

There seems to be lots of expectations with home educated students and families. To 'prove' it works, you need to produce "super successful" students above and beyond regular public or private school students. Of course those ideals of success are relative. Honestly, as a mom, I'm feeling the pressure. I find it interesting that *I* get asked so often what my son's plans are....why not ask him?

The more and more I go over this in my head, I realize how could I complain about a son who is seeking God's will for his life instead of getting sucked into the stereo-typical way of doing things? If I ever wanted a stereo-typical life would I really be home educating to begin with? haha.

I'm not feeling defensive, just thoughtful, as a mother. Seeking wisdom on a new level as a parent, to relate to my grown son. A new level of understanding God working in and through our lives and what this looks like when one is seeking Him first for direction and not relying on self and what everyone else says and thinks and expects you should be doing with your life at specific ages. It's a new level of humbleness...

Hands Off Educating?

2011-08-17T16:53:00.000-07:00

Often times while reviewing curricula or when others are asking for reviews, the question is asked: how hands off is it? Or how much actual *teaching* do I need to do? Or something along those lines. I've caught myself asking it as well. Why? When did home-educating become something we didn't want to put much effort into?

Curriculum choices are serious business. Parents (primarily mothers) put a lot of time and energy researching various curricula that will be just the right *one* for their child's learning style, their life style, their values and educational philosophies. If you want a curriculum that 'teaches itself', then why home-educate? What's the point--aren't WE supposed to be doing the teaching? Anything of value takes time, energy and effort. Why do we NOT want to put in the effort, for something we feel so strongly about? Have we lost our direction and focus?

One of the main reasons families choose to home-educate is to maintain family values by being the primary influence on their children's lives. What better way to do that then through time spent actually teaching your children. Relationship and trust is built through the teaching process as well.

We lose so much in the day to day busy-ness of life. Being your child's mother and teacher presents unique opportunities through out the day to connect with each child individually through the discovery of new knowledge. There is a time and a place for self-guided learning. Every home educating mother knows how to multi-task and create assignments that a child can do on their own. Of course, children are the ones doing the work. But let's not over look the bonding that happens when you are physically and mentally present with your child, introducing a new concept, discussing historical events, the significance of a great piece of literature or work of art.

For many home-educators value of home education is not solely found in the education but primarily in the home. Part of being home is the process of home-educating. It allows more opportunity for building a solid relationship with your children. Don't miss the opportunity.

grad pix

2011-05-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

A friend of ours took graduation pix for us of Ernie. These are two of my absolute favorites.

I guess you can call them Senior pix more than 'grad' pix since they aren't of his actual graduation....but they were taken very near his graduation day.

Weekly Wrap-Up

2011-03-19T22:22:00.000-07:00

Whew! What a week!

We spent one night in ICU w/ a dear friend, while the kiddos were home with Nana. Another night we went back to the ER to drop of a boat-load of snacks. I know how long those hospital days & nights can be. What does this have to do w/ home-educating? Well, it's LIFE, our life IS our education. learning to care about & FOR people, is the most important lesson, right?

Then the middles had to miss dance class-I hate that but I had class and the daddy had a call-back. Again, another life lesson. Priorities, sometimes you have to sacrifice what *you* want for the good of the whole family. Daddy needs to go to call-backs because that is how he supports us. No call back, no work, no support, NO dance class! Birdy really seemed to understand with out me having to even explain it. I was working it out in my head, a loud and I mentioned I could miss my own class & Bird piped up: "No! NO way--you can NOT miss class! It's very important." How sweet is that?

Bird had to draw a map of the world, paying attention to labeling each continent and ocean. For some reason, her hand drawn map produced a North America that was way bigger than the continent of Africa! I found a free printable blank map online and had her color and label that one as well.

We ordered the next math level for S from Teaching Textbooks. He also wrote grammar sentences and labelled them according to their punctuation. Both of them need to move faster through their history & science portions of their curriculum or we'll be working late through summer!!!

Last weekend Lil E was a camp counselor for the youth group so that accomplished quite a few hours for his 'volunteerism' elective. He constructed and turned in his resume for the internship position @ the art studio. I hope he gets it! He also continued to work on his grammar & is persevering through Chemistry still....he's also doing an online Film class elective....in honor of that we took a field trip to FIDM to see their museum exhibit of movie costumes. They had way more costumes than they had a few years ago, last time we went. It was completely fabulous.

There is a park connected to it, so after the museum we hung out & the youngers played and ran around. Then we enjoyed a gourmet lunch from a high end 'lunch truck'! lol It was super delicious.

Masterpiece

2011-03-10T23:38:00.000-08:00

Aren't these great? The three *students* take art classes locally. I adore the owner and instructor of the studio. And my kiddos produce these great looking pieces! The older has been working on a mural, in the studio, the last few months. He's going to apply for an internship there. I know he's really hoping to get it.

I am so glad we learned of this studio. They have learned so much in their classes. I wish I had a giant wall to display all their work!

Weekly Wrap-Up

2011-03-05T01:39:00.000-08:00

This week Birdy followed up her prairie landscape with making a list of supplies she would take along, if she were traveling by covered wagon from Wisconsin to Kansas. It was amusing to see her mind work over this. She initially planned to take lots of eggs and milk....until I explained to her that you can't get milk and eggs from a store, they wouldn't have a refrigerator either. That threw her for a loop. I had her start reading Little House in the Big Woods. I think she will like it and it will go along nicely. She also passed her violin pieces and has begun working on a new set.

Sammyboy is still pushing through Johhny Tremain. I keep forgetting to set some time aside to read it to him. It will help him jump a head a bit faster.

They are both learning a few new routines in their hip-hop class to prepare for the dance concert. I know they are really looking forward to it. Basket ball just ended for S and his coach even asked him for information about the studio, for his own son. I think S felt proud about that and thought it would be really cool if one of his sports-mates was in his dance class too.

Both of them also wrote letters to their out of state friends, but did not mail them. We also spent some time with the microscope. Viewing hair, fibers and attempting to see other items up close. Their big brother helped them attempt to make salt crystals. They realized that sea salt does not work like iodized salt! Their first attempt was a fail and they had to redo that experiment.

Ern--sigh--just about died over his chemistry this week. One chapter took him forever with page long problems and equations. He also attempted to do a chemistry experiment, mixing chemicals but there was no reaction. Not sure why. He said he followed the directions to a "T". He worked on the final touches of his research paper. I still need to go over it for him too. He went to a friend's high school play--I think that can count as fine art?

We took a field trip to the Japanese Gardens on the campus of CSULB and visit their art gallery as well. S & Birdy really enjoyed feeding the Koi fish.

Japanese Gardens

2011-03-04T23:06:00.000-08:00

We haven't gone on a field trip for way too long. Today turned out to be an excellent day to go, the weather was very cooperative. Warm, actually, after so long of being chilly. I wanted the ktbunch to see where I go to school, as well as how FAR I have to walk from my car to class, every day. LOL

The University has a lovely Japanese Garden we haven't been to in years plus an art gallery I thought they would also enjoy. S & Birdy especially LOVED feeding the Koi fish. The garden itself is rather small and K was over due for a nap, which makes for an over-active and under-obedient toddler. Needless to say we didn't stay very long. I think we can take another trip if we arrive earlier, when K is more calm and willing to walk around instead of wanting to *run*, *jump* and *climb* on everything.

We could not take any pictures in the art gallery. We could not even carry in our back packs. There were a few students there that seemed to run the place. They were friendly and pleasant.They even kindly warned us of some "adult content". I appreciated their thoughtfulness toward my children. However, they literally followed us around the place and that made me feel very anxious and nervous. It is a small gallery so it wasn't subtle.

At one point, I had S & Bird stand close to a piece of art work to compare how they viewed it, to standing farther away. before I could have them step back, one of the students told me/them, we needed to be at least 18in away from the art pieces. Ok. You could not even read the plates describing the work from that far back! I tried very hard not to feel perturbed by that.

I wanted to have a picnic on campus and show them more of the fountains but they were extra-hungry. Besides, once they heard it was free FRY day at Chick-fil-a...they had a one track mind. Over all, it was a well needed and nice change of pace.

I think we all left feeling inspired.

New Outlook

2011-02-19T12:43:00.000-08:00

I'm changing up the blog a bit. I want to expand more on our home educating journey.....now that my first is nearly finished. {eyeroll} I'm hoping to give more insight to what *our* home-educating life looks like in real every day life. Not that I will blog daily, but I hope to give a clearer view of what home educating can really look like for one family in a sea of very many.

Many think that all "home schoolers" are the same, such as all super conservative, Christians that don't allow their children to date, spend time with others, always wear skirts and make all their own bread. Guess what? Nope! haha.

Home educating families fit a very broad range of styles, methods, religious (& non-religious) backgrounds. And they are all over the WORLD! :-)

I want to spend more time sharing what our academic life looks like. Most of it does not look academic. That is on purpose. Our life is full of learning opportunities, so much that there is not much delineation between academics, living, field trips and family time. kwim?

I don't speak for all home-educating families. How could I? I can only give you a glimpse into our life...I hope you might enjoy what you see or find here. Maybe you will be inspired. ;-) I hope so...because I think home educating is a natural extension of family life and I really enjoy what it has offered our family.

Weekly Wrap-up

2011-02-19T12:22:00.000-08:00

This week both Birdy and Sam worked with clay. It was red clay, the super messy type. My entire sink has a fine red film on it now. :-)

It took Birdy a few days to get used to working with it. Her assignment was to make a landscape that included prairie land, hills and mountains. The challenge for her was actually working the clay in a more natural way. She wanted to stick pieces together instead of sculpting it into her finished piece.

Sammy's assignment was to make something useful, like a bowl or cup. I suggested he make a small trinket bowl. I think he got bored very quickly and was not very interested in making it attractive at all. It's simply a basic bowl shape but it is not smooth and he wasn't even interested in painting it. He's still reading Johnny Tremain and working diligently on his math. He had two basketball games this week too, which made for some crazy tag-team scheduling between mom and dad.

The big guy has finished his literature book.....it was supposed to last him through the end of the school year, in May. I'm not sure why it hasn't. That is ok though, it give shim more time to catch up on his novel reports, his research paper and the rest of his grammar units. It really helped to drop the Algebra II. He also has more time to get all his Chemistry work finished.

I just thought of this weekly wrap-up at the very last minute but I plan to give more details in the future.

Monthly ES meeting

2011-02-11T14:18:00.000-08:00

We had our monthly ES meeting today. I did not know that they were going to do their "Scantron" testing that day. (tests that the charter school administers, not state testing) I was able to see their scores immediately.

Birdy showed the most improvement. That was comforting. The big guy did well as usual. Sammy....oh Sammy....his scores are just not accurately showing his potential or improvement. I guess this is what it's like when you have one with a learning disability? Awful test taking skills? It's frustrating to not be able to show concretely and tangibly how hard you know your child has worked and how much they have truly improved. I felt rather discouraged.

He's been working with a tutor for over a year now. She's wonderful and he could not be making the strides he is if it weren't for her support and guidance. But those test scores.....still showed below average. {sigh}

Birdy actually scored high average. Wow! I was surprised, really. They didn't even get to present their work to the ES. ("education specialist", is their official title) I had to do it for them because they were testing all that time.

The big guy was able to present his work himself, which is great because I would not have any idea. I think she was impressed with how much he is able to get done now. Thank goodness. Over all, it was another good meeting. I am so blessed by our ES this year. She is such a great support and blessing to us.

Introspective Exercise

2011-01-22T09:48:00.000-08:00

I had my middles do a collage exercise. I wasn't sure if they would understand the concept but again, guilty of underestimating them. The idea is to create a collage in a designated, short amount of time, that represents you. Or represents how you see yourself anyway.

It was so neat and surprising to see what they came up with. They gave me a lot of insight into their hearts and minds. It was interesting to really take a look at how they view themselves. Some of their choices were surprisingly deep and others were predictably funny...and really honest.

The 10 year old

5th Grade

The 8 year old

3rd grade

I was really blown away by their introspection. They included their personality strengths as well as their weaknesses. I can't believe how much credit we DON'T give the, as far as how much they understand and how well they know themselves.

Supplies Needed
1 sheet of cardstock each
magazines
glue sticks

Each child was given a sheet of card stock. Instructions were: choose pictures (or words) from the magazines (tear out--no scissors needed) that represent themselves. Glue pictures onto the card stock sheet. Afterward they were given time to explain their finish product.

I only gave them about 10 or 15 minutes to tear out the pictures and glue them on....otherwise they become too distracted with the magazines. :-)

Poem of the month

2010-11-11T13:07:00.001-08:00

Each month so far we have memorized a new poem. This is a new addition to our home educating journey so each monthly poem has actually been entitled for that particular month, so far. I think poetry is a greatly over looked part of a well rounded education. Not only does it help with memory and memorization skills but also recitation, public speaking, proper annunciation and articulation, as well as various writing devices, recognition and use of rhyme schemes.

