Homeschooling During Covid-19

     Even though we have been homeschooling for 10 years now, things are still different than the way they were in years before.   One things that's different is that we're taking a year off from Co-op.  We thought we should just stay home with all the changes that are going on.  We're sad, but we know that we'll still get the work done! Field trips have been on hold for a bit.  I usually try to do one a month, but things are slowly opening up, so we have to check on wait lists and requirements.

    So, let me point out that I now have a high schooler!!!!!  I have no idea where the time went, but here we are!  I feel like I have some added stress making sure her transcript gets done and we get all her classes in before her senior year.  She already has one credit since she's done Physical Science last year.  

I'll share what she's doing this year.

Bible-  Rooted and Grounded: A guide for Spiritual Growth  (new this year)

History- Mystery of History Volume 4 ( we did half the book last year, so we're finishing it up this year)

Geography- This goes along with our Bible lesson.  We learn about what other countries believe and ways we can pray for them.  We also do a review of  the states and countries that we learned in years before.

Math- Teaching Textbook Algebra and Geometry 

Science- Apologia Biology

Grammar- Fix It Grammar Book 5. (new this year)

Literature- We're reading The Scarlet Letter, The Tell Tale Heart, Peace Like A River, Fahrenheit 451, Of Mice and Men, To Kill A Mockingbird, and The Bronze Bow

Vocabulary- Wordly Wise Book 9.  (new this year)

Logic- we'e going to be going some activities that help us think logically. (new this year)

Health- Apologia Health and Nutrition ( new this year)

We also add things like additional math life helps ( writing a check, balancing a checkbook, savings, etc), cooking and baking and things that are fun, but things we learn from to help to live an independent life.  She can't live with us forever!!!

So lets talk about Super Boy!  He's in 8th grade this year!!!!  I can't believe it's my baby's last year of middle school.  I really wish time would slow down!!!

A lot of his things are the same, but let me share those with you!

Bible- Rooted and Grounded

History- Mystery of History Volume 4

Geography- Goes with our Bible lessons

Math- Teaching Textbooks Pre-Alegrbra

Science- Apologia Physical Science

Grammar- Fix it Grammar Book 3

Literature- Reading the same books

Vocabulary-Wordly Wise Book 8

Logic- same as above

Health- Apologia Anatomy and Physiology ( we did this when the kids were in elementary, but I wanted to do a review)

Coding- he's been doing some online coding. I got him a book from Five Below last year and he's finally using it!!!

    Since Covid-19, our last school year ended a little early because we couldn't take a spring break and our Co-op had to shut down for the remainder of the year, so we had extra days to work on school work.   So, we ended up being done sooner!  

    I started school the beginning of August because we had a full 3 months off and I needed to get back on schedule!!!!  So glad we did!  We have been loving our new curriculum and we're glad to be ahead of where I thought we would be!  The kids are rocking it, even with all the changes that they had to get use to.

    I wanted to share this because if you're looking for a great Bible study, you should check this out!  It talks about other countries and its people group.  It shares a lot on the history there and what to pray for.  I use this part for geography.  It's a great way to check out the areas on the globe in our atlases.  

    The Bible part has a theme every week.  The kids have to memorize a verse each week and they have a lot of reading from the Bible to do and then answers questions to help them grow deeper in their faith. I'm really liking it and the kids have told me over and over again that they love it!  I'm really glad I came across it!!!

    As things begin to start opening up, I'm sure our schedule will start to get busier and busier, so we're enjoying the time we have that is a little slower than what we're use to.

    I look forward to sharing more with you!  Take care and God Bless!!!!

So, That's Where I've Been!

I was sitting at my desk today and I was thinking about how much fun homeschooling was when the kids were younger.  Now don't get me wrong, it's still fun, but let's be honest.  Elementary is where the real fun is at!  Arts and crafts, fun field trips, and playing learning games because our day wasn't full of errands and studying!

