September 23,2009

Yep, it's looking like we're back to old routines..which is okay!  We're still reading the 'Everyday Bible', when we have it from the library for use during the 'mock nap-time'...lol    The American Story also comes in handy. One story a day, and they have their history:) 

 Colette playing playdough with friend "Lily" and a new girl (I believe her name is 'Maggie')

We are still using, 'First Language Lessons,' but that book has a lot of review!! Keep in mind, however, it is for grades 1-2, so it is pretty much just trying to 'cram the info in'...instead of waiting a few years when they actually understand the information.  Now that Rachel is 8 years old, it only took her a few days on common nouns/proper nouns and she needs no introduction.  What I did was print off the pages on grades 1-4 of the free language arts link I have:
http://www.sfreading.com/resources/ghb.html


(which is only like 3 pages per grade), and once she finishes those we'll skip to Lesson..I think around 30, and do the next one: pronoun.  Imagine, 30 lessons on just nouns!!  What a waste that would had been.  She has about two pages left and we'll move on.
I got a hold of some Singapore Math workbooks, and she seems to enjoy doing them.  We're also doing the math text I found online, learning about fractions and such.  It's all oral, so far, with a lot of manipulatives for demonstrations.  They really enjoy this!!


Oh, here is the link for timezattack:
http://www.bigbrainz.com/index.php?PARTNER=krimsten

Her and the other kids on the playground

Jumping on the bridge with Jonas

(I do try to get pictures of the others during PE..but the lighting must be weird..they all come out grainy! I'll post  them next time just the same..
Gracie is playing it now, and she's only 6!!  Now if I can just get them to memorize their additinon/subtraction..;)  I didn't memorize it much, so I guess it's not a big deal.  But I really want them to.  No calculators in this house!!;)


I also got the next book in the series on  famous artists.  Our latest was a book on Vincent Van Gogh," Camille and the Sunflowers'.  This is a little more of a story then the other one, but still a great story! 
http://www.amazon.com/Camille-Sunflowers-Laurence-Anholt/dp/0812064097


We looked at his paintings:
http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A0geu6eVRbtKAS0BZp1XNyoA?ei=UTF-8&p=vincent+van+gogh&rd=r2&fr2=tab-web&fr=yfp-t-832-s


and read a little about him.  What a sad ending to such a gifted painters life!!  It is such a shame he didn't grow up now, maybe someone could had helped him come out of his despair..


We also read of a young artist (well, she's not young now, but when the book was written she was only 14, now she's in her 30's..).  She started painting at an early age, and made her first major painting at age 4! It was even put on a stamp in China!!  , "A Young Painter: The life and paintings of Won Yani'.  The most interesting thing about this is she was never taught 'how' to paint.  Her father is an artist, and he purposely did not tell her how to paint saying it would stunt her creativity.  Interesting theory for those that want to sign their kids up for art classes and such.  I'm sure they're okay, but what an interesting phylosophy!!
http://www.amazon.com/Young-Painter-Paintings-Yani-Extraordinary/dp/0590449060

This was very interesting, and  hopefully taught Rachel (who tend to be a perfectionist) that there is no 'way' to paint!  Art can be anything. 

Happy Unschooling!:)

Septemeber 20, 2009

It's looking like we're going right back to where we were before! Which is okay, I guess;)  I still enjoy the online math text, however.  It's all oral, and has a lot of  ideas on how to do math through manipulatives/game-like fashion.  Rachel is also doing Timez Attack, and wants to buy the 'more graphic' version-has more levels and such.  Gracie has found some adding/subtraction games that Rachel likes as well.   (hers are online).  You can find these games in my yahoo group: favlinks.  There are a lot to choose from!!  One is like pacman, and you have to 'crunch' the ghost with the correct answer.  Real fun!;)  And ofcourse (my favorite), First Language Lessons.  The fun/interactive ones work well for us!

This is Colette with her new outfit, her aunt sent her.  Not her birthday yet..but we couldn't resist;) lol..she ripped it right open.

Happy Homeschooling..or are we unschooling again, lol;)

What a week!

We had co-op, which went great!! The kids really enjoy their spanish class, where they're learning a few phrases and such..PE, etc.. Colette 'loves' playing with her friends!  All is good


One thing one of the moms there told me about was the 'Clep' program. 
http://dorioakes.bravehost.com/7through12.html


This is the best link for this.  Basically, once you take the class, you take the 'Clep' test.  It's kind of  like in college when you 'test-out' of a class.  If you pass it, you get college credit!!  What she is doing, is her kids are 15yo.  So they took the first 'two years of college' (which are english, math, history, science, etc.)-they're testing out of those.  Then the 'next' two years, they can spend on a major. By the time they graduate-they'll have a bachelors degree!!:)  It's not cheap..but a lot cheaper then college.  Plan to save!! 
She's also letting me know on the best curriculums reccommended for those tests:) Another plus.