Poetry memorization has been a surprisingly lovely part of our daily routine.

November

Still the garden blossoms bravely,

Though the Year is nearly done,

Fresh chrysanthemums are shining

In the pale and wintry sun.

Such a number of bright colors

Make the beds and borders plain,

We believe the summer roses

Must have all come back again.

Now's the time when great plantations

Must be planted, oak and fir,

Beech and elm, and towering poplar

That the wandering night-winds stir

And the time when treasured fruit-stones,

In the summer stored away,

Must be set, that spreading orchards

May grow up another day.

Poem of the month

2010-10-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

Since the month has changed, that means we are memorizing a new poem. I think we might even be able to get two memorized if we really try.

October

Where the beech and maple grow

Leaves as bright as flowers show,

Every path, and garden bed,

Are ablaze with gold and red.

Down the lane, and through the stiles,

Berries shine for miles and miles,

Hips and haws and nightshade deep,

Do the hedge-rows festal keep.

For your happy wearing see,

Matchless wreaths of briony,

Fairer than a jeweled crown

For a child to gather down.

Now is pleasant work all-day,

In the orchard where you play,

Laden branches bid you sing

Of a plenteous gathering.

Bolsa Chica Wetlands

2010-09-30T22:24:00.000-07:00

Today called for another field trip. S's science this week is focused on wetlands so naturally I thought we should go observe one. We went to one we've went before. It was nice except it was so cold. The temperature wasn't cold, we've been experiencing unusually warmer temps this week. The wind made it cold.

I couldn't stand very much of it so we left quicker than I planned. There were plenty of birds to see though, at least. S is supposed to make a model/dioarama of a wetland this week to do an experiment. I'm not sure if we are going to get to it though. It requires some supplies that we don't have on hand. (I hate that!)

It was nice to get out for awhile though. Baby K really seemed to enjoy it. I'd like to go back and walk the past the 1 mile loop. We have not done that before.

Chalk Art Contest

2010-09-25T22:43:00.000-07:00

The kids have been taking art lessons with a fabulous studio, compliments of the Charter School. The owner Vicky is also fabulous and her passion for art is inspiring.

She encouraged the students to create a design and participate in a local sidewalk chalk art contest. Oldest was lead design artist for his team. There were two teams from the studio, older teens and younger students.They all got fabulous prizes like admission tix to the local aquarium and oldest received a family admission to a local art museum. The judges chose oldest design. Of course I was proud!!! His design will be used on posters and as the logo for the park's festival next year.

The theme was Good Neighbors, Strong Community

Oldest design was inspired by the photo of the men raising the flag at Iwo Jima. I want to make it into a quilt.

This is the design the middles helped create. They did a fabulous job. Their art has really taken off since starting these classes. I am always amazed at the quality they are able to produce. I want to frame and hang every single one they make!

We're off to the fair!

2010-09-23T22:27:00.000-07:00

We've been to the County Fair before but it's been awhile. We had such a great time today! We were able to get in free because we were attending for a *field trip*. There was so much to do and see. In the past we've paid attention to the CA History emphasis. This time we paid more attention to the early Ameircan emphasis and there was plenty of that. I had never noticed it before, I guess.

The kids watched a blacksmith demonstration, wool felting demo, participated in hooking (latching?) a rag rug, created a rag doll and even played with and early American toy! The wool felting guy was so pleasant and friendly, telling us all about the craft and how to create toys, that we purchased a wool felting kit and can't wait to get started! We were in that area for a few hours, then we headed over to the farm animals.

The children received free chocolate milk. That was a nice treat. They were able to pet and feed goats and an alpaca. They viewed live chicks and chickens and read about their life cycle. We watched a sheep sheering demonstration and saw a live honey bee exhibit. Of course we couldn't resist buying some honey too!

S & L also made a real cowboy rope and rocked on a giant rocking horse.

We couldn't resist checking out all the children's art and crafts entries. There were so many talented pieces of artwork, photography, sewing, quilting, drawing etc. I regret not having the kiddos enter anything this year...but I'm planning ahead for *next* year! ;-)

We payed extra to see the Body exhibit. It is actual human bodies that have been exquisitely preserved. It was so amazing. They had human organs, healthy ones compared to cancerous and diseased ones. It was so amazing to see how fearfully and wonderfully created we are. To see the organs, veins and structures of the body was beyond anything we could imagine or create from our own minds.

It was a great but long day. After that it was off to art class!

Poem of the month

2010-09-11T11:08:00.000-07:00

We've added this lovely poem to our morning repertoire. We have already memorized the initial one, the daily prayer and we also do a Bible verse a day. We will include this poem for the entire month. Birdy's syllabus contains a large collection of poems and rhymes in the back, including one for every month of the year. This one is not too long, so it's a good one to start with.

September

September brings the ripening sun,

The clear sharp morning air,

And asters in a border wide,

And daisies for the garden's pride,

And foxgloves everywhere.

Among the rushes and the reeds

Long purples bend and sway,

Between the water and the land,

Beside the shining stream they stand

Till Autumn fades away.

Plant crocuses and tulips rare,

To bloom in next Year's Spring,

And crown imperials rich and fine,

To stand up in a glorious line

Amid new blossoming.

First Week of School

2010-08-25T22:27:00.000-07:00

Our charter officially begins school in August, a bit earlier than the local area schools. Monday was our first day. I was a bit apprehensive, simply because I've never used a *boxed* curriculum before. At the same time I was excited about the curriculum choices I had made for the middles.

The curriculum is from Oak Meadow. I like how they combine subjects like history and Language Arts. That is what I have always done. I am not using their math though and I am satisfied with that too. I am using Teaching Textbooks for math. This is working out better than I expected. The 5th grade includes a computer program so that the work can be done on the computer. It is exactly the same as the workbook but with fun graphics, not too much to be overwhelming though. The neat thing for us is that is reads all the problems to the student. This is especially helpful for struggling readers. No more time & brain energy wasted on just trying to comprehend the question!

Our first day was ok. We begin our school time with the lighting of a candle. Then we recite a poem. From there we look at our calender and read our daily Bible verse. Then we close with a poetic verse that I have us say as a prayer and we then blow out our candle. It is quite a lovely and reverent way to begin our day. I think it is my most favorite part.

It really helps me to stay focused on being pleasant and aspire to a day of loveliness. There are frustrations but every day is a learning opportunity, especially for me. ;-) I am determined to have a live of loveliness, in all areas.

1 week...

2010-08-18T12:47:00.000-07:00

Less than that officially, until school starts for us. Yay? Boo? Booth!

Most of our curricula is here and I am excited about it. At the same time I have put off really going through it and familiarizing myself with it. For the first time I ordered S & L 2 separate programs. In the past I taught them both at the same time, the same concepts. It was a happy medium.

This year in my over-eagerness? I actually ordered 2 separate, grade level appropriate programs. EEEK! WHAT was I thinking?

I have always shied away from boxed programs...somehow I thought it was too easy? Now I am feeling over whelmed and wondering HOW to figure it out? {sigh}

It has certainly brought me to a new, but familiar, place of desperate prayer over the situation and this school year. Otherwise, the curricula looks absolutely lovely. Between that and the college application process for Ern....yah, we're dosing ourselves in prayer for this year!!!

Oh! Already?

2010-07-14T23:25:00.000-07:00

We *barely* get into summer & ALREADY school supplies are out & about for sale. I really HATE it.

I do enjoy the *idea* of new books, curriculum and school supplies but certainly not 2 months before school is about to start. You would think w/ the way the economy is, stores would NOT want to take up that much space for items that won't start *moving* until things start dropping to rock bottom prices. Right?

WHO in their right mind is buying school supplies right now, paying full price?

Ridiculous! I'm just glad to see there are still swim suits for sale, because I need a new swim top!

Fresh Vision

2010-06-04T09:52:00.001-07:00

Let my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, as raindrops on the tender herb, and as showers on the grass. Deut. 32:2

This verse was on my calender for the month of June. Wow! This is going to be my new theme verse for this next school year, if not for the rest of our home educating years. It's what I want to hope for our home.

I want to teach w/ joy. I want learning to happen in lovely ways, not forced with tension. I have ordered some curricula for next year that I am very excited about using. I hope it allows us to get back to 'ourselves'. The way of learning we enjoy, being in nature, exploring, reading, living a life that promotes learning as a lifestyle.

This past year was filled w/ tension and a sense of performance that felt contrary to natural desire.

Looking forward to next year being different. :0)

Summer Break!

2010-05-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

could not come fast enough this year.

This year has definitely been different from all the others. More challenging over all. We made it through though, like we always do. We did enjoy lots of fun moments as well. This is a much needed break.

I wish I could have a do over, honestly. Next year my oldest is going to be a SENIOR! A real live senior!!!

I've imagined this moment many times and it seemed so far away & now it's around the corner. I can't believe it.

S & L's reading is showing a lot of improvement lately. I'm excited about that. We still have a few lessons, dance concert and art show to get through then hopefully we can just relax and gear up for next year.

A Real day of home educating!

2010-05-12T23:13:00.000-07:00

It's been super windy lately....UNTIL today when I decided to take the kids out to the park to fly kites.

Figured I'd have them bring their nature journals too.....we'd fly kites, discuss wind, flying, birds...whatever comes to mind as well as write down our observations of the stream/ponds @ the park in our nature journals.

So suddenly there is no wind today---just slight breezes.

ok kids--lets sit down by the water...we're going to learn about poetry....Haiku is easy, I'll explain it & read you one etc then you will write one. Immediately after I give my cheerful diatribe I say ok so let's write our OWN poems & Birdy says: What's a poem! ARG!!!

Oh & I have them pack snacks & make sandwiches. I am really looking fwd to my PB & honey sandwich. I open it & I immediately notice I have a HEEL part of the bread....we've got PLENTY of bread---no reason for ME to be given the heel---not to mention that I have said before I DON'T LIKE THEM!.. I ask Birdy WHY she did that--but I know the answer so I ask her: did YOU want the heel? Of course not right? So I begin a mini-lesson on how we are supposed to treat others kind--love your neighbor as yourself 'stuff'.....because she chose to purposely give it to me cause she did not want it.

Ok, whatever...I'll eat it---EXCEPT there's barely a smidgen...a smattering-- of PB on it---wwwwhhhhaaaaaa? Oh, she said we were out of PB....We've got like 4 JARS of it!!!! arg!!!! It was like 2 pieces of bread period.

Whatever--we go by the water to work on our poems...suddenly Birdy is brain dead or something. Sam whips out a haiku w/ only a bit of prompting from me & spelling help. Birdy gets her first line down but it's like she's not even thinking....I am SO frustrated I finally walk away w/ baby K to look @ the ducks....when I return, Birdy is done!!!

In half the time it took her to write the 1st line--she has written the next 2....Guess I just needed to LEAVE her ALONE!?!?!?!?

Somedays....I have NO idea what to do w/ these kids.

It's like I'm speaking & trying to teach them Chinese or something. Seriously.

How in the heck did Charlotte Mason EVER get children to sit by her in nature.....All they wanted to do was run around chasing ducks & look @ the water......

kids. gotta love em'... ;-)

Free Art Lessons

2010-05-04T14:34:00.000-07:00

I randomly found this link w/ art lessons for kids. It looks pretty good and you can search by grade level which is always helpful, right? "Incedible Art Lessons" It also states which standards are met by each lesson. That is SO helpful.

Speaking of art, oldest is still really enjoying his art classes. I'm so glad we found this studio and it became an approved vendor w/ the school. I am hoping they can help him prepare some samples to apply at Ryman again. He's enjoying it so much he wants to continue w/ classes through the summer. I am also hoping that the middles can begin lessons at this studio next year as well.

There are so many opportunities and so little time. happy sigh.

I found some art prints in my hutch of madness aka: where I now keep the majority of school supplies and curricula. I am going to make a definite effort to do a better job of incorporating fine art into our curricula next year.

Spring Fever has hit!

2010-04-14T23:34:00.000-07:00

Spring break came & went and now I can hardly wait until summer. I am excited about next year though. I used the rest of our funds to order curriculum from www.Oakmeadows.com for next year. It's based off the Waldorf style/method/philosophy of education.

I will also be signing S & L up for once a week day classes with this program: www.earthrootsfieldschool.com. It looks wonderful. It seems to take place outdoors primarily if not all the time.

They are really enjoying their hip-hop dance classes. It is certainly enjoyable to watch them.

S has improved so much in his reading. Last month they took their 'Scantron' test that the school uses to measure 'progress'. It's lame I know but it's one of the trade offs I have to put up with for using this school. S did extremely well on it. He did not measure up to grade level yet but he made HUGE jumps and scored just barely under grade level.

Weirdly enough, E, who usually scores way above average, showed minimal growth in scores but was still above average. Not sure what to think about that.