I miss those cute little faces and the colorful curriculum!  I can't believe how fast time is going!  Minnie(me) is in 8th grade.  Let that sink in. I will have a high schooler next year!!!!!  SuperBoy is in 7th and quit the little athlete.  Of course, his father and I love that!  They are both are active, which means that mom is hauling them from one place to the next!  They are second-degree black belts and have added jujitsu to the mix.  SuperBoy took a year off of basketball because he did fall ball and the schedules overlapped.  But they are both looking forward to spring ball!  (so am I)

We're still in Co-op and already signed up to come back next year! I am teaching a Rocks and Minerals class to grades 1st- 4th and Teach Lab again for the middle schoolers.  Minnie(me) is taking yearbook, physical science, art, and a study hall.  SuperBoy has art, general science, teach-lab, and a writing class.  They are both thriving and I'm so proud of them.

So, yes this year we had some struggle.  I feel like math is always a pain in my side when it comes to finding something that we like.  Last year we went back to Saxon and decided to use it this year as well.  Welp, here I am frustrated!  I think it's mainly because it takes FOREVER!!!  I feel like half our school day is math.  I'm fine with that, but I've noticed that sometimes what is taught is later brought up, but in a different way than how it was taught in the beginning.  It's confusing and when my kiddos go from A students to C students, I need to step back and figure something out.   I think it's part laziness ( because it's a lot, and I mean A LOT of work) and just confusion.  So, I switched them back to Teaching Textbooks.  I need something that is self-grading and self-teaching.  This is the perfect solution!  We used it before and we're glad we're using it again.  I heard that they have gotten better with the upper grades, so I'm going to see how the rest of the year pans out and then over the summer decide on what we're using next year.

Most of the curriculum is still the same as earlier years because I love it so much!  We're using Mystery of History Volume 4 and I'm stretching it out over the next two years.  We're doing a longer study of some of the wars and topics.  We finished up the American Revolution a few months ago and we're getting ready to do a 3-month study of the Civil War. I have lots planned, including some trips to some of the battlefields.

In Bible, the kids are doing their devotions and then we've been reading through a book called, "Rediscover Jesus."  It's a great read!

They are still using Easy Grammar.  I'm so glad I came across this when I did.  It's been a great addition to our day!

We went on a lot of trips over the summer, which was nice.  We went to Florida for two weeks to see family and friends and then to Tennessee for a family vacation and to Virginia for some R&R.  My husband had a business trip, so we made it a long weekend away.  Then school started and that's why I haven't written here in a very long time!

Playing in the creek in VA.

Second-degree Blackbelts

I'll try my best to keep posting!  We have some trips on the schedule, so those will be fun to share!
Till next time!  Have a blessed day!

Change Is Good

Good morning everyone!!!!  Happy FriYAY!!!

I was looking back at some older posts and realized I have missed writing about our homeschool adventures!

A lot has been going on.  We are trucking through this school year, but not without some changes that needed to happen.  I usually don't make certain changes until the summer, but when something isn't working, something has to change!

As many of you know, I have been picking curriculum from different companies. I use to be a one name buyer, but now I buy what's best and what works for me and the kiddoes.

Just a quick reminder, Minnie(me) is a 7th grader and Super Boy is a 6th grader.  Not really sure how that happened, but it did and I'm dealing with it! ;)   So, there have been some subject/ curriculum changes that needed to happen to make everyone happy. I think I was getting in a runt and the kids   were getting bored.  So, after much research and a whole lot of praying, I think we are back on track.

I found a grammar curriculum that we are loving and we're planning on sticking with it until we have exhausted ourselves.  It's called Easy Grammar and I love the way it teaches and the kids are learning so much and loving it!  If they love it, you know it's a keeper!   Easy Grammar   Minnie(me) is on Easy Grammar Plus, and Super Boy is using Easy Grammar 6th.   We love it so much that I already have the books ready to go for next year!

