New bookkeeping

I'm trying out a new system for keeping track of assignments and logging notes and such. I think it may work much better, and it'll cut down on the amount of paper I need to keep. We'll see how it works over the course of the month.

Today J surprised me with his math. He was converting fractions to decimals in tenths, hundredths, and thousandths. He kept complaining that he didn't understand - that it didn't make any sense. I went over it several times, showing him on paper how it worked. When I checked in with him later I found that he'd done most of them in his head. At first I thought he wasn't doing them correctly, because he didn't show his work. But when I sat down with him to do some checking I found that he had them all correct! I was very impressed, to say the least. And sharing my amazement with him helped him to feel more confident in his work. He finished the assignment with no more complaints!

It was a good "first day" back from break. Even though we'd done some work last week, today was the official first day back. It took a bit of coaxing to get started. Even I didn't want to do any school work today. But we did it. Not everything on the schedule, but enough.

And tomorrow is a new day.

Ha!Ha!

I left off with week #3. The school year is almost half over now. A bit behind, eh?

Tomorrow we will begin again, fresh from Christmas break. Although, we did do some work this last week to get us warmed up :D

Right now, I need to be printing worksheets! See ya!

Mid-week #3

The amount of handwriting is increasing and so are the moans...
But I must say their penmanship is improving :D

I started reading a new poetry book today. "Tour America: A Journey Through Poems and Art" by Diane Siebert. We only read the first two poems but they've already captured our attention!

We're still learning about daVinci, getting ready to write a biography report. We're also doing a state report, as well as writing various kinds of poetry. In a few more days they will both be finished with their books and will begin a book report. In their science class they will soon be doing some experiments that will require reports. I think it's safe to say that this year will be consumed by writing, writing, and more writing! I can almost hear the moans beginning...

New School Year!

With week one complete, week two is now underway. We've started a new schedule, a new rhythm, a new direction. We are not doing our SOS at the moment as we are waiting for the new curricula to arrive and I'm hoping a new computer? maybe? It certainly would make our school day progress with less frustration.

While we wait on those things, we are focusing on our Bible class. We've started a new Character Study, which I hope will help us all to become better people. And soon we'll be adding in a study of each book, and the names of God. As part of our bible study we are using the dictionary and practicing penmanship, as well as reading aloud. We are now using the Charlotte Mason method for learning our memory verses. It seems to be working quite well! I'm pleasantly surprised with how well the kids have adapted to using it.

Our spelling study is going well so far. The kids are having an easier time learning their words. Using the dictionary and writing sentences, using syllabication and decyphering the base words, and alphabetizing are all helping. At first, K&J were a little defiant against using the dictionary. No one likes the thing and they'd rather type the word into dictionary.com! But I believe dictionary skills are very important, even in this technological age, and so they are learning to use it.

Our literature study this year includes many readings from the Charlotte Mason reading lists as well as lots of poetry. We will be focusing on book reports as well. Right now K is reading "The Island of the Blue Dolphins" and J is reading "Treasure Island". And I am reading "Emma". :D

In art we are in the Renaissance period. Leonardo daVinci is our artist of the month. We've looked at some of his art, and played a mystery game on the internet. I wish we had access to a museum with some of his works. Seeing them in person would make such an impact, I think. It's just not the same in a book or on the net.

We are also learning Spanish and Sign Language this year. J really wants to learn Japanese. I'm not sure what I'll do for that. We used to have access to Rosetta Stone through the public library but they discontinued it. If we decide to learn japanese, I'll have to purchase something else.

We started signing today. K remembers the alphabet and a few other signs from last year. J doesn't remember it at all - except for "no". Probably because I use it a lot! J is a bit more receptive to learning sign this year, so we'll see how much he picks up. K is excited about it and plans to learn more languages than what I have planned. She's really interested in learning Portugese as well as French. The portugese is because of their friends from Brazil. She picks up words from them all the time.

The new school year is still fresh and I'm always looking things over. Always on the look out for something fun and interesting. Looking forward to what's to come!

I want to go back to paper and pencil!

Once again we fall behind - through no fault or laziness - just faulty technology. I'm not happy. Not happy at all. My computer succumbed to a dasterdly virus and is now being professionally cleaned and repaired. When I get it back I will need to reinstall every program I use. I am not happy.

And while we wait for the return of our hapless laptop, we do our daily math assignment, our bible, penmanship, and spelling...and grow further and further behind on everything else...

At this rate, we won't get our summer vacation!

Back in the groove...

I've been working really hard to get us back on track with our schoolwork. I've planned out the rest of March on paper, and I hope we can stick to it!

The kids aren't exactly enthused, but once they've got a week of the new schedule under their belts they'll be okay.