STAR testing is next month and I am so dreading it. It's so lame, really. If they were really interested in what children 'know' why do they make it multiple choice? There is no other reason except to trick them. It's just plain stupidity. I hope some day soon I can switch back to private home educating to avoid all these hoops we have to jump through. I do enjoy the perks of being able to expose my children to opportunities that I can not currently afford, like private music lessons, dance and art classes.

It's all a trade off....

Time to Get Busy

2010-02-27T09:15:00.000-08:00

I've gotten over my disappointment with the school's non-acknowledgement of S's learning disability. (well, mostly) I decided I'm going to continue to do my own thing and forget about what they think needs to be done since they are not willing to help. I am now focused on using the perks of this school in a way that will be the most beneficial and enjoyable for my students/kids.

I've requested enrollment in some extra curricular classes/lessons and I am very excited about that. I hope they are as wonderful as they sound.

Both Bird & S will begin Hip Hop dance lessons. They are both excited about that. I think it will be a perfect fit for Bird especially. Something more formal like ballet would bore her and discourage her from dancing at this point. I think hip hop is what's really 'in' her. I hope she finds it fun and exciting.

S will *finally* begin real guitar lessons. I'm afraid his guitar is probably too small now. Oh well...if so, well we'll just find one in the right size.

E is going to take art lessons with a local art studio. They sound fabulous. They teach according to the students individual level and art experience, which is great. There is nothing like starting an art class and having to go over primary colors each and every time. I think he will really like it. The art instructor did let me know the class time I chose for him is mostly girls. {sigh} What can I say? He's a really likable young man and he really does not need those distractions right now. ;-)

Plus S will continue his tutoring. It's intensive but he is making great strides. He is motivated to continue working hard because the ES refused to give the kids work permits stating that they were below grade level as her reason. I pointed out the learning disability and wanted it recognized because then she would not hold his test scores against him but since they refuse to acknowledge it...it feels hopeless. We will see what happens. I'm not going to stress about it. It's had, as a mother to see your children disappointed.

My children are bright though and we will get through this, like everything else. Someday this will all be a distant memory. ;-D

That was a total waste of time!

2010-02-24T14:49:00.000-08:00

I had a teleconference yesterday with the ES ("Education Specialist" ie: teacher) and a school psychologist to discuss my requested evaluation of S for a learning disability. You see, the parent makes a request, after suspicion of a learning disability and the school (from what i have been told by other parents, teachers and professionals) is supposed to respond within thirty days (in writing) as to why or why not they will grant the evaluation.

I did my part, sent my request in writing. The 'school's' response was to set up a teleconference to go over my request. Can you say RED TAPE? The final conclusion, by the school psychologist was that nothing could be done (an assessment/evaluation) because we have not been using a "consistent standards based systematic language arts program". Yes, that is right. The problem is that i have not been using a name brand language arts program. DUH! Why didn't *I* think of that?

On my written request I filled out, I did list the names of the language arts curriculum I have used, per the ES suggestion/recommendation. She warned me 'they' would tell me that I had not tried enough resources yet so I should try these other curricula sources first. I did that. To which the psychologist responded that I was not using ONE curriculum consistently and when you *change* curricula like that, then the student can not fully grasp one method.

Ok! Again--why didn't I think of that? Of course that is the problem? I tried too many different types of language arts materials. How simple! In other words, WHY did I listen to my ES?

When I described the language arts assignments and work I have S do...she responded that it all sounded 'supplementary'. Oh my word. Again DUH! Why in the world would I think journal/creative writing, learning how to write topic sentences, doing spelling tests, learning to read FRYs list of most common words, reading aloud daily, learning to write using why, when, how, when, where and why, was anything more than supplementary? As you can clearly see, it is not comprehensive. duh.

In case you can't feel my frustration coming through this post--it's ALL sarcastic. This teleconference accomplished nothing but waste an hour of my time and day that I will never get back. They do not want to help my son. What a joke. Why? I don't know. The unsaid but implied thought was that he was behind simply because I was not doing enough. Because how could *I*, simply a 'mom' properly teach my child. That would explain why he is behind. She actually said that he *could* be assessed for a learning disability but that does not mean he would qualify for special ed because 'they' would still ask what type of curriculum we were using. Really? REALLY? A child could be diagnosed w/ a learning disability & it would be ignored? They would be given scientific proof and it would be ignored?

She also made a comment how *they* were doing great to have him being tutored--I quickly corrected her that THEY were NOT doing anything. *I* was the one who was getting him PRIVATELY tutored! No way they are going to get credit for his improvement when they aren't doing a stupid thing to help him!

I do have a math curriculum that I ordered....she gave credit to the math curriculum for his improvement in math. Can I just tell you that his tutor responded pretty much the same way I did (in my mind) when I told her that...she said: I don't even use that DUMB book! I KNOW!!!! He has improved NOT because of his math book--he's improved because he is getting dyslexic specific tutoring.

The psychologist and the ES kept referring to it as 'remedial' tutoring. I kept correcting them that it is NOT remedial tutoring--- it is specific dyslexic method tutoring. There IS a difference.

I was heavily relying on my age old trick of biting my lip to prevent the tears from flowing.....this time it did not work.

What now? (part 2)

2010-01-21T14:59:00.000-08:00

The path will still be long for him. Our charter school has barely started the 'process' for getting him 'officially' tested. First they set up a meeting to determine IF he even needs to be tested. I don't think I really care about that. What I do care about is getting him the accommodations that he needs. For example, having his STAR test read to him so that he can answer the questions accordingly. He has the knowledge and is a bright boy but the break down occurs when his brain is trying to process it visually.

Our friend who is tutoring him, initially said she believed she could have him caught up within 2 years. It sounds so far away but in reality--it would take him from about 1st or 2nd grade reading level (he is *in* 4th grade) up to 6th grade in 2 years. That would be amazing. From there, he can then progress above grade level. I hope anyway.

That's quite a commitment from her, don't you think?

She has also been able to help me, help him. I was stuck with a bunch of curriculum that I didn't know how to plug in to fill in his gaps. I wasn't aware of the gaps to know exactly what would help him. I knew what *wasn't* working but figuring out the alternatives was slow going. She is able to fill that in for me and let me know what is working and what I can do to help.

For example, he does know his math facts. She is working on getting him to have them memorized quicker using speed drills. The math fact song CDs we have help tremendously with that. (AudioMemory.com)

He also needs to learn words in phrases to help him remember how to write. Things I take for granted in my own life. Most of his reading is learned via the sight word method. Another tip is him learning cursive (italics specifically). This helps him 'see' the letters as connected into the one word, instead of individual symbols of nonsense.

He's improved dramatically so much, it's simply unbelievable. His self-confidence, academically, has improved too. He's trying to read everything and he mostly can. He still has a long way to go but I am confident he will get there. ;-)

Where have I been? (part 1)

2010-01-21T14:39:00.000-08:00

I have been experiencing some major home educating reality checks for the past several months. Experienced some setbacks and disappointments as well as some blessings. I had to really go introspective as everything I have been doing was brought in to question, on a personal level.

Is home educating *really* the best educational choice? Is it the best educational choice for our family? Am I able to accomplish it well, with a baby in the house? Have I been taking it for granted? Have I compromised anywhere along the way at the expense of my children's academic success?

Deeper than all those questions, was facing the reality that my son has a learning disability. Learning disability. Disability.

He is doing great. I know there are worse things many parents are contending with. However, I am not other parents. I am contending with *this*. No one has children and prays for them to have a disability. We don't even admit to gender preferences, we simply pray for good health. Right? Over all, we expect it.

I thought, at first, he must have a different learning style. Then I figured he was going to be a late reader. I did not expect that he would actually have a disability in his brain that would hinder his academic success. Something I could not control or change. I felt relieved by the idea at first. It explained alot. You would think it would boost my confidence to know that I was not the cause of my son's academic struggles. But then the self-doubt set in, naturally.

Was there some explanation? Was I not healthy enough during my pregnancy? Did I not offer him the healthiest most nutritious foods during his formative years? Was it the immunizations? He did have that 'reaction' once that the doc on call dismissed as 'normal', but my mother's intuition felt otherwise... Should I, could I, have recognized it sooner? Helped him sooner?

And then most of all: WHAT now? and always nagging in the back of my mind: Why? I realized, minor issue or not, it is a loss I had to deal with, as a mother. The loss of those ideals of normalhood we have for our children. He no longer fits in that very narrow but much coveted 'box' of 'normal'. Grief goes along with that.

He needs extra/special help. Which he's getting and I am super grateful and thankful to God for that. He put someone in our lives that has taken up this challenge when I did not even know where or how to begin. He's showing so much improvement but he still has a long way to go.

Why did I ever buy into the notion that *I* would be *all* my children ever needed? That *I* would be able to meet all their academic needs? I don't know why. I realize though, that I could not handle this on my own. Could I do it on my own--sure. I believe that would have hindered his progress. I had to admit that while I was focusing all my attention on trying to get him reading and figured out, my next in line was suffering and falling behind.

I have no doubt she will catch up quickly as there appears to be no learning obstacles for her. She will probably surpass him if truth be told, and quickly. The truth is, no man (or woman) is an island. I don't think we were meant to take this all upon ourselves. I forgot that main truth.

Home educating parents are *resourceful*. We know how to find *resources* for our kiddos when they need them. I don't play a musical instrument so I would never dream of trying to teach my child to play one either. So why in the world would I expect myself to be able to over come this challenge that I had no experience with, on my own?

There is a very positive side to all of this too. Our friend, who is tutoring him, encouraged me with these thoughts: she said she has worked with so many children, who by this age, have been so wounded. They don't want to try anything new for fear or expectation of failure. Our son, however, is not afraid. He is willing to try new things and he works so hard. She said we had done a good job of protecting his spirit.

I specefically attribute that to home educating.

Sea World

2009-11-04T18:15:00.000-08:00

We had a fabulous time @ Sea World today. We got in for a *steal* under their educational program. It was only $5.75 per person! Can you believe that? We hadn't been in years. I don't think the middles had ever been. There was so much to see I wouldn't mind going again sometime. I wasn't sure how it would be but it was great. The educational program is supposed to 'exclude' a few things but we didn't mind nor notice. Early on in the day we needed to step to the side of the walkways to allow for a flamingo crossing. It was pretty neat to be so up close and personal.

I couldn't believe how many aquariums they actually have. The middles absolute favorite part of the day was touching the dolphins. For some reason they kept avoiding Birdy. It became so apparent it was funny. The weather was great too. If we get the opportunity, I'd love to go again.

Tutor Trial

2009-10-16T23:36:00.000-07:00

I agreed to try tutoring for S. I don't know why it's such a big deal (aka: hassle) to just get him tested already. Whatever. Today was our first run. I wondered if a tutor was really going to do anything different than what I could offer, as a mom, on a daily basis. Would he/she have any special skills or secret tools?

She was a young girl, college age? She had no special or secret skills. She was not a tutor or reading super hero. She said she simply does what the parent or teacher tells her to do w/ the child. So *I* tell you how to tutor my child? {sigh} The ES told me (too late) to let the company know this was an *intervention* not a supplement. Yah duh! I don't know why the ES did not indicate that on the Purchase Order. That's ok.

I made the call & 'Douglas' understood what we needed. We will see what he comes up with.

On a funny note, while we were at the library for the tutoring appointment, I guess the state of California was having a statewide earthquake drill. A librarian went around handing out instructions for the optional drill, in case we were interested in participating. Sure! why not?

It was funny to note that I had the power to make the tutor get under the desk w/ my child simply because I wanted her too. I'm not mean, I did it too! lol I don't think anyone else besides the library employees did though.

As we were leaving I realized another educational gap I missed...S told me: I didn't even feel anything. He had no concept of what a *drill* was. :-) He thought *someone* knew the earthquake was coming and that was why they needed to get under the desks. It was cute.

How many extracurricular activites can we squeeze in this semester?

2009-10-06T17:01:00.001-07:00

That should be a homeschool game! haha.

So far we have:
football, for middle-not-so-little, on Tuesdays & sometimes Wed. or Thurs.
violin for Birdy on Wed.

That doesn't sound *so* bad right?

Until you factor in: one car, Youth Group for oldest on Tuesday nights, occasional field trips, a Learning Record meeting every 20 days, trips to the library, shall I keep this list to *only* school related activities or activities *only* for the 'students'?

I'd like to sign them up for cross country with the local park. That will take place on Wednesdays, late afternoon, but only for a few weeks, culminating with a 'Pumpkin Run'. Plus I am still looking for guitar lessons for middle-not-so-little. Hoping to find one that can come to our home. O and how could I forget the dance lessons my Birdy wants to take. {sigh}

Plus middle-not-so-little is going to be starting tutoring for reading--that's a blog on it's own.