We are still using Mystery of History and loving it!  Since next year we are on volume 4 ( the last book in the series), I'm going to be stretching the lessons out over 2 year. We're going to hang on some topics for awhile and really dive into it! Mystery of History    With MOH next year, we're going to be using MapTrek to really study maps and geography a little more.  I like the maps in MOH, but sometimes they can really hard to find the small details and the maps don't match up with our atlas as closely as I would like. The maps in MapTrek are very detailed and easy to read.  MapTrek

Those are some the smaller changes I'm making, but for this year going into next year I had to tackle the tough decision of math.  Ugh,  That word makes me cringe y'all.    I thought I found a math that we would use for awhile, but after the last couple of months, I feel like the kids aren't being challenged enough.  So, I have made the decision to switch to Saxon.  Now, if you have been reading these posts for a couple of years, you may remember me using Saxon many moons ago and not liking it.  GUILTY!  But when I really think about it, I'm not sure why I didn't.  I think it was because, at the time, I was doing too much and Saxon ended up getting the bad end of the fight.  When I was using Saxon, I had Minnie(me) doing that PLUS another math, so I'm sure I was on overload.   So after research and asking around, many people have said that Saxon is a great math choice and the kids will be challenged.  So I went out and bought the books and we're using it and loving it!  I never thought I would be saying that because of my last experience, but I'm happy with the changes made so far  Saxon Math

Everything else is staying the same.  I feel like my grammar, history, and science are all covered.  Math is under review for the remaining school months and I'm on the search for more add ons for next year.  Adding more vocabulary, art and music, and much more!

A homeschool moms work is never done!

Have a great day and be blessed!

 This holiday season I wanted to share some NEW items from Pure Haven. 

What is Pure Haven?  It's an amazing company that I came across about 3 years ago.  I was looking for natural products that are actually natural and actually work!  I tried a few items from this line and fell in love instantly.  Not only are their products amazing, but they work!  I love their mission that their products will have NO TOXINS in any of their products and I love that they want to educate people on what ingredients to stay away from.   I mean, really!  When was the last time you read or tried to read what was on the back of your product labels?  It's nuts!!!!  There are so many harmful ingredients that are linked to so many diseases. 

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A Little MIA

It seems like once summer hits, I forget to find time to come on and share life with y'all.  Thankfully I am not like that with my friends or I would have none!  Friends, family, and summer fun are the reasons my time is filled up.  No complaints, but such a busy life!

So, another homeschool year is among us and so far, so good.  Like every year I made some changes in curriculum, but I am happy with them and I think I will continue with them, only to add things here and there when needed.

Let me share some of those with you in case you're looking yourself. 

This year I have two in middle school.  Super Boy is in 6th and Minnie(me) is in 7th.  I'm still trying to figure out how that happened.  I think I blinked!

For Math they are both using Teaching Textbooks for their grade. Teaching Textbooks
I use the CD's and we are LOVING it!  They do everything on the labtop.  Lessons, practice problems, seatwork and quizes.  It's all self grading, so after the lesson I just go in and check out their scores.

For History, we are on Volume 3 of Mystery of History. Mystery of History
This is our third year with MOH and I just love it!  We listen to the lesson and then work on notes, activities and on Fridays we do our maps and any quizes or tests that need to be taken.  I also found a cookbook with recipes from around the world.  We have been making some tasty goodies to go along with our lessons. It makes learning more fun!  We sometimes add some art lessons in for fun!

For Grammar, I made the switch full time to Easy Grammar. Easy Grammar
I think the lessons are super east to teach and learn, and the work is easy for the kids to do.  We do grammar twice a week since the kids also do a grammar, vocab, literature, writing class at Co-op.  Easy Grammar teaches parts of speech and also helps with writing too!  It's a keeper!

For Bible, we are continuing with the Apologia series.  We are on book 4 this year.  "What on Earth Can I do?"Apologia Bible
We love this series!  It is great for all ages and really makes you think and learn!  I love how it teaches by showing you the ways the world believes compared to things believers believe.  It makes it easy to relate to the world so that you can help it!

For Co-op, Minnie(me) is going a World History/ Geography Class, Literature, General Science and Tech Lab.
SuperBoy is doing an American Revolution Class, Literature, Art and Tech Lab also.

I hope to keep us with this blog and our adventures in homeschooling.  Please give me some feedback!

Have a great day!