We're studying the Middle Ages right now, and as you can imagine - if you know me at all - I am bursting with history and fun tidbits to pass on! We just finished up all the lessons in the Switched-on-Schoolhouse curriculum so now we'll do some research projects and read all kinds of books, learn lots of fun stuff about how life is different today and really dig in to the history of the period. We'll even go to a medieval faire or something - if I can find one in the area. Most of them are finished by February. But we can always travel to one further north too! :D

I'm ordering the new science curriculum this week. We're SO-O-O far behind! I'm sure we'll catch up fairly quickly though, since they enjoy science and love doing experiments. I even dug the microscope out of storage! We're going to have fun :D

I'm hoping we'll be renewing our memberships to the Orlando Science Center soon and I'd like to find some more museums to visit. It's difficult to find a good deal around tourist town! :/

Wasn't Christmas break a few weeks ago?

or....the case of the missing calendar...

It seems I don't know how to keep track of time anymore. We've taken too many days off once again. I don't really regret it. The kids have had so much fun. As soon as we moved back into the RV they were off on the bikes checking in with their friends and meeting new ones.

So the days have slipped away from me as I've watched them settle on the "lawn" and put together robots and challenge each other to build the best egg protector, then dropping their egg contraptions from the tip-top of the ladder. I've lost track of time while watching them zoom down the street on their bikes, racing their friends to see who can get back to the park first. And I've emptied the cupboards more than once feeding hungry boys and girls just back from a friendly game of backyard football, or a rousing round of basketball.

But even the balmiest of days must draw to a close. The next few days we will begin the process of organized learning once again.

Space Shuttle Endeavor liftoff!

Last night was the launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavor. Because the kids were having a sleepover at our house we were unable to drive over to Titusville to watch the launch from across the bay. Instead we popped out the door, all 4 kids in tow, and watched it ascend through the night sky from the yard across from our condo.

We've been studying the American Space Program this last week or so, and the kids were excited to see this launch, because they actually understood what was going on.

It was somewhat cloudy last night, which affected how the light from the engines was distorted. We didn't get the huge glow we did when we watched a different night launch a couple years ago. This time is was subdued, but still breathtaking to watch.

Here the shuttle has just passed by the moon (from my point of view)


Here you can really see the vapor trail. During the day it would be a stream of white cloudy smoke. But at night it's a whole other experience.


Here the shuttle is now out of view in the large clouds in the top left of the frame. But look at that trail! It's so beautiful with the silvery moon partially hidden in dark clouds. I love this picture :D


We were unable to hear the massive boom that comes with a launch because the wind was moving away from us going north. The kids were dissapointed they didn't get to hear the explosion. And I was too. :P Even without the boom, it was still a sight to see!

National Doughnut Day!

Yesterday was National Doughnut Day. And super-mom/teacher thought "What a great project for the afternoon."

Photographic proof of my insanity:

J mixing the dry ingredients.

K mixing the wet ingredients.

Rolling and cutting of said doughnuts.

Did you find the hidden mickey?

The frying of the doughnuts. eeww...

The sugaring and the powdering. K set up an assembly line. She'd move fresh doughnuts to the appropriate bowls and "encourage" J to move quickly!

Happy Doughnut Day! :P

Life after "Fall Break"

Originally it was only a week, just enough time off for our vacation to St. Louis and then on to Michigan for a bit. But when we got home we were all just too tired. The kids wanted to open the boxes they brought home and I just wanted to sleep. So Fall Break became a 2 week vacation, culminating in the celebration of Halloween and Daylight Savings Time ending. What a way to go out. Extra sugar and extra sleep!

Now I'm forcing myself to get back into the thick of things. I have lots of plan rattling around in my brainbox. But I fear I may need a can opener to get them out!

With more holiday coming right around the corner, we're also preparing for more travel. This makes me nervous about keeping us on task for school. Yesterday was our "first day of school" since break. (We don't do Mondays - Dad's day off) It was a rocky start, but then K, thankfully, jumped right in. J, bless him, dragged his feet as long as he could...isn't that what little boys do? He's just too cute to scold sometimes, with those big blue eyes and lopsided smile...

So, before the day gets away from me, I should sign off and get going. Today is National Doughnut Day, so I think for Home Ec we'll make some homemade doughnuts. :D That should make 'em smile. And give me more dishes to wash :(

Kiddie Blogs!

The kids now have blogs in place. I'm hoping this will help them to hone those writing skills at the same time they are chronicling their lives and sharing experiences with family and friends. :D Isn't that why we all do this? :P

K: thedolphinrider-kpb.blogspot
J: flyingninjamonkeys-jmb.blogspot

Please follow along. And leave lots of comments to help encourage their continued blogging!

Math success!