It doesn't sound like much when it's written down but when you factor in the *rest of our daily life events* it can feel pretty overwhelming. Or maybe it's simply because of the laundry? 8-/

HA! You should see my calendar!

SMURRF

2009-10-05T21:25:00.000-07:00

Santa Monica Urban Runoff Recycling Facility

That's where we went today. DH had another audition in Santa Monica and he likes to bring us with him so he can drive the car pool lane. I noticed this facility when we were at the pier last week and made a mental note to check it out next time we were down here.

It was pretty cool. It shows how water that goes down storm drains is reclaimed and cleaned up. This allows it to be reused and helps keep our oceans clean from debri, trash, oil, grime, germs and other pollutants.

It's a self-guided tour and I use the word tour loosely. There isn't anyone there but you can walk around the artistic perimeter that has explanations of the facility.

Near by at the base of the pier is an aquarium. Admission is cheap at $2 for adults, children 11 and under free. It's closed on Mondays so hopefully we can explore it next time.

Los Cerritos Rancho

2009-09-30T17:16:00.000-07:00

We went here for the first time. I've seen special event flyers for it many times and always wanted to visit. I finally took the middle-not-so-littles. It fit in well with the CA History we are studying this year. It is a lovely historic adobe. It also has a nice garden. It was fun to walk through the garden and recognize many of the same herbs we have growing in our own garden, here at home. There were also many antique artifacts to view.

It's amazing to imagine that the city we live in and our parents live in, were all once owned by ONE family. Their cattle grazed upon this land stretching all the way to the beach. So hard to believe. The adobe also emphasized the merging of Yankee and Mexican cultures in our Californian history.

This field trip not only emphasized CA History for us, but also science and nature, with it's assortment of various plant life in the garden.

I will post some pictures once I get them uploaded.

Welcome Back!

2009-09-19T15:16:00.000-07:00

I know it's been so long--I didn't finish up our school year in 'blogland' because...well, I had a baby! Yah, he's kept us pretty preoccupied.

We did finish the school year though...even if by the skin of our teeth. We had an ok summer, the outside of our house got painted.

Now we are back in full swing....whoa! school w/ baby! right?

Oldest is in 11th grade this year. Another whoa!
Next is 4th, then 2nd.

Despite chilling all summer, my 4th grader's WPM, to begin the school year is @ 60! Which is a slight jump from where we ended last year. It is still below the average BUT still moving forward and progressing. I found some sight word programs I want to try that look promising.

It's been a challenge to get my 11th grader situated this year. It's a bit of work to figure out this charter school system we are using. No one seems to have direct answers for what curriculum is acceptable or not. I will choose from the 'approved' list but then still get questions & hit road blocks. It's quite frustrating!! I think we may have it all sorted now...I hope.

4th grade is the time to hit our state history. It was like academic Christmas when our curriculums finally arrived. I have our 2nd grader do all history and science together with the 4th grader. I think it's more fun that way. ;-) Not to mention totally easier for mom.

The beginning of every school year is always filled with the excitement of academic promise and achievement. This year is no different.

Yay!

2009-03-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

Last month oldest had his high school exit exams. They are a state requirement & you can not graduate unless you pas them. You are allowed to start taking them in 10th grade. He said they were pretty easy but he felt a little off on the English portion.

Got news today that he passed BOTH exams. YAY!

One less requirement to have to think about during high school.

Also he has been involved in an extracurricular academic team event again this year. Odyssey of the Mind This was much more artistic & creative then the events he has been involved in for previous years. There are various categories & divisions for various ages. His team, naturally was in the high school division.

His team had to write a sketch, create a set, props and costumes, all w/o the help or assistance or input of parents, adults or their coach. The judges *loved* their set. I think it *really* set them a part. They made their background set a giant book. So as the other teams used pvc pipe to create one or 2 backgrounds, they were able to have 5 different background sets.

They also had to produce some required elements like an animated character/puppet & a *creature*. They used a pulley system on a giant Zeus head that caused his mouth to open & close as they did the voice.

They earned 1st place in their division & category & qualified to attend the state finals out towards San Francisco!!! When they were announcing the winners...it was so exciting.

I won't be able to attend the finals because it is too close to baby being due, unfortunately. I am very excited for Lil E though. He is such a bright & creative young man. He will be traveling up w/ the families of his team mates. They completely understand & I am grateful for them willing to do that for us.

I made a decision

2009-02-11T23:58:00.000-08:00

I have decided to NOT get Sam tested after all....
I think it's clear he has dyslexia, @ least.

BUT....my main reason is because, as a homeschooler, I don't want to *have* to come up against any pressure to put him in outside classes. I don't think he would *benefit* socially.

Call me *over-protective* if you will, he *is* sensitive.
But I figure I can research it enough on my own & work w/ him.

I *have* been working w/ him & he's JUST starting to show more self-confidence in his reading ability & actually *wanting* to read. He is starting to attempt to read things on his own now w/ no motivation from me. He would not do that before & perceived *reading* as a *dreaded chore*. kwim?

I think it's safe to say, if you imagine how your 1st grader is when they *start* to get it---> well that is where HE is @ BUT he's in the middle of 3rd grade. So I realize, as far as reading development, he could easily be considered *behind*. Except it's not *just* behind---it's different.

I have enough friends in *education* & especially Special Ed to advise me & give me tips & tricks....which have been helpful. & when I tell them what we do already, they are usually impressed & encouraging.

I don't want to operate out of fear of the school system, but I do want what is best for him. kwim? I just figure if all they would do is what I am already doing--what is the point then of getting them involved...which here, I have been told would include having them come into my home to *observe him in his learning environment*. kwim? Who wants *that*?

One example of where he's @:
I *just* started this exercise w/ him, it's a 1 minute reading drill. He reads as much as he can, aloud, for 1 minute & the words he gets correct = his words per minute score. He reads the *same* thing each time. I've been doing it for about a month but NOT every day.

He started @ 20 wpm. The other day he read the entire page correctly which was 50 wpm. However, I just read 2 different articles & he should be reading 90-135 wpm. Both articles gave 2 different scores. My friend had told me it was 98 wpm, so I had an idea already. But that gives you an idea of what we're working w/ & what we're up against.

Then it was time to move onto a new set (page) of reading for the drill. His first time on the page was 28 wpm. Second reading was 36. So he's already showing immediate improvements that will hopefully be long lasting & permanent.

He's excellent @ memorizing what he can *hear*. He's obviously a strong auditory learner or he's over-compensating. It seems to work. With that in mind I have just put in an order for these CD's that use songs to learn facts such as multiplication, division, addition & subtraction facts as well as English facts like nouns, verbs etc. They even have them for History facts.

I wish I would have found them sooner!

I am encouraged as a mother & excited for him.

O! & before I forget, another friend also introduced me to an article about the correlation between fatty acid deficiencies & learning disabilities like dyslexia. I am going to look into that as well.

Already?

2009-02-07T11:01:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it's time for another Learning Record meeting, again! I am so NOT prepared. ugh.

Things are still progressing well & I am still mostly *thrilled* w/ this charter school program we are using. There was a bit of a stressful bump in the road this past month when some confusion arose about the validity of a couple of oldest ds courses.

I went straight to the top & it's all straightened out now. His courses do indeed *count* & he will be receiving full credit. I don't know why some of the teachers/advisors/staff are so confused about all of this. I don't doubt they all just want to *be sure* but come on! You're talking to a pg lady here. She doesn't need this unnecessary stress. kwim? lol

Looks like violin lessons will *finally* be able to be started. In March but still, better late then never. And we still have plenty of funds, afaik, so I was thinking of using some of these funds that will just NOT get used if I don't use them, to order supplies/curriculum for next year.

Yes, I am already thinking of *next* year. If you can believe that. lol The thing is, when school starts next year, you order your curriculum & it can take a month or so, @ least to actually *get* the items. Unfortunately, the program is not set up to preorder anything....so it makes sense to me, to order some things *this* year, for next year to fill in that waiting time gap.

I need to think it through a bit better so I am not wasteful, but I have an idea. I looked over one of the science vendors & although I am partial to making our own nature books, I must be practical & realistic too....this site had some good looking nature journals & science supplies that lean towards my love of nature. I can't look inside the actual books but from the description & the cover they looked good.

Recently we went to a library that had a display of some small but very artistic nature *journals*. They were quite inspirational & gave a good visual of what I'd like my children's nature journal/writings to look like. They contained small water color pictures & bits & pieces of nature itself, like leaves, a feather or grass. They were small accordion style books but O! so *very* lovely!

Oldest also had his High School exit exams this week. He said he felt good about them. The cool thing is he is only in 10th grade so gets plenty of chances to take it until he actually graduates. SO if he fails, it's NO big deal. But if he *passes*, it's good cause then he does *not* have to take it again. That would be nice. He felt like it was fairly *easy*, though he admitted he had forgotten how to do some of the math portion. lol

Welcome back!

2009-01-05T22:07:00.001-08:00

First day back wasn't so bad.

Set up the check off list pages I wanted for the ktbunch.
Made a plan for this week.

I printed out math worksheets for the week & lots of *Winter Themed* worksheets to do for science. We were doing Fall in our nature journals last semester.

These are more involved, vocabulary words, word searches, creative writing prompts etc. I want to have them all nice & neat in a folder or make a book *except* our big 3 hole punch has mysteriously disappeared. {eyeroll}

All of our elementary subjects mostly overlap. I have them do so much writing for each subject that it seems ridiculous to not count science writing assignments for English. kwim? Same for history.

Got oldest back on track. The ES had said that basically he needs to be half-way thru the assignments for each subject by the end of the semester. We looked over how many chapters/lectures or units for each subject & easily determined how many need to be accomplished for each subject.

He received most of his curriculum pretty late so I don't know if they will allow any grace for that. Over all though, he is on track, but he'll have to do a bit of cramming in the next 2 weeks.

We did not to *everything* but it was a nice ease into it. I think today was a good *school-day*. :-)

Break time OVER!

2009-01-03T20:36:00.000-08:00

Oh. It's never long enough. I did not get as much accomplished academically as I had hoped during vacation.

Monday we start again, bright & early? right?

I am planning (hoping) to make a written plan on Sunday night that my *students* can follow & check off daily. I think it will make ES meeting days much easier. Otherwise I am gathering work samples last minute & trying to remember what we did for the last 20 days. This way, it can all be right there in front of me. duh! lol

Plus, I think my ktbunch will enjoy seeing it in front of them & checking each item off daily.
I think it will help them to feel more accomplished & stay on track.

Time will tell.

We're on Break!!!

2008-12-23T18:38:00.000-08:00

It's never really that exciting because I think most of our 'school' is low-key & I try to make it pretty 'low-pressure' as well.

I just allowed 3rd grader to start his own blog. You prolly won't ever see it....internet safety & all. It's cute though to hear him ask to work on it. He write a few sentences, then I spell check/grammar check it. Creative writing/English! Yay! He says: wow, school online is fun! lol

It's interesting what words he actually spells correctly & the words he doesn't.

I normally use vacations as *catch-up* times & this Christmas break is no different.
I've made some reminder reading flash cards & found/brought out some math flash cards.

3rd grader especially can do math in his mind using non-math words. He seems good @ oral word problems but that won't translate well for real life situations. So I've had to start teaching him what these oral word problems look like on paper. kwim?

He can do division & multiplication in his head, when I say it to him orally, but show him a problem on paper---chinese!!!

The other day I heart broken when he told me he does *not* like to read! :-(
For some reason he has it in his mind that 1) he is not a good reader & 2) he can read therefore why in the world would he *have* to *keep* reading if he already *knows* how?

See the logic? lol

Christmas break is just *not* long enough, IMO!

Another 20 days...

2008-12-03T18:57:00.000-08:00

We meet w/ our ES (Educational Specialist) every 20 school days. We turn in work samples & an LR (Learning Record) of learning we have accomplished within the past 20 days.

Have I mentioned how much I *love* this program?

I am happy w/ the curriculum choices I've made this year....& I am really enjoying what we do & what is accomplished. Of course I feel it can (should?) always be *more* but when I create that LR & think over the past 20 days....well it certainly all adds up.

To top it off...I received the *best* compliment the other day.
I try to schedule appointments w/ the ES while DH is working so as not to take time away from his day off. It was unavoidable so he joined us for the meeting & witnessed me mad dash to corral all the work samples & create the LR.

Right before we leave he comes in & tells me: I am so proud of you for doing all of this, getting all their work together, & the lists of work. It really shows me how much you really do w/ them & I am proud of you for doing all that by yourself. It also shows me I really have *no* idea what they are doing w/ school. LOL & they are really doing a lot.

How rewarding is *that*?

I don't think he has ever said much, if anything w/ regards to their schoolwork. He trusts me.

But this meant SO much to me! ;-)

Fun Fall craft

2008-11-19T13:09:00.000-08:00

We made these cute little paper acorns recently...to go w/ our Fall nature theme. Very simple. I'll post some pix later.