What's Been Going On ICDATH? (I Can Do All Things Homeschooling)

So, it's been almost a YEAR since I posted anything!!!!   That's because our summer was super crazy and busy and then before we knew it, a new school year was upon us!  A lot has been going on, so let's see how well I do in catching everyone up!

The 2017-2018 school year now has a 6th grader and a 5th grader!  I seriously do not know where the time is going! I feel like we were just beginning the homeschool adventure yesterday!

The beginning of the year, we went to a Chinese Lantern Festival and we just loved it! We went right before it got dark, ate dinner, saw the exhibits, and then walked around again when it was dark!  It was so cool!  The kids really enjoyed it, which at first I was a little worried they wouldn't like it.

We also made our traditional trip to the mountains in the fall.  Such a great time to go when the leaves are changing colors.  The day we went was chilly and rainy.  Luckily we got some good pictures in while we were there and also had a yummy lunch and hot cocoa!  We used some of the pictures as the kids school pictures, so I was super excited about that!

Our curriculum has some minor changes to it.  I switch both kids over to Teaching Textbooks.  I am so glad I did!  The kids are loving it and they are doing so much better than I expected.  I kind of get nervous when I'm not the one teaching.  I do ask what they are learning that day, just to be in the know.  For anyone who has not heard of Teaching Textbooks, it's a CD system that teaches math. Every day they have a lesson and then some work to go along with it.  Every so often, they take a quiz.  The program is self grading, so it really frees up my time to either prepare for another subject, or work on something else with another child.  We are keeping this for next year and hopefully continue using it through out the remaining school years. Teaching Textbooks

For history, we are still using Mystery of History.  I love that it begins with creation and tells history with Bible stories and other events that were going on during the same time period.  We are doing volume 2 this year, and even though it's a tough one, Early Churches and Middle Ages, we are pushing through!  I have also added Homeschooling in the Woods, Colonial Times.  We usually do this once or twice a week.  It's a great curriculum!  Small lessons to read and they are hands on with fun projects, which is totally up my alley! Mystery of History     Homeschooling in the Woods

Grammar is a tricky one for us this year. I switched to something new and we liked it, but quickly started to dislike it!  I won't say what it was, but it just wasn't for us.  I ended up getting Daily Grams for the kids to do for extra review, since they do grammar at Co-op.  I knew they weren't missing out on anything.  WE LOVE IT!  So much so, that we're switching to the grammar curriculum that they are associated with.  Easy Grammar!  I already have our books and lesson plans ready for next year, so I am really excited!  I highly recommend this to everyone!!!!  Easy Grammar

For spelling and vocabulary, we have been using that I found online.  We are doing volume 1 this year, so next year we will move onto Volume 2.  The kids study the prefixes, root words, and suffixes and then do daily activities. At the end of the week, I usually use those words for spelling.  At the end of two weeks, they have a review on the last two lessons learned, so I count that as a test.    Word Roots

Science the kiddos have been doing Apologia Chem.Phys.  They do this at Co-op. They are loving it, so it has to be great!!!

Other classes at Co-op this year:
Both do:
Chem/Phys
Grammar/ Writing
P.E

Super Boy:
Study Hall
(and the three listed above)

Mini(me):
U.S Presidents Class
(and the three listed above)

I know this only tells a little of our school year.  Hopefully I will be able to carve more time out and write more! 

Thanks for reading!!!!

Beat the Heat

So, it's only May and it's been a hot couple of days so far.  I can't even imagine how the summer is going to be.  But I can tell you we will be cool during it!

To celebrate the first week being off from school, we did fun things during the week. One of the days, we have a water day and it did not disappoint.  I came up with some fun games to play and the kids didn't seem to mind getting soaked!

The kids were ready for the task. 

 The objective of this games was to get your cup from one end to the other. The funny thing was everytime they would get water into the cup, they would also get a little wet from the spray.

 We also did some fun games with water balloons.  Here they had to throw a water balloon tens times without dropping it and then move back to the other circles.  They did pretty well.  We also did a games where they had to catch a balloon in a butterfly net and we also played some water basketball and some races where they had to pop a water balloon by sitting or laying on it.

 

A little target practicing!