K learned about ratios and proportions this week. It was an exciting time for me to finally see a "light" flip on. She's getting it! She is doing so well with her math! Hurray for girls loving math! Next week we begin solving for unknown numbers! eek! :D

J is finally beginning to understand fractions a little better. We've been going over how fractions work and how they can be manipulated this week. Of all the worksheets I gave him this week he answered only a couple problems incorrectly! Way to go J!

So this week went well. We're settling into a daily routine. Each week I add a little bit more to the assignment lists. We're not up to full speed yet, but it won't be long.

We've been reading poetry every day for the last two weeks. I have found some of the most wonderful books! I was so inspired by one that I had to make a scrapbook layout!

We're just getting into our art and music now. In fact, I have to go to the library as soon as I'm done posting! We're studying classical music and it's composers. I'm hoping to have a keyboard in a couple weeks so the kids can begin learning an instrument. In art, we've been reviewing the color wheel, color mixing, and learning about color values. I haven't chosen an artist to study yet, I'm still thinking about where I want to start.

As far as our other subjects, we're moving right along. They are both moving quickly through their science. K is doing well with her english, but J is struggling just a bit. It doesn't bother me, because a lot of people still struggle with using "good" or "well" in a sentence correctly. :P

It's been a good week. Hopefully, this next week will run as smoothly as I add in some more lessons :D

2 weeks

We now have 2 weeks under our collective belts. However, we're only doing half our work. The SOS I ordered came in late so I got us started with what workbooks I had to hand. I did go pick up new math books. J stayed with 6th grade math to do some review work and K moved up to 8th grade math :D

The plan is to start adding in some more lessons next week. I'm working on art and music lessons and I'm trying to put together a government course. Not having much luck with that.

It's also going to get interesting when baseball kicks in. Monday is our first game. And then it's non-stop til Dec 4!

Right around the corner

The new school year will be beginning next week. I'm excited. I don't think the kids are. Not that it surprises me. They don't like a lot of busy work.

So this year I'm going way out in left field. This year we're using the Switched-On-Schoolhouse. We picked up a science disc in the spring and tried it out. K loved it right away but J took a little longer to get used to the idea.

When I started putting together the curriculum this year I asked them if they'd like to continue using workbooks or would like to switch to the SOS format. K was all for the SOS format, J was so-so. He wasn't against it, but wasn't excited.

Thankfully, we had some extra income at just the right moment so I could order the curriculum. These programs cost wa-a-a-a-y more than if I put it all together myself. But, I'm hoping the investment will pay off: i.e. they'll enjoy doing their work!

Which now leaves me teaching Bible, Art, Music, and various Social Studies lessons. We will be using SOS for Science, Language Arts, History, Geography, and Spanish. We will continue to use our books for Math.

Using the SOS will free me up quite a bit. Plus, I'll be able to put more into our other lessons, only having those few to plan out. I'm really looking forward to expanding our art and music studies!

Another project we will be working on is blogging. I know that seems odd, but I think the kids will have fun keeping a blog of what they're are doing and feeling from their own perspective. It'll make for some interesting reading, I'm sure! Keeping a blog will also count towards credit in L.A. as well as improving their typing skills. I can't wait to read some of their entries :D

So, until next week!

Summer Break

Now it's August we are officially on summer break.

With me working this last month we may as well have been on break, though we did get some work done. We did not finish Science like I had hoped we would.

Ah well. We're getting there.

The end is near...

The end of the school year, that is. :D

K&J finished their final tests in level 6 math on Tuesday. K breezed right through it but J seemed to struggle a bit. I walked him through a few problems to help refresh his memory, but it didn't seem to click. After the test he said he wants to do level 6 again in the fall for extra practice. As he says it, "I'm just not ready for 7th grade math, mom. I think I should work on this some more."

He looked so cute while he was expressing his thoughts on the subject of 6th vs. 7th grade math. When they start up again in September, we'll warm up with the basics and do some more review work from the end of the 6th grade book. Then we'll see where we need to go.

J also finished his grade 4 Vocab book and now only has English and Science to finish up this summer. K has English and Science to finish as well. K is a bit behind in Science so she'll need to double up on work to get caught up. Which doesn't seem to be a problem at all since she likes the SOS Science and usually works ahead anyway.

And that's that. As long as they keep working everyday we'll be ready for summer break by the first of August. That will give me time to collect next years workbooks and purchase the SOS discs I'll need for K, since she wants everything computerized, and a couple discs for J, since he really doesn't care either way.

SOS

As the kids are working on their science lessons, I'm finding more and more errors. Like pigeons are extinct?

While we all like the computerized lessons, I'm wondering if there might be something better out there?

Summer is a good time for internet research. When I have internet, that is. :D

short break

Our break has officially begun. The plan is to leave sometime Sunday to head north for the ProLife Festival. So the kids are off school during that time. Except to catch up on the science they haven't gotten done yet. Even with computerized work, we still get behind! Life happens.