Acorn Craft

I love this time of year.

2008-10-13T13:17:00.001-07:00

Things are going so well on the school front. Oldest is taking 'art' class again w/ a friend of ours that teaches @ Biola, only this time, it is more like an internship, which is even better, I think.

He is learning to stretch canvases, prepare them, make frames ect. This new school program we are using is wonderful. I wish I would have found it years ago. More samples are required (monthly) but I don't mind. I love how they respect your individual family style of teaching/learning. I think we are having a wonderful year specifically because of that. Much more relaxing than in years past.

For the youngers, we are working on books, nature specifically & also historical. I found a great history curriculum. It seems to go along w/ what I normally try to do, following the calender & teaching along the holidays. It's got a topic for each month, activities & crafts & coloring pages.

We do alot of writing activities. Copywork from Draw, Write, Now, going along w/ the topics we are covering, daily journal entries w/ no regard to spelling, emphasis simply on creative writing & then poetry & nice writing, about topics we have covered. On the latter, we focus on grammar, punctuation & spelling.

I like to over-lap subjects as well. Science, we planted sunflower seeds & have been keeping track on if they have grown ect. The over-lapping comes from sketching & writing out our observations. History over-laps w/ the Draw, Write, Now exercises.

I accidentally ordered 2 history curriculums, so i will just make them 'consumable' & give each not-so-little their own notebook to color/write in.

Oldest is doing very well w/ his Algebra this year too. He's taken it quite a few times, but this year is so NOT stressful he is really able to think clearly & remember what he had learned in the past. I see no reason to repeat what he already knows, so I am allowing him to 'test' out. He takes the unit tests until he gets below an %80. If he scores below an %80 on a unit test, then he is required to do the unit lessons & retest. This allows him to avoid wasting time on the units he has already covered/knows from last year. We are using Math You See for Algebra. It even came w/ math manipulatives.

I forgot to order a science & spanish curriculum. DUH! I need to get on that. I ordered his history curriculum from the same company as my youngers. I was disappointed. I did not realize it was only a book w/o any questions or study guide. We're both excited about Literature I think. I ordered him a Latin curriculum for literature. He learns of the latin culture and latin vocabulary, which I believe is a vital need for reading comprehension & word analysis. I also got some literary guides. It includes a list of highschool recommended reading selections w/ specific questions to go along w/ the readings. Also a generic one, that is not novel specific but offers lots of literary activities to go w/ any novel.

I'm looking forward to a fabulous year. The weather helps. It finally cooled off a bit & it encourages coziness, doesn't it? ;-) Not to mention all the inspiring colors of Fall.

The Getty Museum

2008-10-11T22:47:00.000-07:00

I HIGHLY recommend this museum! It is FREE, only $10 for parking! I will post/add more pix later. THe chillers even got to sketch works of art, paintings & sculptures. The place is huge, the outdoor garden is lovely & we didn't even get a chance to see the outdoor sculpture garden. The artwork was amazing!

Even ARIEL homeschools!

2008-10-02T15:07:00.000-07:00

Check this out!

Jodi Benson, the voice of The Little Mermaid, does an interview & mentions homeschooling.

Yay!

Back to school...kind of.

2008-08-30T18:38:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize the school program I am using this year started Monday, this past Monday! arg.
I thought it was next week. Since when & WHY are school starting so much earlier? double arg.

I should have taken a pic today of the Preying Mantid we caught.

Whenever we catch a beautiful or not, bug, I have the not-so-littles sketch it & then write a few sentences (or one. lol) about it. Today I happen to catch one under the water hose faucet & promptly put it in the 'bug viewer' for viewing....& sketching.

Kicking myself for forgetting to capture it on digi!

Cool & beautiful Science

2008-05-22T10:35:00.000-07:00

We have a Passion Flower vine on our back fence, bumble bees, honey bees & butterflies LOVE it. Birdy & Sambo love to catch bugs and play w/ them, ladybugs especially. I bought them a cheap butterfly net/bug catching kit from walgreens the other day (ONLY $3.99 much cheaper than Target! btw). They've been out in the back yard catching bugs ever since. Today was a great catch!

I have them sketch what they catch & write about it. It took awhile for them to catch on to what I meant by 'sketch' it. Initially they were just drawing pictures w/ bugs in them. lol

Don't you just love little dirty hands?

The underside...in the nifty bug viewing jar.
Closer view of those gorgeous wings

Top view through the 'magnifying glass' portion of the nifty bug viewing jar.

The most exciting moment!

2008-05-20T23:31:00.000-07:00

When I got home from running errands today, my littles were 'hiding' in their beds. They had been having 'quiet reading time'.

Well, oldest informed me that they had been reading & that bigger little had actually been reading by himself.

Oh REALLY? I imagined he must've meant looking @ the pictures or it was a 'baby' book or something. Bigger little has had a frustrating time of reading & writing. And as a home educating mother, feelings of failure have not escaped me.

Well, it was a 'science' reading book. Bigger little started reading & I could NOT believe my ears! I even thought maybe he had just gotten lucky & oldest had read it to him &he somehow remembered it all...oldest assured me he had NOT read it to him!

He was REALLY reading!!!!
All by himself!
Words like: sidewalk, shadow, behind!

My heart bout leapt out of my chest & I almost wanted to cry!
I was SO excited for the BOTH of us!

When he was in kinder we had such a hard time. Phonics was like Chinese to him. I knew right away he was his own person & nothing like oldest ds. I had to stop all phonics instruction @ that time, lest we both become so frustrated & I drive all love of the written word OUT of him forever.

So I have been handling his 'reading instruction' quite gingerly. He seemed to tire easily of reading. As if he had no mental endurance for reading. He also takes his time writing. He can do copy work but it is almost laborious for him. My youngest little (2 years younger) can zip through 2-3 pages of copy/handwriting work in about the time it takes him to do 1 page. He constantly asks for 'breaks'. So it's interesting.

Today was such an encouraging victory!
I made sure to make a VERY big deal out of it & even pretended like I didn't believe he was actually reading.

I know it doesn't stop here, the learning & instruction continues but I am so excited about this 'click' in his brain!!!!!!

Independence Hall

2008-05-02T21:52:00.001-07:00

Oldest had testing for a few days so one of the days I took the littles on our own field trip. We visited Independence Hall, by Knotts Berry Farm. It is an accurate replica of the original Independence Hall, where the signing of the Declaration of the Independence took place. Inside they have a room set up w/ all the tables, like the original signing. (I don't know why I didn't take a picture of it) I love it. They also have a great 'souvenir/gift shop' area that wasn't there the last time I visited. (years ago) I could have bought everything. They had good stuff too, not just junk but educational coloring books & books & copies of the Constitution & Declaration of Independence ect.

Isn't that a gorgeous rooster? He was hanging out outside w/ some hens.

This is on the inside of the hall. We know WHO the 'Supreme Architect' is right? ;-)

An exact replica of the Liberty Bell, including the misspelling of Philadelphia, on the other side.

Out front of the Hall.

This guy wants to go inside & check things out for himself, I think!

Bet you didn't know Disneyland was educational did you?

2008-05-01T20:27:00.000-07:00

Did you know they have a petting zoo? We did & we took time today to visit the goats. See, ANYthing & EVERYthing is educational. ;-)

These goats are nice & calm because visitors are not allowed to feed them. Therefore, they sleep most of the day & know they will be fed when they go back to the barn. Most of them are named after Disney characters. We had fun looking @ thier metal engraved name tags to discover who they were named after. We saw: Snow, Mulan, & Wendy to name a few.

Kt taking a pic w/ Katie the goat.

Katie decided to take a chomp off kt's sweater! Guess she didn't want to wait till she got back to the barn. lol
Baby chick follows the momma duck. We also enjoyed watching a couple fish continuously jumping out of the pond.

Baby chick taking a break from swimming.

The petting zoo also housed a donkey & cow. The animals look nice, clean & very well cared for. There is an old log cabin @ the Disney petting zoo reminiscent of the one in Little House on the Prairie. It has an 'open floor plan & loft that appears to be accessable only by ladder. It's fairly spacious actually. It is decorated w/ some old pix of Walt w/ the horses & lots of Fair Winning ribbons & awards.

Legoland

2008-04-18T22:35:00.000-07:00

Tickets were a deal, the drive was easy & the weather was perfect! Who could ask for anything more?

This was the last ride we went on for the day...hard to tell in the pix but we got fairly WET! lol It was fun though. The lines weren't too long. Last year when we went it was raining & many of the rides were closed, so it was a nice 'make-up' day. We saw & were able to enjoy much more of the park. The chillers also participated in the 'classes' this time around too!

We passed 2 missions on the drive there so I think a Mission field trip may be in order soon. ;-)

Real life Oceanography

2008-04-12T23:38:00.000-07:00

A night on the pier fishing & you never know what you will see or catch!

This is the underside of a fascianting creature we've since learned is called a ROUND RAY. Even though it is really NOT a 'ray' but a 'skate'. Funny name hanh? It took quite a google search to find out exactly what it was.

Pulling it up in the net.

Dad struggling to remove the hook from the mouth. They caught these creatures ALL night. They REALLY like to eat squid, which we were using as bait.

Check out that face & topside.

Oldest doesn't want it to get TOO close! lol

These aren't really the type of catch you want to 'eat'. We spent the evening tossing them back in the ocean. That would be the Pacific! lol

Nature, up close & personal.

2008-03-24T17:53:00.000-07:00

You could also consider this PE since we 'hiked' about a mile out till we found a fishing spot we liked. The water was fresh, clear & very cold! Cold enough for us to place our water bottles in & keep them chilled. We couuld see the fish jumping out of the water...they weren't biting though.

Not wanting to get jeans wet...reminiscent of Huckleberry Finn. We are currently reading Tom Sawyer.

Putting your feet in, gave a chill. The bottom was soft and mushy with algea.

While dad & E fished, we took our own hike to the other side which invovled a bit of rock climbing. We could not find a way across the stream. The boys went back & created a 'bridge' w/ long thin logs. It wasn't so easy to get back across though.

The weather was nice & warm, which made the shade all the more refreshing.

ART

2008-03-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

E made this piece for Easter. It's much more striking IRL, the pic doesn't do it justice. He presented it for our Sunday evening service. He is very articulate & presented himself quite well onstage. I think I was more proud of him for the way he spoke than for his art piece. lol

The wine is representative of Christ's blood, shed for us. The knife is our sin...that cut into Christ's body, the bread. The wine/blood covers & washes away our sin.

The sketch was done in pencil & the wine in oil pastel.

I know it's been awhile....

2008-01-10T19:58:00.000-08:00

School started quite traumatically this year. We experienced an unexpected, unavoidable & harsh family crisis.

We are barely into the recovery process.

Life happens.

I bought a Hooked on Phonics puter program for S but it was too advanced for him....
Recently I purchased a reading book called First Reader. So far he LOVES it. The beginning of the book is review for him, he already knows all his short vowel sounds & consonants, but I think it's a boost to his self-confidence to realize that.

He can count money fairly well & multiply & divide IRL, w/o realizing that is what he is actually doing. I am not worried, even if MY natural instinct is to feel like a complete & utter failure as a mother, especially a homeschool mother.

E's first quarter progress report/report card was extremely disturbing. Given the circumstances, it's understandable but still quite disappointing. Good thing they give you 4 years to get through High School.

I have L do pretty much whatever S does. She really enjoys doing copy work of any kind. She loves doing the Draw, Write, Now lessons.

Basically for the littles my big thing is: making books. I LOVE this approach. I search online for all kinds of themed printables, poems, coloring pages, lined papers ect. Then we create a themed book, filled w// poems, copied & original, hand written entries on decorative papers, coloring pages, themed mazes, comprehension worksheets ect.

It's my favorite thing to do & way of schooling.

For math, I mainly stick to counting money & some worksheets. Also counting aloud & counting objects. Both can count to 100 but they've been able to do that for quite some time now. lol

There is a plethora of free printables on every subject, online.

Although E is 'behind' technically, in some subjects, he really loves history. He's working hard to catch up even though he hates the fact that he is behind & it can become discouraging for him. I've discovered that although he can be absent minded w/ subjects, he does have a sense of the written word. He does well on essays, compositions & literary analysis.

He's also had the wonderful opportunity of attending a local University's art class. A friend from church offered to allow him to attend the class that he personally taught, as a 'guest'. I knew this was an opportunity NOT to be missed, even if it required quite a bit of driving on my part. lol

Hopefully he will be taking another class this Spring semester as well.

Homeschool vacation breaks....

2008-01-02T22:36:00.000-08:00

Are spent like any other time...the learning NEVER ends. We went hiking (& fishing?) today & besides being so much fun & adventurous it was just plain nice to be out in nature for awhile.

Guess where we were going? Seriously.

I have a very helpful teenager!

The most fun was spent crossing these creek areas trying NOT to slip & fall in.