One thing she told me, which was rather interesting, is that colleges now aren't looking for one forign language, now they want two.  Which two?  Latin, and any other language.  Hers learned Spanish, and (according to her), they haven't shown much preference for Spanish-they want Latin.  I figure a class in 'Latin Roots' will siffice as a Latin class..I guess.  But I did find that interesting..


Afraid I'm leaning toward that 'Unschooling Wall' again..lol..will I ever get this organized!! Probably not..it's in me;)  But at grade 6, it'll be formal all the way;) and pretty much just 'testing out' of highschool, lol.!


Happy Homeschooling!

Up till September 9, 2009

Oh, has it been busy!!  Tuesday the kids went to co-op and had a great time.  They are learning some phrases in Spanish, along with a few songs.  Lots of arts/crafts!!  They both love PE.  Colette even got to go to the playground and went on the 'wobbly' bridge.  I guess seeing all the other kids go on it fine made her feel safer;)  When one of her friends sisters came in (Lily), Lily pulled her sister aside, motioned to Colette and said, 'this is my friend'.  too cute!! I think Lily is around 3yo.  We even got chips on the way out (raising money for ..something;) ..that's bad..lol.  So they enjoyed that!

Colette sitting with her friend, 'Lily', coloring.  They like to talk to eachother..cute!!

Today we're going 'relaxed' again.  Read a little from the Chronological Bible, and then the Everyday Bible. I've decided I'm going to just read what the book has in stories. It's too much of a headache to go looking around for a story that matches.. 

Gracie did her reading, and that is moving fast!  Rachel  decided she wants to read, 'The Wizard of Oz' this week.  She was suppose to read, 'The Prince and the Pea', but when Iread it to them (I usually will pre-read a good story;) she liked it so much, she read it again!  So, guess that is out..  But she decided on that one.

We did math again, the simple adding, subtracting. Imagine, the first week and it is already covering simple multiplication!! All oral, and story problem-like but that is fast moving!  And they are getting it. Learning adding/subtracting and multiplication all in one. Wow!  Rachel also works from a workbook we got Singapore Math 2a.  It's one of those curriculums that is around 2years ahead public schools.  She seems to enjoy it. We do the textbook orally, (it's colorful/interactive/mostly story problems), and she will do the first page of the workbook today for 'homework'.  Having her do the worksheet during school was too much waiting!! So we have 'homework' now:)

We looked at the Saxon textbooks I got.  They're nice, and I plan to use them next year, maybe.  They go right into algebra though..at grade 4.  I tried printing off a pre-algebra site I found for her, as some people just 'struggle though' it..it didn't work too well.  So we'll look at it again next year. It's for grades 4 and 5, but is still a few years ahead of public schools..  I figure with this textbook we're using, at the rate it's moving, maybe we'll get to algebra by then!;)  if not next year, grade 6 is a good year to start algebra too..but at the rate the textbook we're using now is moving..and how great it is at explaining/breaking things down, they should be thinking more 'algebraically' by the time we finish this year..

Colette loves to draw pictures

We used First Language Lessons and learned about proper nouns and common nouns and Rachel did a worksheet from our language arts site on this.  Then we did something new: This day in history.  It was fairly detailed, so I just had them study 'Korea'.  We found it on the map, (their ball;) observed how close it was to our country and colored a flag:)

We ended up finishing A is for America, and looked up all the states mentioned on the map.  We discussed the major highways (which I love!) that are on the map, so they can see what highway we would take if we go and drive somewhere.  We used 'east' and 'west' when trying to find the states, and the mile-maker thing;) to see how many miles it was.  They aleady understand the equator.  So we covered some ground;) 

Gracie drew a picture of one of her webkinz extended family.

They also 'finally' got a chance to paint their clay snowmen/cookie (Colette..lol..we ran out of dough;)  They had a lot of fun!!

Here are the snowmen.   Gracie, Rachel and Colette.  LOL..we ran out of clay..she got the 'cookie'

Happy Homeschooling!!

September 4,2009

We showed up on the correct day today:)
So we made it to the co-op, and what did I find? MORE books for sale..and then there were a few more laying on the table.  Singapore Math  Of course, they couldn't be for sale. These are the math materials I had wanted to purchase for Rachel, I figured they must be selling them quite high..much higher then 25cents.
I was wrong..a little..they were FREE! So I got 2 grades in one!  I am going to use them along with what we have..the material wasn't what I had expected..of course I don't have the teacher manual, which I am sure makes a big difference.  I like the online textbook for just that reason, all the instructions are there.  But all together, our math is straighted out for some time:)

There were a lot of people there.  It's quite a large area.