Week in review

This week has been a whirlwind of activity! I can't believe it's Friday already :D

Monday was a field trip (see previous post)

Tuesday was a work day. The kids helped clean up the yard and do some cleaning and detailing on the trailers to get ready for June's road trip.

Wednesday was J's last ballgame. It was hard to get him to settle into his schoolwork he was so wound up for gametime. We managed to get most everything done. Just as we were getting ready to work on science my computer decided it didn't feel like working and changed it's settings back to factory. Effectively ending our schoolday, since I couldn't find any of my files! I had an extremely awful moment there....I actually came to tears for a bit, I was so frustrated. But then a deep breath and I grabbed a book to read and just waited for Chad to get home and fix everything for me like he always does. :D

Thursday was K's day to flake out on me. She just had no desire to do anything. So instead of fighting it out we went swimming. After some fun and relaxation we went back to the RV, had some lunch, and then got our work done. Computer was nice and tidy so we did some SOS. Unfortunately, we're a day behind and I can't figure out how to change the due dates. So, we're just going to pick up the slack over the weekend. (Yes - the kids actually agreed to it!)

Thursday night we volunteered at the ball field. They needed help with the coach-pitch tournament. Chad did the field maintenance and I did scorekeeping (in the book) and K&J did the electronic scoreboard, until they got bored and Chad had to take over. We signed up for one game, but no one showed for the 2nd game so we stayed and helped out. I think we're going to sign up for some more over the weekend.

Friday (today) I didn't even try to get them started on school work right away. Instead I asked if they wanted to go for a swim. I've never seen them move so quickly! We relaxed for a bit, swam 2 laps, and relaxed for a bit. When we got home we had lunch and got to work. K&J both did 2 quizzes and a project in Science. They're getting used to the SOS program, which is nice. J said he'd like all his work on the computer now. Good thing I have the summer to save up for those discs! :D
We're also working on a couple things in Geography: learning the States (and capitals, postal codes, major landforms, etc) and about Biomes. We've finished the general study of Deserts. Next week we'll study the American deserts.

We're sailing right along in math. Should be finishing up about the first week of June. I'm not sure if I'll have them start grade 7 math just yet. We might take a little break.

We're pushing our way through Ancient History. A lot of the timelines overlap, which can get confusing. Right now I'm hitting the major sections. It's difficult to decide sometimes what they should know and what can be skipped or just mentioned. A lot of the ancients will be covered again later when they are in HS, so we don't have to do a lot of detailed work right now. I hope to get us up to 400AD by the end of summer, since that will put us on track for the Middle Ages next school year.

English and Vocabulary are going well. They are both almost finished with vocab. English will take us a little longer - most of the summer in fact.

I could wish they'd put a little more effort into their spelling words. I'm going to try some new ideas next week and see what happens.

All in all, it's been a good week. Only a couple hiccups. :D And they never last long!

Field Trip!

Alas, no photography allowed :(

Today we went to the Orlando Museum of Art. J's been wanting to go for some time and we finally got around to it.

Boy was it disappointing. They've got nothing on Chicago!

J was so mad. He didn't want to see art he could make himself! (his words) He wanted to see the old stuff! (as in really old, where the artist is dead, OLD) I kind of had to chuckle. I did explain that some of the works here were by artists that had passed away some time ago. But he wasn't interested in landscapes, and he said the portraits were creepy. Their eyes follow you around! So what does he think OLD art is, I wonder? :P

We did get to see an exhibit of Norman Rockwell. I loved every bit of it! I really enjoyed seeing his orginal full-sized works and then the covers of the magazines as they chose what to publish. Fascinating stuff, and a little saddening when you realize how much power the media has when it comes to what we actually get to see.

We also ran across an early "coffee mug" made by the Anasazi of Colorado. Made between 900 and 1000 AD, they were in really great shape. I love the black/white designs.

After the art museum we popped into the science museum just across the street. They were changing out exhibits so there wasn't anything new to check out. We popped into the hurricane simulator and then went over and uncovered some fossils from the dinosaurs. We were having fun until one of the docents came over and began a lecture on how the earth is 65 million years old and the dinosaurs blah, blah, blah, blah...

We listened politely for about half an hour. He did have some really fascinating stories to tell about Dinosaur Sue and Dinosaur Stan. But when he drifted off into the extinction by meteor thing and started in on the whole 65 million thing again I just couldn't take it anymore. At some point I mentioned that we didn't believe that and that was that. You could tell he really wanted to try to convince us that science was right and the Bible was wrong. But we just smiled and changed the subject and asked some questions to keep the topic elsewhere. Eventually it was time to go and we headed out to grab some lunch.

On the way out Chad asked the kids how old the earth is. J looks up and shakes his head, "well it isn't 65 million years that's for sure". Enough said.

Next week: Museum of Salvador Dali! ooohhh! I hope they allow photos!