It is such a joy to see my children gaining confidence & independence. It's absolutely amazing!Fishing time.

Teamwork! It's also such a pleasure to see the sibling relationships they have w/ each other. Big brother helps lil sis cross w/o falling in.

A Night of 'culture'?

2007-12-22T23:13:00.000-08:00

As a Christmas gift we took the ktbunch to see High School Musical--the musical. We explained that you 'dress up' when you go to the theater. We gave a mini-course on proper theater etiquette. Afterwards we went to eat & caught a glimpse of the Hollywood sign. The chillers had never been to Hollywood before.

The learning doesn't end for summer....

2007-07-02T21:56:00.000-07:00

They just don't know it.

We brought out the telescope last night & again tonight. Oldest ds aimed it @ a very bright star & realized, as he looked through the lens that it was Jupiter because we could see it's four largest moons. You couldn't see that w/ the naked eye though.

He suspected it was a planet once he saw the moons, then I went inside & googled real quick & found it must be Jupiter. Coolio!

He and I both saw meteors pass by as we looked through the lens, that we would not have seen other wise. So amazing. The 'heavens' are definately so wondrous to observe.

I am hoping we can go camping this season & we will be sure to bring our telescope w/ us. We cna usually see a sky full of stars & satellites when we are camping. It would be extra cool if we make it during the annual August Perseids Meteor shower.

You can see much more in the night sky even if you just have a pair of inexpensive binoculars.

La County Zoo

2007-05-31T20:31:00.000-07:00

Today we enjoyed a trip to the La County Zoo. It was a great day w/ great weather, only a little warm in spots. To see such animals in cages...was a little sad. But exciting for the ktbunch who may never see certain animals IRL otherwise.

I think we were most mesmerized by the giraffes. Such peculiar animals, beautiful. Baby giraffes are born averaging 150 lbs & 6 ft tall. And we women complain about OUR big babies? lol

We saw a Ca Condor that was about as big as S! It's also amazing to see such bright colors on feathers of birds. Such an amazing God we have to provide such beauty in nature that man can only aspire to replicate.
They also had a spider exhibit that was more hype than substance but it was fun. It was like walking through a miniature spider-man set.

The park was nice enough. The gift shop was lacking anything of real substance...mostly stuffed animals & over priced rubber animals. Hardly any books & not even postcards! I was disappointed. I only visited one restroom & it was in bad need of repair w/ missing pieces of tile & wall. Very sad.

I missed the children's discovery zone, which I suspect was an indoor museum of sorts w/ lots to touch. Also there was a "children's zoo" which we also missed. I did not notice these when we first arrived, only when we were leaving & The park was already closing. :(

There are actually quite a few museums in the area & I wish we would have had more time to visit others. THe drive was not so bad so another day.....

A Key Ingredient...

2007-05-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

I am so greatful for public libraries. I love to visit & check out books on a myriad of topics. It appeals to my frugal nature as well since it gives me access to literally thousands of books for free.

I can research & find information on every & anything.

I allowed S to get his own library card today. He was very excited. This also relieves me of the responsiblity of their own checked out books.

The public library should be the homeschoolers best friend, IMO.

Right in OUR own back yard....

2007-05-19T23:19:00.000-07:00

I'm on an 'Our Town' kick...no, not the play. lol But discovering & enjoying the wonderful sights & sounds in our own town & local areas. After our road trip & having the feeling of exploring other sights that many that live there may take for granted...I wondered how many educational opportunites do WE take for granted in our local areas? What local history have we been overlooking?

Here's a local spot we had NEVER visted before until recently....it's a gorgeous local library.....The Cerritos Library.

I didn't get a picture but the children's section also has a 15,000 gallon saltwater aquarium that is so relaxing....& viewable from both sides. The library itself is huge, there are different sections such as the children's section, a teen section & different floors where they hold special events. It was too hot the day we went to explore but there is also a sculpture garden outside.

Even though it is a public library....there are some stipulations to become a member....you must either live, work or own property in the city OR you pay $100 to become a member & get a library card. Lucky me...I qualify by working @ the local community college. I plan on getting us cards very soon.

Want to Color?

2007-05-19T00:05:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Dover Coloring books!

They make very educational, detailed, coloring books. Many for older aged children. I love supplementing our 'books' that we make w/ pages from their books. While on our road trip, my oldest (14 yo) chose a Dover coloring book about Pioneer days (or wagon trail?) as a souvenir.

While looking for some printables online for various topics, I came across their site. You can sign up to receive an email every Thursday w/ links for FREE coloring pages to print from your computer! The pages change every week & are various topics.

I can't say enough about their books. They are quality drawings that make great supplements for unit studies or for littles. Your biggers will appreciate the details & intricate illustrations.

I just found that they also offer great looking 'kits' direct from their site...great prices & free shipping for orders over a specified amount! YAY!

Field Trips on the Gooooooo!

2007-05-10T23:35:00.000-07:00

We took a road trip, up the CA coast, to OR & even WA.

It was really cool & we saw a few really neat places.

We camped the first night in Northern Ca. It was odd for us to see forest right next to the beach...lots of cows, the cows even have beach front property! We camped @ the Reef Campground in the Fort Ross State park. For some reason I thought the campsite had electricity & showers--it did not. But it did have nice & clean toilets, one of the nicest, cleanest public/camping restrooms we've ever encountered. Hey---priorities, ya know? :D

This is a pic of some animal tracks we saw the next morning near the creek that ran along side our campsite.

After camping...we stopped @ a picnic area along the way. The Redwood trees were the main feature....there was a nature trail that we shallowly ventured into....maybe we can hike the complete trail 'next time'.

In WA we took time to visit the Mt. St. Helens visitor center. It is really inexpensive ($3 per person OVER 16 yo & free for under 16) &; informative. You can watch a video about volcanoes & one specefically about the Mt. St. Helens eruption. It even has a model of the inside of a volcano you can walk down into. I wish we could have spent more time & gone farther up to the other Mt. St. Helens 'attractions'.

On our way home, but before we reached CA again...we saw a sign for a 'Pioneer Museum'. We ventured off the highway to take a look. THIS was the highlight. This tiny museum was filled to the rim w/ pioneer artifacts, store fronts, odds & ends of rich historical value. I must admit the wall of human hair was creepy, regretfully, by orders of the 'Meanest sheriff in town' we were not allowed to take any pictures while inside. The Linn County Museum contains one of the last 3 remaining original pioneer wagons actually used in the westward migration of America.

Since we've gotten home, we are working on making books about our trip; recording, drawing pictures & writing about our wonderful 'field trips'....which will also evolve into another book about the Pioneers.

Oregon Trail

2007-05-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

http://www.classicgaming.com/rotw/otrail.shtml

I KNOW you have to remember this game in school! This article is pretty funny...I found it on my search to supplement our road trip (like every & any good HS mother would) w/ worksheets, coloring pages & information about Pioneer days.

I'll post some more links & update about our trip later.

Reenergized & Revised...

2007-04-25T18:22:00.000-07:00

Plan that is. A slight change in plans has made things much less hectic & also allowed me to sleep in a @ least an hour longer tomorrow. Which is always a good thing. ;-)

Don't want to post too many details right now for safety reasons...I know I'm pretty liberal on my blog...but you just. never. know. But I'll try to keep you updated w/ tons of pix & stuff wherever I can get service.

My camera died, btw. I think the rain @ LegoLand did it in. The lens won't open. Good thing DH has a nice (& smaller) digital camera that I can use. I'll also be taking his laptop & a few cell phones. lol

A few minor adjsutments to the itinery has made such a world of difference. A 13 hour drive was beginning to look extremely daunting. I changed it up a bit so the initial drive won't be so long.

And then they were off! :D

BIG FIeld Trip coming up....

2007-04-22T23:11:00.000-07:00

We're taking a road trip. There will be LONG hours on end in the car, there will be camping involved, there will be GIANT trees & probably some CA history thrown in. lol

I can't NOT get some 'education' in there. I am excited...I hope the weather cooperates. (unlike Lego Land! lol) I've been researcing online & checking out the sites & tourists attractions...I found some really cool free ones...& some not free ones that sound pretty cool too. Who woiuld have thought seeing some giant trees could be so pricey? lol

I don't want to give away too much info before we go.....there's that little thing called 'internet safety' that I take for granted....but you KNOW I will tell ALL once I return....or hopefully.......I can blog during our trip.

I remember visiting some of the places we are going when *I* was a child, w/ my parents & I am hoping to create some of those same memories now w/ my ktbunch.

Time for Plan B

2007-04-13T21:53:00.000-07:00

Got the letter today.

I knew as soon as I saw it was a THIN envelope. DS did NOT want to open it.

'regret that we cannot admit you to the Visual arts Conservatory...." That's the one he REALLY wanted...but he seemed UNphased. I asked him if he was ok & he was like yah..NBD. lol

I probably took it harder than him BUT I didn't let him see or know that.

ALSO, in the SAME letter, it said: "blah blah blah.....you are deserving of a place in the Integrated Arts Conservatory but there was not enough space so you have been put on a waiting list & we will let you know if a space opens up. Please let us know if you are not interested."

So that one is a 'maybe'. He said he does NOT want to go into the IA program...but again, if it's God's will, then there ya go.

Time for plan B. We will continue to homeschool through highschool BUT I am going to start him in Art classes @ the community college...starting THIS summer so he can get a feel for it.

Plus @ this point it is FREE!

I explained to him that if he wanted, he could take advantage of the community college program & potentially have his 1st 2 years of college completed by the time he graduates highschool.......Explained that it's time to REALLY start thinking about his future, taking it seriously & start thinking about what he wants to do in life in accordance to the way he thinks God is directing him as well.

It's almost like pulling teeth to have a conversation w/ that boy unless it's about Legos or video games! ugh.

I read into the few comments he makes...he asked if the college classes were going to have art students @ his 'level' or more advanced? SO to ME, that implies that he might be nervous...I explained that it's a CLASS & everyone in it would be there to LEARN. Everyone would have different abilities & even *I* could take the class if I wanted (which I don't but you never know, I might. lol). Also explained that yes, he would probably be the ONLY 14 yo in the class, of that I was fairly certain. lol

SO I am going to start making those appointments within the next week cause you have to meet w/ a counselor, get 'permission' ect.

Here's to a new adventure of having a highschooler! ;-)

El Dorado Nature Center

2007-04-10T22:02:00.000-07:00

Create Your Own

If you can't see the slide show...click here

These are the days I love as a homeschooling mother. Being out in nature. We made a nature book afterwards, to record what we see in nature, draw sketches, write poems, hold leaf collections ect.

We've been there before but it's been awhile. I am hoping to go to the Fullerton Arboreatum next week. ;-)

NO news yet

2007-04-07T23:54:00.000-07:00

Our friend, who's son interviewed (film & television) the day before ds first audition/interview (visual arts) received his Acceptance/welcome letter today!

Maybe we will hear something on Monday.

God knows best. I am excited either way. If he gets in I will be excited for him & this new adventure in his life. If he does not, I will be excited (& scared) for me & the challenge of homeschooling a highschooler.

I keep praying. I don't know what to think. For the 1st time I feel our educational choice is being 'accepted' by the 'other side' instead of feeling that twinge of 'outsiderness'. kwim?

Sure I have my 'support boards' online....but imagine, being all alone IRL. Or always feeling like it. kwim? Feeling like those who are continuing to homeschool their children through highschool are smarter, more organized, more disciplined, more patient, more everything you are not.

For the 1st time I don't feel confident. I don't feel I have the necessary tools to continue to home educate my son effectively through highschool. I know the academic tools & resources are out there......somewhere. I can't just 'wing' it like I could when he was 7. kwim?

BUT...I can't decide if it is really a lack of confidence or a lack or determination. Am I just being lazy? Am I giving into the 'wordly mentality'. Now I am beginning to doubt our choices in even considering this school.

All I know is that I did not want to hold him back either way. I am relying on God's will here because my own will is confused. I need direction from God. I can't make this decision on my own anymore. Either way, I will accept it. Cause how can I know unless I put it out there right?

I keep falling back onto that 'legalistic homeschool mentality' & I don't believe that can be right either. right?

It's been awhile....

2007-04-06T16:23:00.000-07:00

I stopped blogging over here when things began going downhilll---fast!

The program we were in was a charter school, a 'public school' that provides all the curriculum & computer. You must meet quarterly w/ a 'real teacher' & have parent-teacher conferences. The curriculum itself was nice. I loved it.

The problems began when my then kindergartner was not moving as the expected pace. The school claims to allow children to move @ thier own pace...but this was obviously NOT the case. I became more & more stressed out over checking off the boxes than what S was really learning.

My grandmother died in June of 2006, she was 91 years old & it was expected. It seemed the teacher did not understand my children's need to grieve & what a shock this was to our family system, it was their first real death in the family & grandma had been in the hospital since Feb. 2006, so we were taking time to visit her ect. This contributed to our 'falling behind' within the academic schedule.