Then we listed to a sherriff lady talk about bike safety and such.  The line for the helmets was quite long (we were slow to react I guess;) and got in at the end.  Proud to say the girls were quite patient, and ended up with a pink kitty helmet!!  Colette tried one on, but they didn't have any left in her size, so they'll bring one for her (and other younger kids that didn't get one) at next month's meeting..I believe (if I understood right).
Either way, FREE! Yes! :)
Happy mommy, can't complain!

The park overlooks a lake.  It's very beautiful, but you have to watch for gators!!;)

The girls made a friend.  She had a toy-chiahahua, long haired.  It was so fluffy!!  It was so small, it was no bigger then your hand.  probably a little bigger then the girls hands' (just one hand!).  Too cute, but our cat could easily hold it down with one paw, lol..

The girls got matching helmets.  Colette almost got one, but her head was too small so she has to wait for the correct size.  Rachel isn't too happy about helmets..she doesn't like how they feel.  Can't say I don't feel the same;)

By the time we got home, I was ready to go to bed, so we just called it quits.

September 3, 2009

Oh..what a week, lol...I got up early,  got everything set.  The calendar on the wall had broken...maybe I should have 'fixed it', because I got the kids ready, got the snacks picked out and we headed for the park for their homeschool meeting :)


only problem is..the homeschool meets on Friday..it's Thursday.
:( not good!!  This is the first month we'll attend, so without the calendar to keep track of days (that's what you get when you work nights I guess..they all get confused ;)

This is my big prize :)  It is so hard to find these balls. A great way to 'play and learn'

So needless to say...we didn't make it!  :(

Instead we did a little laundry!! It went to get gas, and when I opened the door the kids were playing a 'spelling game'.  And then, to top it off, when I went to the laundromat (Dollar General is right nextdoor), I found  the ball I have been looking for!  It's very hard to find, as only one comes in a shipment.  Then Gracie lost a tooth last night, so she decided to use her tooth money there.  And, in our house, when someone loses a tooth-we ALL get presents!!:) So it was a fun day, despite the disorganization...lol;)

Gracie, Rachel and Colette with their prizes. 

Happy Homeschooling!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Today was more a of a day off.  We did read the Chronological Bible, and then Rachel reviewed her spelling words by taking another pre-test, and then writing the words she missed 10X.  The words in that story are quite complicated, and she got more right then she did wrong! So that is good. 
Rachel also read another chapter from her Barbie book.

Then we kind of got distracted;)  So that was it!
Happy Homeschooling!!

September 1, 2009

Co-op Day!!

I can't figure out 'how' to get that pic. to move down..lol.;)  Above is Colette and her friend 'Jonas' looking out the window of the 'baby room' (as she calls it).  It overlooks the parking lot, trees, and much-loved 'playground'!

Prior to this, Colette only sat on the 'big' potty once-with daddy!  What got her to do it?  Well, I told the little ham, 'if you go on the potty, I'll take your picture!:)'

Wish I would have thought of that sooner...she went like..three times!

Colette eating her snack

Rachel and Gracie waiting for their class to start.  They have this 'huge' soccer ball, the kids love to play with it!

I was tyring to get a good pic of Rachel and Gracie, Colette walks right up in front of the camera..;) love to have her picture taken!

Colette on the playground.  I would have taken a better picture, but we came out a little late.  Weren't out there long when the daycare kids marched out-time for us to go!

Colettte drove a car..wouldn't give me time to focus in/get her to look.  Jumped out just as quick!  Too much to do..

Colette on the bigger slide

The kids really enjoy this day and today they started their first day of 4-H!  Both age groups they're in  chose a form of science for their topics to cover, so they're excited about that!  4-H is every other Tuesday.

As for school, we really don't do much, if anything at all on Tuesdays, especially when it's a full-day!  They started this week at 10am (although next time will be at 10:30 so there won't be a big gap), but then got out at 11:30, and played for about an hour/ate till classes starting at 12:30.  Only downfall is Colette..there is 'nothing' for her to do!!  There is a playground at the church, but we can only use it when the daycare is not using it..guess when they're using it???;) when 4-H is on!!

