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!
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| Playing in the creek in VA. |
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| 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!