Then my mother became terminally ill in Aug. 2006. We started the school year a bit behind already & that completley threw us off. I tried to keep on track as much as possible, to keep a semblance of normalcy within our home, w/ my mother's, their grandmother's, death looming in the near future. We actually got quite a bit of schoolwork done in those 1st few months, @ my mom's house. It was a mere distraction for the serious stress @ hand & to come.

Then my mom died, sooner than we expected. My children needed to grieve. Yet...the pressure was STILL there. School was NOT fun or enjoyable in any way shape or form. They were heartbroken & those little boxes were still looming over us, needing to be checked.

I wanted to SIT & snuggle & read books or do nothing, w/ my kids. They needed me. I needed them & we missed mom/grandma. I did NOT want to spend a minimum of 4-5 hours a day doing 'lessons'. Lessons that seemed so UNimportant @ that time when your heart is hurting.

My children needed comfort NOT phonics. They needed affection. I disenrolled S...finally. I felt relief & freedom. Freedom to pursue what WE were interested in. Freedom to debrief ourselves from the stress & pressure.

I left my oldest in the program because he could handle it better & he'd be moving on to highschool next year anyway. (that is another blog) He was able to be involved in a few extra-curriculur activites that would not have happened had we not been in this program. He met other students around his age & they participated in a Lego League, going on to win numerous prizes in this nationally recognized challenge. They also participated in a state recognized science challenge & won more prizes. Those were some of the major highlights of the school year for him & for our family. I am grateful for that.

I knew when we signed on that there would be 'trade-off's. I would be trading off my complete control & freedom of my children's education to be accountable to someone else, to have someone else tell me how to do it ect. I knew that.

I had lost faith in myself & my ability to educate how my child needed. I knew my littles. I knew what they needed & what they were struggling w/. I don't regret using that program. I am glad that I finally realized when it was enough & not continue to torture ourselves.

I am excited to go back to my 'roots'. lol No preplanned curriculum in a box for us. We now enjoy regular trips to the library, checking out as many books as we can carry. We are making 'books' about fascinating subjects. I am now relying on my own research abilities to find resources. There are tons of free resources online for printables & lots of exciting things.

I am looking forward to the upcoming months...cause yes, we do 'school' during summer! :D

And I plan on updating much more frequently now that I am 'free'. ;-)

Already?

2006-03-31T16:39:00.000-08:00

We are only a few days away from the end of the 3rd quarter. It has been a pretty stressful year. I do not like the fact that I have this time line to follow, although that is the main reason I chose this program. I don't like the pressure that it has created & therefore the stress. Our 'school' i snot as fun as it used to be. :(

Besides that, I love it. lol If only the school would allow us, w/ ease, to be on a 11-12 mos schedule, we'd be fine. If we do not finish up, we will be required to do 'summer school'. I have no problem w/ that, I look forward to it. It might hold up our supplies & books for next year though.

I did absolutley NO phonics w/ S for the 2nd quarter. It was too frustrating & I just KNEW he was not ready for it. I also know that is not the 'outside school' way. However, my rebellious spirit took over & I refused to do it. We did plenty of math & language arts but NO phonics.

At our 2nd quarter parent teacher conference, I was told we were being put on a 'contract'. I knew it was coming, I was fine w/ it. I had to sign & agree to do phonics every day w/ a minimum of 3 hours 'school' work a day as well. I knew S would be more 'ready' now.

Here we are today.........my son is READING! I am SO glad I did not waste a quarter being frustrated & pressuring him to do the 'work' to keep on task w/ the schedule. I am very proud of him & myself for being confident in myself as a mother/teacher.

I knew he would get it when his brain was ready. He was doing excellent in math but the phonics were like Chinese to him. I remembered how it was w/ my oldest son....a few months makes a huge developmental difference when your 5.5 yo! ya know? When my oldest started kindergarten, he was already 5 years & 9 mos old. DS was only 5 years 3 mos, starting kindergarten. That's a HUGE difference when you are 5!

I am so excited for him & for us today. I wanted to cry when he was reading, w/o help today. I could barely contain myself.

I know we will most likely NOT finish all the other subjects by May or June. I am not even worried about it. The biggest hurdle is OVER, reading is a huge accomplishment. The rest.....is just cake. :o)

You know you're a homeschool mom when.......

2006-01-11T13:50:00.000-08:00

~ You get to change more than diapers, you get to change their minds.
~ When a child bursts a lip, & after seeing she's okay, you round up some scotch tape to capture some blood & look at it under the microscope.
~ You find dead animals & actually consider saving them to dissect later.
~ Your children never ever leave the "why?" stage.
~ When your teenager decides to take one community college course & comes home & asks you why the teacher wrote "At" on his paper. (A+)
~ You ask for, and get, a copier instead of a diamond tennis bracelet for your wedding anniversary
~ Your kids think reading history is best accomplished while lying on the floor with their head resting on the side of their patient dog.
~ Your husband can walk in at the end of a long day & tell how the science experiment went just by looking at the house.
~ You never have to drive your child's forgotten lunch to school. ~ The only debate about the school lunch program is whose turn it is to cook.
~ You never have to face the dilemma of whether to take your child's side or the teacher's side in a dispute at school.
~ If your child get's drugs at school, it's probably Tylenol.
~ Your neighbors think you're strange.
~ Your formal dining room now has a computer, copy machine, & many book shelves & there are educational posters & maps all over the walls.
~ You have meal worms growing in a container... on purpose. ~ If you get caught talking to yourself, you can claim you're having a PTA meeting.
~ Talking out loud to yourself is a parent/teacher conference.
~ You take off for a teacher in-service day because the principal needs clean socks.
~ You can't make it through a movie without pointing out the historical inaccuracies.
~ You step on math manipulatives on your pre-dawn stumble to the bathroom.
~ If your child claims that the dog ate his homework, you can ask the dog.
~ Your kids refer to the neighbor kids as "government school inmates".
~ You can't make it through the grocery produce department without asking your preschooler the name & color of every vegetable.
~ You can't put your produce in your cart without asking your older student to estimate it's weight and verify accuracy.

I thought this was too cute. But no...we do NOT save 'dead' animals for dissection...not yet anyway..but we do enjoy looking @ things under the microscope. lol

12 days of Homeschool.....

2005-12-27T14:09:00.000-08:00

A friend sent this to me & I thought it was perfect! :o)

On the first day of homeschool, my neighbor said to me, Can you homeschool le-gal-ly?

On the 2nd day of homeschool, my neighbor said to me,Are they socialized? Can you homeschool le-gal-ly?

On the 3rd day of homeschool, my neighbor said to me, Do you give them tests? Are they socialized? Can you homeschool le-gal-ly?

On the 4th day of homeschool, my neighbor said to me, What about PE?Do you give them tests? Are they socialized? Can you homeschool le-gal-ly?

On the 5th day on homeschool, my neighbor said to me, YOU ARE SO STRANGE! What about PE? Do you give them tests? Are they socialized?Can you homeschool le-gal-ly?

On the 6th day of homeschool, my neighbor said to me, How long will you homeschool? YOU ARE SO STRANGE! What about PE? Do you give them tests? Are they socialized? Can you homeschool le-gal-ly?

On the 7th day of homeschool, my neighbor said to me, Look at what they're missing! How long will you homeschool? YOU ARE SO STRANGE!What about PE? Do you give them tests? Are they socialized? Can youhomeschool le-gal-ly?

On the 8th day of homeschool, my neighbor said to me, Why do you do this? Look at what they're missing! How long will you homeschool?YOUARE SO STRANGE! What about PE? Do you give them tests? Can youhomeschool le-gal-ly?

On the 9th day of homeschool, my neighbor said to me, I could never do this, Why do you do this? Look at what they're missing! How long will you homeschool? YOU ARE SO STRANGE! What about PE? Doyou give them tests? Are they socialized? Can you homeschool le-gal-ly?

On the 10th day of homeschool, my neighbor said to me, They'll miss the prom! I could never do this, Why do you do this? Look at what they're missing! How long will you homeschool? YOU ARE SO STRANGE! What about PE? Do you give them tests? Are they socialized? Can you homeschool le-gal-ly?

On the 11th day of homeschool, my neighbor said to me, What about graduation? They'll miss the prom! I could never do this, Why do you do this? Look at what they're missing! How long will you homeschool? YOU ARE SO STRANGE! What about PE? Do you give them tests?Are they socialized? Can you homeschool le-gal-ly?

On the 12th day of homeschool, my neighbor said to me, Can they go to college? What about graduation? They'll miss the prom! I could never do this, Why do you do this? How long will you homeschool?YOU ARE SO STRANGE! What about PE? Do you give them tests? Are they socialized? Can you homeschool le-gal-ly?

On the 13th day of homeschool, I thoughtfully replied,"Colleges love homeschools, we'll have high school transcripts,prom is just a party, you could if you wanted, God Wants me to do this, they are missing nothing, I'll homeschool forever, WE ARE NOT STRANGE! We go to the "Y", we do test, they are super kids, and we homeschool le-gal-ly!

End of the First Quarter..........

2005-11-22T23:17:00.000-08:00

It was a looooooooooooooong first quarter & it just didn't seem long enough!
I was scared to go to the parent-teacher conference. I knew we were behind on our assignments. WOuld they kick us out? Would she get mad? Would we get 'in trouble'?

I worked extra hard w/ my 2 to get as caught up as we could before the official last day of the quarter & then kept working extra hard to accomplish as much as we could up to the meeting date so we could continue to show 'progress'.

Finally, I was ready to deal w/ whatever. We had to 'face' whatever would come. I also started to feel confident that we did the best we could & nothing could change that. I do have to admit to some areas of weakness *I* have, as a mom & the fearless leader of this homeschooling adventure. I am not as disciplined w/ the use of my time as I would like to be.

Also there were some realistic factors & adjustments that needed to be made. It was harder than I thought it would be to have 2 "school-age" children. And the kindergartner...well that takes my COMPLETE attention, as opposed to my 7th grader who can do most subjects on his own. Plus dealing w/ dad's real life, UNtraditional schedule. These were REAL day to day challenges.

I am however, very pleased w/ how it turned out in the end. Using this particular program & curriculum has really allowed me to see my children's academic strengths as well.

My 7th grader does exceptional in Literature. I knew he was a good reader & all but he is also really good @ comprehension. Also his vocabulary was a snap. The tests he has taken in the past..he always scored well on vocab portions, even though I never taught him any 'vocabulary'. (a good friend once told me it was because we were so 'conversational'...which I know means: talkative! lol) I know he can do better in Math (pre-algebra) But he does not have much self-confidence in that area so he avoids it & procrastinates. ugh!

He has always been talented in Art & it looks like our Kindergartner may be as well. I am disappointed in the phonics portion of the program but I am willing to live w/ it. Our K student is zooming through Math. I almost feel guilty donig the lessons w/ him...like I'm treating him as if he's stupid! lol It's SO easy for him.

I realized today that I am not even sure about some of the things in the Music...like if a note is high or low...some notes are so close that my brain can't seem to process it. Never thought I'd have that probelm. It's wierd. It's hard for me to sit down & take the time to do the lessons BUT I also enjoy being 'forced' to take that time. For example, literature is reading out loud & then thought provoking questions & activities that go w/ the stories. Well sitting down & reading out loud is something I would like to do ANYWAY! So it makes it easier for me. I love that aspect of it.

L is only pre-school age BUT I teach her right along w/ S. I make copies of handouts when she's interested. She tosses out answers right along side him when I ask questions. It's cute.

I'm not big on taking days off...except when it's dad's day off & sometimes on Sundays.....so when there are 'holidays' we do @ least a little bit anyway...that helps to cut back on the progress & get us more up to 'par'. SO I am confident w/ that strategy, we will be where we need to be by the end of next quarter if not 'ahead'.

Since dad's days off are during the 'weekdays'...I need to conserve THOSE days off. SO that is why I have them do school work on holidays & weekends. It is a bit inconvenient if we have activites on Saturday...but it preserves our family time this way. I would rather cut out a weekend activity if possible than our family time. They don't always like it on the weekends but they enjoy the weekdays that they have. THAT is one of the main reasons we chose to homeschool anyway...."family time". :o)

Day 20

2005-09-28T21:11:00.000-07:00

I restructured our 'plan' to include more lessons on Dad's/H's work days & less on his days off. BUT that now includes scheduled lessons on the weekends. And the lessons on dad's day's off are lighter subjects as well that the oldest tends to ace anyway like Art, Literature, Science.