After this they went to their class, and Colette got a chance to see her friends:)  It's so cute, they talk to eachother and everything, and understand one another.  Rachel and Gracie spoke of 'more' friends they had made, hopefully they will be at the park on Thursday!!:)
They both learned, 'Jesus Loves Me' during Spanish and Gracie spoke of an art project she did in another class.  (it's drying, I guess..)
One dissappointment, although I do like fun and games...they keep learning these songs..As much fun as songs are..why not words??  I mean..am I the only one lost on this??  I may ask/even offer to teach a beginning Spanish class for conversation next year/semester. After all, the Spanish teacher is native..why aren't they doing anything???;) okay, just me.  At $15 a semester, can't be too picky!!;)   But I may ask anyways!!

Then, to top off the day, they had a box out front.  'All books 25 cents'.  The group is big on charities, so I am guessing the money went to that.  What I found in the boxes was a gold mine!!:)
It got Saxon 5/4 workbook (has pencil marks in it, but for the price, yes!) and a solutions manual..i'm thinking it costs around $50 regular..maybe $30 used.  It's for an advanced grade 4 student..I think Rachel can handle it.  It starts out adding...in algebra ;)  But the mom in Colettes class said she used it for a struggling grade 4, and just took two years to do it.  Techinically, it's grade 4, but it's one of those curriculums that like...two years above public schools..but it's one of the best curriculums out there!  I had wanted Teaching Textbooks for next year, but the mom said Saxon also had DVD's, and they work fine for her.  I also got Saxon 7/8 workbook, solutions manual and tests/worksheets.  (will have to get the tests/worksheets for Rachel).  I will try to erase the pencil marks..I suppose white-out will work too.  She can just copy it like a textbook, then I can use it for the other two:)

I also got several history books I found.  All for $3.  Yes!!  That's over $100 worth of stuff!!

Not much else to say.  They had a good time.
Happy Homeschooling!:)

August 31, 2009

Oh, I got behind!!  I was so tried/headache, I couldn't do it;) 
We read the Chronological Bible, but there were no stories for what we read on, in any of the books I have, so we didn't have any stories to read..

We went from there to: (i figure there is no reason to explain, since we do it every week;)  Gracie's letters are in bold.  We'll call this our 'letter game'.
I- Igloos are built in the snow
J-There are animals in the jungle.
K-Kangaroos can jump.

Gracie then worked on her penmanship. 
Rachel has a spelling list from her book, Emporor's New Clothes, where she'll learn to spell words..like Emporer..lol ;)   So she worked on spelling city.  She does that twice a day, as the words are quite difficult.

While Rachel was on Spelling City, Gracie and Colette worked on math.  We did the adding with hands and such, and then went through numbers 1-3 with the dots.  Kind of like 'dice faces', where you count the dots.  That's how they teach them to add.  She did very well!  Of course, she's practiced adding before.  But we also math like: If I have 4 fingetrs, how many more fingers would I need to make 5?  So it teaches them that as well!

Rachel is working on her Barbie Sea of Friends book, still.  She will finish it this week, and start on a new book next week.  We haven't decided on the book, yet.  She picks it out from a pile of catalogs I have and I just HOPE it's available at the library;)  She likes the catalogs, as it has pictures, and a description.  She also looks at her movies, and we go online (library) to see if there are any books..

Going on First Langauge Lessons, we practiced the next lesson and learned about 'Common Nouns'.  I printed off a worksheet for her to do from the free site I have listed (scroll down a day or so for the link).

We then went on to, A is for America, letters M-S, where we discussed the Missippi River, looked at a map and saw long it actually is!  I purchased a map from Dollar Tree, of the United States.  It's not too big/but not too small (place mat), and what I like about it is it shows major highways, so they can see the highway we would take to each state!  We have a world map, but it's not laminated, and I don't want to put it up until after we move (beginning of the year), so it doesn't get damaged...had that experience once..

Then it was time for Colette to go to bed.  So we had everyone lay down for a 'mock' nap time, and serious one for the 2yo;)  (when she falls asleep, everyone else gets up!;) lol..
But I read Garden Wigglers (author listed in previous post) Rachel didn't get a chance to hear the story, and she 'loves' science..  I then read The American Story by-Jennifer Armstrong.  This is an excellent book!! It goes through history, in a 'story-like' form.  We stopped on year 1626. 
When Colette fell asleep, we all got up!:)

We have been meaning to do 'living math'..it's just a rough start this year!!  My biggest reccommendation would be 'board games' where you use questions from their curriculum (whatever you're covering), instead of regular cards.   I have told Rachel she has to memorize her addition/subtraction and multiplication this year..or at least that's the goal;)  She 'knows' her addition/subtraction, for the most part. I want the 'snap my finger' give me the answer, though.  She doesn't like pressure, so I just want it to be common knowledge..like a 'what color is this' type of question. 

Happy Homeschooling!!:)