He likes those subjects & they are kinda easy for him. He is also enjoying vocabulary, which is learning Latin roots & prefixes. I remember enjoying the same thing in 10th grade. Well, I didn't enjoy it much back then but I do now. lol

Kindergartner was asking all day to do school. Seems when we take a break, he looks forward to it more than if we do it everyday. He & the youngest LOVE when I read aloud to them so I used his Language Arts story for our read aloud time. It was the Frog Prince. It was different than I remembered. lol

Oldest got the majority of his lessons finished today. He started to get a bit overwhelmed thinking of all he would have to do tomorrow....but I reminded him to start w/ the scheduled lessons AND THEN try to finish up the ones left over.

It was a good day. :o)

Day 18

2005-09-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

I have not been keeping up day to day. It became too much. Things were sketchy @ the beginning but we finally were able to get our groove.

I realized I was fighting to do things contrary to the way we'd always done things before. Plus the fact of having 2 educations to be responsible for took some getting used too. I decided to stop fighting our natural tendency & continue to do things the way that worked for US.

The way it works for us is to sleep in. We do think better in the mornings but we get going slow. Daddy works late so we stay up late. That is our routine. We continue to have our park days & play dates. We cannot function w/o them. We do 'school' work on the weekends while dad is @ work. It was not working, trying to accomplish our full amount of work on dad's days off. His days off are spent hanging out (usually @ grandparent's house) not doing 'work'.

So we re-adjsuted back to the way we have always done things & compromised a bit, light work on dad's days off & fill in on the weekends. That is one of the main reasons we love homeschooling, to work around our family's schedule, which revolves around dad's work schedule.

So now that we've got the 'logistics' worked out...things are running much smoother. :o)

Kindergartner, continues to assess through the Math lessons. Slow going on the phonics but I went ahead and introduced the actual letter, not just the sounds as the program does it. It gives him a visual & encourages him that he is indeed 'reading'!

I was reminded how & what 'homeschooling' really looks like. I was so into doing things just as the curriculum had it planned that I was over-looking the essentials: focusing on MY child's needs & comprehension, HIS learning style. So I, once again, adjusted. It's been a lot less frustrating. I also read on our school message board that many parents were having the same problems w/ their Kindergartners. Isn't that interesting?

I feel a lot more confident in what we are doing now. :o)

Day 2

2005-09-07T23:20:00.000-07:00

Better, but still not quite 'there' yet.

It's H day off today & tomorrow so that still throws a wrench in our routine. I have to figure out how to deal w/ that.

Kindergartner begged me for weeks to begin his 'phonics' NOW he says he doesn't want to do it anymore because it's 'hard'! :( He does fine...BUT his expressions & attitude are now ones of being FORCED into it. :(

Oldest accomplished more today & actually enjoyed some of it more. No tears. I know it's cause he got to do art. Wish he could do art EVERYDAY. He's looking forward to his vocabulary lessons though. That's a surprise. It's because it's latin, roots, prefixes ect. I LOVED Latin in highschool...wished I would ahve learned more & 'cheated' less. :o

Kindergartener does enjoy when we do the lessons & pretty much ALL of them are 'fun'...but somehow he switched to associating it negatively.

I think I need to work MORE on math w/ him because he is more familiar w/ it & is more advanced. That way he will start feeling better about 'school'. I think I will slack of on the phonics but still do the language arts. Also, I just realized that his 'phonics' lessons do not include SEEING the letter that makes the sound. It is all auditory. I think that may be what is making it more confusing for him. Too abstract, nothing concrete. I think if I include the actual letter, for him to see visually, he will 'connect' it together better.

I know we will get our groove....I must be patient. Today was even better than yesterday, so I expect everyday to get better & better. Also need to remind myself that this is HOMEschooling & we can be flexible to H work schedule & there is nothing wrong w/ doing 'school' on the weekends. I have NO problem w/ that.

OFFICIAL First day of school

2005-09-06T22:19:00.000-07:00

Did not go well nor anywhere as I planned. {sigh}

I expected to do all 5 core subjects. Should I admit what REALLY got done today?

First H did not go into work until 12:30 pm...so our entire mornign was off. I decided NOT to fight it & do school after he left. That didn't work too well. We were all tired..I know I was.

7th grader spent 2 hours on ONE math lesson & I don't even think he got it finished. :(
I did complete Language Arts & phonics lesson w/ kindergartner today & he did pass the phonics assessment. :o)

I don't want to doubt that I can get it 'all' done. I KNOW I can. I KNOW it's possible. And I also know we don't have to do EVERYTHING. kwim?

I've realized that some parts of the lesson segments we can skip...like for Kindergartner, he already knows his colors so we don't really have to cover the 'color' aspects of the lessons.

It's really on ME to keep the ktbunch on track & on task. I must be diligent.

Unofficial Day 6

2005-08-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, H semi-day off, which means it is scheduled to be his day 'off' but he had 2 appointments anyway. Glitch in the system. Glitch in the system. Beep. Beep. Beep.

Up & out routine slightly thrown off by daddy being 'home' but not for long.

Still went out but it was much later.
Must find a place for all this lovely new curriculum & a place for all the 'no longer used' curriculum.

My friend/neighbor in this teaching adventure has decided NOT to use this charter school/curriculum after all. Who will I commiserate w/ now?

Finally got a call from our 'supposed' teacher. (this is the 4th person/teacher to contact me) Root Beer Float social planned for this Thursday. Hopefully, we will be able to meet/connect w/ other homeschoolers in our area using this charter program.

Day 5

2005-08-27T19:07:00.000-07:00

Not much to report.
We're having a heat wave. It's too HOT to do ANYthing much less focus on academics. SO this week I mainly focused on setting a routine, getting us UP & out every morning to start our day.

We did rather well all week. This morning Kindergartner no longer wanted to 'go for rides'. :(

I wanted to get a jumpstart on our school year, but it looks like our 'official' first day will be as the charter has scheduled: Sept 6, 2005.

Ok, why was I rushing to end summer anyway?

Day 4

2005-08-25T22:39:00.000-07:00

No phonics today. I might regret that tomorrow!

I assessed the kindergartner through 4-5 math lessons today. No use wasting time on lessons & activities that he already knows.

I am procrastinating starting the 7th grader in his subjects, officially. I plan to start him on Monday though. A good strong start, I hope.

They recommend starting only the base subjects of Math & English. But his English is like 3 subjects all together when you add language arts & writing ect.

It is all new to us, this type of program. I can't quit before I've even started. We are implementing new routines. It will be wonderful. It will be great. The books are lovely & beautiful.

The accountability will be just what we need. It will be ok.

God has provided us w/ this wonderful opportunity & we can do this! 4 days strong of getting UP & OUT of bed, doing our 5 mile ride. We've got to get out earlier though. Today was way too hot. The bike trailer was like a sauna for the littles.

Day 3

2005-08-24T22:04:00.000-07:00

These days are not official days. btw.

I have been trying to focus on building a 'schedule' & getting the ktbunch used to it. So for 2 days we have gotten up, eaten, brushed teeth, made beds & gone on a bike ride. 5 miles. The littles are in a bike trailer. When we come home: it's 'school' time. Supposedly. lol

I finally got everything straightened out for the online school access. I am aquainting us w/ it. Today was the first day of using the ols. It seemed awkward for Kindergartners lessons. Going to the computer for a lesson then going to the living room to find a textbook to use then back to the computer to guide us through the lesson. I didn't like that aspect. I think I may have to rearrange the living room & put the computer back in there. Or else we will be doing 'school' in my bedroom all day.

7th grader has not started any official lessons. I let him read the intros of the course subjects today on the ols. I want him to get aquainted w/ it as well over the next 2 weeks.

The official, official first day of school is Sept. 6, 2005. So I want to use these next 2 weeks to get on track w/ our new schedule, including the daily bike ride.

I realized yesterday (day2/2nd lesson)that my younger one does not do too well w/ his lessons if I wait until the afternoon. He gets antsy & can't focus too well. I started immediately after the bike ride today & he wasn't much better. A little bit better......I think he needs some personal physical activity first. He is in the trailer so there it's not much work out for him.

Not sure what to do about that.

When he focuses though...he does great. I think I may need to break the lessons up into shorter segments. He does exceptionally well in his math lessons. The phonics though.......it's as if I am speaking Chinese to him on some parts. {sigh}

Day 2

2005-08-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

Apparently I am the ONLY one who can NOT access the online school. Lessons plans, calender & everything are up & running EXCEPT for us! arrggghh!

For some reason when I click on the school link, all I get is a blank page. IF I could access it, both the kindergartner & the 7th grader could be fully started today, all subjects.

I tried to get everyone up & at 'em bright & early today by getting OUT in the fresh air & excercising. Didn't linger in bed like we usually do. Had beds made, teeth brushed & breakfast eaten, Bible read, then we were out the door for a bike ride. Planned on getting right to Kinder's phonics lesson but was interuppted before I even got started by a business call. Got that taken care of & have now been trying to figure out the online access.

Hopefully tomorrow we will get out & about earlier than today.

I also realized that the rest of 7th graders curriculum is on back order but received a UPS delivery confirmation email, 1 box for 7th grader & 2 for Kindergartner, scheduled to arrive next week. I can't possibly imagine WHAT else the kindergartner could be receiving.

It's also H birthday today too, so @ some point we will decorate & make a cake! :o)

Ok, enough dilly-dallying for now. Time for a 10 second tidy & phonics!

First day of Kindergarten

2005-08-22T12:20:00.000-07:00

Today was to be our official: First Day of School.

Except that we haven't received all of our supplies yet. :o( Mostly everything but not everything we need to get started.

We did have everything for our Kindergartner to do his complete phonics lesson. He has been asking & asking & asking & asking, everyday to 'start school'. Today was THEE day! HE loved it. He looked a bit bored @ some moments but I played along. It was fun, easy & pressure free.

I think he became more motivated when he saw his 3yo sister getting in on the action. We were doing beginning, middle & ending placement of sounds. I introduced a sound then said 2 words, he had to tell me which word had the sound in the beginning. Well, lil' sister, was answering before him & most of her answers were correct. (granted, she had a 50/50 chance! lol)

I would have liked to cover more subjects but the online access does not start until tomorrow & I did not receive any other teacher guides except for phonics.

7th grader did not start becasue a lof of his lessons are online, combined w/ text book work. So we will attempt that tomorrow. He did help his lil' brother a bit though, which was sweet.

Kindergartner covered:
sounds /m/ & /t/
sound placement; beginning, middle, end
right hand
names of the alphabets

New Year, New Style

2005-08-22T12:12:00.000-07:00

We are using an entirely new program this year. I have always been a bit of an unstructured, relaxed unshcooling type of homeschool mom.

Oldest is now in 'jr hi', 7th grade. I wanted something more structured for me, for him, for us. I chose k12. It is offered free through our state as a charter school using a homebased educational model. (personally, I think it's all about the $$$)

H figured since we are using this program for our 7th grader, might as well use it for our Kindergartner too.

We received most of our materials last week & I must say they are very beautiful. Bright colorful boxes of supplies & books. The books are gorgeous. I have alwyas been excited by new school supplies & the beginning of the school year. Now as my children's 'teacher', it is no different.

I am a bit overwhelmed by all the materials but I expect it to go well overall.
Filled w/ nervous anticipation.......I can't wait!

Homeschool Freaks!

Student of the Month

Ca Science Center

November Learning Record

Paper Marbling

People will notice...

October Learning Record

Paper Mache Pumpkin

Two Month Check-In

Life After Home-School

Hands Off Educating?

grad pix

Weekly Wrap-Up

Masterpiece

Weekly Wrap-Up

Japanese Gardens

New Outlook

Weekly Wrap-up

Monthly ES meeting

Introspective Exercise

Poem of the month

Poem of the month

Bolsa Chica Wetlands

Chalk Art Contest

We're off to the fair!

Poem of the month

First Week of School

1 week...

Oh! Already?

Fresh Vision

Summer Break!

A *Real* day of home educating!

Free Art Lessons

Spring Fever has hit!

Time to Get Busy

That was a total waste of time!

What now? (part 2)

Where have I been? (part 1)

Sea World

Tutor Trial

How many extracurricular activites can we squeeze in this semester?

SMURRF

Los Cerritos Rancho

Welcome Back!

Yay!

I made a decision

Already?

Welcome back!

Break time OVER!

We're on Break!!!

Another 20 days...

Fun Fall craft

I love this time of year.

The Getty Museum

Even ARIEL homeschools!

Back to school...kind of.

Cool & beautiful Science

The most exciting moment!

Independence Hall

Bet you didn't know Disneyland was educational did you?

Legoland

Real life Oceanography

Nature, up close & personal.

ART

I know it's been awhile....

Homeschool vacation breaks....

A Night of 'culture'?

The learning doesn't end for summer....

La County Zoo

A Key Ingredient...

Right in OUR own back yard....

Want to Color?

Field Trips on the Gooooooo!

Oregon Trail

Reenergized & Revised...

BIG FIeld Trip coming up....

Time for Plan B

El Dorado Nature Center

NO news yet

It's been awhile....

A Real day of home educating!